Sarahi Morales-Vanegas, an experienced agricultural educator with a strong history in international communications development, has been named an Assistant Professor of Practice within Texas Tech University’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, according to officials within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. She officially stepped into her new teaching post on Jan.1.
“I am excited to bring my experience and passion for agricultural leadership and international development to Texas Tech,” said Morales-Vanegas. “I look forward to empowering students and communities to address global challenges in sustainable food systems. It is great to be back in Lubbock after seven years and contribute to the Davis college mission.”
Her teaching and research center on the human dimensions of agricultural development, focusing on leadership while building resilience and sustainability. “I aim to integrate innovative strategies and practices to advance food security and community empowerment.”
Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, Morales-Vanegas served as an Associate Professor and Director of General Studies Department at the Pan-American Agricultural School in Zamorano, Honduras. In addition, she worked as an editor with the Ceiba scientific and technical journal at the Pan-American Agricultural School.
Morales-Vanegas also served as a Country Director of the USAID John Ogonowski & Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program implemented by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA-CLUSA) in Honduras, and a Research Associate with the Oilseed Advisory Committee and Vaal University in South Africa. In addition, she worked as a Research Assistant within Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications.
Her bachelor’s degree in agroindustry engineering is from Pan-American Agricultural School-Zamorano. Her master’s degree and doctorate in agriculture communications and education are from Texas Tech. Honors include the Association for International Agricultural Education & Extension Outstanding Early Career Achievement Award (2024) and Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications Outstanding Master's Student (2015) and Doctoral Student (2018).
Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications has 15 faculty members with 285 undergraduate students and 103 graduate students. Faculty members within the department specialize in one of three disciplinary areas: Teacher Education, Agricultural Communications, and Agricultural Leadership. Master’s degrees are available in Agricultural Education and Agricultural Communications. A departmental Ph.D. program allows students to focus on any of the three areas, and online Ed.D. program allows for continuing education of place-bound, mid-career professionals.
CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu
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