Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has a deep-rooted commitment to developing a skilled workforce.The university's core mission has traditionally centered on preparing and fostering interdisciplinary initiatives that address pressing local and global issues such as food production with limited resources for a growing population.With agriculture playing a vital role in the Texas Panhandle and around the world, the Engineering Technology -Agriculture (ET-AG) Program is being established to equip students with cutting-edge skills in precision agriculture, technology integration, and innovative farm management.The program's initiative is designed to expand agricultural endeavors within engineering, addressing the technological needs of modern agriculture.Soft launched in 2024, the program draws on faculty, industry, and producer expertise from across agriculture, engineering, and data science to address the evolving technological needs of the agricultural sector.The program aims to create a workforce skilled in the latest innovations shaping the agriculture and food industries.This paper outlines the program's development, curriculum structure, industry collaborations, and role in addressing regional agricultural challenges, providing a model for interdisciplinary agricultural education.
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--55044
Authors: Kenneth Leitch, Colton Atkins, Benton Allen
Institution: West Texas A&M University
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4409945508