COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Tryon Wickersham, associate professor in the department of animal science, received the 2013 Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching at the University Level this April.

This award is the most prestigious award that can be presented to faculty members at Texas A&M University and recognizes, rewards and encourages superior classroom teachers—the individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, pervasive caring, communication skills, and commitment to the learning process exemplify the meaning of their teacher/mentor in its highest sense. This award is designed to distinguish those teachers who maintain high expectations of their students and ensure academic rigor in their courses.

Wickersham teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses and laboratories in animal nutrition. He also directs research in ruminant nutrition with an interest in forage utilization and nitrogen metabolism. His previous research has focused on protein supplementation to cattle consuming low-quality forage and nitrogen metabolism in cattle consuming diets that are deficient in nitrogen. Future research goals include determining optimum supplementation strategies for ruminants consuming forages of divergent nutritive values and furthering our understanding of nitrogen metabolism in ruminants.

According to one colleague’s nomination letter, Wickersham “has a mission to reach every student and challenge them to do their individual best.” To reach that goal, he “demands that students think (and) assimilate major concepts. He structures exams fairly to assess their understanding but also challenge them academically.”

One of his students said, “Not only did Dr. Wickersham challenge his students intellectually, he also invests in students’ lives to assure success in their respective majors. He meets the needs of each type of learner in the class in order to fully comprehend each concept.”

“Wickersham is recognized by students, faculty and Texas A&M University as a premier instructor both in and out of the classroom. Through his research, undergraduate and graduate courses, and his departmental involvement, he has proven to be a valued asset to the department,” said Dr. Russell Cross, professor and head of the department.

Wickersham joined the department of animal science in 2006 after earning a doctorate and master’s degree in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University.

He was one of three professors from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to receive this honor and one of ten throughout the University. Dr. Karen Snowden, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, and Dr. Patricia Smith, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, also received the award.

-30-