Transforming lives and communities through experiential education, groundbreaking research, and innovative outreach.
About CAFNR and the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
The College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR) is entering a new era of innovation, transformation, and national leadership. Guided by the theme “From Root to Fruit,” this five-year strategic plan builds on nearly 150 years of land-grant history while charting a bold path forward.
As the only comprehensive agricultural college in Greater Houston, CAFNR addresses critical challenges such as food and nutrition security, environmental resilience, workforce development, and health and wellness. The plan aligns with Prairie View A&M University priorities and national goals to advance sustainable agri-food systems and thriving communities.
149 years of land-grant legacy
770-acre research and teaching farm
Part of the Texas A&M University System
Located in the Greater Houston region
From root to fruit
The theme “From Root to Fruit” reflects CAFNR’s deep grounding in land, people, and history (the roots), and the visible impact of its work in students, research, and communities (the fruit).
Roots include the college’s land-grant mission, its farm as a hub for experiential learning and discovery, and strong ties to local and global communities. Fruit represents future-ready graduates, innovative research in areas like precision agriculture and nutrition, and transformative outreach that strengthens families, businesses, and ecosystems.
The five strategic goals
Deep dive into Strategic Plan(video/audio)
Steering Committee
Andres Pech Cervantes, Ph.D.
International Goat Research Center
Research Associate Professor and Director
Jennifer Quinlan, Ph.D.
Food Security Research Center
Professor and Executive Director
Aruna Weerasooriya, Ph.D.
Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology
Professor and Interim Department Head
Vanessa Wright, Chairperson
College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Executive Director, Strategy and Compliance
Ashwani Srivastava, Co-Chairperson
College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Director, Agro-Innovation Technology Center
Jennifer Ashley
Food Security Research Center
Project Manager
Ashley James
PVAMU Extension, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Program Leader
Tesfamichael Kebrom, Ph.D.
Cooperative Agricultural Research Center
Research Scientist
Natriez Peterson
PVAMU Extension, Community and Economic Development
Assistant Program Leader
E.W. Wesley
Alumni and President Ag Alumni Chapter | Class of 1971
Retired | Texas Department of Agriculture
Regional Director, North Texas Region III
Robert “Trey” Lewis
Alumni | Class of 2023
Donna Dorman
Square Mile Community Development | Program Director
Juan M Garcia
CARET Representative
Laila Diaz | Senior | Major: Agriculture
Javier Gallegos | Senior | Major: Agriculture
Azariah Hardy | Sophomore | Major: Agriculture
Christian Peer | Senior | Major: Agriculture
Amri Williams | Senior | Major: Agriculture