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July 16, 2026 – by
Faculty and students from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science earned national recognition at the 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference, RMC. The conference was hosted by the American Meat Science
Association, AMSA, June 21-24 in Amarillo.
The RMC is the premier gathering of meat science professionals, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, educators and students to share research, recognize excellence and discuss emerging issues in meat science.
“This recognition reflects the outstanding faculty, students and graduate researchers who continue to advance the field of meat science,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Animal Science. “Their achievements
demonstrate our department’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and industry leadership.”
Kerri Gehring, Ph.D., professor and associate vice chancellor for academic collaboration and associate dean for administration, received the AMSA Signal Service Fellow Award. Designation as an AMSA Fellow is one of the association’s
highest honors.
Established in 1956, the award recognizes AMSA members for devoted service and lasting contributions to both the meat industry and the association
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding colleagues across academia, industry and government,” Gehring said. “One of my greatest accomplishments has been working with students and seeing them excel in their careers.”
In addition to serving as a professor of meat science, Gehring is president and CEO
of the International HACCP Alliance., which is housed in the Department of Animal Science. She has helped standardize Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, HACCP, training programs and expand accreditation efforts, establishing the alliance as a global leader in food safety education.
This honor adds to Gehring’s distinguished career. She previously received the AMSA Distinguished Extension-Industry Service Award in 2012 and the AMSA Achievement Award in 2001.
Gage Walsh, a graduate student from Santa Fe, received the AMSA Student Teaching “Cleaver” Award in the master’s student division.
The award recognizes graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate excellence in
teaching, support faculty instruction and make a lasting impact on student learning.
Award recipients exemplify enthusiasm for teaching, motivate students inside and outside the classroom, and strengthen educational experiences in meat science. AMSA selects only one master’s student and one doctoral student each year for the honor.
Landon Southern, a senior animal science student from Sinton, received the AMSA Outstanding Undergraduate Award.
The national award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and strong potential for careers in meat science.
These honors highlight the Department of Animal Science’s continued leadership in preparing students, advancing research and serving the meat science industry through impactful education and innovation.
Laura Muntean, media relations coordinator
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