Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University, has been elected president of the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists.

Hussey will lead the organization that has been in existence since 1899. The organization, which will have its 2011 meeting in Corpus Christi Feb. 5-8, forwards the interests of agriculture in the southern U.S. by bringing agricultural leaders, educators and industries together.

The Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists helps teach and train individuals for the purpose of improving or developing their capabilities relating to educational activities in service to the public arena, according to the association.

The organization held its 107th annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. on Feb. 6-9.

“It’s a privilege to lead SAAS and its members who represent teaching, research and extension who are finding innovative ways to solve complex issues in food and fiber production,” Hussey said.

As vice chancellor, Hussey provides leadership and oversight for the Texas A&M System agricultural agencies: Texas AgriLife Research, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas Forest Service and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. In addition, he serves as dean of the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Hussey is a native of southern Illinois, where he received a bachelor's of science in biology from the University of Illinois. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, where he received a master's of science and doctorate in plant breeding.

For more information about the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists, visit http://saasinc.org.