As I look back on my journey, from being the first in my family to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at Tarleton State College in 1967 to retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army and a distinguished faculty member, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
It all started with a deep-rooted commitment to education and service, values instilled in me from a young age. Being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant by Tarleton’s Army Reserve Officer Corps of Cadets marked the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, leading me to places I never imagined I’d go.
From serving in the Vietnam War to pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri, each step of the way presented its own set of opportunities and obstacles. But through it all, I remained steadfast in my dedication to making a difference in the fields of agriculture and economics.
Throughout my career, I had the privilege of achieving numerous firsts and pioneering initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the institutions and communities I served. Whether it was establishing groundbreaking programs in agribusiness or leading study abroad experiences, I’ve always been driven by a passion for innovation and excellence.
But none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of my dear wife, Pat, who stood by my side for over 55 years, offering her love and encouragement every step of the way. Her steadfast presence has been the rock upon which I built my career and my life.
As I step back from the spotlight and into retirement, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people who have supported me along the way. And though my days of blazing trails may be behind me, I know that the spirit of innovation and service that guided me throughout my career will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Best regards!
Dr. Ashley Lovell
Notable Accomplishments:
-Served as the program leader of Agribusiness and FCS from 2013-2018.
-Developed the Personal and Small Business Financial Management concentration and the Dairy Business Management concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree.
-Implemented the Agribusiness Degree at Midlothian and MCC in Waco.
Awards and Honors
-Service Award, Tarleton State University. (May 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021).
-Keynote Speaker, Tarleton State University ROTC – Commissioning Ceremony. (December 17, 2011).
-Member of Board of Directors Award – Treasurer, Tarleton Alumni Association (TAA). (October 18, 2008).
-Awarded Title of BR&E Project Coordinator, Business Retention & Expansion International. (January 1, 2007).
-Certificate of Appreciation, United States Department of Agriculture. (June 2001).
-TAEX Superior Service Award, 1993, Texas Agricultural Extension Service. (November 1993).
-TAEX Superior Service Award, 1991, Texas Agricultural Extension Service. (January 1991).
-President’s Award, Texas Agricultural Specialists’ Association. (July 1990).
-Southwestern Representative, National Extension Service – Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Advisory Committee, 1984-1993
-Graduate, Command and General Staff College (Nonresident), US Army, Department of Defense. (May 1990).
-National Defense Teaching Fellow, 1970-1971, Federal Government/Tarleton State University. (September 1970).
-First PhD faculty member in Agricultural Economics at Tarleton, 1971
-Co-authored numerous peer reviewed journal articles
-Over 32 conference proceedings/presentations
-Over 75 CAE and TAMU AGEC Departmental reports, working papers and popular Agribusiness articles.
-Over $6 million in extramural grants as PI, CO-PI or Co-investigator
-Managing Editor of Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1998 – present
-Supervised research, major projects and presentations involving numerous graduate students since 1993.
-Beta testing* farm/ranch financial analysis model and new applications of TAMU farm policy model
*A beta test is the second phase of software testing in which a sampling of the intended audience tries the product out. (Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.) Originally, the term alpha testing meant the first phase of testing in a software development process. The first phase includes unit testing, component testing, and system testing. Beta testing is considered as “pre-release testing.”