During the Texas A&M Poultry Science 2025 Award Banquet, the department recognized several individuals whose exceptional leadership, service, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on the department and its students.

The Outstanding Supporter Award recognizes stakeholders for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the department. The Former Student Service Award celebrates a poultry science former student who has selflessly volunteered their time and expertise to support current poultry science students at Texas A&M.

These honorees represent the spirit of collaboration and commitment that continues to drive the department forward, whether through industry partnerships, mentorship, volunteerism, or philanthropy. Their contributions have not only strengthened the academic programs and student opportunities but have also helped advance the department’s mission to educate future leaders and serve the global poultry industry with innovation and integrity.

Outstanding Supporter Awards

Emanuel and Elaina Glockzin, Jr '72, and Lori Bienski

Elaina and Emanuel Glockzin Jr. '72

The Glockzin's been supporters of Texas A&M Poultry Science for decades and are familiar faces to many around our department. Every year, they attend department events such as Steak Fry and Banquet to show their support.

Mr. Emanuel Glockzin Jr. received his B.S. in Poultry Science from Texas A&M in 1972. Emanuel grew up in Bryan, Texas, where he became involved in 4-H—specifically poultry judging—at a young age. Through competitions, he learned how to judge laying hens, identify poultry parts, and grade eggs and ready-to-cook poultry. Because he had to defend his judging decisions verbally, he also grew confident in public speaking. Between poultry and hay sales, Glockzin scraped up enough money to pay for Texas A&M tuition, which at the time was only $250 per semester. During his time in Poultry Science, Emanuel was part of the 1970-1971 National Champion Poultry Judging Team, led by Dr. W.F. Krueger.

Upon graduation, Glockzin worked in the industry for a period and got his first break after building an apartment complex in Hearne, Texas. Mr. & Mrs. Glockzin still reside in Bryan, Texas, where they own and operate Brazos Valley Construction and EG Livestock LLC.

In 1998, as a tribute to his time at Texas A&M and to Dr. Krueger in particular, the Glockzin's gave a $150,000 endowed gift to endow the Elaina and Emanuel Glockzin Jr. Professorship in Poultry Science. Their gift ensures that poultry science students have the opportunity to participate on the collegiate judging team with no cost to the students.

At the 2024 Poultry Science Awards Banquet, the department was proud to announce a generous $15,000 gift from the Glockzin family, which was directed toward the recruitment and support of out-of-state and transfer students, an area of key growth for the department. The first round of scholarships from this gift was successfully awarded during the 2024-2025 academic year. Building on their commitment to student success, the Glockzin family has since contributed an additional $20,000 to fund scholarships for the upcoming year.

Emanuel and Elaina have two daughters and six grandchildren, who are their pride and joy. Agriculture is truly a family business for them! They are also avid supporters of Texas agriculture, especially the 4-H, FFA, and youth livestock projects. In 2017, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences recognized Mr. Glockzin with their "Outstanding Alumni Award", which is the highest honor given to Former Students in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Lesley Gleason and Matt Hill of Tyson Foods, Inc.

Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. is a modern, multi-national, protein-focused food company. They produce approximately 20% of the beef, pork, and chicken in the United States. 1 in 5 pounds of chicken, beef, and pork in the U.S. is produced by Tyson Foods. Their company is rooted in hard work, humility, and purpose. Tyson has provided numerous experiential learning opportunities for students in the Poultry Science department, as well as provided both internships and full-time opportunities to our graduates. The Department of Poultry Science is greatly appreciative of the relationship with Tyson Foods and the numerous friends and former students within the company who are supportive of our department.

In 2022, Tyson Foods, along with Merck Animal Health, helped fund our BSL2 Intensive Health Facility at our Poultry Science Research, Teaching, and Extension Center with a $250,000 donation. This facility is currently being used by faculty in our department to conduct internal health research that has impacted the poultry industry.

Dr. Rocky Latham, Managing Director of Nutrition and Feed Mill Operations in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the many familiar faces around our program. Rocky received his B.S. in 2009 and his Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition from Texas A&M Poultry Science in 2016. Rocky is a member of our Advisory Board and speaks in classes to educate our students about career opportunities.

Rocky was an integral part of Tyson Foods’ donation of $220,000 to purchase new feed bins and for upgrades to our current feed mill, which is the only feed mill located on Texas A&M University’s campus.

We also recognized Mrs. Suzanne Finstad, Vice President of Food Safety & Quality Assurance for Tyson Foods. Suzanne is a 1996 graduate from Texas A&M Poultry Science and received her Master of Science in Food Safety from the University of Arkansas in 2009. Suzanne is also a member of our Advisory Board and a regular speaker in our poultry processing courses here in the department.

These two individuals, among many more from Tyson Foods, have supported our program in numerous different ways.

Unfortunately, Rocky and Suzanne were unable to attend the Awards Banquet. Mr. Matt Hill, Live Production Manager of Tyson Foods in East Texas, accepted this award on Tyson Foods’ behalf.

Former Student Service Award

T.J. and Stephanie Klein and Lori Bienski

T.J. Klein '07 & '09

T.J. received his Bachelor of Science in 2007 and his Master of Science in 2009, both from Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science. He is currently the General Manager of MPS Egg Farms for Texas. He has been with MPS Egg Farm, previously Feather Crest Farms, for the past 14 years.

T.J. has been a frequent guest speaker in multiple classes, facilitated mock interviews with students before IPPE, and been a speaker for the Poultry Science Club. More recently, he has interacted with the TYLA Poultry Ambassadors, sharing his experience about leadership and opportunities in the poultry industry.

T.J. has been an integral part of the relationship between the department and MPS Egg Farms benefitting our program in multiple ways. T.J. and his team have donated hens and eggs for Poultry Science classes to use for hands on learning in labs, poultry judging, youth programs, and summer camps. Likewise, T.J. has ensured our faculty, staff, and extension team has everything they need to teach in the classroom, as well as conduct research in a variety of areas. He and his company have donated to department events for years including events such as Steak Fry, Texas Egg Clinic, and the Poultry Extension Education Program (PEEPs).

In 2023, T.J. was appointed by the governor to serve on the Texas Animal Health Commission, and he has served in many different leadership roles within the Texas Poultry Federation (TPF), including President of TPF and Former President of the Texas Egg Council. He is also a member of the Texas Poultry Improvement Association, United Egg Producers, BCS Agribusiness Council, and the American Egg Board. No matter where he is, T.J. is an advocate for Texas A&M Poultry Science and loves to share his experiences in the department.