Department of Poultry Science welcomes new students with spring semester orientation
Before campus came to life with more than 81,000 students, a small group of eight incoming poultry science students gathered quietly in Aggieland on January 6, 2026, for the Spring Semester Poultry Science New Student Orientation. Designed specifically for spring transfer admits, the half-day program offered students an early opportunity to connect with one another, learn about departmental resources, and begin their transition into Texas A&M before the pace of the semester fully set in.
Helping Transfer Students Find Their Footing
The new orientation was spearheaded by Amanda Webb, Program Coordinator for the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science, who focuses on recruiting transfer students. “Traditionally, we host an all-day orientation for incoming freshmen and transfer students in the fall; however, we’ve seen an increase in transfer student enrollment for the spring semester and wanted to provide them with the same welcoming experience,” Webb said. “Transfer students have already experienced college life and often have their rhythm established, but transitioning from a smaller community college to Texas A&M can still feel overwhelming.”
With that in mind, the orientation was intentionally structured to balance practical information with opportunities for personal connection. Sessions focused on helping students understand what life looks like within the Poultry Science department while also reassuring them that support systems are firmly in place. Students were introduced to opportunities for involvement such as participation in the Poultry Science Club, undergraduate research, and other high-impact learning experiences designed to support both academic success and professional development.
Lesley Gleason, Program Manager for the department, emphasized that fostering early connections is a cornerstone of the Poultry Science experience. “One of the defining strengths of our department is the camaraderie between students, faculty, and staff,” Gleason noted. “This new event gives incoming students a head start on building the Aggie Network by meeting the peers they’ll sit next to in class—and likely walk the graduation stage with.”
Throughout the morning, students heard from a variety of faculty and staff who play key roles in the department. Topics and speakers included a department and industry overview by Brylee Williams, academic success strategies shared by Webb, an Extension unit overview by Stephanie Klein, and an introduction to departmental student employment opportunities presented by Shelby Espinosa and Nathan Lucas. The orientation also included a tour of Kleberg Center, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the spaces where they will soon spend much of their time. Pramir Maharjan, Ph.D. joined during lunch to share insights on his research and offer guidance about graduate school.
Adding a student perspective, current poultry science student Grace Vogel shared her personal journey in the program, offering practical advice on balancing coursework, involvement, and career preparation. Her insight provided incoming students with a relatable glimpse into what their own paths through Poultry Science could look like.
Investing in Transfer Student Success
For Webb, the orientation was as much about relationship-building as it was about information sharing. “Even though I already knew several of these students from working with them during the admissions process, it was meaningful to get to know them on a deeper level and reassure them that my door is always open, throughout their time at Texas A&M and beyond,” she shared.
The Spring Semester Poultry Science New Student Orientation reflects the department’s continued commitment to meeting students where they are, ensuring that transfer students feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they take their next steps in Aggieland.