Cultivating Excellence – AgriLife Today

With more than 1,300 student organizations at Texas A&M University, Aggies spends hundreds of hours across campus volunteering, planning events and gaining what is affectionately called the “other education” – those invaluable hands-on experiences outside the classroom.

Among them, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, or COALS Council, stood out, earning the 2024 Adair Student Organization of the Year award in the partner category.

The Adair Student Organization of the Year Award, presented by the Division of Student Affairs, recognizes five student organizations each year that have demonstrated innovation, impact, Aggie spirit and dedication to serving the greater good.

“I am extremely proud of the fact that the council exceeded expectations this year,” said Miles Huffines ’24, chair of the council. “This recognition speaks volumes about our members’ dedication and continued commitment to fostering a close-knit, exceptional community within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.”

Gold standards and dedication

The COALS Council has served the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, AGLS, in a variety of ways over the past year. They served as the main bridge between students and university leadership, organizing service events, enhancing the AGLS Career Fair, orchestrating social gatherings and more. Notably, they expanded the AGLS Career Fair to a two-day affair, resulting in a 33% increase in corporate participation and a nearly doubling of student numbers, benefiting both recruiters and aspiring professionals.

The COALS Council has renamed the traditional ice cream social “Rise and Shine with AGLS,” in collaboration with Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Abbey Whipple, events coordinator for the College. This revamped event involved 25 student organizations, clubs and services, increasing visibility and creating a welcoming atmosphere for students to explore new opportunities.

In addition to these important events, the COALS Council has left an indelible mark through community outreach, student development and philanthropy. Their initiatives ranged from providing finals support with the Finals Week Coffee Bar to hosting a successful AGLS Giving Day, which raised over $33,000 for student development and success through a strategic social media campaign. They also led the Student Leadership Celebration and 4-H Day in Aggieland.

Their commitment to community service has been reflected in various initiatives such as the Back-to-School Supply Drive, Canned Food Drive, The Salvation Army High School Tutoring Program, AGLS Fall Festival, Valentine’s Day Cards for Seniors and Aggieland Saturday. Additionally, more than 50 councilors participated in The Big Event, exemplifying their commitment to giving back.

Mentorship, community for future leaders

To cultivate future leaders, the COALS Council partnered with the Dean’s Office to create COALSFX, a leadership program for first-year students that promotes social interaction, professional development and service. Led by experienced members, the program promotes mentorship, personal growth for freshmen and leadership opportunities for upperclassmen. In addition, the council utilized department representatives to educate members on the intricacies of the department, promoting hands-on leadership.

COALS Council prioritises inclusivity and social interaction and promotes a vibrant community within the college through events such as a domino tournament and departmental presentations from councilors at meetings, encouraging community within the college.

About the COALS council

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council is a professional organization that serves as a liaison between students, faculty, and the dean of the college. They represent the nearly 8,000 students within the college through service activities, networking opportunities, professional development and funding opportunities through scholarships and grants. There are approximately 70 members serving on the COALS Council, representing the college’s 15 departments.

Officials of the COOL Council 2023 – 2024:

Miles Huffines ’24, chairman.

Cooper Ford ’25, vice president of finance.

Anna Hiser ’25, vice president of public relations.

Brittley Bowers ’25, vice president of leadership.

Caden Carver ’25, vice president of programs.

Zachary Hoelscher ’25, vice president of operations.

Officials of the COOL Council 2024 – 2025:

Brittley Bowers ’25, chair.

Tanner Owen ’26, vice president of finance.

Zoee Nolen ’26, vice president of public relations.

Riki Nardiello ’26, vice president of leadership.

Jace Owen ’25, vice president of programs.

Greyson Castillo ’26, vice president of operations.

Austin Blagg ’26, vice president of mentorship.