Ruben J. Saldaña, Ed.D.

Ruben_SaldanaDr. Ruben Saldaña provides overall leadership for District 12 with headquarters based at the Texas AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Weslaco. He is responsible for all fiscal and human resource aspects of county programs within the South District along with the operational leadership for AgriLife Extension at the Weslaco Center. His duties include recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising county-based faculty along with general program oversight and accountability. He is also responsible for resource development and management, including Extension budgets in support of the Center and working with County Commissioners Courts for budget support of county programs. He is responsible for communicating with county, state, and federal officials along with local industry and community stakeholders about Extension programs and outcomes in the district. He works cooperatively with Regional Program Directors to provide guidance and support for county programs and represents District 12 in the South Region, composed of Districts 9, 11, & 12.

Academic Background

• Ed.D. Agricultural Education, Texas A&M University/Texas Tech University, 2004
• M.P.A. Public Administration, UTPA, 1998
• B.S. Agricultural Education, Texas A&M University, 1988

Professional & Academic Appointments

• District Extension Administrator, South District 12, 2006 – present
• County Extension Director, El Paso County, 1998 – 2006
• Project Manager, South Texas AmeriCorps Initiative, 1994 – 1998
• County Extension Agent – Agriculture, Willacy County, 1991-1994
• County Extension Agent (Asst.) – Agriculture, Webb County, 1989-1991
• Professional Educator, Mercedes Jr. High School, Mercedes I.S.D., 1988-1989

Honors & Awards

• Chapter President, Epsilon Sigma Phi National Honorary Extension Fraternity, 2005
• National Farm Foundation Fellow, 2001
• National Diversity Award, USDA- CSREES, 2001
• Leadership El Paso, Class of 2000
• Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Diversity, Weslaco Center Team Award, 1997
• Winner, Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, 1997

Comments are closed.