Billye B. Foster joins TTU School of Agriculture
Billye B. Foster is the new director of Tennessee Tech University’s School of Agriculture within the College of Agricultural and Human Sciences.
Foster assumed the role in January and arrives at TTU from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., where she was professor of agricultural education for 15 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities at Arizona, Foster was special assistant to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences dean on the issue of diversity.
“We are delighted to have attracted a candidate of the caliber of Dr. Billye Foster to provide leadership to the School of Agriculture. She provides a fresh approach to our educational opportunities at a time when we are witnessing tremendous growth in that program. Her background and expertise in areas dealing with issues of diversity come at a time when the enrollment of females and minorities is at an all-time high here at Tech,” said C. Pat Bagley, dean of the College of Agricultural and Human Sciences.
Foster holds a doctorate in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University, a master’s degree in agriculture from East Texas State University, and a bachelor’s degree in animal production from Texas Tech University. She also holds certifications in intercultural communications and in leadership development from the professional organization Women in Higher Education Administration.
In conjunction with her research focus on women in academic agriculture, Foster developed and edited the “Desert Rose Newsletter.” She also served as editor of the professional journal “The Agricultural Education Magazine.”
