Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Thomas Cunningham, 806-826-5243, Thomas.Cunningham@ag.tamu.edu
WHEELER – Thomas Cunningham will transfer from Taylor County to Wheeler County on Nov. 20 to fill the position of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent.
Thomas Cunningham will fill the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agriculture and natural resources agent position in Wheeler County beginning Nov. 20. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo)
“Thomas will be a great addition to the District 1 team,” said Brandon Dukes, AgriLife Extension district administrator in Amarillo. “He brings a wealth of knowledge related to programming areas identified by Wheeler County citizens.”
Cunningham was the assistant agent in Taylor County for a little more than a year, and said while he has learned a lot there and will miss the people, he is excited to make the move back to the Panhandle.
Cunningham is a native of Canyon. He has a background in the 4-H youth development program and FFA. He earned a bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University at Canyon. He will complete his master’s degree at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in December.
“I feel like this past year has really helped prepare me to be successful,” he said. “I’ve seen many aspects of what AgriLife Extension has to offer, and I’m excited to move forward with that knowledge in Wheeler County.”
The agriculture and natural resources agent position in Wheeler County has been vacant for about a year, after Dale Dunlap took the District 3 administrator position in Vernon.
Cunningham said he hopes to bring a fresh view to help revitalize programming in the county. He plans to work with his local committees and neighboring AgriLife Extension agents to determine future programming.
“I had the opportunity to lead some wildlife programs while in Taylor County, so I’m also excited to take some of my experiences with me where I can apply them to natural resource programming efforts in Wheeler County,” he said.
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