Meet Dr. Alan Sams

Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Dr. Alan Sams joined Clemson University in January 2007 as the new dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. He came to Clemson via College Station, Texas as a former faculty member and administrator at Texas A&M University. Sams has served as head of the poultry science department at Texas A&M University since 1999. He was an assistant professor from 1987 until 1993 and an associate professor from 1993 until 1999 in the poultry science department at Texas A&M. In addition, Sams served as Interim Head for the new Nutrition and Food Science Department as it was being established at Texas A&M.

Sams earned a bachelor's degree in poultry science and food and resource economics in 1982, a master's degree in poultry science in 1984, and a doctorate in food science and human nutrition in 1987. All are from the University of Florida.

Upon his selection, Provost Dori Helms offered these words. "We are fortunate to have Alan Sams join the Clemson community. He brings with him a solid knowledge of agriculture, from the field to the research lab."

In his first year tenure, Dr. Sams has worked closely with the college's Department Chairs to develop a vision, mission and plan for the college to reveal the expanding and interdisciplinary relationships within the college's unique discipline structure. In addition, he is building an administrative system to aid faculty, staff and students in increasing effectiveness and success.

Dr. Sams resides in Anderson, South Carolina with his wife Gretchen and their three children.

The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson provides teaching, research and service that will benefit the citizens of South Carolina and the nation to more than 2,700 graduate and undergraduate students.