Texas A&M University has been named a 2026 Texan by Nature 20 honoree for its leadership in conservation and sustainability, the university said. The annual recognition honors Texas organizations that show conservation through measurable programs, investments and positive effects on natural resources, people and prosperity.
The university is the first higher education institution to receive the honor. It was selected for a cross-campus approach that links research, education, student engagement and campus operations. Scott Shafer, executive director of Campus and Community Engagement, said the recognition reflects the commitment of the university community.
Kelly Wellman, director of the Office of Sustainability and Campus Enrichment, said sustainability is a universitywide effort involving students, faculty, staff and researchers. The university also said that since 2020, its Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections has held bird specimens collected through efforts tied to Lights Out Texas, which works to reduce bird-building collisions.