Dr. Alfred Parks Alfred L. Parks is Professor of Agricultural Economics, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) and Research Director, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, at Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX. He received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arkansas, then received both an M.S. and Ph.D. degree from the University of Illinois. Over the past 28 years he has served in various capacities, including his current capacity as Associate Dean and Research Director of the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center. He has made outstanding contributions to the field of Agriculture. He has authored over 100 articles, abstracts, book chapters, and manuscripts. He has received numerous awards for his teaching and research excellence and has been recognized by many professional organizations for his work as a academic mentor, research leader, and administrator. In addition to professional duties, he serves on many local, state, national, and international committees of professional organizations, advisory committees, task forces, and executive boards. He serves or has served in such roles as Chair, AAEA Awards Committee 1994-96; Founding Member of COSBAE (served as Chair 1993-94); Member, AAEA Masters thesis Awards Committee 1992-94; Member, AAEA, Ph.D. Dissertation Awards Committee, 1994-96; Founding Member of C-FARE; Member, various committees with the Texas Department of Agriculture; Member, Advisory Committee, USDA/GIPSA; Member, Council of Agricultural Administrators, Texas A&M University System, Agriculture Program; immediate past chair of the Association of Research Directors, Inc. (ARD), Member of Executive Team of the USDA/1890 Task Force, Executive Committee.