Taylor Tagged to Lead Auburn Ag Economics Department

By Maggie Edwards

Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar Dr. Mykel Taylor was tagged to serve as interim head of the Auburn University (AU) Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, effective Aug. 19.

As interim department head, Taylor will oversee all academic, research and Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) programming for the department.

Taylor was named the Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar in 2020, a position originally established in 1986 by Alfa and the Alabama Trust Fund for Eminent Scholars. She joined AU's faculty in 2021 after working for Kansas State University for 10 years and Washington State University for three years.

As the Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar, Taylor provides leadership for ag economics research. She partners with AU; ACES; and state, national and international organizations and stakeholders.

Throughout her time in Alabama, Taylor has engaged regularly and effectively with producers, industry and nonprofits forming food and agriculture policies. Taylor is currently conducting a pilot research study geared toward farmer well-being and farm-related stress. Learn more about the research on the Alabama AgCast.

The Montana native earned her doctorate in economics from North Carolina State University. She earned a Master of Science in applied economics and a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business management at Montana State University.

Taylor resides in Auburn with her husband, Justin, and children Camille, Marlee and Tim.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell commended Dr. Taylor's leadership skills and ability to serve the agricultural industry.

"She gets it," said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer. "Dr. Taylor understands what's happening on Alabama farms. Her practical research helps guide decisions of farm management practices. She has made a big impact on agriculture in our state. We are proud of her and excited to see her step into this leadership role."