Austin County is about to lose one of its finest public servants.  Philip Shackelford will be leaving to pursue his career as an assistant professor and extension specialist for Texas A&M University.  Philip recently received his PhD from Texas A&M after working towards it for a number of years while still fulfilling his duties as Austin County’s Extension Agent.   His new career will focus on working with new employees, new county agents, and several other things dealing with program development as well as teaching a few classes on the A&M campus; first undergrad and then graduate level courses.  Philip started as county agent back in November 1999 when he came before the Austin County Commissioners Court to accept his new position.  Philips tenure came full circle Monday as he addressed the commissioner’s court again to let them know about his intentions to pursue new goals for his career.  We will all miss Philip and wish him the best, as we know he is going to be a great asset to other new county agents for the state of Texas.  All the best Philip!

Below you can view Philips dialogue with the Austin County Commissioners Court on Monday: