Sept. 5, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Peace Corps' Master's International program has added Texas A&M University to its roster of university partners.

Designed for Americans who want the opportunity to earn graduate degrees while serving as Peace Corps Volunteers overseas, the Master's International program at Texas A&M will be housed in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

An informational launch event will be held Thursday from 3-5 p.m. in the Memorial Student Center, Room 206.

Master's International students will earn degrees from Texas A&M while studying agriculture, natural resources development, recreation and resources development, fisheries science or wildlife science. They will then combine their academic knowledge with service as Peace Corps Volunteers working overseas in the agriculture and natural resource sectors.

"We are pleased with this new partnership, knowing that it will strengthen the long standing relationship that exists between Texas A&M and the Peace Corps," said Peace Corps director Ron Tschetter.

Texas A&M's purpose statement "develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good" extends from local projects to international efforts such as in Rwanda and Guatemala, school officials said. Additionally, more than 500 Texas A&M students have already served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

"Here in Texas A&M's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, our students are truly making an impact around the world not only in traditional agriculture, but in areas such as preserving the environment, increasing economic opportunities and ensuring a safe food supply," said Dr. Elsa A. Murano, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences for the Texas A&M University System. "We are honored to provide additional graduate degree opportunities in conjunction with the Peace Corps as we work together to develop future leaders."

Texas A&M's Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture will be the contact point for the Master's International program. The institute is named in honor of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, who recently received the Congressional Medal of Honor and is credited with saving a billion lives from starvation throughout the world. Borlaug has served as a distinguished professor of soil and crop sciences at Texas A&M since 1984.

Master's International includes partnerships at more than 50 universities throughout the U.S. These graduate programs provide opportunities for volunteers to fill specialized assignment areas that require advanced education.

For more information, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at http://www.peacecorps.gov/masters .

The Peace Corps is experiencing a 30-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 187,000 volunteers have served in 139 countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 years of age and commit to 27 months of service.