STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University Professor Dr. Ted Ford was awarded the Blue and Gold Award in ceremonies at the annual Texas FFA Convention held in July in Houston.

The award recognizes the efforts of individuals who have rendered extraordinary service to the Texas FFA Association, Texas FFA Foundation and to the agricultural education community.

“It’s very humbling,” Dr. Ford said of the Blue and Gold Award. “It’s the highest accolade the organization gives and they don’t award it every year. I was very surprised and very pleased to receive it.”

A Professor of Agricultural Mechanics in Tarleton State’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for 50 years, Dr. Ford was also awarded the organization’s Honorary Lone Star FFA Degree in 2013, an honor given to individuals who have had a broad impact on FFA at the state level. 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.