Following a national search, Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar Mykel Taylor has been named head of Auburn University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. Taylor assumed the role April 15 after serving as interim head since fall 2024.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve Auburn University’s students, faculty and staff, as well as the state’s stakeholders,” Taylor said. “I look forward to assisting the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology in upholding the land-grant mission of teaching, research and extension for the benefit of the agricultural industry and communities across Alabama.”

Taylor joined AU’s faculty in 2021 and was promoted to full professor last year. An expert in land ownership and management, Taylor has earned the trust of Alabama farmers since moving to the state, said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Her work as the Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar is funded through a decades-strong partnership among the Federation, AU and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Taylor is a familiar face at Federation meetings, where she frequently speaks on topics such as foreign ownership of ag land. Taylor played a crucial role in compiling and analyzing agricultural data that influenced Catalyst, Gov. Kay Ivey’s recent economic strategic plan.

“In just a short time, Dr. Taylor has proven to be a valuable resource for Alabama farmers,” said Parnell, an AU graduate whose family is in the timber and cattle businesses in Chilton County. “We are pleased to see her step into a new position where she will greatly impact agriculture, rural Alabama and the state’s young people.”

AU College of Agriculture Interim Dean Arthur Appel congratulated Taylor on her promotion.

“Dr. Taylor’s effective leadership, along with her vision for the department and impressive academic and research record, position her well for great success,” Appel said.

Before her move to Auburn, Taylor was a faculty member at Kansas State University from 2011 to 2020 and at Washington State University from 2008 to 2011. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in economics from North Carolina State University.

She and her husband, Justin, have three children — Camille, Marlee and Tim. They reside in Auburn.