Taylor named head of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology

Following a national search, Mykel Taylor was named head of the Auburn University Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, effective April 15. She had served as interim head of the department since fall 2024.

“Dr. Taylor’s effective leadership, along with her vision for the department and impressive academic and research record, position her well for great success in this position,” said Arthur Appel, interim dean of the Auburn College of Agriculture.

Taylor joined the Auburn faculty as an associate professor and ALFA Endowed Eminent Scholar in 2021. She was named full professor in 2024. 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.

“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 is a recognized scholar in the area of land ownership and management with particular focus on land value determinants, trends in land rental rates and landowner and tenant relationships.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in economics from North Carolina State University.