Jennifer Bohac ’87, Ph.D., and Leslie Callahan ’90 were inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry for 2024, the highest honor awarded by the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics.
Fewer than 1% of the department’s 16,000-plus alumni earn this distinction. The department recognized Bohac and Callahan for their outstanding achievements and commitment to service.
Established in 1997, the registry honors graduates who demonstrate exceptional career success and uphold the highest standards of integrity, leadership and service. It is named for Tyrus R. Timm, Ph.D., a former department head who left a lasting legacy of excellence in teaching, research and service.
“Jennifer and Leslie represent the very best of what it means to be an Aggie,” said Ed Rister, Ph.D., professor, holder of the Dianne and M. Edward Rister ’74 Endowed Chair in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship, and director of the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. “Their careers are remarkable not only for their success but for their dedication to mentorship, service and making a meaningful difference.”
Forging a global career in service and education
Bohac built a career defined by education, service and global engagement. A Houston native, she developed her passion for agriculture early through her leadership in the Bellaire FFA, where she served as chapter president and earned the Lone Star Farmer Degree.
She holds bachelor’s degrees in animal science and agricultural economics, along with a master’s degree and doctorate in higher education administration, all from Texas A&M. Her career includes roles in academic advising, student development and career services at Texas A&M and the University of Minnesota, where she co-authored the textbook Career Game Plan for Student-Athletes.
Bohac became director of travel for the Association of Former Students in 2001. Under her leadership, the Traveling Aggies program expanded from 12 trips a year to more than 80, reaching all seven continents. She has hosted more than 245 trips to 88 countries, helping thousands of Aggies connect with the world.
Additionally, through regular trips to Tanzania, Bohac and her travelers support the Zariki Primary School, delivering supplies, technology and educational resources to communities.
Her honors include the Texas A&M President’s Selfless Service Award, the Corps of Cadets Advisor of the Year, and the creation of the Dr. Jennifer L. Bohac ’87 Endowed Excellence Award, which supports global education for students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
An entrepreneur, mentor and cattle industry leader
Callahan has combined entrepreneurial success with a lifelong commitment to agriculture, education and community service. Raised in Austin, he grew up working in his family’s businesses, including the Callahan General Store.
After earning his degree in agricultural economics, Callahan gained experience in cattle procurement and meat processing before co-founding Crossroads Cattle Company in 2003 with fellow Aggie Jennings Steen ’90. Today, Crossroads manages more than 300,000 head of cattle annually and operates Cross R Ranches, a 185,000-acre ranch in New Mexico producing all-natural beef.
He also co-founded Crossfire Holdings, an Austin-based real estate investment firm that supports young entrepreneurs across Central Texas.
Callahan is a longtime supporter of agricultural education at Texas A&M. He has contributed to endowed chairs and serves as a mentor and adviser for both the Weston AgriFood Sales Program and the Rister Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
Callahan is actively involved in the cattle industry as a longtime member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
For more information about the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry and its honorees, visit http://tyrustimmregistry.org/.
