McCracken brings more than 25 years of experience in agriculture, education and industry leadership to her role at Eastern. She succeeds in overseeing one of the college’s largest academic divisions, which includes programs in Animal Science, Agronomy, Forestry & Natural Resources, Agricultural Education, Pre-Veterinary, Meat Processing & Food Safety, Ranch Management, and Horticulture. She will also oversee Eastern’s 4,000-acre working farm, forest areas, greenhouses, and meat processing plant.
“I’m honored to serve as the Dean of Agriculture at Eastern Oklahoma State College,” McCracken said. “I chose to come to Eastern because its mission and setting align perfectly with my own: preparing students through practical, real-world experiences that build confidence, purpose, and careers in agriculture. EOSC is more than just a college. It’s a place where students are known by name, where learning is hands-on and where opportunities stretch far beyond the classroom.”
A native of Hallsville, Texas, McCracken earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1993 and her Master of Science in Poultry Science from the University of Arkansas in 1995. Her early career included management roles with Campbell Soup Company, ConAgra and General Mills.
From 2012 to 2025, McCracken served as Director of Agriculture at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, Texas. During her tenure, she expanded the college’s agriculture programs and developed Texas’ first sustainable agriculture degree options in 2013. She also helped establish and grow NTCC’s regenerative agriculture program, which combined a sustainable market farm with a commercial cow/calf operation.
Dr. Randy Harp, President of Eastern Oklahoma State College, said McCracken’s background makes her an ideal fit for the college’s Division of Agriculture.
“Rene’ McCracken is a proven leader who has dedicated her career to agricultural education and student success,” Harp said. “Her vision for hands-on learning, sustainability, and industry partnerships aligns perfectly with Eastern’s mission to cultivate growth, create futures, and change lives. We are excited to welcome her to our team and to see the impact she will make for our students and community.”
McCracken said her teaching philosophy is rooted in regenerative agriculture, natural resource conservation, and real-world application. She has taught a wide range of courses, including Hay, Forage, and Pasture Management; Food Science; Greenhouse Management; and Soil and Water Conservation.
“My passion has always been connecting students to agricultural education that changes lives,” McCracken said. “At Eastern, our students won’t just sit in a classroom. They will be out on the land, in the barns, greenhouses, forests and labs, where they will gain the skills, confidence and experiences that will shape their future.”
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