LandmarksksSPRING 2018 The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

“Through our actions we were able to create a recreational industry that has been duplicated many times. Our ideas have been borrowed by everyone in the equine industry.” Denny Gentry (‘79 BS, Agricultural Education) Inside

Vol. 33 | Issue 1 FEATURES

1 Perspectives

2 Development and Alumni Relations

2 Upcoming Events

COVER 3 A Closer Look 8 8 Where They Are Now

6 10 College Updates ALUMNI PROFILE: Denny Gentry A Champion of Champions 11 In the News

A Closer Look at 13 Awards and Recognitions the Department of Landscape Architecture Stay Connected!

3 www.facebook.com/ttucasnr

www.linkedin.com/groups/CASNR-Alumni- DoLA is home to the newly Friends-Network-6564460/about established Greenscape Design Studio @ttucasnr

@ttucasnr

www.casnr.ttu.edu

14 Outstanding Agriculturalist Awards PERSPECTIVES

he College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources welcomed Dr. William F. “Bill” TBrown, a nationally-recognized administrator and researcher from the University of Tennessee, as its new Dean. He stepped into his role April 2nd and was welcomed with a reception at Texas Tech University’s Perspectives International Cultural Center on April 9th. Dr. Brown has served as Dean for Research and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Tennessee’s Institute of since 2008. He was Development and Alumni Relations responsible for overseeing approximately 170 faculty members and 10 AgResearch and Vol. 33 Issue 1 Education Centers across Tennessee and helped to facilitate research collaborations with Upcoming Events other colleges on that campus, including Engineering and Arts & Sciences. He was active in Landmarks is the official alumni national leadership roles with the Experiment Station Committee on Policy, and served as news magazine of the College of chairman of the Budget and Legislative Committee and of the National Research Support A Closer Look Agricultural Sciences and Natural Program – 1 NIMMS. Resources at Texas Tech University. Get to know Dr. Brown: Where They Are Now It is published biannually and sent to Q: Where did you grow up? service to others. One of our major goals alumni and friends of the college. A: I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, but as a university is to improve people’s lives, spent a great deal of time on the family and we accomplish these goals through College Updates WRITER AND DIRECTOR (my mother’s side of the family) near Selma, student success, facilitating faculty success, Alabama. It was a diversified farm with and engaging our communities. So, as Tracee Murph In the News cotton, corn, soybeans, beef and layers. an administrator, my enjoyment comes Experiences on the farm were very influential from seeing students engaged with their CONTRIBUTING during my younger years and through high department and other activities outside of the Awards and Recognitions PHOTOGRAPHERS school. classroom, and then going out into the world Leslie Kitten, Q: When you were young, what did you and making an impact. I enjoy seeing faculty Savant Photographic Artistry want to be when you grew up? succeed in their programs associated with My father was a pilot during World the university’s mission. Seeing results of our Norman Martin A: War II and the Korean War; my mother students and faculty work making an impact Stay Connected! was an airline stewardess and a registered is very satisfying. DESIGNER nurse. When I was young I wanted to be a Q: What was it about CASNR that Deborah Mercer, commercial airline pilot and even considered motivated you to apply for Dean, and Craftsman Printers, Inc. attending Embry-Riddle College, which, at what do you find unique and most the time, was a popular College for flight intriguing? PRINTER instruction leading to a career as an airline A: It is very well known across the country pilot. At some point, I diverged from that that CASNR is a national leader in producing Craftsman Printers, Inc. path and attended the University of Florida students that are ready for the job market. and majored in Science; I guess it was CASNR students are motivated, they are SEND COMMENTS, the family farm influence that led me in that engaged in activities outside of the classroom, NEWS AND QUESTIONS TO: direction. and they go on to be leaders in the industries Tracee Murph Q: How did you become interested in we serve. What intrigues me about CASNR CASNR Landmarks Magazine agriculture? are the students, faculty and staff, and alumni Experiences on the family farm were very and donors. The students are amazing, more Box 42123 A: impactful. I also enjoy reading and learning so than I’ve seen before; they are so engaged Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123 about the influence of agriculture on the and have a wonderful work ethic. Our faculty 806.742.2802 history and development of locations where and staff have intellectual horsepower; there [email protected] I have lived. I will enjoy learning about the is very high-quality science taking place in in West Texas and its CASNR. Alumni and donors love this college www.casnr.ttu.edu influence on the development of this part of and university and they are passionate about the country. our students and programs. Q: What have you most enjoyed about Q: Can you tell us about your family? For the complete interview with Dr. Brown, your career? A: My wife, Lindsey, is an attorney focusing visit www.casnr.ttu.edu. A: As a faculty member I very much enjoyed on children and family issues. Our son, conducting research that addressed real- Austin, graduated from the University of world problems and publishing the results Florida in 2017 and now works as a Business in scientific journals and producer-focused Analyst/Software Engineer with American publications. I enjoyed working with Express in New York City. Our daughter, students and especially enjoyed working Morgan, is a sophomore at Florida State with producers and extension agents to help University majoring in Political Science with deliver research results to cattle and forage thoughts of Law School in her future; she is producers in the state. As administrators, already studying for the LSAT test. I firmly believe that our role is to provide LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 1 DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

WANT TO HAVE CASNR IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! UPCOMING and Texas Tech University. The app, A CLOSER available for iOS, Google and Android operating systems as well as on your desktop, allows you to see all the news, ent sport scores, social media, etc. on one simple screen. Here in the College of Agricultural You can also get tips and guidance Sciences and Natural Resources, the on real world issue like taxes, home CASNR experience doesn’t stop with commencement. From our signature Pig LOOK buying, investing, retirement, engagement rings and much more. Roast to Homecoming Breakfast, there are Plus, you’ll be the first to know about lots of opportunities for the CASNR family special events, alumni officers and to gather, reconnect and enjoy great food promotions. The app also allows for push and fun. We hope you will join us and notifications, so you get the news as it participate in some of these traditions! In 2010, the College of Agricultural comes out as well as event invitations Sciences and Natural Resources worked and reminders. with developer Cap & Compass, Inc. to Go to your app store and search for Alumni & Friends Reception in create a mobile app for all things CASNR “TTU CASNR” to download us today! conjunction with the Texas Wildlife Association Annual Meeting Friday, July 13, 2018 San Antonio, TX

ALUMNI AUTHORS LIBRARY Alumni & Friends Reception in Conjunction with the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association Homer E. Jones, Sr. (’48 BS, Management), showcases photos taken of Texas Professional Agricultural Education) was featured in by the former vice president and general Development Conference 2010’s The Long Road Home, the published manager of the historic Pitchfork in Tuesday, July 31, 2018 thesis of Lisa K. Brewer. The book reveals Guthrie, Texas. Lubbock, TX the stories and experiences of Homer, and Elmer Kelton (Former Student, fellow member of the 15th Army Air Force ’91 Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding 57th Annual 829th Bomber Squadron Wilson Leon, as a Agriculturalist for Public Service) wrote the Homecoming Breakfast World War II prisoner of war. preface for T. Lindsay Baker’s Blades in the Saturday, October 20, 2018 Throughout his extensive career with Sky: Windmilling through the eyes of B.H. Student Union Building, the State Park Services, Charles “Tex” Burdick. This book describes the work Red Raider Ballroom on Campus Eatherly (’61 BS, and ’63 MS, Park of a team of Texas-based windmill erectors Administration) wrote many articles, in the early 1900s. The windmillers’ harsh, 91st Annual Pig Roast guidebooks and pamphlets, including semi-nomadic lifestyle, and their courage & Outstanding Arizona State Parks “The Beginning…,” as they clambered about on the high-rise Agriculturalist Awards Oh Ranger! guides, and the Guidebook to towers, is chronicled here in words and Thursday, November 1, 2018 Pleasure Boating on the Arkansas River. images. Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Bill Sarpalius (’72 BS, Agricultural Collecting these books not only provides Education), former member of the Texas us with good stories to read—it also Senate and U.S. Congress, recently released serves as a great resource for classmates, his book The Grand Duke from Boys Ranch, professors, and other professionals to read a unique political memoir of his rising from about and connect with the CASNR family. adversity to a life of public service. If you would like to join the CASNR The photography of Bob Moorhouse Alumni Authors Library, please send a copy (’72 BS, Animal Business) was published in of your book to CASNR Alumni Authors Pitchfork Country: The Photography of Bob Library, Box 42123, Lubbock, TX 79409- Moorhouse. The book, forwarded by fellow 2123, or feel free to contact Tracee Murph, Red Raider and Texas State Photographer Coordinator of Alumni Relations at 806-742- Wyman Meinzer (’74 BS, Wildlife 2802 or [email protected].

2 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DEPARTMENT: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Landscape Architecture (DoLA) strives to advance the discipline and profession of landscape architecture through innovative learning, research and service activities. Student learning outcomes are coordinated throughout the curriculum in an innovative “Semesters of Learning” approach to develop creative leaders ready for professional licensure and practice in the public or private sector or in academic careers. It offers first-professional Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). LAAB develops and promulgates the accreditation standards, rules and procedures for conducting the accreditation process, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the official accrediting body for first professional programs in landscape architecture. DoLA is home to the Texas Tech University Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SASLA). Each year, SASLA hosts a WreckShop, where students, faculty and alumni come together with industry professionals for professional development, workshops and education sessions, and mentorship. Beginning in 2018, the WreckShop will be hosted during the fall semester to accommodate the new spring semester internship and study abroad opportunities. DoLA is also home to the newly established Greenscape Design Studio, a USDA funded student internship studio where participants work with clients to create landscape designs for area homeowners that emphasize water-conserving elements.

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 3 ACCOLADES: The MLA and BLA programs recently underwent LAAB Accreditation Visits during the fall 2017 and spring 2018 semesters, FAST FACTS: respectively. Visiting teams were incredibly impressed with the Tagline: DoLA; which not only stands for Department of new curriculum and noted that all aspects of the program are “on Landscape Architecture, but also encourages current and a positive trajectory” and “everyone is committed to the vision to prospective students, as well as alumni and friends to, “Do advance Landscape Architecture.” Landscape Architecture.” #DoLA For the second year in a row, DoLA students will be receiving History: Originally part of the Department of Texas Chapter of ALSA Design Awards for their outstanding work; in the School of Agriculture when Texas Technological College and faculty just presented 10 papers at the Council of Educators in opened its doors in 1925. The department was changed to Landscape Architecture (CELA) Conference in March, including a Plant Industry in 1932. The curriculum for Park Management joint presentation on our new curriculum and Semester of Learning was added in 1949 so in 1951, the department changed Theory. names again to Horticulture and Park Management. In 1963, it transitioned to the Department of Park Administration, Meet the Department Chair: Horticulture and Entomology. The first accredited Bachelor of Professor Eric Bernard (’96 BLA, and Landscape Architecture was added in 1972. When Entomology ’00 MLA, Landscape Architecture) became a separate department in1974, the department Q: What is your vision statement for the became Park Administration, Landscape Architecture and department? Horticulture. Finally, in 1993, Landscape Architecture became A: Our vision, mission and desire its own department. to be thought and knowledge leaders in Students: There are currently 84 undergraduate students landscape architecture and experts on the in the BLA program, 7 graduate students in the MLA program, Llano Estacado short-grass prairie, semi-arid and 2 graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. landscape are bold. We need our alumni and supporters’ help to: Faculty: Nine; Two associate professors, three assistant 1. Update our alumni records to improve our communication and professors, one professor, three instructors. share our Red Raider successes as leaders in making a difference in Alumni: 1,522 our world! 2. Build our approved DoLA landscape research facility to Website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/larc study landscape performance and native short-grass prairie plants and ecosystems critical to SITES certifications. 3. Recruit future Red Raider professional leaders. Q: Tell us a little about your background: education, career ACADEMIC AREAS: path, when you started, etc. The Department of Landscape Architecture offers Landscape A: I am honored and privileged to lead the department, that, as Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) accredited four-year a student, prepared me so well to make a difference. Great mentors Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA), three-year Master of and challenging opportunities influence and mold each of us. From Landscape Architecture (MLA), two-year post-professional MLA ranch and forestry work in northeastern New Mexico; to research programs, as well as an interdisciplinary Land Use Planning, projects with Dr. Ernest Fish; to award winning projects with Management and Design (LPMD) Ph.D. program. Design Workshop working with Joe Porter, Richard Shaw and Kurt The BLA program specializes in semi-arid landscapes, while Culbertson; to an amazing time of growth, learning, teaching and engaging design and planning issues critical to a sustainable, research at Kansas State University from 2000 to 2012; to leadership resilient, adaptable earth and its growing urban populations. roles at the University of New Mexico and Trust for Public Land; I am Students are off-campus the spring and summer of the third year on humbled by such rich opportunities and such excellent role models. extended internship or a combination of study abroad and a three- Q: What lead you to this position? month internship. A: A conversation with then Dean, now Provost Galyean about The Master of Landscape Architecture program offers both the future of the department, and deep reflection on my goals to first-professional and post-professional degree options vital to contribute to the discipline and make the world a better place. There the Department’s vision to advance the discipline of landscape is no greater honor and privilege than to help others find, pursue architecture. The first professional LAAB-accredited degree program and grow their passion through learning, and no greater field to do is designed to accommodate students who do not have a BLA or it in. How many people get to design and build people’s dreams and related design degree but who wish to become licensed landscape make the planet better at the same time? architects. Post-professional students, who already have a BLA or Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement as chair? related design/planning degree, develop a specialization in the What is your favorite part about serving in this role, working for discipline, and/or prepare to enter an academic career in landscape Texas Tech University? architecture. Faculty advisors assist students in their development of A: Inspiring and challenging faculty, students and stakeholders a specific program of study to meet their goals and satisfy university to leverage the best of the past in the community development of a and LAAB requirements. -edge curricular approach to advance landscape architecture In addition, the department offers a Landscape Studies Minor and take risks to win awards. The greatest part of this role is being to students studying outside the major. A minor in landscape able to help people find and explore their passions and support studies consists of introductory design, history, and modeling and them in their work and learning about all the great alumni and their communication courses totaling 18 semester credit hours. incredible projects and leadership roles.

4 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 Q: Are you involved in any professional clubs or organizations? difference making projects. A: I hold a Kansas Landscape Architect License and am Council Q: What are some new and exciting things the department is of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) Certified. I doing in research? am a member of American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), A: In the last year we have developed a regional geodatabase CLARB, Texas ASLA, and the Council of Educators in Landscape with the very best available data for modeling and simulating Architecture (CELA). landscapes and their hydrologic and economic systems, challenges Q: Have you received any awards, accommodations, facing them, and alternative desired futures. Students are winning designations? awards and presenting their work on playa hydrology and A: Some professional works have earned recognition from the ecosystems and water use alternatives using these resources. These American Society of Landscape Architects, including the Honor resources we plan to make available over the next year to alumni, Award in the ecology and sustainability categories to Design stakeholders and partners to aid their workflows, products and Workshop, Inc. in 2000, the Environmental Systems Research profits. The Greenscapes Design Studio and OLE (Outdoor Learning Institute (ESRI) 2005 Special Achievement Award in GIS, and 2013 Environments) Texas projects funded by the USDA are making a GeoDesign Best Lightning Talk Award. I also received a College difference in Lubbock and across Texas. Our faculty are involved in of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources’ Distinguished National Park Service, landscape performance, infrastructure and Alumnus Award in 2015. resiliency research. We will be starting a new research symposia Q: When you are not working, what do you do in your spare series this fall under the direction of our newest faculty member, time? Jason Sowell. A: In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, Q: What skills will this department most help students most traveling to new landscapes, fly fishing, and creative time in my develop? wood and metal working shop. A: Our students are leaning to rapidly prototype existing landscape conditions, and creative design concepts in an iterative QUESTIONS ANSWERED: workflow integrating hand graphics and digital 3D models. Importantly they are learning to assess their solutions based on Q: What are some top bragging points for the department? researched theories and frameworks for decision making and A: Our faculty are doing a fantastic job developing and delivering courses with our new Student Learning Outcomes rating criteria such as SITES, as well as cost, value and profit. We aimed at our vision to Advance Landscape Architecture. We are know these skills are essential to leaders in our field, from interns working feverishly to become leading experts on the Llano Estacado to practicing professionals. Jim Richards, legendary sketcher, landscape and developing big data resources, valuable research commented, during a graphic workshop, that this, “is one of the and methods for achieving SITES certification for regional projects. most exciting approaches to the future of landscape architecture Our newly renovated departmental home in the old Animal education I’ve seen.” Science Building offers our students, faculty and staff cutting Q: What kinds of jobs do students who graduate from this edge technology and amenities. In the last 20 months more than department typically pursue? $1.5 million dollars have been invested in space and technology A: The majority of our alumni are employed in private practice, improvements including students, faculty and staff de-constructing while others join public practices within architecture, design and and re-constructing more than $350,000 work of drafting tables landscape firms, or take on academic roles. We are proud to have the into collaborative, rolling workstations with a drawing surface, associate director of the National Park Service and the past president and laptop and second monitor mount system. New scanning and of CLARB as excellent examples of Red Raider leaders in Landscape plotting/printing equipment in all our spaces facilitates rapid Architecture and Park Administration. prototyping and iterative hand graphic-to-digital model workflows. Q: What percentage of graduates typically obtain jobs related to the majors obtained in this department? Q: What is the most unique thing about the department? In the last 2 years, 100%! A: Our people! Students, faculty, staff and alumni values and A: attitudes make us unique and help us make a difference in the Q: Does the department have an advisory board or committee? world. From entering freshmen, to firm and agency leaders, Red A: We are in the process of developing a DoLA Leadership Raiders are Doing Landscape Architecture and leading as Park Forum (including Park Administration) to meet for the first time this Administrators. fall. This group will help us hone our strategies to develop future and current leaders in landscape architecture and parks and help Q: What are the focuses for the upcoming school year? us assess our progress in Advancing Landscape Architecture. If you A: With the new curriculum in place, new faculty on-board, and major space renovations winding down, we will be turning are interested in participating, please contact Eric Bernard at eric. our attention to communications, recruiting, alumni relations and [email protected]. development of specialization options for students tied to faculty Q: What are the department’s greatest needs, challenges, etc.? and alumni expertise. We will also be rolling out special learning A: We are currently working to update our alumni database opportunities for our alumni to sharpen their skillsets aimed at and develop stronger connections with our Park Administration and profit generating workflows on cutting edge technology, utilization Landscape Architecture alumni. Our marketing plan is finalizing of DoLA big data resources, semi-arid landscape performance and now and will be fully implemented in the next year. It will include outdoor learning environments. a new website with an alumni area and social media streams to showcase great work and leadership. We need our alumni’s help to Q: What is the long-term plan for the department? share your current contact information with us, so we can be more A: Our long-term plan is to advance the profession of landscape architecture through our learning, teaching, research and effective in communication, support and engagement, and offering engagement with stakeholders and professionals in challenging, our resources.

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 5 Denny Gentry (’79 BS, Agricultural Education) may be one of the most recognized names in the cowboy industry. He’s winding down an illustrious career in the industry after creating both the Team Roping Championships and the World Series of Team Roping and seeing them to success.

By: Tracee Murph

enny was raised in Dell City, Texas, a small rural accident put him out of work. After a year of recovery, he knew he’d town and farming community co-founded by his been given an opportunity to start over. So, he enrolled in the, then, grandfather, on his family’s farming and feed lot College of Agricultural Sciences at Texas Tech University, combining operation. He said he never really considered his previous education and work experience to major in Agricultural anything other than a career in agriculture. Education. He was involved in the Association, where he “Of course,” Denny said, “Finding a niche for a occasionally participated in calf roping and steer wrestling, and was career when every other farm and ranch kid had the same idea was a member of the Block and club. perplexing.” Maintaining a full-time job and two part-time jobs to pay his Following his high school graduation, Denny took classes at way, he still managed to find himself among the Who’s Who in both Sul Ross State University and South Plains College, at different Agriculture. Driven for success, he even took and passed the LSAT times, and started a feed brokerage business with his father. and was accepted into two law schools. Unable to financially support His life took a turn in 1977 when a near-fatal water skiing pursuing a law degree, he decided to accept a position with the New

6 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 Mexico Cattle Growers Association, a career move he calls a twist of said. “Our ideas have been borrowed by everyone in the equine fate. industry.” “The skills I learned in day-to-day association management In 1992, Denny created SuperLooper, a monthly team roping were eventually critical to starting and running my companies,” magazine, to provide national news and event information to Denny said. USTRC members. “Creating a communication arm was extremely important THE SEED THAT STARTED IT ALL to selling our product and connecting the industry,” Denny said. “The timing of the onset of desktop computing was instrumental Working in a non-profit organization, you learn to wear many in tracking the large amount of data that allowed our industry to hats. Denny started in a communications position, working with develop.” the association’s memberships, networks, committees and board of Denny sold the USTRC and SuperLooper magazine in 1998, directors. He spent the bulk of his time organizing and attending and went into a period of non-compete, a time in which he agreed meetings, dealing with legislators, in discussions with state and not to enter into or start a similar profession or trade in competition federal officials, and growing the association’s memberships. He against the USTRC. All the while, he was dreaming up a new and honed skills in areas such as management, journalism, magazine better competition for team roping. In 2006, he partnered with and newsletter production, recruitment, government relations Las Vegas gaming executives to create a cowboy event to rival the and policy, organizing meetings and planning events, fundraising, National Final Rodeo, the World Series of Team Roping. and working in a membership database. All the while he was The event became the second richest equine event in the world building relationships within local and national government, fellow in 2014, and last year paid contestants more than $12 million. associations, and colleagues in the cattle and equine industry. Today, the team roping industry pays out more than $70 million in Less than a year later, he was promoted to Executive Vice competition winnings. That is more than all the other equine related President of the association. Some of his main duties were to bring disciplines combined, excluding racing. The industry has also in new members and organize benefits for the New Mexico Boys had a tremendous impact on manufacturing related to the equine and Girls Ranch on behalf of the association. He turned to one of his industry, such as horse sales, vehicle and trailer sales, tack and industry connections for inspiration. Don King (’49 BS, Agricultural ropes, western clothing and boots. Education) was the general manager of the Texas and Southwestern “It is always rewarding to get recognition for your efforts, but Cattle Raisers Association at the time, and someone Denny thought many people thought our success the first time around was just of as a mentor and friend. The two discussed the success of the circumstance and luck,” Denny said. “I think that being able to build TSCRA’s membership only cutting horse contests. another company bigger and more successful the second time was Building on that idea, Denny decided to organize a combined very gratifying.” effort to increase membership while raising money for the Boys and He sold the WSTR to Active Interest Media in October 2015. Girls Ranch by hosting team roping competition. The first event was In June 2017, AIM purchased the United State Team Roping such a success that the association gained more memberships in one Championships. Denny will continue to oversee the membership and day than it had in a year and all the proceeds went to the Boys and roping operations for both events through 2019, when he plans to Girls Ranch. It lead to many more over the next seven years. During retire after 30 years. that time, he learned the ins and outs of what he thought was a potential for a roping industry. A FAMILY AFFAIR “After doing that a while,” Denny said, “It became apparent that I had a skill set, and I felt I could make a living producing roping Denny and his wife, Connie, live in Albuquerque, N.M. Connie, events professionally.” who Denny calls his secret weapon, is not so secret. Connie was a former human resources specialist with a space technology THE ULTIMATE ENTREPRENEUR firm in Albuquerque and since becoming a partner in the family business, has been recognized many times as one of the top business Denny left the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association in executives in the Southwest. The two have three grown children, 1989 and set off to fill a void in the cowboy entertainment industry. Lacee, Audra and Lucas, who have inherited their parents’ drive for In January 1990, he formed the United States Team Roping success, business minds and entrepreneurial spirit. Championships, the first time a rodeo event was successfully Both daughters now work for Active Interest Media. Lacee is organized as a stand-alone entity. This pioneered the development in marketing and advertising and has developed a start up health of other rodeo sports in entities such as the Professional Bull Riders and nutrition company focused on children. Audra heads the (PBR). communications for the roping companies and in her spare time Until then, team roping competitions were wide open the same is a high school volleyball coach. Following her most recent state way other rodeo events were, in a jackpot fashion, where the best championship, she was named New Mexico Volleyball Coach of ropers won the prizes and the novice were left out. To better serve the Year for the second time. Their son is currently a student at the ropers, he developed a national classification, or handicap, the University of Hawaii studying business and has several side system allowing for ropers to be rated based on experience and businesses, including a very popular event DJ business. placed into classes to compete ensuring a fair competition. His Looking toward the future, Denny hopes to stay involved in the system changed the face of the sport, allowing ropers to compete industry in a more advisory or consultant mode. nationally, and paved the way for a national finals competition. “I have promised to help several of these young producers There are currently more than 200,000 team ropers competing develop and expand their operations,” Denny said, “And think that internationally. will be a lot of fun.” “Through our actions we were able to create a cowboy He also hopes to have more spare time to spend playing with recreational industry that has been duplicated many times,” Denny some young , fishing and, of course, roping.

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 7 WHERE ARE THEY NOW

1970-1979 my ECNR degree years ago, the kind Rex Isom (’78 BS, Animal Business) Ryan Gray (’06 BS, Interdisciplinary of idea you talk about but never carry was elected Chairman of the National Agriculture) announced his out - canoeing all 50 states,” Eric said. Watershed Coalition at the National retirement from rodeo in November “I researched rivers, lakes, routes, costs, Conservation Conference. He currently 2016. He has been one of the most etc. I re-read Muir, Graves and Thoreau. serves as Executive Director of the accomplished bareback riders in the I bought a roof rack, a used canoe and Texas State Soil and Water Board and world throughout the last decade. He quit my environmental consulting job. has served as Vice-Chairman for the qualified for the National Finals Rodeo Then, last April, I set o™. I spent six organization for the past two years. eight times, seven in a row, during his months of 2017 snaking my way around career. the nation, floating/camping along a 1980-1989 natural body of water in every state. Christopher B. HoŒman (’88 BLA, Weston D. Harding (’06 BS, “From the tropics to the tundra, I set Landscape Architecture) transitioned Agricultural and Applied Economics) paddle in as many ecosystems as to Past President and Chair of the owns X Plus Real Estate in Chicago, Ill. possible. In the Everglades I canoed Committee on Nominations for the He was ranked in the top one percent by dolphins, American Crocodiles Council of Landscape Architecture of all realtors in Chicago through the and sharks. I saw soaring Registration Boards, following the Chicago Association of Realtors last Condors from the bottom of Glen conclusion of his one-year term as the year. He has been ranked in the top 10 Canyon. My canoe passed by river otter organizations president. He previously the past five years. families, swimming bears, wary moose held many leadership positions with and thousand-year-old Cyprus trees. CLARB, including President (2016-‘17), Riparian areas, throughout the nation, Chad Dietz (’08 BLA, Landscape Vice President (2015-‘16) and Secretary didn’t disappoint. Architecture) was elevated into an (2012-‘14). He also served as Region 3 “I returned to Dallas in October associate position with the Amarillo, Director (2009-’11) and as a member of with 500+ canoe miles, 100+ nights Texas o°ce of Parkhill, Smith & CLARB’s Communications Committee camping, $4,000+ raised for the Cooper, a multidisciplinary firm that (2007-’09). Chris is the founder of nonprofit American Rivers and the provides comprehensive architectural Christopher B. Ho™man Landscape claim of all states paddled.” and engineering design services for a Architects, a Clinton, Miss.-based firm. You can learn more about Eric’s multitude of projects in government, His expertise spans 28 years of master expedition through state-by-state commercial and institutional sectors, planning, site design, grading and narratives on his website, www. public works, environmental, drainage, and detailed design services. shamelesstravels.com. As a result of infrastructure, transportation, his journey, Eric was o™ered a job as healthcare, and church facilities. 1990-1999 an Environmental Specialist for Grand Chad is a Landscape Architect in the Chandra Montgomery Mathis (’90 BS, Prairie, Texas. company’s Higher Education Sector. He Agricultural Communications) is now a “Our department, I’m pleased to has been with the company for more fourth-grade teacher for Hereford ISD. report, even has a canoe.” than five years, a landscape architect She is married to Dustin Mathis (’90 for more than nine years, and has BS, Crops). 2010-2017 received the Certificate of Merit from Christi Chadwell (’11 BS, and ’15 the American Society of Landscape 2000-2009 MS, Agricultural Communications) Architects. Jodi Wied Smith (’02 BS, Agricultural is now the Southwest Regional and Applied Economics) was Communications Manager with the promoted to Senior Vice President for Cotton Board. In this position she First United Bank. She has more than travels around California, Arizona, New 20 years of experience in the financial Mexico, and central and south Texas industry and has been with the bank representing the Cotton Board and for more than 14 years. Jodi is also garnering favor for the cotton research the Vice President of the New Home and promotion program. athletic booster club, a member of Nathan Pond (’12 BS, Animal the New Home FFA booster club, a Science, and ’14 MS, Food Safety & member of the New Home PTO, and a Eric Straw (’08 BS, Environmental Microbiology) is now the Director of youth committee member of the New Conservation of Natural Resources) Food Safety and Quality Assurance Home Baptist Church. recently finished a six-month with Kane Beef. expedition canoeing rivers in all 50 Jena Moon (’02 BS, Wildlife & Fisheries states raising awareness and funds Nathan Pond (’12 BS, Animal Management, and ’04 MS, Wildlife for American Rivers, a national river Science, and ’14 MS, Food Safety & Science) assumed the role of President conservation organization. Microbiology) is now the Director of of the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife “I wanted an adventure. I had a Food Safety and Quality Assurance Society during its 54th Annual Meeting particular one in mind - an old inkling, with Kane Beef. in Dallas, Texas. an idea spawned while working towards

8 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 WHERE ARE THEY NOW

armed services. The opportunity he In Memory gave me was to finish school and go Dr. William F. into the Air Force on my terms. You Lewis A. Cobb “Bill” Bennett, see the grade report he looked at 1948 Animal Production Sr. Professor went from a person who came to the Emeritus, meeting with a 1.9 GPA to a person Earl W. Sears that gave a student a second chance, 1948 Agricultural Education Jan. 23, 1927 - a 3.75 GPA. I made the dean’s list for Dec. 29, 2017 the remainder of my semesters at George R. Wall Texas Tech. 1948 Agronomy Dr. Bennett joined the Texas I will never forget the Tech University faculty in 1968. opportunity, confidence, and Jack B. Bennett During his tenure, he taught eight parental influence he gave me.” 1949 Dairy Management separate undergraduate and ~ Billy J. Ford (’74 BS, Park graduate courses in Agronomy and Administration) Earl D. Lewis Soil Science within the Department He regarded it a hand of fate 1954 Soil Science of Plant and Soil Science. In 1970, that he received the call from TTU he became the Associate Dean for in 1968 to consider joining the Donald C. Dilley, Jr. Resident Instruction for the college, faculty. According to Dr. Bennett, 1956 Agricultural Economics with duties primarily for academic the most important accomplishment and student programs. Two of his of the college during his tenure was Wendell L. Kent proudest accomplishments were the the large number of high-quality 1962 Animal Production initiation of two student groups - the students who became alumni. Ambassadors for Agriculture and the One of Dr. Bennett’s greatest Dale Robinson Agri-Techsans – both are still active impacts was in raising much-needed 1962 Park Administration today. In 1985, Dr. Bennett became scholarship funds for students in the college’s Associate Dean for the college. Through Dr. Bennett’s Jerry L. Isbell Development, and then the Director leadership, and the active support 1963 Animal Production of Development in 1993 and served of dedicated faculty, administrators, until his retirement in 1997. alumni, and friends, the college’s Melanie R. Zurinski During his 28 years of service, endowment grew from less than 1979 Wildlife Management he was a positive influence who $10,000 in 1976 to more than $10 provided motivation for the million by his retirement in 1997. Dean E. Hawkins Ph.D. Student Agricultural Council, while Dr. Bennett received several 1984 and ‘86 Animal Science also supporting numerous other significant awards and honors opportunities for student-centered throughout his tenure as a Red Ronald D. Voigt accomplishments. His students Raider, including the college’s 1984 Agricultural Education remember him best for his support Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding of quality academic programs, Agriculturalist Award for Public Pamela R. Shafer insistence on high academic Service in 2007, and in April 2011, 1992 Horticulture performance, encouragement of the Dean’s O°ce within the college involvement in student activities, dedicated the Dr. Bill Bennett Adam H. Richardson promotion of agricultural leadership Student Success Center in his honor. 1996 Agricultural involvement, and his general If you would like to give in Dr. Communications support and council. While helpful Bennett’s memory, please visit www. and fair to all students, Dr. Bennett Give2Tech.com, search for “Dr. Bill Daniel C. Holt D.V.M. was especially fond of helping Bennett Student Success Center 2002 BS Animal Science students who might be struggling Endowment,” “Dr. William F. Bennett to “walk that extra mile” needed for Student Success Center Scholarship Kristina J. Mougey, Ph.D. graduation. Endowment,” or “W. F. Bennett 2008 MS Wildlife Science, “Dr. Bennett, in the fall of 1970, Ambassadors for Agriculture and ’16 Wildlife Science & met with this prospective student Scholarship Endowment;” or contact Aquatic Wetlands Science transfer from San Angelo State. I sat the CASNR O°ce of Development and Management down in his office with a 1.9 GPA and and Alumni Relations at one foot from being drafted into the 806-742-2802.

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 9 COLLEGE UPDATES

characterizing ruminal fermentation Dr. David Weindorf (’95 BS, Range and enteric methane production. One The Department of Plant and Soil Management, ’97 MS, Soil Science, of his primary goals here is to provide Science named Rupinder Kaur Saini & ’00 PHD, Agronomy), research data that will lead to advances in a research assistant professor in administrator and professor in the mitigation of environmental impacts on weed science. Her research is focused Department of Plant and Soil Science, beef and dairy cattle production, and on plant-herbicide interactions, was named a Research Faculty Fellow to provide a solid education base for strategic use of cultural practices with the University’s O°ce of the Vice undergraduate and graduate students and equipment to manage weeds, President for Research. In his new role, that will allow them to excel in the and potential influences of soil and he is working on special projects to years to come. climate factors on weed growth and expand the research enterprise of Texas development. She plans to work to Tech. His work will focus on bringing A former assistant professor in the develop integrated strategies for weed together colleges across campus and Department of Landscape Architecture, management in specialty crops, such as linking them with funding agencies Melissa Currie, returned to her role vegetables, ornamentals, turf and grape both domestically and internationally. this fall after pursuing her doctoral production. He will spend a quarter of his time with degree in Geography and Urban the VPR’s o°ce and the remainder still Regional Analysis at the university Dr. Michael Ballou, CASNR’s with Plant and Soil Science. of North Carolina-Charlotte. Her Associate Dean for Research, was research interests include community named Interim Chair of the new The Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success resiliency, foreclosure e™ects from the Department of Veterinary Sciences. Center gained a new College Recruiter. Great Recession, and the impacts of The recently formed department, Shelbey Havens (’15 BS, Agricultural the built environment on health with which is a graduate degree program Communications) started her new role implications for how communities only, will o™er both a master’s and in January. She returns to the o°ce rebuild following disaster. doctorate research degree. The after serving as a student assistant primary focus of the department will while an undergraduate at Tech. With approval from the Texas Higher be to train individuals in population Education Coordinating Board, the and preventative veterinary medicine. Fourteen undergraduate students were Department of Plant and Soil Science The program plans to attract people selected for the first cohort of the established a new undergraduate interested in pursuing a research career new Matador Institute of Leadership degree specialization in local food with a primary focus in farm animal Engagement (MILE) Program within and wine production systems, a first- medicine. CASNR. MILE is a new, three-semester of-its-kind program at any university in leadership certificate program that the U.S. The program will be located at Rafael Neves has been named an seeks to develop participants’ personal both the Hill Country University Center assistant professor in the Department and professional skills while exposing on the University’s Fredericksburg of Veterinary Sciences. The department them to the key issue a™ecting local, campus, and the main campus in is designed to provide a greater focus state and national agriculture and Lubbock, or through online courses. on research and outreach e™orts in policy. The program is designed Sustainable production of food and food animal, equine and wildlife health to provide participants with a wine is another component of the and well-being, and is intended to meet competitive edge when seeking career program and the new concentration the educational and research needs opportunities after graduation. includes coursework dealing with of the animal-agriculture industry and including the regional veterinary community. Dr. Brown replaces interim dean vegetables, fruits and nuts. Students His position helps form the core of the Steve Fraze (’76 TEACH, Agricultural can begin enrolling in the hybrid new department, which will be strongly Sciences, and ’78 MS, Agricultural program for the next fall semester. aligned with the Department of Animal Education), who served in the role and Food Sciences through joint since August 2016, when Dr. Galyean Cade Coldren was named an assistant appointments. was named Provost. Dr. Fraze has professor of ecological modeling returned to his duties as Chair of the with the Department of Plant and Vinicius Machado has been named an Department of Agricultural Education Soil Science. He is interested in the assistant professor in the Department and Communications. development of the next generation of Veterinary Sciences. He plans of the Ecological Dynamics Simulation to continue his research e™orts Darren Henry was named an (EDYS) model, that has been very in understanding immunological assistant professor of sustainable successful in simulating plant, water mechanisms behind pathogen management and animal dynamics in a variety of recognition and clearance in the in the Department of Animal and ecosystems in the western United postpartum uterus of dairy cows, Food Sciences. He is continuing his States and several locations overseas. and exploration of new strategies for research e™orts in manipulating and metritis treatment.

10 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 IN THE NEWS

Iconic denim brand Wrangler and An innovative, new animal welfare Texas Tech University’s Texas Alliance product recently installed at the for Water Conservation announced Texas Tech University Beef Center a partnership to promote best-in- is providing researchers a unique class techniques and technologies opportunity to evaluate the impact that for e°cient water use among cotton shade can have on animal health and growers. Under a memorandum of wellness. The system is composed of understanding, the TAWC will serve as shade cloths suspended in the air by advisors to Wrangler’s U.S. sustainable cables in a checkboard pattern, and cotton program, and Wrangler will can reduce temperatures on the pen help raise awareness for best practices floors by as much as 30 degrees. The produced by TAWC’s on-farm research. cloth can block up to 70 percent of the Ultraviolet rays for the cattle, which reduces heat stress. The system can Separately, the Texas Alliance for Water handle the harsh West Texas weather, Conservation hosted its Fourth Annual withstanding wind gusts of up to Water College focusing on connecting 100 miles per hour while the unique today’s producers and crop consultants checkboard pattern allows the sun to with the latest in irrigation technology reach the pen floor to dry mud after and research. Among the highlights of rain. The screens can also be rolled up the event were programs on utilizing in the fall and stored to protect them variable rate irrigation technology in from snow and ice. West Texas cotton; soil management The College of Agricultural Sciences for ideal water infiltration; Wrangler’s and Natural Resources opened it’s spring semester with the continuation commitment to healthy soils; and of a new tradition, Winter Welcome, improving corn water use by hybrid featuring the Mr. CASNR contest and a selection. Queso Cook-o™. Dane Rivas (right), a junior animal science major from Tahoka, Texas, was named the 2018 Mr. CASNR The 2017 fall competition season after winning first place in the western was, yet again, a prosperous one for wear, interview and talent competitions; both the Livestock and Meat Judging while the People’s Choice vote went to Paul Montgomery (left), a senior Teams. Both teams started the series agricultural communications major from o™ strong with second place standings Memphis, Texas. The inaugural winner at the National Barrow Show. The of the Queso Cook-o™ was a team from Livestock Judging Team captured the Ag Ambassadors organization, with the crown at the American Royal lead chef Haleigh Erramouspe, a junior agricultural communications major from Livestock Judging Contest in Kansas Corona, N.M. The winning recipe was City, Mo., and finished their season a combination of Velveeta, cream of with a fourth-place win at the National mushroom soup, Rotel, sausage, ground Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest beef, and hot green chilies. in Louisville, Ky. Meanwhile, the Meat The Therapeutic Riding and Therapy Judging Team picked up the overall Center welcomed another Gypsy Varner horse to his stable. Snowdrift was CASNR has joined Field to Market: The team victory and claimed top individual acquired through a Facebook contest Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, honors for the third year in a row at the with LexLin Gypsy Ranch in Rockwood, a leading multi-stakeholder initiative Eastern National Meat Judging Contest, Tenn. and is now being used for the working to unite the agricultural brought home their third straight program’s equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding. supply chain in defining, measuring overall team victory at the American and advancing the sustainability of Royal Meat Judging Contest, captured food, fiber and fuel production in the top honors both as a team and United States. As an active member, individually at the Cargill High Plains CASNR will work together with grower Meat Judging Contest, and finished organizations, academia, conservation the season with its third national groups, public sector partners championship, 13th in team history, and leading companies to help to in the last five years at the American catalyze opportunities for continuous Meat Science Association International improvement in productivity, Meat Judging Contest. Continuing environmental quality and human their success, the Meat Judging Team well-being across the agricultural value started the spring 2018 competition chain. season with a win at the Southwestern Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest.

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 11 IN THE NEWS

at Amarillo College’s greenhouse and at dyeing yarns, but its use was limited for A new Greenscape Design Studio university facilities in Lubbock. denim manufacturing. This new process in the Departments of Landscape reduces chemical usage while achieving Architecture and Plant and Soil Science Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones, the same or better dye quality and is allowing students to create landscape are being used in agriculture to help reduces water and energy usage by designs for homeowners in the Lubbock work more e°ciently and use more than 90 percent. It will allow area. The studio, made possible through fewer inputs. Researchers, such as fabric mills to produce much smaller a USDA Non-Land Grant Colleges of Wenxuan Guo, an assistant professor quantities than conventional dyeing Agriculture Capacity Building Grant, in Plant and Soil Science, are working processes, reducing waste and allowing allows student interns to create with drones to develop advanced for exciting design and marketing designs aimed at helping homeowners agricultural production practices. innovations within the denim industry. incorporate water-conserving plants Drone technologies are helping solve and xeriscaping principles for areas many of the problems currently facing The Department of Animal and Food where drought-tolerant landscape is agriculture. They can often detect Sciences’ new Canine Olfaction Lab at needed and wanted. The studio charges potential issues with a crop utilizing the New Deal Research Farm is giving clients by the hour and does its best to specialized sensors and cameras with professors and students hands-on estimate the amount of time a project high-resolution video, and can allow opportunities in companion dog will require after their initial meeting farmers to locate, identify and address research. The answers to their research with the client. The grant will expire in production-related issues before could eventually lead to breakthroughs December 2018, but the team hopes to they can impact crops or livestock by such as developing more nutritious or continue with their current clients while observing spectral signatures in the desirable dog foods or improving the working toward making the studio self- images. abilities of canines that serve with law su°cient. enforcement or in the military. The lab Plant and Soil Science’s Fiber and can house 12 dogs and has two play Researchers in the Department of Biopolymer Research Institute has a yards, one behavioral training room Natural Resources Management are new custom-built ginning laboratory and a controlled lab where odors working to understand what causes containing a cotton micro-gin. This are created. Aside from discovering toxic blooms of golden alga, a species equipment gives researchers the ability crucial scientific information about dog of harmful algae, and how to combat to closely match ginning conditions preference and the olfactory system the problems caused by it. Golden that cotton fibers will experience of dogs, the purpose of this program algae lives in costal and inland brackish during the real-world, commercial is to provide behavioral rehabilitation waters and has caused numerous fish ginning process. FBRI leaders hope the services to shelter dogs and help kills in the United States and around the micro-gin will be an asset to cotton ensure they find good homes. The main world. The first golden alga bloom in breeders by helping them produce research aims are to aid in the training Texas was reported in 1985 in the Pecos cottons that perform better than of detection dogs and gain a thorough River and has wiped out mass amounts current varieties when processed understanding of canine behavior and of fish in the state. through a commercial gin. The micro- welfare. gin uses transparently-sided, scaled- The Department of Plant and Soil down versions of commercial ginning In a continuing e™ort to improve the Science signed an institution- equipment. It allows for the processing Online Education Support Program, to-institution memorandum of and ginning of cotton breeder/ the College created a new Accessibility understanding with Amarillo College research samples for turnout and fiber Compliance Team. The ACTeam is to enable the success of community quality testing, and serves to educate comprised of three graduate students college transfer students who want undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Agricultural to focus on horticulture. The need on the inner-workings of the various Education and Communications and arose from a meeting between the machines within the industry. the Department of Plant and Soil two to further develop programs for Science, and headed up by Karissa students in STEM (science, technology, Separately, the Fiber and Biopolymer Greathouse, CASNR’s Distance engineering and mathematics) areas Research Institute unveiled a new Education Instructional Technologist. at Amarillo College who intend to foam-dyeing process for denim during Services o™ered by the team include transfer to Texas Tech. Amarillo a special event hosted by Indigo proofing and correcting the caption College’s new associate degree Mill Designs. Heritage denim brands files for lecture videos, and ensuring program in horticulture will become Wrangler and Lee, along with the Wal- that the syllabus, course schedule and available for the first time in fall 2018. Mart Foundation, are early investors in lecture PowerPoints are accessible. The partnership is expected to open the technology and were in attendance doors for collaborative research among to show support for the initiative. faculty and students of both schools, Foam-dyeing is a cost-e™ective and with projects to be jointly undertaken environmentally friendly process for

12 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

and Communications, received the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc. Distinguished Teaching Award, and Separately, David Weindorf was Distinguished Chair in Meat Science Venugopal Mendu, an assistant named a 2017 Fulbright Specialist by and professor of meat science and professor in the Plant and Soil Science, the U.S. Department of State, Bureau muscle biology, Mark Miller (’82 received the Distinguished Research of Educational and Cultural A™airs. BS, Animal Production, & ’84 MS, Award. The program pairs highly-qualified Meat Science), received the Harry U.S. academics and professionals with L. Rudnick Educator’s Award from Separately, Courtney Meyers was host institutions abroad to share their the Washington, DC-based North named a 2018 Integrated Scholar expertise while building relations, American Meat Institute in recognition by the university. The honor honing skills, and gaining international of his dedication to educating future indicates demonstrated significant and cultural experiences. industry leaders, as well as his accomplishments and e™ective synergy commitment to education, research among the major professorial function and service activities in the field of of teaching, research and service. food science. Texas Tech University recognized seven Dale Rollins (’83 PHD, Range Science) CASNR faculty members during its was selected for the 2018 Texas Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Conservation Hall of Fame for his Research, Scholarship and Creative lifetime of conservation achievements, Activity. Mindy Brashears (’92 BS, including development of the Food Technology), a professor of Bobwhite Brigade youth program that food microbiology and food safety has evolved into a state-wide program in the Department of Animal and called Texas Brigades. Food Sciences, received the National Several faculty and students from the Department of Natural Resources Academy of Inventors Fellow. Michael Management participated at the 54th Former Masked Rider, Stacy Stockard , an associate professor in both Annual Meeting of the Texas Chapter (’05 BS, Agricultural Communications, the Departments of Natural Resources of the Wildlife Society, presenting and ’06 MS, Agricultural Education) Management and Agricultural and posters, giving oral presentations, Applied Economics, received the competing in competitions and receiving was named to the National honors. Blake Grisham (’12 PHD, Parking Association’s 40 Under Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Wildlife Sciences & Aquatic Wildland 40 list for 2017. The list recognizes Award. John McGlone, a professor and Science and Management) received an outstanding class of young institutional o°cial with Animal and the professional group’s Educator of the Year Award. received professionals and up-and-coming Food Sciences, was issued a patent Clint Boal the Outstanding Book of the Year for his work Artificial Boar Saliva and leaders in the parking industry. Award as co-editor, with alumnus and Stacy currently serves as the Media Boar Grunts Stimulate Estrus Behavior former faculty member David Haukos Relations Coordinator for University and Reproduction in Swine. Brad (’88 MS, and ’91 PHD, Wildlife Science), Parking Services at TTU. Johnson, Gordon W. Davis Regent’s of “Ecology and Conservation of the Endowed Chair in Meat Science and Lesser Prairie Chicken.” Also, students Kaitlyn Wilms won First Place in Muscle Biology, was appointed to the Thayne Montague, an associate the Undergraduate Student Poster Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee professor of horticulture and Competition for her poster entitled, on Food Additives. David Weindorf “Accumulation of Radiocesium in Undergraduate Program Leader in the (’95 BS, Range Management, ’97 MS, Bullfrog Tadpoles in a Contaminated Department of Plant and Soil Science, E³uent Canal on the Savannah River Soil Science, and ’00 PHD, Agronomy), was presented the 2017 Non-Land- Site;” Rachel Bittner was recognized as B.L. Allen Endowed Chair in Pedology Grant Agricultural and Renewable Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Plant and Soil Science, received a of the Year; won the Resources Universities’ Distinguished Kathryn Watson Soil Science Society of America Fellow Sam Beason Memorial Graduate Student Educator Award. and Presidential Award. Gad Perry, a Scholarship; and several undergraduate students won awards in the Photo and professor of conservation science in Art Competition. Two faculty members were Natural Resources Management and selected for the Chancellor’s Director of the International Center Council Distinguished Faculty for Arid and Semi-Arid Land Studies, Awards, the highest faculty honor received a National Academies of in the university system. Courtney Sciences Engineering and Medicinal Meyers, an associate professor and Je™erson Science Fellowship. graduate studies coordinator in the Department of Agricultural Education

LAND M ARK S Spring 2018 13 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Box 42123 | Lubbock, TX 79409-2123 LUBBOCK, TX PERMIT #719

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Agricultural Production. Born and family also farm cotton in the Lubbock raised near Plainview, Vaughan area, and run a cow/calf operation. continues a family tradition on his farm He was named the Lubbock County near Dumas, where he and his wife Conservation Farmer of the Year Terri produce corn, cotton, sorghum (2017); and is an active member of the seed, and wheat. Since 1989, he has Southwest Council of , been a proactive supporter of Texas United States Compost Council, Texas and U.S. agriculture, currently serving Nursery and Landscape Association, as a director of the Corn Producers and Texas Cattle Feeders Association. Association of Texas, Texas Corn Schilling is a past member on the Producers Board, and Southwest Business Development Board for L to R: Wayne Schilling, Tony Williams, Council of Agribusiness. Vaughan Peoples Bank. Schilling and his Dee Vaughan. serves on the advisory committees of family also received the Texas Tech’s the Texas Ag Forum at the Texas A&M Department of Animal and Food Established in 1969, the annual Ag and Food Policy Center, and the Sciences Distinguished Service Award Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Southern Risk Management Education (2016). Agriculturalist Awards recognize Center at the University of Arkansas. Tony Williams (’84 BS, Agricultural people who contribute immeasurably He has worked extensively on policy Economics), in the category of to the general good of the agricultural and regulatory issues pertaining Public Service. Born and raised in the industry. to agriculture in the areas of farm West Texas area, Williams worked Individuals eligible for the award policy, energy, transportation, and for Monsanto Agriculture Products must be successful and distinguished trade. He served as a corn industry following his graduation from Texas in his or her profession, business, representative to the Doha round of Tech. Since 1988, he has served as the and other worthy endeavors. They World Trade Organization negotiations executive vice president of the Texas must have demonstrated significant in Cancun, Mexico, and to the WTO Cotton Ginners’ Association in Austin. contributions to the agricultural headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. While in this position he has been industry and be recognized by their He attended Texas Tech, studying responsible for the financial operations, contemporaries for their contributions. agricultural economics. the TCGA Annual Convention & Trade Three individuals are selected each year Wayne Schilling, in the category Show, and worked with legislative and to receive the award; one each in the of Agribusiness. Born and raised near governmental agencies to provide categories of agricultural production, Hereford, he moved to Slaton in 1979 to the cotton ginner’s point of view. agribusiness, and public service. This start an agricultural compost business. Williams was instrumental in crafting year’s awards were presented during The Schilling family business composts several significant pieces of legislation, the 90th annual Pig Roast at the cattle manure for agricultural use at including HB 2095 that allowed the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. The feed yards from south of Lubbock to Texas Cotton Ginners’ Trust to self- Pig Roast also celebrates scholarship the Texas Panhandle. The main o°ce insure as a group of employers for donors, recipients and intercollegiate is located in Slaton, with divisions workers compensation insurance, and judging teams. The awards are named in Bovina and Dalhart. His lawn and HB 2093 that adopted increasing the for Dr. Gerald Thomas, who served as garden branch, Back to Nature, bags weight of cotton module trucks. He was dean of the College of Agricultural composted cotton burrs and ships awarded the National Cotton Ginners’ Sciences from 1958 to 1970. them to independent nurseries and Association Distinguished Service This year’s recipients were: garden centers throughout Texas Award (2009). Dee Vaughan, in the category of and surrounding states. He and his

14 LAND M ARK S Spring 2018