The Kenneth M. Brandenberger Memorial Scholarship was established by close friends and family in memory of Kenneth M. Brandenberger in 2021. This scholarship is available to students majoring in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Kenneth was born in Mason, TX on September 5, 1941, and was a fifth-generation descendant of the original families that settled in the area. Growing up in a ranching family in Mason, Llano and San Saba counties, he and his brothers showed several winning 4-H and FFA livestock projects, including many champions at San Antonio and Houston. He graduated from San Saba in 1960 and was on several state winning judging teams. Kenneth received a bachelor's degree in Animal Production from Texas Tech University where he was on judging teams and served as president of the Texas Tech Block & Bridle Club in 1963-64.

Kenneth married the love of his life, Patricia Mitchell of Spade, in Lamb County in 1964. He and Pat then took a job with View Lawn Angus Farms in Mabel, Minnesota. While they were there for more than five years, he served as director of Northeast Iowa Angus Association, and Southeast Minnesota Angus Association. Daughters Carol and Caryn were born in 1966 and 1969. Two weeks after Caryn was born, they moved back to Llano County, Texas. Kenneth became herdsman at the world-renowned Granite Hills Hereford Ranch. Soon after, daughter Connie was born in 1971 to complete their family. He then went on to be managing partner of the J.D. and Joyce Jordan Hereford Ranch in Mason followed by territory sales manager for Moorman's Manufacturing. When ranches began selling in the area, Kenneth got his real estate license and went to selling. For the last 30 years, he enjoyed sharing the stories and history of his beloved Hill Country and selling ranch real estate with Frosty Miller Ranch Realty.

Kenneth's lifelong involvement in the beef cattle industry took him many places to judge and show some of the finest purebred cattle in the world. One of his truest pleasures was raising good beef by developing breeding stock from his brother and raising top-dollar calves on his aunt and uncle's ranch with his partnering cousin, Linda. He and Pat also spread their interests in farming on the Texas South Plains.

Kenneth was president of the Hill Country Livestock Raisers Association, president of the Llano County Junior Livestock Show, general manager of the Llano County Rodeo and director of the Llano County Community Center. He served as a member and president of the Llano School Board and served on the administrative board of the Lutie Watkins United Methodist Church. Kenneth served as a director of Texas Hereford Association and was an advisor to the Texas Junior Hereford Association.

He was a longtime supporter of both Llano County and Texas 4-H and was awarded the honor of the state's Distinguished 4-H Leader in 1983.

Kenneth served more than 28 years on the Llano County Soil and Water Conservation District board, serving as director and president several times over the years. He served on the state stewardship committee under Governors Bush and Perry.

In 2019, he enjoyed his family chairing the 50th anniversary of the Kothmann Reunion at the Premier Ranch in Mason. He also loved Texas Tech football games and the horse races at Ruidoso Downs, where he had attended for more than 50 years. He and Pat thoroughly enjoyed all their lifelong friends from all over in their travels across the United States.

To support this scholarship, please visit the Kenneth M. Brandenberger Memorial Scholarship gift page.

Contact

Alex Yack
Alex.Yack@ttu.edu
Senior Director of Development
806.742.2802

Matt Williams
matt.williams@ttu.edu
Associate Director of Development
806.742.2802

Tanner Rex
tanner.rex@ttu.edu
Assistant Director of Development
806.742.2802