Global Vision; Int'l Lifetime Achievement Award Goes to Longtime CASNR Leader
Norman Hopper, Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources former Executive Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs, has been presented a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the university's Office of International Affairs. The honor was presented at the group's annual Global Vision Award Ceremony on Friday (Oct. 19) at the university's International Cultural Center.
"Over the course of his tenure here at Texas Tech, he [Hopper] has really contributed so much to internationalizing our campus and the College of Agriculture," said Sandy Crosier, director of Tech's study abroad program.
"I guess anytime you get an award like this, it means you've had a successful program," Hopper said. "All successful programs have many, many people contribute to the success. It's not just one person. When I accepted this, I accepted it on behalf of many people." Hopper retried from the university this summer.
Hopper was a crucial contributor to the naming of CASNR as a Peace Corps partner in its Master's International program. The program was the first in Texas to allow Red Raiders to earn graduate degrees in agriculture and natural resources while serving abroad as Peace Corps volunteers. "I can't imagine a better program for broadening our students' understanding of other countries and the breadth and complexity of afflictions faced by those who are less fortunate," said Kent Hance, chancellor of Texas Tech University System at the time of the announcement.
Hopper's international interests coincided with a 1996 trip to China where he consulted on cotton production. That began a voyage of discovery to 43 countries either as an agricultural consultant or university administrator. "I became fascinated by differences in the cultures and customs, the dress and the food of other countries," he said. "There's an entirely different world out there, and I enjoy exploring it."
In addition, Hopper is known across campus for his ground-breaking agricultural tours of southern and eastern China for CASNR students. Hopper said he wishes that every one of his students could have an international study abroad experience. It adds an entirely different dimension to the student's educational preparation for living and working in a global society, he said. That perspective can only be obtained by traveling abroad and experiencing a different society firsthand.
The Petersburg native received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy from Texas Tech before earning his doctorate in crop physiology from Iowa State University. He joined Texas Tech's faculty in 1976. He served as a professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science until 1998 when he joined the dean's office as Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or michael.galyean@ttu.edu
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