iTTU Mentor

Cele Stone

Functional Expertise

• Public Relations

• Leadership

• Branding

Industry Expertise

• Agricultural Innovation

• Advertising/Marketing

• Strategic Partnerships

Cele is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation for CASFER Engineering Research Center. A matchmaker for industry and academia, Stone’s role at CASFER finds her at the intersection of cutting-edge research and technology development. As a key member of the leadership team, she provides mechanisms for researchers and industry to exchange ideas, leading to sponsored research projects and career opportunities for graduate students.

Cele founded her first agricultural company at age 27 and continues her entrepreneurial adventures with her husband, Evan. Part of their portfolio includes owning and operating a farm outside of Lubbock, Texas. Stone helps early-stage companies integrate strategies for innovation while leading efforts to help improve capacity for profitability and business growth. She has deep experience in building long lasting connections, supporting growth objectives, and matching individual/company needs with the appropriate opportunities.

She just completed her Ph.D. in Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University.