Mission Statement
The Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University prepares ethical leaders and delivers science-based solutions through excellence in teaching, research, and outreach, in partnership with communities and industry.
Vision Statement
To be a nationally recognized leader in animal agriculture, food systems, equine, and companion animal science, advancing knowledge and practice that improve animal lives, strengthen human–animal connections, and support resilient animal-sourced food systems.
Our work spans livestock, equine, and companion animal systems and integrates education, discovery, and engagement from West Texas to the global community.
Our Core Values
ACCOUNTABILITY
Ownership of commitments and continuous improvement
COMMUNITY
Collaboration, respect, and shared purpose
EXCELLENCE
High standards in teaching, research, and service
GRIT
Persistence and resilience in pursuit of long-term goals
INTEGRITY
Honesty, transparency, and responsibility
2025-2030 Strategic Priorities
[1] Educate and Empower a Dynamic Student Body
[2] Promote Innovative Research and Creative Activities
[3] Transform Lives Through Outreach and Engaged Scholarship
[4] Deliver Value, Build Relationships, and Enhance Our Reputation
[Priority 1] Educate and Empower a Dynamic Student Body
We deliver high-quality, student-centered education that supports degree productivity, student success, and workforce readiness while protecting instructional quality and faculty capacity.
- Rigorous, relevant curricula informed by workforce needs and stakeholder input
- High-quality instruction and inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices
- Structured experiential learning embedded across programs
- Proactive advising and mentoring that support persistence and completion
- Facilities and instructional resources that enable hands-on learning
- Continuous curriculum review and learning outcomes assessment
- Documented pathways for internships, research, study abroad, and competitive teams
- Data-informed advising, early alert strategies, and academic recovery support
- Strategic recruitment and recognition of teaching and mentoring excellence
- Advancement-aligned investment in instructional and multipurpose facilities
- Degree productivity, retention, and graduation trends
- Participation in high-impact educational practices
- Student experience indicators related to instruction, advising, and learning environments
[Priority 2] Promote Innovative Research and Creative Activities
We advance research excellence and graduate education aligned with institutional priorities, national competitiveness, and faculty capacity.
- Animal protein food system resilience, including strengths in animal nutrition and health, food safety and security, and meat science and muscle biology
- Targeted growth in equine research
- Expanded companion animal science research in welfare, behavior, training, and biology
- Competitive funding, scholarly productivity, and graduate mentorship
- Interdisciplinary collaboration through Strategic Research Groups and partnerships
- Strategic use of endowments and internal investments to support research and graduate training
- Shared research facilities, modernized equipment, and coordinated staffing
- Development of a doctoral program in Food Science
- Structured graduate onboarding, professional development, and mentorship expectations
- Proposal activity, sponsored awards and expenditures, and federal funding share
- Graduate enrollment and degree outcomes aligned with mentoring capacity
- Scholarly outputs and evidence of research impact
[Priority 3] Transform Lives Through Outreach and Engaged Scholarship
We strengthen communities and professional practice through outreach, engagement, and applied scholarship.
- Community engagement that addresses regional challenges and promotes well-being
- Service-learning and leadership development integrated into academic programs
- Evidence-based outreach with measurable impact
- Global learning and international engagement
- Outreach delivered through departmental units, centers, and instructional and research facilities
- Consistent assessment of relevance, application, and continued engagement
- Partnerships that support education, innovation, and workforce development
- Study abroad, international research collaboration, and professional exchange when feasible
- Outreach reach and participation
- Post-event impact indicators and repeat engagement
- Partnership depth and continuity
- Student participation in applied outreach and service-learning
[Priority 4] Deliver Value, Build Relationships, and Enhance Our Reputation
We strengthen departmental reputation, stakeholder trust, and operational effectiveness to support long-term sustainability and impact.
- Program visibility and national standing
- Alumni, industry, and stakeholder engagement
- Operational excellence in finance, procurement, and administrative services
- Philanthropic and partnership support aligned with strategic priorities
- Strategic communications aligned with university and college standards
- Advisory boards, alumni engagement, internships, and workforce partnerships
- Transparent budgeting, workflow optimization, and compliance-focused operations
- Staff-led process improvement and professional development
- Coordinated donor cultivation and stewardship
- Reputation and competitive distinction indicators
- Alumni and stakeholder engagement outcomes
- Philanthropic support trends
- Operational service quality and efficiency
High-Impact Educational Practices
High-impact educational practices are integrated across AFS programs and are central to student learning and professional preparation. These include:
- Internships and professional placements
- Undergraduate and graduate research
- Study abroad and global learning
- Competitive teams and leadership development
- Service-learning and community engagement
These experiences connect theory to practice and support career readiness and professional
networks.
Continuous Improvement
Progress toward strategic priorities is reviewed annually using defined performance
indicators and documented impact narratives. Results are used to refine strategies,
align resources, and support transparent reporting and continuous improvement.
Learn More and Get Involved
The Department of Animal and Food Sciences advances its mission through collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
Engagement opportunities include:
- Student recruitment and mentoring
- Internships and workforce partnerships
- Research collaboration
- Outreach and engagement programming
- Advisory participation and philanthropic support
For partnerships, recruitment, or questions about the strategic plan, please contact
the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Animal & Food Sciences
-
Address
Texas Tech University, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Box 42141, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2805 -
Email
afs@ttu.edu