Davis College Advisory Board

Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Advisory Board is comprised of 24 members who represent the college's departments, along with the college's development and alumni relations office. While members come from varied backgrounds, all share a desire to serve the college and to further the aims and goals of the departments. This, in turn, is expected to improve the resources available to Davis College and its students. Serving on the board are:

Biographies

Mackenzie Allison of Klondike, Texas (Agricultural Education & Communications / 2023-2026)
Agricultural Science Teacher / Klondike Independent School District

Allison received a bachelor's degree (2010) and master's degree (2012) in agricultural communications from Texas Tech. Allison teaches agricultural science at Klondike High School, where she has coached six state champion teams and three national champion teams in FFA Milk Quality and Greenhand Chapter Conducting. Her students have earned multiple $20,000 scholarships through Texas FFA and have served as district and area officers. Allison serves as teacher president of the Mesa FFA District. During her time at Texas Tech, Allison served as president of the department's Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow chapter and was the banner bearer at graduation for the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. Contact: (806) 577-2328 or Mackenzie.allison@klondikeisd.net

Tim Bargainer of Georgetown, Texas. (Landscape Architecture / 2022-2025)
Senior Vice President, Solutions Leader for Placemaking / Halff Associates, Inc.

Bargainer received a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from Texas Tech (1992) and was in the 2022 class of Distinguished Alumni for the Davis College. Prior to taking in his current post, he worked at Richardson Verdoorn, Baker-Aicklen & Associates, and the BWM Group. He is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. He was appointed in 2020 by the Governor to serve on the board for the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners and is currently Vice Chair. Recent honors include the American Trails Award of Excellence (2004). Contact: (512) 777-4568 or tbargainer@halff.com

Brent Bean of Amarillo, Texas (Plant & Soil Science / 2021-2024)
Director of Agronomy /United Sorghum Checkoff Program

Bean received a bachelor's and master's degrees in crop and weed science from Texas Tech (1981, 1983). His doctorate in weed science is from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to his current position, he served as professor and extension agronomist with Texas A&M Research and Extension, and director of agronomy with NexSteppe in Hereford, Texas. He is a recognized expert in dryland and irrigated production of corn, grain and forage sorghum, energy sorghum and wheat. He has a demonstrated ability to conduct agronomy field research and convey technical information to a wide range of audiences, and is knowledgeable with hands-on experience in growing soybean and cotton. Contact: (806) 674-0006 or brentb@sorghumcheckoff.com

Bryan Bernhard of Lubbock, Texas (Animal & Food Sciences / 2022-2025)
Senior Nutritionist / Zoetis

Bernhard is a senior nutritionist on the Zoetis beef team and supports customers and nutritionist in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. Previously, he was on faculty at Texas Tech in a teaching and research capacity. He earned both his bacholor's degree in animal science master's degree in ruminant nutrition degrees from Texas Tech. His doctorate in ruminant nutrition is from Oklahoma State University. In 2022, he was honored as the Advanced Graduate of Distinction from the Davis College Animal & Food Sciences Department. He was raised near Seguin, Texas, but currently lives in Lubbock, Texas. Contact: (830) 305-3739 or bryan.bernhard@zoetis.com

Patrick Brewer of Austin, Texas (Plant & Soil Science / 2022-2024)
Vice President & Division Manager / Bartlett Tree Experts

He received his bachelor's degree in horticulture from Texas A&M University (1982). Brewer has more than 25 years' experience in arboriculture, horticulture and soil management. As division manager for an international tree care business, he has grown southwest division territory by adding five new markets and tripling sales within six years. Brewer has conducted and participated in educational programs that promote responsible tree care and its impact on communities and the environment. Currently, he is serving as president of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and is a member of the editorial board for Arborist News. Contact: (512) 900-3528 or pbrewer@bartlett.com

David Brimager of New Braunfels, Texas. (Natural Resources Management / 2021-2024)
Chief Operating Officer / Texas Wildlife Association

Brimager received a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries management from Texas Tech (1996). He is also a Certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society. Brimager previously held positions as TWA Director of the Texas Big Game Awards, and later Marketing Director and Director of Public Relations. He has coordinated TWA's annual convention, directing the Texas Big Game Awards program, managing various statewide TWA events and director of advertising. He was appointed to the TPWD's Texas Game Warden Advisory Board (2020), and Texas Tech Llano River Field Station Advisory Board (2022). He is the Boone & Crockett Club's Official Measurer. Honors include a Davis College Distinguished Alumni Award (2021) Contact: (210) 862-0182 or DBrimager@texas-wildlife.org

Kevin Brinkley of Lubbock Texas (Agricultural & Applied Economics / 2021-2024)
President & CEO / Plains Cotton Coop Association

Brinkley received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural and applied economics from Texas Tech (1986, 1989). Since 2015, he has been the president and CEO of Plains Cotton Cooperative Association in Lubbock. PCCA originates and markets cotton produced by its grower-owners located in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. After graduation, he joined the staff of the National Cotton Council and was promoted to an economist position in NCC's Memphis headquarters in 1989. In 2000, he was named The Seam's VP of marketing and business development before moving to senior VP in 2011 and CEO in 2015. He was selected as a Davis College Distinguished Alumni (2019). Contact: (806) 763-8011 or kevin.brinkley@pcca.com

David Buckmeier of Mountain Home, Texas. (Natural Resources Management / 2022-2025)
Director / Texas Parks & Wildlife Department- Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center

Located near Ingram, Heart of the Hills is home to the research section of TPWD's Inland Fisheries Division. The facility's research improves fisheries management, and explores what is not yet known about fish, their environment, and current and potential anglers. In addition to conducting independent applied fisheries research, it provides guidance and support for projects conducted by fisheries managers and hatcheries staff. The research aims to conserve aquatic resources and provide better fishing for the people of Texas. The work provides valuable knowledge about fish age and growth, behavior, ecology, genetics, and reproduction. Administrators, biologists, and hatchery managers use this information to make strategic decisions. Contact: (830) 866-3356 or david.buckmeier@tpwd.texas.gov

Dwain Bunting of Lubbock, Texas (Veterinary Sciences / 2021-2024)
Owner / L. Dwain Bunting, LLC

Bunting received his bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science and nutrition from Texas Tech (1980, 1982). His doctorate in nutrition and biochemistry is from the University of Kentucky. Bunting is a results-oriented ruminant nutritionist with broad experience in domestic and international sales, product development, and technical support of complex portfolios. Prior to his current position, he served as Ruminant Technical Support Manager with ADM Animal Nutrition; Ruminant Product & Technical Manager with Trouw Nutrition; Ruminant Technical Support Manager with Alliance Nutrition; in addition to teaching and conducting research for a decade at Louisiana State University. Contact: (806) 543-0002 or dwainbunting@suddenlink.net

Ashley Cash of Lubbock Texas (Development & Alumni Relations / 2022-2025)
President & Manager / CCC Capital Solutions

Cash received her bachelor degrees in of business administration and Spanish from Southern Methodist University. In addition to her work CCC Capital Solutions, she serves as manager of CX5 Partners, CX5 Holdings and CCC Oil & Gas. She also co-manages family ranches and other investments through the Cash Family Office. Cash serves on the Board of Quest Trust Company in Houston. In the past she has served on the Boards of The National Ranching Heritage Association, and the March of Dimes Midland Chapter. She also has done volunteer service with the United Way of Amarillo, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity-Midland, as well as Lubbock Impact and March of Dimes-Lubbock. Contact: (806) 500-7210 or ashley@cx5partners.com

Monty Christian of Lubbock, Texas (Plant & Soil Science / 2021-2024)
Executive Director / TTU Office of Research & Innovation

Christian comes from a farming/ranching background in Kansas, and earned his bachelor's and master's degree from New Mexico State University. Today, he has a half-time appointment with the Texas Tech Office of Research & Innovation. Over the course of his long career, he focused on connectivity and innovation throughout his tenure with several companies, concluding with BASF as the Vice President of Global Cotton Seeds. He was with Bayer CropScience for more than 15 years, serving in different roles including Marketing Director for Cotton and U.S. Vice President of Commercial Cotton Seeds & Traits. Contact: (806) 317-2667 or monty.christian@ttu.edu

Sam Cunningham of Amarillo, Texas (Natural Resources Management / 2021-2024)
Otolaryngologist/ENT / BSA Hospital

Cunningham, an Amarillo-based otolaryngologist, is the president of the Texas Bighorn Society, and is active in the conservation of Desert Bighorn Sheep and their habitat. He has implemented several research projects with the Department of Natural Resources Management on DBS genetics, disease and habitat preservation. He is also a member of the Boone & Crockett Club, and serves on NRM's Wildlife Committee. He received his bachelor's degree in Microbiology from Texas Tech, and his Master of Science degree and Doctorate in Molecular Biology degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch - Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Galveston. He completed medical school and residency at UTMB, as well. Contact: (806) 282-6889 or scunningham@quailcreekent.com

John Duff of Lubbock Texas (Agricultural & Applied Economics / 2021-2024)
Founder / Serō Ag Strategies on behalf of National Sorghum Producers

Duff received a bachelor's degree in agribusiness (2012) and MBA (2021) from Texas Tech. Following his undergraduate studies, he joined the National Sorghum Producers and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. He remained there for 11 years under multiple titles, including Renewables Program Director, Strategic Business Director and most recently, Executive Vice President. In August 2022, he launched Serō Ag Strategies, a boutique sustainability consultancy that bridges the gap between farmers and their supply chain partners. Duff is the author of Sorghum Focus, a monthly column that has a circulation of approximately 180,000 readers. He was the recipient of the Davis College 2022 Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Contact: (806) 638-5334 or john@sorghumgrowers.com.

Carol Faulkenberry of Canyon, Texas (Animal & Food Sciences / 2021-2024)
Regional Trade & Business Development Representative / Texas Department of Agriculture

Faulkenberry received her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech (1989). She has a background of agriculture production, marketing, communications, risk management education and rural economic development throughout Texas. In her role at Texas Department of Agriculture, she provides network representation and assistance to county and local governments, stakeholders, state commodity groups, GO TEXAN partners, communities, businesses, and community organizations. She also serves as a resource to local, state, and federal entities. Faulkenberry serves on the Texas 4-H Foundation board as well as the Fort Worth Stock Show board of directors. Contact: (254) 595-0092 or carol.faulkenberry@gmail.com

Ben Holland of Canyon, Texas (Veterinary Sciences / 2021-2024)
Director of Commodity Strategy & Business Development / Cactus Feeders

Holland received his bachelor's degree in animal science from Texas Tech (2004). He obtained his master's and doctorate in animal nutrition from Oklahoma State and MBA from West Texas A&M. At Cactus Feeders, he directs the procurement of feedstuffs and risk management around feedstuffs for Cactus' 10 feedyards. He works to identify and analyze business development opportunities, and has directed cattle nutrition, health, and production research. Prior to joining Cactus in 2015, Holland was an Extension Feedlot Specialist at South Dakota State University and in livestock technical services with Merck Animal Health. Contact: 806-420-9484 or ben.holland@cactusfeeders.com

Jarrod Miller of Lubbock, Texas (Animal & Food Sciences / 2021-2024)
Business Manager / Praters Foods

Miller received his bachelor's degree in animal science (2001), master's degree in meat science (2005) and a master's of business administration (2015) from Texas Tech He started at Praters in 2014 as the quality assurance manager. Since then, he has been involved in a number of roles at the plant and currently serves as the business manager. Miller is chairman of the board for the Southwest Meat Association. Contact: (806) 788-2305 or jmiller@usmmanufacturing.com

Dusty Moore of Abernathy, Texas (Agricultural Education & Communications / 2022-2025)
CEO / iCEV

Moore received his bachelor's degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech (2003). He was named CEO of iCEV in 2020. iCEV, is one of the nation's leading provider of career and technical education curriculum and instructional materials. Moore has been a part of iCEV since 2002, starting as a student production coordinator. In 2011, Moore was promoted to president of iCEV. Throughout his years at iCEV, Moore has worked in every department within the company. The experience allowed him a strong perspective as he transitioned to the company's leader. Moore is a board member of the Texas FFA Foundation. Contact: (806) 470-3862 or dusty.moore@cevmultimedia.com

Brandie Blodgett Mustian of Weatherford, Texas (Development & Alumni Relations / 2022-2025)
Retail Division and Brand Manager / 6666 Ranch

Mustian was raised on the Four Sixes Ranch in Guthrie,Texas. Today, she has the unique opportunity to expand the Four Sixes brand through retail strategies. After receiving a bachelors degree in agricultural communications 1999), she spent over a decade in animal pharmaceutical sales. She left this career to start a company focused on serving several agriculture industry clients with promotional strategies, business development and promotional products. She serves on the Cowboy Heritage Association Board. Contact: (817) 694-4440 or brandie@6666ranch.com

Kayla Robinson of Lubbock, Texas (Agricultural & Applied Economics / 2021-2024)
Chief Operating Officer/ AgTexas Farm Credit Services

Robinson received her bachelor's degree in agricultural and applied economics, and a master of business administration from Texas Tech (2004, 2015). She began her career with AgTexas Farm Credit in 2003, and has since held positions as a credit officer, Regional VP of Credit, and Senior VP of Human Resources. In 2021, she was promoted to COO, and beginning in January will be CEO. Established in 1934, AgTexas Farm Credit is a rural lending cooperative that provides competitively priced and reliable credit to Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural property owners. Robinson is a member of the Davis College Matador Institute of Leadership Engagement Program Advisory Committee. Contact: (806) 745-4575 or kayla.robinson@agtexas.com

Dane Swinburn of Lubbock Texas (Development & Alumni Relations / 2021-2024)
Owner / Turtle Creek Outfitters (Tulia, Texas)

He received a bachelor's degree in wildlife and fisheries management from Texas Tech (2001). In 2003, Swinburn launched Turtle Creek Outfitters, a guided hunting business near Tulia, Texas, that primarily provides upland hunts for dove, pheasant and quail, along with waterfowl hunts for duck and goose on land that he is farming and ranching. The hunting season runs from September to mid-February. The farm/ranch operation centers of growing cotton, wheat and some grains, along with raising cattle. In addition, Swinburn commutes from his home in Lubbock, where he is involved in real estate and residential rentals. Contact: (806) 441-4868 or daneswinburn@yahoo.com

John Van de Pol of Amherst, Texas (Veterinary Sciences / 2021-2024)
Owner / Red Rock Dairy

Van de Pol owns/operates Red Rock Dairy, a large multi-generational family dairy/farm in Amherst, Texas. He serves a first vice chair on the Texas Association of Dairymen Board of Directors. Contact: (806) 543-2731 or redrockdairy92@gmail.com

Shawn Wade of Lubbock, Texas (Agricultural Education & Communications / 2021-2024)
Director of Policy Analysis & Research / Plains Cotton Growers

Wade received his bachelor's degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech (1990). The Lubbock native joined PCG in 1991 as communications director. His primary responsibilities include farm policy, crop insurance and research. Today, he monitors how current programs are working once they are passed, helps PCG members understand how they work, as well as how proposed changes to those programs might impact them at the farm level. Wade also works with cotton researchers, helping to guide and advise on new projects that address key industry needs through programs such as the Plains Cotton Improvement Program and the Cotton Incorporated State Support Program. Contact: (806) 792-4904 or shawn@plainscotton.org

Kim Wolf of San Antonio, Texas (Landscape Architecture / 2022-2025)
Landscape Architect & Principal / RVK Architecture

Wolf received her bachelor's degree in landscape architecture from Texas Tech in 1980. She is a recognized professional landscape architect and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. She is accredited in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. Wolf joined San Antonio's RVK Architecture in 1990, after having her own design business. She has been a principal since 1998, and leads the firm's landscape architecture studio. Born and raised in San Antonio, she is a board member for both The Ecumenical Center and the Hollywood Park Community Association. Wolf also serves as a Japanese Tea Garden committee member for the San Antonio Parks Foundation. She is a recipient of a Southern Home Award from Southern Living magazine.