The Ryan and Kayla Rathmann Pursuit of Excellence in Livestock Judging Endowment was established in 2010 by members of the 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Livestock Judging Teams in honor of Ryan and Kayla Rathmann. Proceeds from the endowment support graduate and undergraduate scholarships, teaching enhancement, research needs, judging teams, and student and alumni activities related to the livestock judging and meat evaluation teams.

During his academic tenure at the university the Bastrop native has always been passionate about developing successful students both in and out of the classroom. Ryan Rathmann teaches an array of classes in introductory animal science, animal breeding and genetics, management of beef production systems, artificial insemination in cattle, and multiple animal evaluation courses. He coordinates numerous judging related and leadership activities for 4-H and FFA students that serve as key recruiting tools for the college. He also serves as a professional livestock judge at livestock events both internationally and domestically.

Ryan has participated in beef cattle research focused on feedlot nutrition, carcass composition and muscle growth. One of his long-term research goals is to provide a greater understanding of the bridge between livestock selection technologies and subjective evaluation principles in order to make animal breeders and marketers more precise in their decision making.

He has continued his leadership with the university"s national championship livestock judging teams, serving as a coach and faculty advisor. Under Ryan"s leadership his livestock judging teams have garnered seven national championships in the eight years he has coached, three at Texas A&M University and six at Texas Tech. Ryan is the all-time winningest coach in the 100 plus year history of collegiate livestock judging. He has coached five national champion meat animal evaluation teams at Texas Tech.

Ryan received his bachelor"s degree in animal science and master"s degree in beef cattle reproduction from Texas A&M. His doctorate in ruminant nutrition is from Texas Tech. Awards for Rathmann include the Davis College Instructor Award (2009); Albert Usener Award (2009); and Davis College Outstanding Professor Award (2010). He joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor.

Kayla Rathmann grew up in Garden City, and she received her bachelor's in agricultural development and her master's in agricultural education from Texas A&M University. She began working for Texas Tech University in 2006 as a student recruiter for the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources" Dean"s Office. In 2007, she transitioned to the role of coordinator of student and alumni programs within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. She is directly responsible for over 400 students visiting campus each year for events and programs she oversees. In addition to recruiting, she teaches senior seminar, is the Block and Bridle Club adviser, helps fundraise for judging teams, finds internships for students, and organizes banquets. She also advises 50 students each semester.

Ryan and Kayla were recognized for their outstanding service to the meat judging program at Texas Tech with the 2009 "Albert Usener Award." Awarded since 1998 in memory of Albert Usener, the award honors the person who has made the most significant contribution to the meat judging program since the last time the award was presented. Kayla has received the Ag Council Outstanding Staff Award in 2007, 2011, and 2017, and the 2018 President"s Excellence in Academic Advising Award.

To support this scholarship, “Give Now” online.

Contact

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

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

Shelbey Havens
shelbey.havens@ttu.edu
Assistant Director of Development
806.834.1108