The Richard and Donna Ridgway/James LaMunyon Chancellor's Council Scholarship Endowment was established by Richard and Donna Ridgway in 2006. The scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.

Richard Lee Ridgway received a Bachelor of Science degree in agronomy from Texas Tech University in 1957 and was awarded master's and doctorate degrees in entomology from Cornell University in 1959 and 1960, respectively. He began his professional career with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and later served on the graduate faculty at Texas A&M University. From 1963 to 1997, he served in research and leadership positions with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service in both College Station, Texas and Beltsville, Md. He made scientific contributions to biological insect controls, regulation of pesticides, and pest management. He forged USDA's policy that led to Beltwide Boll Weevil Eradication. He traveled extensively while consulting with international organizations such as the Agency for International Development, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Richard was the recipient of the Geigy Recognition Award for Outstanding Contributions to Agriculture, the USDA Science and Education Award for Special Achievement, and the USDA Superior Service Unit Award, among others. He authored, edited or co-edited numerous publications including four books, and he continues as a member of several professional societies.

Dr. Ridgway served as the president of the Charles Valentine Riley Memorial Foundation where he initiated a partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the World Food Prize Foundation “to promote a broader understanding of agriculture and to demonstrate the importance of scientific knowledge.” This partnership conducts an annual distinguished lecture in Washington, DC. The lectures inspired a related round table showcasing exemplary collaborations. A food safety project from Texas Tech was one of eight projects featured at the round table.

Because of Richard's family history and his role as managing partner for farms in Terry County, he was asked by the City of Brownfield to coordinate the development and construction of Hamilton Park, named after his grandfather who settled in Terry County in 1902, with the theme, “A Rich Heritage and Promising Future.” In addition to this and other community activities, Richard served in several leadership positions with the United Methodist Church.

Richard and his wife, Donna, were members of the Texas Tech Chancellor's Council and regular attendees at Texas Tech's homecoming. He was devoted to his Texas Tech Red Raiders. In 2012, he received the TTU Davis College Gerald W. Thomas Outstanding Agriculturalist Award for Public Service. Richard dearly loved his family, church, traveling and playing with his grandchildren.

Dr. Ridgway died on February 13, 2020 in Flower Mound, Texas surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Allie (Hamilton) and Weldon Ridgway. Richard grew up on his family's cotton farm in Brownfield, Texas and was valedictorian of Brownfield High School's Class of 1953. He was married to the love of his life, Donna (Newsom) Ridgway, in 1957 and was married for 62 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene Ridgway. In addition to his wife, he was survived by daughters Susan Ridgway Esposito and her husband Raymond and Sharon Ridgway Mankin and her husband Dwight, grandchildren Blake Mankin (Meagan), Emily Mankin Baxter (William), Austin Mankin (Kirby), Amy Esposito and Eric Esposito, and great-grandchildren Rivers and Baker Mankin, Hadley Baxter, and Harvey Mankin, sister-in-law Barbara (Newsom) Paddackand nieces and nephews Jay Paddack (Angie), Laura Paddack Childs (Andrew), Danny Ridgway (Ursula), Lynna Ridgway McFarland (Dan) and a great niece and several great nephews.

To support this scholarship, please visit the Richard and Donna Ridgway/James LaMunyon Chancellor's Council Endowed Scholarship gift page.

Contact

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

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

Tanner Rex
tanner.rex@ttu.edu
Assistant Director of Development
806.742.2802