Understanding today's undergraduate, deliberating development needs, and presentation of annual awards honoring superior service highlighted the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' faculty retreat, held Aug. 20 at Texas Tech University's United Spirit Arena and the National Ranching Heritage Center.

The retreat program was keynoted by Mel George, president emeritus of the University of Missouri System Administration, who led an in-depth program on understanding today's undergraduate and a discussion about generations, specifically what's known as the millennials or Gen Y.

Millennials. There is no consensus over the exact birth dates that define Gen Y, also known by some as echo boomers. Narrower definitions put Gen Yers as those ages 16 to 27, born from 1978 to 1989. Generation X was born roughly 1965 to 1976.

Gen Y is considered the fastest-growing segment of the workforce "" growing from 14% of the workforce to 21% over the past four years to nearly 32 million workers. They also make up a critical part of Texas Tech's student body and it's important for faculty to better understand their culture, motivations and goals, George said.

Perspectives. Meanwhile, a CASNR undergraduate student panel presented their personal perspectives and anecdotes related to better engaging students in the classroom. Members of the student panel included Lonnie Hill, Amanda Delgado, Abigail McCulloch, Tanner Irwin and Ashley Larkin.

Separately, Valerie Paton, Texas Tech's Vice Provost for Planning and Assessment, discussed learning outcomes assessment and presented a status report on the university's positive progress related to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Following a luncheon, John Burns, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources presented a "State of the College" address. He was followed by Bill Marcy, provost of the university, who made a "State of the University" presentation.

Development. The retreat program was completed with a panel discussion of development strategies and opportunities by leaders of Texas Tech's Office of Institutional Advancement staff and members of CASNR's Office of Development and External Relations.

Panel members were Kelly Overley, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement; Scott Cooksey, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development; Amy Fox, Director of Corporations & Foundations; Jane Piercy, CASNR Director of Development and External Relations; and Jeremy Brown, CASNR Development Officer.

This was followed by a meeting of members of the CASNR Advisory Board and the CASNR Administrative Council. Among those representing the board were Sammie Bricker, Jim Conkwright, Kathy Lust, Jack Miller, Jim Pendell, and Dale Swinburn.

Awards. CASNR's faculty retreat program was capped off later that evening with a western dinner "" complete with cowboy boots, hats and other range attire "" at the National Ranching Heritage Center, just north of the main campus. During the evening's program 10 members of the faculty and staff were recognized and honored with 2008 CASNR awards.

Among the recipients were:"Teaching Award: Cindy Akers, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications"Research Award: Eric Hequet, Department of Plant and Soil Science"Junior Faculty Award: Todd Brashears, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications"Service/Outreach Award: Steve Fraze, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications"Student Advising Award: David Wester, Department of Natural Resources Management"Instructor Award: Marty Middleton, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics"Staff Award: Sandy Gellner, Department of Animal and Food Sciences"Staff Award: Danna Murfee, Department of Natural Resources Management"Research Staff Award: Suwen Pan, Department of Plant and Soil Science"Research Staff Award: Kirk Robinson, Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Written by Norman Martin

Editor's Note: For more photography related to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' faculty retreat, please click on http://www.depts.ttu.edu/agriculturalsciences/CASNRinPhotos.php