Test of Time; AFS leaders unveil sculptured tribute to alum Alvin Davis
Officials with Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources revealed a new sculptural addition to the main entrance of the university's animal and food sciences building today (Sept. 26) during a special noontime ceremony. The bronze bust features Alvin Davis, a Texas Tech alumnus and prominent leader in the cowboy culture and ranching heritage movement.
Davis, who is currently chairman of the American Cowboy Culture Association, received a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from Texas Tech in 1952. While at the university he was president of the Tech 4-H Club and Tech Rodeo Association. In addition, he was director of the rodeo association's first National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association approved rodeo in 1950.
In 2010, Davis was named to the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Recipients are recognized for their lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. The Post native served on Tech's Masked Rider committee for 21 years and was named the first honorary Masked Rider on the collegiate icon's 50th anniversary in 2004.
He was named one of Texas Tech's outstanding animal husbandry alumni, and was the first inductee to the Texas Tech Rodeo Hall of Fame. He was named one of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Distinguished Alumni in 2001.
Following graduation Davis worked as executive vice president and a director at two national banks in the region and later operated a mail-order western awards business and owned several western retail stores. Eventually he returned to Lubbock to serve as executive vice president and general manager of the National Ranching Heritage Center. During that time he founded National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration.
The bust, by sculptor Eddie Dixon of Lubbock, is owned by the American Cowboy Culture Association. In the past Dixon has sculpted numerous historical figures, including Eugene Bullard, the first black combat aviator during World War I, and astronaut Willie McCool. Dixon's sculptures are on exhibit at the National History Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the Pentagon, the Department of the Interior, and a number of other national museums.
Written by Norman Martin
CONTACT: Leslie Thompson, chairman and professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at 806-742-2805 ext 224 or leslie.thompson@ttu.edu
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