Texas drivers are helping a talented group of Texas Tech students earn an agriculture-based degree by purchasing license plates bearing the proud image of a cotton boll. The program is the result of an opportunity provided through the Texas Transportation Code, which allows organizations to design and sell specialty license plates to raise funds for worthy causes.

"We're grateful for the vision and implementation of the cotton boll license plates," said Michael Galyean, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. "The scholarship money generated by these license plates provides much needed monetary support for our students."

In 2012, Texas Cotton Producers made $6,385 available for scholarships. Among the Texas Tech recipients are:
"Jessica Burner, an agricultural economics/general business major from San Angelo
"Whitney Keith, an agribusiness major from Lincoln
"Shelbi Knisley, a agricultural economics/general business major from Lubbock
"Erin Nissen, an agricultural and applied economics major from Mosca, Colo.
"Bailey Nutt, an agribusiness major from Dimmitt
"Dominique Ramirez, an agricultural and applied economics major from Arlington
"Kelsey Stokes, an agricultural and applied economics major from Afton
"Kelsey Watring, an agricultural and applied economics major from Lubbock
"Johnathon White, an agribusiness major from Bremond
"Stephany Wines, an agribusiness major from Lubbock

Cotton Producers, Inc., who distributes the money between Texas Tech and Texas A&M University to provide scholarships to agriculture students, has been raising money for scholarships in this way since 2004. The program is the result of an agreement between the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Cotton Producers, Inc., who distribute the money between Texas Tech and Texas A&M University to provide scholarships to agriculture students.

Purchasing a cotton boll plate is a great way to support the future of the cotton industry, noted an official with the Texas Cotton Ginners Association. From the $30 specialty plate fee, officials noted that $22 goes to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for educational grants on behalf of the Texas Cotton Producers, Inc., for the sole purpose of providing college and university scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agricultural fields related to the cotton industry.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Lybby Brown, Unit Coordinator-Scholarships, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or lybby.brown@ttu.edu

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