Aaron Jennings, an experienced judging team coach, has been named an instructor in Texas Tech University's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, according to officials with the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He officially stepped into his new teaching post on Sept 1.

A native of Fredonia, Jennings grew up in a ranching family that owned a cow/calf operation and a sheep production enterprise for students' 4-H and FFA projects. Jennings attended Texas A&M University for his bachelor's degree, and then interned with Elanco Animal Health before moving to the South Plains. He recently graduated from Texas Tech with his master's degree in animal science.

In addition to lecturing in courses such as Introduction to Animal Science, Livestock and Meat Evaluation, Animal Breeding and Genetics, and Sheep and Goat Production, he'll be working on research and coursework to complete his animal science doctorate.

"My research is in growth and development of beef cattle and wool judging keeps me connected to the sheep industry, so it really allowed me to continue my involvement in these two interests," Jennings said. His responsibilities as an instructor include serving as the coach for the department's wool judging teams. During his time as a master's student, he led previous Texas Tech wool judging teams to top finishes in several national competitions.

Written by Kelsey Shaw

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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