A longtime expert in agricultural finance, natural resource economics and farm management has been named the chairman of Texas Tech University's Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Phillip Johnson, a professor and director of the university's Thornton Agricultural Finance Institute, stepped into his new post on Sept. 1, officials report.

"It is an honor to serve as chairman of the department which I have been associated with as a student and faculty member," said Johnson, who also holds the university's Charles C. Thompson Endowed Chair in Agricultural Finance.

In addition to teaching and academic advising, Johnson's research has focused on economic evaluation of water conservation polices and integrated production systems, and financial viability of cotton gins under risk. Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty in 1994, Johnson was the owner-operator of a Parmer County farm and worked as an extension economist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in Ft. Stockton.

He serves on the board of directors of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council and is currently vice-chairman of the Services Division and serves on the Education and Member Services Committee. In addition, he's coordinator of the annual Bankers Agricultural Credit Conference.

Johnson received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from Texas Tech. His doctorate in agricultural economics is from Texas Tech. Awards for Johnson includes the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture's Teaching Award of Merit (2008); President's Excellence in Academic Advising Award (2008); President's Excellence in Teaching Award (2008); and the CASNR Service/Outreach Award (2009). He was inducted into the Texas Tech Teaching Academy in 2002.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or michael.galyean@ttu.edu

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