Outstanding teaching in and out of the classroom has landed Ryan Rathmann, an assistant professor within Texas Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, the Non-Land-Grant Agricultural and Renewable Resources Universities' (NARRU) Distinguished Young Educator Award, university officials announced today (Oct. 8).

"Ryan Rathmann's innovative approach to teaching represents what NARRU's Young Educator Award is all about," said Michael Orth, chairman of Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences. "We couldn't be more pleased that his classroom skills have been recognized."

Rathmann, joined the Tech faculty in 2009 in a general beef cattle position. He teaches multiple undergraduate courses including General Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Genetics, Beef Production, Artificial Insemination and numerous livestock evaluation classes. Rathmann has participated in and led research focused on the use of beta-adrenergic agonist technologies in feedlot cattle. He was named the inaugural holder of the John W. and Doris Jones Endowed Professorship in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences in 2011.

The Bastrop native said he gained inspiration for his teaching philosophy from Howard Hesby and Chris Skaggs during his time at Texas A&M. "Dr. Hesby worked tirelessly to build meaningful relationships with his students through his long career. You knew he cared about you and would go to bat for you when needed if you earned his respect. His network for helping current students get placed into jobs was based on the relationships he had established with his former students" As for Skaggs, "He always set an example of professionalism to follow. He was the first to believe in me and give me a chance to lead students."

Outside the classroom, Rathmann has continued his leadership with the university's national championship livestock judging teams, serving as a coach and faculty advisor. Rathmann is the all-time winningest coach in the 108-year history of collegiate livestock judging having coached seven National Champion teams. In addition, Rathmann has coached five national champion meat animal evaluation teams at Texas Tech. He also coordinates numerous judging related and leadership activities for 4-H and FFA students that serve as key recruiting tools for the college.

Rathmann received his bachelor's degree in animal science and master's degree in beef cattle reproduction from Texas A&M. His doctorate in ruminant nutrition is from Texas Tech. Awards for Rathmann include the CASNR Service and Outreach Award (2013); the Hemphill Wells New Professor's Excellence in Teaching Award (2012); Texas Tech Mortar Board/Omicron Delta Kappa Outstanding Teaching Award (2012); Ag Council's Outstanding Faculty Member of the Semester (2009); CASNR Instructor Award (2009); and the Albert Usener Award (2009).

According to program officials, the purpose NARRU is to be a unifying force for all faculty, students, staff, and administrators of agriculture, food, and renewable resource programs at NARRU state funded, public colleges and universities. NARRU promotes excellence in science-based teaching with hands-on experience in conducting responsive and issue-based research, and in communicating findings to stakeholders and the general public.

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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