Two outstanding faculty members from Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources recently received awards for their quality teaching and advising. One of the ceremonies was hosted by the university's Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement which honored Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science Thayne Montague on Thursday (Apr. 30) at the university's McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

• President's Excellence in Academic Advising Award. Montague is an associate professor of horticulture in Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science with joint appointment with Texas AgriLife Research. Montague received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his master's degree from Auburn University. His doctorate is from Utah State University. Since joining the Tech faculty in 1999, his research has focused on physiology, plant/microclimate interactions, and drought tolerance of woody ornamental plants, grapevines, and olives.
• Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center Faculty Spotlight Award. Cindy Akers is CASNR's Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs, and a professor in Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. A nationally-recognized agricultural communications educator, Akers earned her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications, master's degree in agricultural education and doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech. She joined the Texas Tech faculty in 1997, and has served in several leadership roles from superintendent of the National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event and chair to Tech's Teaching Academy.

The Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center has a mission to support the university's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Located in the northeast corner of the University Library, it coordinates several programs targeted to provide faculty, instructors, and graduate students with support and guidance to help them implement new teaching strategies. The program also hosts a variety of workshops including webinars, trainings, and professional development sessions.

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

0505NM15 / PHOTOS: (top to bottom) Cindy Akers and Thayne Montague