Tech's Dick Auld, noted plant breeder and professor, retires on May 31
After more than 25 years of highly-awarded teaching, research and administration within Texas Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, Dick Auld has announced that he will retire from his post as Rockwell Endowed Chair and Professor of Plant and Soil Science. His last day will be May 31.
"Dick Auld is one of our iconic figures in genetics and plant breeding, and he has had a profound impact," said Michael Galyean, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
While at Texas Tech, Auld's research has focused on using plant genetics to develop commercial crop varieties which produce unique products with enhanced value. Much of his work has concentrated on developing cultivars of canola, cotton, and minor oilseed crops. His recent projects have centered on the development of industrial oilseed crops for use in the renewable production of biofuels and industrial biopolymers.
"I have enjoyed my time here at Texas Tech, and wish the Department of Plant and Soil Science the very best success as it continues to evolve," Auld said.
Eric Hequet, the chairman of Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, said a retirement reception honoring Auld will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday (May 22) at the department's greenhouse and horticulture gardens complex, just north of the United Supermarkets Arena.
Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty in 1991 as professor and department chairman, Auld served as an assistant, associate and full professor at the University of Idaho. He worked as a graduate research assistant at Montana State University and New Mexico State University. In addition, he served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne.
Auld received a bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy and plant breeding from New Mexico State. His doctorate in plant science, genetics and breeding is from Montana State. He is a member of Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America.
He has been recognized as a Fellow of both American Society of Agronomy and the Crop Science Society of America, and a Distinguished Alumni by New Mexico State. Other awards for Auld include Texas Association of Crop Consultants' Public Service Award; Texas Seed Trade Association's Distinguished Service Award; New Mexico State's Distinguished Army ROTC Graduate; and Big 12 Center for Economic Development's Big 12 "Hero Award."
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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