A lasting commitment to teaching has garnered a veteran Texas Tech University educator and expert in equine assisted therapy and equine science the 2018 NARRU (Non-land-grant Agriculture and Renewable Resources Universities) Distinguished Educator Award, university officials announced today (Sep. 11).

Heidi Brady, a professor with Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, received the award during a special presentation during the NARRU Fall Conference at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro. Brady's research areas focus on hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine management.

"I'm so honored to receive this award," Brady said. "Teaching means so much to me, and it is a privilege to stand with the other Texas Tech faculty who have received this award."

Brady, who joined the Texas Tech faculty in 1995, previously served as an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. She received her bachelor's degree in biology and history of art from the University of Virginia, and her master's degree in animal industries from Pennsylvania State University. Her doctorate in physiology of reproduction is from Texas A&M University.

She is a Diplomate with the American College of Animal Physiology in the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists; and is a certified therapeutic riding instructor within the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International organization. She has co-authored two textbooks, "The Comprehensive Guide to Equine-Assisted Therapies and Activities" and "Horses in the American West: Portrayals by Twenty Four Artists."

Texas Tech has had tremendous recent success in the NARRU Award categories, said William Brown, dean of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Among those recently receiving honors are:
• Thayne Montague, associate professor, Department of Plant and Soil Science; Distinguished Educator Award (2017)
• Chance Brooks, professor and associate chair, Department of Animal & Food Sciences; Distinguished Educator Award (2016)
• Erica Irlbeck, associate professor of agricultural communications, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications; Distinguished Young Educator Award (2015)
• Ryan Rathmann, associate professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences; Distinguished Young Educator Award (2014)
• Courtney Meyers, associate professor of agricultural communications, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications; Distinguished Young Educator Award (2013)

According to NARRU program officials, the purpose of the organization 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, issue-based research and communicating findings to stakeholders and the general public.

CONTACT: William Brown, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or william.f.brown@ttu.edu

0911M18 / PHOTO by Jessica Stanton