Charles West, Texas Tech University's Thornton Distinguished Chair in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, has been named a '2020 Integrated Scholar' by the university's Office of the Provost. The specialist in forage systems research is one of nine faculty members from across the faculty to receive the prestigious annual honor.

Integrated Scholars are faculty members who demonstrate the desire and commitment to advance Texas Tech's mission to educate and serve while achieving significant success in combining teaching, research and service. Each Integrated Scholar has demonstrated the ability to combine the result of their scholarship and creative activities into high-quality learning experiences for students.

"Dr. West integrates all aspects of scholarship with a strong outreach visibility in his own scientific field of grass-based livestock production and at the regional level to assure sustainable water supplies for the region's economy," said Glen Ritchie, chair of Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science.

"These [Integrated Scholars] are special people who have a remarkable ability to infuse what they do in the classroom with their scholarship and creative energy," added Texas Tech Provost and Senior Vice President Michael Galyean. "Moreover, they understand that the classroom and their professional activities can be extended beyond normal borders and become a force for service to our community and beyond. These unique individuals make Texas Tech a special place for our students and for their colleagues."

Last year a group of CASNR researchers led by West received funding from the USDA as part of a continuing cooperative agreement on the efficient use of water in agriculture. The consortium was awarded $213,568 from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. This funding will be used to conduct studies specifically targeted for water efficiency practices on the Great Plains that lie over the Ogallala Aquifer, a major source of irrigation for crops and livestock.

West joined Texas Tech in 2012 after 28 years on the University of Arkansas faculty where he was a Professor of Forage Ecophysiology. Today, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the management, ecology and research techniques of forage crops and pastures.

Separately, West provides administrative leadership of the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation, a consortium of agricultural producers, water districts, government agencies and researchers to refine and transfer irrigation technology to make efficient use of water supplies. He is also director of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' Water Center.

Results of West's research have been published in many refereed journal articles. He's written more than 15 book chapters, and has co-edited two books, in addition to serving as associate editor of Crop Science and the Journal of Production Agriculture. West received his bachelor's and master's degrees in agronomy from the University of Minnesota. His doctorate in agronomy is from Iowa State University.

Current CASNR faculty members who are Integrated Scholars include:

• Ryan Williams (2019) associate professor, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics who holds a joint appointment with Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• Courtney Meyers (2018) professor and graduate studies coordinator, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications
• Noureddine Abidi (2017) Leidigh Professor, Department of Plant & Soil Science, and Managing Director of Tech's Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute
• Darren Hudson (2017) professor and Combest Endowed Chair in Agricultural Competitiveness, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics
• Scott Burris (2016) professor and department chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications
• Peter Dotray (2015) Rockwell Chair of Weed Science, Department of Plant & Soil Science with joint appointment with Texas A&M Agrilife Research & Extension Service
• Guy Loneragan (2012) professor of food safety and public health, Department of Animal & Food Sciences
• Cindy Akers (2011) associate dean for academic and student programs, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
• Mindy Brashears (2009) professor of food microbiology and food safety, Department of Animal & Food Sciences

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

0414NM20