Monica Hightower has been selected to lead contract and grant proposal administration within Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Dean's Office. She officially stepped into her new post on Monday (Feb. 8), and will be housed in Texas Tech's iconic and newly renovated Dairy Barn in the heart of the university campus.

"Monica brings a variety of skills that well-positions her to support our faculty in their grant writing activities," said Christy Bratcher, CASNR's Associate Dean for Research. "It is exciting to have this longtime friend of CASNR, who has a passion for our programs, join our team."

Among Hightower's goals are developing a needs assessment to better understand faculty areas of concern; working to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations; and providing training sessions for faculty that include specific strategies to enhance the quality of their proposals.

"I look forward to working with CASNR faculty and staff to develop quality proposals that will help fund and implement a variety of research projects in agriculture and natural resources," Hightower said. "It will be a special treat to serve the university that contributed so much to my life, and I am honored to be joining CASNR for this opportunity."

Hightower's position includes providing pre-award support and assistance to CASNR faculty and staff in preparation of applications for external funding, including preparation of proposal forms, coordination with sub-awardees, assembly of high-quality grant proposal packages, and submission.

The Wichita Falls native will work directly with faculty and staff to ensure compliance of proposals with Texas Tech and sponsor policies, as well as program solicitations. In addition, she will assist faculty with the preparation of the narrative for the proposals and in development of collaborative teams.

Prior to joining the CASNR Dean's Office, Hightower served as executive director and chair of the board for the National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration, Inc., and director of finances for Lubbock Rent All & Supply, Inc.

She also worked as founder and president of Cornerstone Group, Inc., a developer of agricultural education video programs and support materials, documentaries, commercials, tradeshows and marketing materials, as well as serving as event and site manager for Farm Progress Companies and the Southwest Farm & Ranch Classic.

Hightower received her bachelor's degree in animal business management from Texas Tech. Recent honors include being named a CASNR Distinguished Alumni (2013), Texas Tech Department of Animal and Food Sciences Hall of Fame (2011); and serving as a member of CASNR's Advisory Board (2015-2018).

She also was honored with a YWCA Women of Excellence Award-Business (2016); Texas Tech Department of Animal and Food Sciences Albert Usener Award for Outstanding Service (2010); and Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year (2008).

CONTACT: Christy Bratcher, CASNR's Associate Dean for Research, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Christy.Bratcher@ttu.edu

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