Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources officials announced today (Mar. 22) that William "Bill" Brown, a nationally-recognized administrator and researcher, is stepping down due to health issues as dean of the historic academic unit at the university. Brown joined CASNR in April of 2018.

"Bill clearly left his mark on the CASNR family, and his work over the past three years has set the college on a path to continued success that will pay dividends for many years to come," said Michael Galyean, Texas Tech Provost and Senior Vice President.

"Under Bill's leadership, CASNR made great strides in all aspects of its mission," he said. "Student enrollment growth continues to set records. I am particularly excited about the accomplishments in research that have resulted from programs and practices that Bill initiated."

Two specific programs that stand out in Brown's tenure are his launch of a new CASNR Faculty Fellows Program, a year-long program of presentations to assist in their transition to the faculty. Topics include advising and 'at risk' students; sponsored research; academic integrity, work-life balance and human resources; creating a culture of excellence in research; service learning and community engagement; and general council and international programs.

Another administrative highlight is Brown's development of a new faculty appointments document, allowing faculty to be better evaluated in terms of their research and teaching activities. The program is designed to allow better balance between departmental needs and expertise of individual faculty members, since not every faculty member has the same strengths.

"We're indebted to Dr. Brown for his service to CASNR and for the strategic counsel he has provided on so many issues critical to our success," said Cindy Akers, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs. "He leaves an outstanding legacy and tremendous record of service."

During Brown's tenure CASNR continued a decade-long track record of strong growth. Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, CASNR again attained a record enrollment with 2,806 students last September. That includes 2,399 undergraduates and 407 graduate students. At the time Brown noted, "Now is a great time to be a TTU CASNR student."

Prior to joining Texas Tech, Brown served as the dean for research and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee since 2008. His office provided support and oversight to all research activities within the UTIA while coordinating with academic programs and extension within seven academic departments.

As director of the UTIA, Brown was responsible for overseeing approximately 170 faculty members and 10 AgResearch and Education Centers across Tennessee, helping facilitate research collaborations with University of Tennessee colleges of engineering and arts & sciences.

Brown earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, his master's degree from the University of Tennessee and his doctorate from the University of Nebraska. His research concentration is in ruminant nutrition. Brown is active in national leadership roles with the Experiment Station Committee on Policy, serving as chairman of the budget and legislative committee and chairman of the National Research Support Program-1 NIMMS.

CONTACT: Cindy Akers, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or cindy.akers@ttu.edu

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