Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Advisory Board met Thursday (Aug. 19) for a half-day retreat at the university's iconic and newly renovated Dairy Barn, focusing on four targeted research areas. The session included an introductory presentation by CASNR Interim Dean Cindy Akers. 

In addition, the program included a review of Texas Tech's new research focus areas by CASNR's Associate Dean for Research Christy Bratcher, followed by breakout sessions. Topics outlined were energy, climate change, one health, and rural resiliency.

Current members of CASNR's Advisory Board include Bruce Baccus of Horseshoe Bay; Brent Bean of Lubbock; Patrick Brewer of Austin; David Brimager of New Braunfels; Kevin Brinkley of Lubbock; Dwain Bunting of Lubbock; Monty Christian of Lubbock; Sam Cunningham of Amarillo; Chad Dietz of Amarillo; John Duff of Lubbock; and Carol Faulkenberry of Amarillo.

Other members are Tanya Forester of Lubbock; Ernie Gandy of Olton; Ben Holland of Canyon; Norma Johnson of Lubbock; Jeff Klose of Canyon; Will Leone of Plainview; James Ray of Canyon; Kayla Robinson of Lubbock; Mike Simpson of Canyon; Dane Swinburn of Lubbock; and Shawn Wade of Lubbock.

The board is comprised of members who represent the college's departments, along with the college's development and alumni relations office. While members come from varied backgrounds, all share a desire to serve the college and to further the aims and goals of the departments. This, in turn, is expected to improve the resources available to CASNR and its students.

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

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