John Rayfield, a professor in Texas Tech University's Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, recently received Auburn University's College of Education ‘2021 Outstanding Alumni Award.' The honor is presented to graduates of the college who have made outstanding contributions to the profession or the college.

“I am humbled beyond words to be selected for this honor,” Rayfield said. “Thank you to the Auburn University College of Education and their development office for making this such an amazing recognition event.”

Rayfield's research interests focus on the field of experiential learning where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes on experiential learning practice and theory. He has authored or co-authored 46 refereed journal articles. He was recognized for his academic scholarship when his research study was selected as the ‘Outstanding Journal Article for 2019' by the American Association for Agricultural Education's Journal of Agricultural Education. 

Other honors include being named a ‘2021 Integrated Scholar' by the Texas Tech Office of the Provost. Additional recognition includes the CASNR Student Advising Award (2019); Southern Region American Association for Agricultural Education's Distinguished Research Award (2016); TAMU Association of Formers Students Distinguished Teaching Award (2015); Southern Region American Association for Agricultural Education's Outstanding Young Agricultural Educator (2013); Honorary American FFA Degree (2013).

Prior to joining Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources faculty in 2016, Rayfield served as an assistant and associate professor with Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications. The Alabama native received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Auburn University, and his master's degree in agricultural education from the University of Georgia-Athens. His doctorate in agricultural education is from Texas Tech. 

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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