Alex Yack has been named Senior Director of Development for Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He officially stepped in his new position on Monday (Nov. 1).

“We're excited to have Alex join our amazing team,” said CASNR Interim Dean Cindy Akers in a note to the college's faculty and staff. “He'll be responsible for raising major gifts for the college by managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, while leading our development team.” 

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is responsible for raising funds for scholarship and program support, as well as facilities and research efforts within the college. Thanks to their efforts, CASNR has a total endowment of more than $79.5 million and notable projects include completion of the Bayer Plant Science Building and renovation of the Texas Tech Dairy Barn, Akers said.

In addition, part of CASNR's Office of Development and Alumni Relations mission is to help individuals stay connected, informed, and involved with the CASNR community, whether that person earned an undergraduate or graduate degree, are the parent of a current student, or are simply interested in the mission of the college.

“I would like to thank Dr. Akers, Byron Kennedy, and Kris Wood for the opportunity to join the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources family,” Yack said. “I look forward to connecting and engaging with alumni and friends to advance the many opportunities for our students and faculty.” Kennedy is Tech's Vice President of University Advancement, and Wood is Associate Vice President in TTU Advancement.

Prior to joining the CASNR staff, Yack served as Texas Tech University Athletics' Director of Development for Major Gifts where his primary responsibility was soliciting philanthropic support for the ‘Campaign for Fearless Champions.' which impacted every student-athlete and sport for Texas Tech Athletics. Earlier he served as Assistant Director for Annual Giving at the Red Raider Club, and worked in multiple development and marketing roles at the U.S. Air Force Academy Athletic Department. 

The Jacksonville, Florida native received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi, and his masters degree in sport administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

Other members of CASNR's Office of Development and Alumni Relations staff include:

Matt Williams (2017) Associate Director of Development. Prior to joining the CASNR, Williams served in several marketing roles within the Texas Department of Agriculture for some 18 years. He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from Texas Tech, and is a graduate of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program.

Tanner Rex (2021) Assistant Director of Development. Following graduation with a bachelor's degree in management from Texas Tech's Rawls College of Business in 2018, Rex worked as a business development specialist in Austin before joining Texas Tech University Advancement in 2020, where he facilitated fundraising efforts university wide. 

Tracee Murph (2011) Coordinator of Alumni Relations. Murph is responsible for keeping alumni and friends of the college connected and up to date on news, as well as event management and production of the Landmarks magazine, among other duties. She is also the building and event manager for the Texas Tech Dairy Barn. She received her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech in 2009. 

Peggy Espinoza-Horn (2015) Coordinator of College Development. She is responsible for providing support in the coordination and implementation of programs in Development and Alumni Relations. In addition, she provides administrative support to the Development Team. Prior to joining CASNR, she worked over 15 years at CASA of the South Plains Inc., a non-profit volunteer organization. She is a graduate of West Texas A&M University. 

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

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