Steeley Smith, a standout master’s graduate student from Texas Tech University’s Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, has been appointed as the student regent for the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents for the 2023-24 academic year. She becomes the 18th student to serve on the Board of Regents and the sixth student from Texas Tech.

“Steeley is driven, ambitious and hard-working – all characteristics that will serve her well as the student regent,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “Her involvement as a student at Texas Tech and experience working in various government and public service offices will greatly benefit Steeley in this role.”

The Mason, Texas native has long ties to Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, receiving her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication in 2021. A year later she was awarded a master’s degree in media and mass communications from the College of Media and Communication in 2022.

Smith earned a pair of minors in agribusiness and political science during her undergraduate studies and graduated magna cum laude. She was a President’s List and Dean’s List recipient and a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society and Texas Tech Terry Scholars. In addition, she received ‘Top 10 Freshmen’ recognition during her first year.

Separately, she served as advertising sales manager for The Agriculturist, an agricultural communications student publication, winning a pair of national honors for feature writing and student publication. Smith also was involved with ‘Agriculture Future of America’ and attended several conferences across the country.

In addition to her agricultural economics graduate academic tasks, Smith now serves as coordinator for the Texas Tech Government & Public Service Internship Program. She oversees networking and business development with U.S. and Texas capitol offices and organizes and manages student interns who represent Texas Tech in Washington, D.C., and Austin. As an undergraduate Smith served as a public policy intern for U.S. Rep. Michael Conaway (R-TX-11).

CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu

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