A broad-based leadership team from Texas Tech's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources gathered this week for a series of presentations and discussions aimed at developing a strategic vision and goals for achieving ‘Prime' in teaching, research and outreach/engagement in the coming years.
The three-day retreat (Jul. 30-Aug. 1) was hosted at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, Texas. The ‘Pursuit of Prime' strategic initiative is an ambitious goal to be in the top 10 percent in every area, not just in the beef realm.
“The first five years of our second century will truly be transformational,” said Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel. “As leaders, we have a once in a career opportunity to lead the college in a way that sustains the future of food, fiber, and the communities we serve.”
“Our growth toward prime will occur through new and improved infrastructure; strong academic programs; student, alumni, and stakeholder success; basic and transformative research and innovation; outreach and engaged scholarship; and leaders who develop a trust and inspire culture.”
The retreat launched Wednesday with presentations from Texas Tech's upper administration that included:
- Five-Year Vision for Texas Tech University: Expectations for Davis College – President Lawrence Schovanec
- Opportunities for Advancing the Academic Mission at Texas Tech University: Vision for Davis College Contributions to Future Priorities and Goals – Provost Ron Hendrick
- Priorities for Research in West Texas: Vision for Davis College Contributions to Advancing Discovery and Translational Science – Vice President for Research & Innovation Joe Heppert
- Building a Culture of Outreach & Engaged Scholarship at Texas Tech University: Vision for an Engaged Davis College – Texas Tech Vice Provost for Outreach & Engagement Rod Williams
- Follow-Up on the Insiders Look at the Campaign for Texas Tech University: How Davis College Positions for Success – Vice President for University Advancement Byron Kennedy
Later in the day the sessions turned to the Davis College leadership team with Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives & Assessment Darren Hudson discussing ‘Strategic Initiatives and Assessment: Securing the Future for West Texas;' Associate Dean for Academic & Student Programs Robert Cox focusing on ‘Aligning with the Strategic Enrollment Plan and the Pursuit of Prime;' and Associate Dean for Research Noureddine Abidi detailing ‘Building a Culture of Scholarly Excellence.'
The following day Associate Dean for Outreach & Engagement Erica Irlbeck spoke on how the college is ‘Growing in Mission,' while Senior Director for Administration & Finance Laci Hardman presented a ‘Budget Overview: Leveraging Resources to Enhance the Mission;' Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications Linay Williams addressing recent efforts of ‘Telling Our Story' and Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation Cele Stone outlining ‘Integrating Teaching, Research and Outreach and Engagement Missions.'
Throughout the program were breakout table group discussions by the 34 participants and summaries of observations. The day ended with a review of Davis College fund-raising priorities by Assistant Directors for Development Shelbey Havens and Tyler Schuster.
One of the early highlights of the Davis College retreat was the tour of the School of Veterinary Medicine led by Dean and Professor Guy Loneragan. A native of Australia, Loneragan showcased the 243,000 sq. ft. facility's modern classrooms, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and student support areas. A side trip took participants to the school's Mariposa Station. Located two miles northwest of campus, the facility is designed for hands-on instruction with domestic livestock, including horses.
The first veterinary school in Texas in more than a century, the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine officially welcomed its first class in 2021. With an early recruiting and admission focus on selecting students who have life experiences rooted in rural and regional communities across Texas and New Mexico, the school maintains a goal of producing veterinarians who will, upon graduation, serve rural and regional areas, where the need for all types of veterinary service is immense and growing.
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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