Members of the Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Advisory Board convened Feb. 13 at the National Ranching Heritage Center for a strategic review of the college’s Pathway to Prime initiative and an update on major construction efforts, including a proposed flagship facility intended to anchor the college’s next phase of growth.
The advisory board is composed of 24 members representing the college’s seven academic departments, alongside its development and alumni relations office. They are drawn from diverse professional backgrounds and share a common commitment.
The session centered on an assessment of the college’s “Pathway to Prime” initiative – a strategic framework guiding academic, research and outreach priorities – as well as an update on construction plans for a new building and other facilities projects poised to reshape the college’s physical footprint.
Davis College Dean Clint Krehbiel opened the meeting with welcoming remarks, framing the advisory board’s role as both reflective and forward-looking. He was followed by Darren Hudson, associate dean for strategic initiatives and assessment, who outlined the goals and progress of Pathway to Prime, emphasizing alignment across departments and a sharpened focus on impact at the state and national levels.
The afternoon moved into a series of subcommittee discussions, each addressing a core pillar of the college’s mission. Academic enhancement efforts were reviewed under the facilitation of Maeley Stroupe, associate director for student success.
University engagement initiatives were presented by Erica Irlbeck, associate dean for outreach and engagement. Matt Williams, senior director of development, led conversations on development, alumni relations and marketing, while Noureddine Abidi, associate dean for research, guided updates on state and federal engagement.
Attention then turned to funding strategies for the proposed building and other capital projects, with Hudson, Krehbiel and Williams outlining timelines, priorities and fundraising approaches. The meeting concluded with a summary of key action items, led by Krehbiel, aimed at translating discussion into measurable progress.
Krehbiel noted that the advisory board is composed of 24 members representing the college’s seven academic departments, alongside its development and alumni relations office. Drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, members share a common commitment to strengthening the college’s resources and expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Current members of the Davis College Advisory Board include Mackenzie Allison of Lamesa; Tim Bargainer of Austin; Bryan Bernhard of Lubbock; David Brimager of New Braunfels; David Buckmeier of Mountain Home; Ashley Cash of Lubbock; Monty Christian of Lubbock; Clint Cryer of Wolfforth; and Sam Cunningham of Amarillo.
Other members are John Duff of Lubbock; Casey Hildebrant of Lubbock; Ben Holland of Canyon; Billy Huston of Northlake; Tim Lust of Lubbock; Jarrod Miller of Lubbock; Dusty Moore of Abernathy; Brandie Mustian of Weatherford; Curtis Schafer of Monte Vista, Colorado; Carley Triplett of Lubbock; John Van de Pol of Amherst; and Kim Wolf of San Antonio.
The advisory board meeting coincided with the Davis College Spring Faculty Assembly, also held at the National Ranching Heritage Center, underscoring a shared moment of reflection and planning as the college looks toward its next chapter.
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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