Darren Hudson, a senior academic leader in Texas Tech’s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, has been named the recipient of the Donald R. Haragan Study Abroad Award, an honor recognizing his role in advancing the university’s global engagement and international education initiatives.
'I receive great satisfaction from seeing students grow as people with confidence through these experiences. I’m also proud of Davis College's commitment and support for international experiences for our students.'
University officials said the award will be presented April 9 at the Global Vision Awards ceremony at International Cultural Center, a hub for cross-cultural programming and international outreach.
“It’s an honor to receive this award for study abroad activities,” said Hudson, Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives & Assessment and the Larry Combest Endowed Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness in the Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics.
“I receive great satisfaction from seeing students grow as people with confidence through these experiences,” he said. “I’m also proud of Davis College's commitment and support for international experiences for our students.”
The award, named for Donald R. Haragan, a former president of Texas Tech University, recognizes excellence in the development and expansion of study abroad programs. Haragan, a civil engineering graduate of University of Texas at Austin, led Texas Tech from 1996 to 2000 and held a range of academic leadership roles during a 36-year tenure.
Carolina Arellanos, assistant director of international relations, said Hudson’s honor reflects the university’s broader commitment to offering students high-quality global learning opportunities through innovative programming and faculty leadership.
Hudson, who joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2008, has built a career focused on agricultural policy, international trade, economic development and consumer behavior. He is a contributor to the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, where he helps produce annual baseline projections for the cotton sector, and he previously served as president of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association.
Over nearly two decades, Hudson has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and nine book chapters, delivered more than 130 invited presentations and secured more than $9 million in research funding. His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and graduate courses, including agricultural policy, agribusiness strategy, risk analysis and food security.
Before arriving in Lubbock, Hudson served on the faculty at Mississippi State University and was a fellow with The Farm Foundation, a nonprofit focused on issues affecting agriculture, food systems and rural communities.
A native of White Deer, Texas, Hudson earned his bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas Tech. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Economic Association and the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
His previous honors include the Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching Award in 2024 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Agricultural Economics Association in 2023, among other recognitions for excellence in teaching and research.
“International experiences are an excellent opportunity for students to expand their understanding of the broader world, gain confidence, and improve their expertise in their chosen fields,” Hudson said. “Davis College is excited to support the development of new international opportunities by our faculty, and these programs will enhance our students’ experiences across the college.”
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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