Awards from NAADA's 2026 Publications & Projects Competition | Photo Norman Martin
Texas Tech's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources earned national recognition this month, capturing two awards at the National Agricultural Alumni & Development Association's (NAADA) 51st Annual Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The 2026 awards underscore Davis College's continued commitment to innovative communications, student engagement and alumni outreach, while highlighting the college's ability to tell the stories of its people and programs.
The honors came as part of NAADA's 2026 Publications & Projects Competition, a peer-reviewed contest that highlights excellence in communications, alumni engagement, student outreach and related programs among colleges and universities across the country.
The awards continue a tradition of success for Davis College, whose communications, recruitment and alumni relations initiatives have regularly garnered national attention among agricultural institutions.
The 2026 awards underscore Davis College's continued commitment to innovative communications, student engagement and alumni outreach, while highlighting the college's ability to tell the stories of its people and programs on a national stage, said Sandra Addo, program coordinator and the college’s assistant director for recruitment and career development.
Tracee Murph, assistant director of alumni relations for Davis College, added that the college has a history of top wins in the annual competition. “It’s exciting to be recognized among our fellow colleges of agricultural and related sciences from across the country in this peer-reviewed competition,” said Murph, who also serves as NAADA Board of Directors’ Communications & Marketing Chair.
NAADA officials noted that the annual competition recognizes the creativity, innovation and impact of professionals working to advance agricultural education and outreach. The contest showcases exemplary projects that strengthen connections among students, alumni, industry partners and the broader agricultural community.
Among the Davis College award recipients were:
- Davis College 30 Under 30 | First Place -- Campaigns: Alumni. Coordinated by Sandra Addo, assistant director for recruitment and career development. The inaugural Davis College 30 Under 30 program was honored for its campaign recognizing a distinguished group of young alumni whose accomplishments are helping shape the future of agriculture, science, business and community leadership. The initiative celebrated graduates selected for their academic achievement, professional success and contributions to their communities and industries. The program represented a wide range of disciplines across Davis College.
- The Agriculturist | Second Place --Print Media: Magazine Produced by Students. The Agriculturist, coordinated by Lindsay Kennedy, assistant professor of practice and Patti Peck Wood Endowed MILE Program director, serves as a showcase for the work and accomplishments of Davis College students, faculty and alumni while providing hands-on professional experience for student contributors. Through feature stories, profiles and reports on research and outreach, the magazine highlights the college's influence across agriculture and natural resources while helping graduates remain connected to their alma mater. Allie Herring, a spring 2025 graduate from Franklin, Texas, led development of the 100-page issue.
Founded more than 50 years ago, NAADA provides professional development, advocacy and recognition for individuals and organizations serving land-grant and agricultural institutions throughout North America. Its membership includes communications professionals, alumni relations specialists, development officers and volunteers dedicated to advancing agricultural education.
"NAADA's goal is to serve both our universities and the broader agricultural community by providing education, support and recognition to professionals and volunteers dedicated to advancing agriculture and related disciplines through land-grant and partner programs," said NAADA President Paula Beecher.
CONTACT: Tracee Murph, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2802 or tracee.murph@ttu.edu
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