Texas Tech Department of Plant & Soil Science Professor Peter Dotray
For more than three decades, Peter Dotray has helped shape weed management practices across one of the nation's most productive cotton-growing regions while teaching generations of students the science behind sustainable crop production. This spring, his alma mater recognized those contributions with one of its highest honors.
'Challenge yourself to learn as much as you can. Work with faculty, become involved in research, attend professional meetings, ask questions and don't be afraid to fail.'
Dotray, professor and Rockwell Chair of Weed Science in Texas Tech's Department of Plant & Soil Science, received the Outstanding Alumnus Award – Academic Track from the University of Minnesota's Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics during a ceremony at Borlaug Hall on the university's St. Paul campus.
The award recognizes alumni whose careers have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership and lasting impact in agriculture. Dotray was honored in the Distinction in Academia category for his research accomplishments, influential scientific publications, extension activities to his producers, excellence in teaching and dedication to mentoring the next generation of plant scientists.
"I have received some nice accolades over the course of my career, but I am extremely proud and excited with this honor,” Dotray said.
“It all started here, and to be able to step back and reflect on the challenges and relationships I had when I was a student, and go back and walk the hallways, visit classrooms, greenhouses, labs, and buildings has been very exciting. I wish I could go back and do it all over again,” he said.
The University of Minnesota, he added, has always been part of his life and he feels fortunate to have learned from outstanding mentors there. “I've tried throughout my career to pay that forward by serving students, colleagues and producers,” Dotray said.
Born and raised in south Minneapolis, Dotray grew up just a few miles from the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. As an undergraduate, he worked in a USDA Agricultural Research Service weed science laboratory, an experience that sparked his interest in agricultural research and eventually led him toward a career in weed science.
After earning a bachelor's degree from Minnesota, Dotray completed a master's degree at Washington State University before returning to his hometown university to earn a doctorate in agronomy, specializing in herbicide physiology. His doctoral research, conducted as part of a multidisciplinary team, helped characterize herbicide-tolerant corn through pioneering tissue culture research.
Dotray joined the Texas Tech faculty in 1993 and now holds a joint appointment with Texas Tech, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
His research focuses on developing effective, economical and sustainable weed management systems for cotton and rotational crops, including corn, sorghum, peanuts and sesame. He also leads efforts to combat herbicide-resistant weeds across the High Plains through integrated management strategies that combine chemical, cultural and mechanical practices.
As an Extension weed specialist serving a 20-county region encompassing approximately 3.5 million acres of cotton, Dotray works closely with producers to translate university research into practical recommendations that improve profitability and long-term sustainability.
Equally important has been his commitment to teaching. Since arriving at Texas Tech, Dotray has taught courses in weed science and herbicide modes of action while mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. A member of the university's Teaching Academy, he also has spent decades teaching RaiderReady, a first-year seminar designed to help students successfully transition to college.
Dotray said watching students grow into successful professionals remains among the most rewarding aspects of his career. "As a classroom teacher, it's satisfying to see former students remember concepts years later," he said. "As a graduate mentor, it's rewarding to watch students develop into critical thinkers who go on to make meaningful contributions in agriculture. And as an Extension specialist, it's gratifying to see growers adopting recommendations that improve their operations."
Throughout his career, Dotray has earned numerous national and university honors recognizing his teaching, research and Extension programs. In 2025, he received the Weed Science Society of America's Outstanding Extension Award, one of the profession's highest recognitions for outreach. His additional honors include the Texas Tech Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teaching Award, Texas Tech Integrated Scholar designation, Davis College Research Award, Davis College Teaching Award, Dow AgroSciences Awards for Excellence in Research and Teaching, the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association Specialist of the Year Award, and the Davis College Service & Outreach Award.
Looking back on the mentors who influenced his own path, Dotray encourages students considering careers in agricultural science to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.
"Challenge yourself to learn as much as you can," he said. "Work with faculty, become involved in research, attend professional meetings, ask questions and don't be afraid to fail. When someone tells you that you can't do something, use that as motivation to succeed."
CONTACT: Krishna Jagadish, Interim Chair and Professor, Department of Plant & Soil Science, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-7953 or kjagadish.sv@ttu.edu
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