Photos: Kadyn Collin
As a new academic year began at Texas Tech, the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources gave more than 680 students an early opportunity to discover what happens beyond the classroom.
At the college’s annual Ag Fest, held Sept. 2 at the Department of Animal & Food Sciences’ Livestock Arena, 48 student organizations gathered to introduce themselves to new and returning students and offer a glimpse into the communities, competitions and leadership opportunities available across Davis College.
“Ag Fest brings together students to kick off our academic year,” said Chloe Krause, advisor for the Davis College Student Agricultural Council and Davis College event coordinator.
Photos: Kadyn Collin
Hosted by the Davis College Ag Council, the early-evening event combined music, food and conversation, creating an informal setting for students to meet representatives of Davis College clubs, organizations and competitive teams.
Also on hand was animal science major Sofie Jones, Texas Tech’s 65th Masked Rider, adding another familiar face from the university community to an evening centered on student involvement and connection.
Krause stressed that the evening reflected the character of a college where academics and student life are closely intertwined. Live country-and-western music provided a backdrop for the gathering, while hot dogs and sausage wraps gave students, faculty and staff a reason to linger and talk.
“Ag Fest is a discovery of what opportunities we have within Davis College,” said Ag Council President Uriel Rosales.
Rosales, of Jacksonville, leads the Ag Council with Vice President Michael McBroom of Haskell, Secretary Leddie Leech of Albany, Treasurer Cade Preston of Aledo and Reporter Aubree Peralez of Muleshoe.
The council is part of a larger network of people working to connect students with Davis College and with one another.
Photos: Kadyn Collin
Faculty and staff from the college’s seven academic departments were represented at the event, along with members of the college’s academic leadership team, including Dean Clint Krehbiel, Erica Irlbeck, associate dean for outreach and engagement, and Robert Cox, associate dean for academic and student programs.
The event also brought students into contact with the people whose work begins before a student joins a club and continues throughout an academic career: the Davis College Student Success Center staff.
The center, under Cox’s leadership, brings together professionals whose responsibilities include recruitment, advising, retention and academic support.
At Ag Fest, students had an opportunity to meet Sandra Addo, assistant director for recruitment and career development, and Cash Martin, the newest member of the Student Success Center team.
Martin‘s role, like those of the other Student Success Center staff members, reflects an increasingly broad understanding of student success; one that extends beyond grades and graduation requirements to include belonging, engagement and connections to the college community.
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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