At Davis College, we are building momentum. With over 3,500 students and a 3.5% annual enrollment growth since 2014, our community is thriving. Research funding has surged from $8 million to $19 million in the same timeframe, positioning us as a global leader in agricultural innovation. But maintaining this trajectory—and securing our future—requires more than growth. It demands investment in state-of-the-art facilities that empower our students, faculty, and staff to lead with excellence.

This is why we are embarking on a bold initiative: creating a Hub for Excellence for Davis College. This transformational new facility will be the heart of our living laboratory of agriculture, landscapes, and natural resources, where students and faculty collaborate on solutions to the grand challenges facing our world.

What the Hub for Excellence Offers:

• The Davis College Dean’s Office, Development, and Administrative Centers
• The Bill Bennett Student Success Center
• Raider Red Meats Retail Food Court and Davis College “Swag” Store
• A display of “All Things West Texas” Agricultural, Resource, and Food Products
• The Landscape Architecture Garden Display
• A Multi-Purpose Conference and Outreach Space for Conferences and Events
• State-of-the-Art Classrooms
• High-Technology Collaborative Research Labs
• Student, Faculty, and Staff Collaborative Learning Spaces

By investing in this vision, you help Davis College continue to lead as a hub of innovation and collaboration, preparing the next generation of leaders and innovators to make a lasting impact on West Texas and beyond. Together, we can inspire progress and prosperity for generations to come.

The Texas Tech Equestrian Center is a cornerstone of excellence for Davis College and the broader community, serving as the home for our Texas Tech Ranch Horse Team, Rodeo Team, Equestrian Team, and Horse Judging Teampractices. This premier facility also hosts numerous competitive events throughout the year and provides essential stall space for students who bring their horses to campus. Beyond competition, the center is a beacon of wellness and community engagement, housing the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides transformative services to individuals of all ages.

As the demand for equestrian events, training, and community programs continues to grow, the current facility is in need of significant upgrades to sustain its vital role in our region. To address these needs, we are embarking on a transformative project to scale the Equestrian Center into a world-class facility.

Plans for Expansion Include:

• Rodeo Fieldhouse: $2.5 million

• Rodeo Arena: $25 million

• Ranch Horse Barn: $2.5 million

• Kris Wilson Arena: $2.5 million

• Peanut Arena: $1.5 million

• Stall Barn: $3.3 million

• Site Improvements: $2.7 million

• Total: $40 million

Additionally, we aim to establish $10 million in endowments to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the center.

The enhanced Equestrian Center will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support our competitive teams, accommodate students who rely on stabling their horses, foster community engagement, and expand opportunities for youth and wellness programs. This investment will solidify Texas Tech’s position as a leader in equestrian excellence and provide transformative experiences for students, athletes, and the community alike.

The Davis College Livestock Arena

The demand for livestock-related competitions, youth programs, and learning opportunities has grown beyond the capacity of our current facilities. With increased interest in youth engagement and animal-related events, the existing Livestock Arena is no longer sufficient to meet the needs of Davis College and our community. Furthermore, this space is essential for the expansion of the Gordon W. Davis Meat Science Laboratory and Raider Red Meats, key initiatives for Davis College's future.

To address these needs, we are excited to announce plans for a new Davis College Livestock Arena. This state-of-the-art, multi-species facility will serve as a cornerstone for teaching, outreach, and youth development, positioning Davis College as the regional hub for livestock activities.

At Davis College, we believe in fostering a competitive spirit that drives growth, learning, and achievement. The new Livestock Arena will embody this ethos, serving as the premier venue for youth competitions, camps, and educational events while creating transformative opportunities for Davis College students and the community.

What the New Livestock Arena Offers:

• A Hub for Youth Programs and Competitions:
  Texas Tech hosts numerous youth programs, 4-H/FFA competitions, and livestock camps. This new facility will strengthen Davis College’s role as a leader in youth development while expanding recruitment opportunities for future Red Raiders.

• Enhanced Student Learning and Engagement:
  The arena will support hands-on education for Davis College students, enabling them to gain real-world experience in animal handling, event management, and agricultural outreach.

• Community Impact and Regional Value:
  The arena will be a showpiece for the region, providing a venue for livestock events, conferences, and community gatherings. Its multi-species capacity ensures it can support diverse events and foster greater collaboration within the agricultural community.

The future of West Texas depends on the future of agriculture. As the backbone of our economy and communities, agriculture faces mounting challenges: climate variability, resource conservation, and the need for sustainable economic development. At Davis College, we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on through cutting-edge research, transformative education, and impactful outreach.

The New Deal Farm will be the premier research and learning center for integrated crop and livestock systems, helping to build a more climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and economically sustainable future for agriculture in West Texas and beyond.

Investing in the Future of Agriculture

By supporting the development of the New Deal Farm, you are contributing to a facility that will:

• Enhance Climate Resilience:
  Develop and test innovative practices to help agricultural producers adapt to changing weather patterns and conserve precious natural resources like water and soil.

• Advance Integrated Systems Research:
  Combine the best of crop and livestock production strategies to create holistic systems that maximize efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.

• Support Rural Communities:
  Provide economic development opportunities and practical solutions that empower producers and strengthen rural economies across West Texas.

• Educate the Next Generation:
  Equip students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, preparing them to be leaders in solving the grand challenges of our time.

Nestled in the heart of West Texas, the newly designated Texas Tech Botanical Gardens represent a bold new chapter in research, teaching, and community engagement for Davis College. More than just a garden, this space is a living, breathing classroom—where innovation meets inspiration.

The Botanical Gardens will serve as a dynamic center for:

• Cutting-Edge Research in plant science, horticulture, soil health, and water conservation.

• Experiential Teaching that gives students hands-on experience in sustainable landscape design, plant care, and environmental stewardship.

• Community Engagement through educational programs, public tours, youth activities, and outreach events.

• Events and Celebrations in a beautiful, accessible space that brings together campus and community for weddings, lectures, and special gatherings.

As a designated botanical garden, this space will elevate Davis College’s role as a leader in landscape and natural resource innovation while opening doors to exciting new opportunities:

• Inspire the Public: Offer a space where families, school groups, and community members can learn about native plants, pollinators, sustainable gardening, and the value of natural ecosystems.

• Elevate Student Experiences: Create a one-of-a-kind learning environment that prepares students to be industry-ready landscape architects, scientists, and environmental leaders.

• Advance Research: Support faculty-led studies in plant resilience, greenhouse technologies, climate adaptation, and water-wise landscaping.

• Host Memorable Events: From community celebrations to university gatherings, the Botanical Gardens provide a stunning and flexible venue unlike any other on campus.

The vast grasslands, iconic sunsets, and grazing cattle define the spirit of West Texas. These wide-open spaces are not only the historic lifeblood of our region and culture but also home to diverse wildlife habitats and plant species that sustain generations of Texans.

At Davis College, we are committed to preserving this heritage through teaching, research, and outreach that emphasizes environmental stewardship, land management, and sustainable practices. Our mission is to expand economic opportunities, preserve natural resources, and engage the public in the benefits of these essential activities.

Davis College has been entrusted with invaluable gifts of farms and ranches that provide hands-on learning and research opportunities. However, to fully realize the potential of these land assets, we need critical investments in modern classroom and conference facilities that will enable us to:

Enhance Educational Impact:
Equip students with real-world skills in range and wildlife management, preparing them to be leaders in environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

Expand Research Opportunities:
Conduct groundbreaking research on habitat conservation, wildlife management, and sustainable grazing systems that address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Foster Public Engagement:
Host conferences, workshops, and community events that showcase the benefits of range stewardship and educate the public about the vital role of open spaces in West Texas.

Strengthen Economic Opportunities:
Support rural economies by developing innovative practices that balance profitability with sustainability, benefiting landowners and communities alike.

Davis College has a proud legacy of excellence in meat science and industry innovation. With XX National Championships in Meats Judging and the renowned Raider Red Meats products and catering, our program has earned national and international acclaim. But to remain a leader in this field and to prepare the next generation of professionals, we must continue to innovate and expand.

Each year, the Gordon W. Davis Meat Laboratory serves as a hub for education, research, and outreach:

• 1,000+ 4-H and FFA students participate in community, state, and national events.

• 2,000+ Texas Tech students benefit from hands-on learning experiences.

• 1,500+ professionals attend clinics and workshops to advance their skills.

• 1,000+ college students from other institutions engage in competitions, meetings, and conferences.

Despite this remarkable impact, demand for our facilities exceeds current capacity. To ensure we continue to meet the needs of our students, the industry, and the public, we must expand and modernize.

Expanding Opportunities, Facing New Horizons

The meat industry is evolving rapidly, challenged by shifting consumer demands, scarce resources, and a shrinking labor force. At Davis College, we are committed to preparing the next generation of industry leaders to meet these challenges with innovation and excellence. The Gordon W. Davis Meat Laboratory Renovation and Expansion will:

• Increase Capacity and Safety:
  Expand harvest, fabrication, and cold storage areas, integrating state-of-the-art equipment while meeting USDA and national safety standards.

• Enhance Student and Worker Environments:
  Build new facilities for health, safety, and collaboration, ensuring a supportive learning and working environment.

• Modernize Retail and Fulfillment:
  Add a retail/restaurant space and expand product preparation and shipment capabilities to meet the growing demand for Raider Red Meats.

• Advance Humane Animal Handling:
  Upgrade animal handling and receiving facilities to prioritize safety and humane practices.

• Promote Sustainable Practices:
  Install advanced mechanical and wastewater treatment systems to reduce the water footprint of animal processing through water recycling and nutrient capture.

At Davis College, students are at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our vision for teaching, we are committed to producing ethical, engaged leaders who achieve disciplinary and technical excellence. Our graduates are critical thinkers and effective communicators, prepared to meet the needs of West Texas and beyond—now and in the future.

To achieve this vision, we must continue to recruit and retain top-tier students, faculty, and staff while providing high-impact programs that equip students for the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce.

Currently, 45% of Davis College students receive scholarships. Our goal is to increase that to 60%, enabling us to aggressively recruit and retain the best students in the state and region. Scholarship support not only eases the financial burden for students but also fosters excellence in academics and leadership.

In addition to general scholarships and faculty endowments, Davis College offers high-impact programs that shape the leaders of tomorrow:

Matador Institute for Leadership Excellence (MILE):

A two-year program offering experiential learning with business, political, and academic leaders at the state and national levels. This selective program has a proven record of driving student success, career placement, and personal growth.

Excellence in Agricultural Finance (EIAF):

A selective program that cultivates high-quality talent for the agricultural finance industry. Students gain hands-on experience in banking, insurance, risk, and wealth management, often collaborating with the Rawls College of Business on specialized programs in banking and real estate.

Institute for Agricultural and Natural Resource Policy Excellence:

This program prepares students across all Davis College disciplines to advocate for agriculture and natural resources policy. Students take part in specialized courses and opportunities, culminating in a one-year fellowship at a state or federal government agency—helping to place Red Raiders at the forefront of policy decisions.

Congressional Internship Program:

Supporting this program enables Davis College students to intern in federal and state legislative offices. Recognized as a leader in D.C., Texas Tech’s internship program offers students unmatched learning experiences, professional networks, and career opportunities while enhancing the college’s reputation at the highest levels of government.