News & Events

Texas Tech University at Hill College Host Johnson County Jamboree

By Jessica Thomas, Section Manager

On May 25, Texas Tech University at Hill College set the stage as it hosted the first Johnson County Jamboree. Located at the Chisholm Trail Rustic Venue, in Cleburne, the event showcased Texas' very own Spur 327 Band with food catered by Hambones.

Lewis Snell, director of Texas Tech at Hill College, says the Johnson County Jamboree was created not only to raise awareness about Texas Techs' programs in Cleburne and invite local Red Raiders for an evening of entertainment, but also to raise funds for student scholarships.

Founded in 2010, Spur 327 is a four-piece band based in Lubbock, Texas. This country/classic rock band started as a cover dance band playing a wide variety of hits. They recently opened for Ronnie Milsap and Clay Walker, in addition to releasing their first album, Dodging Armadillos. The band includes Heath Stewart, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Andy Hackney, lead guitar and vocals; Tyge Payne, bass guitar and vocals; and Todd Chambers on drums. Both Payne and Chambers are Texas Tech faculty.

Beyond everyone having a great time, the Johnson County Jamboree was a good start to increase awareness of the Texas Tech brand in Johnson County.

"The food, entertainment and venue were all first-rate," Snell said. "I have heard only positive things about the evening."

The goal was to raise awareness, involve the local alumni base and raise funds for student scholarships for students traveling to Lubbock or remaining in Johnson County to complete their degree.

"We should have 50 students enrolled in the TTU Hill College program this fall," Snell said. "We will also be celebrating our third graduating class."

Snell is already thinking about hosting the event again next year, hoping to make this an annual event. He enjoys the opportunity to connect the Hill College administrators, TTU at Waco faculty and administrators and Texas Tech alumni such as Cathy White, owner of Chisolm Trail. Lewis stated that she was great to work with and made the event possible.

"There is a lot of potential for growth in Johnson County and we have now expanded to have advisors at both Hill College in Cleburne and Hill College in Burleson," he added.

Snell said combining Red Raider supporters, good food and great live music made the event a success. "We look forward to hosting future events promoting Texas Tech University at Hill College."