Regional Site News

Eventful Few Months at Hill Country Regional Sites

by Kelly Podzemny

It's been an eventful few months for all three of Texas Tech University's Hill Country area regional sites in Fredericksburg, Junction, and Marble Falls.

NEW DIRECTOR AT TWO SITES

After a national search, Dr. Kelly Fox has been named Director of Texas Tech University Higher Education Teaching Site at Fredericksburg (TTU at Fredericksburg) and Texas Tech University Higher Education Teaching Site at Highland Lakes (TTU at Highland Lakes) in Marble Falls. She has served as Interim Director since August 2014.

"Dr. Fox did a very good job as the interim director, and I believe she will continue to provide the leadership needed for the director's position," Vice Provost Dr. Melanie Hart said. "She knows the communities and has experience building a successful program in the Hill Country. I'm looking forward to working with her in this position."

AWARDS IN JUNCTION

In April, Texas Tech University Center at Junction (TTU at Junction) was awarded a grant for $39,998 from Texas Parks and Wildlife's Community Outdoor Outreach Program. This new funding will provide 250 middle school students access to natural resource and environmental education and conservation programs through TTU at Junction's Outdoor School.

In May, TTU at Junction was selected for the Education and Public Service Award given by the Universities Council on Water Resources. The award recognizes contributions to increase public awareness of water resources development, use, or management.

"We are honored and pleased to be recognized for this national award," Director of TTU at Junction's Llano River Field Station Dr. Tom Arsuffi said. "It reaffirms the Llano River Field Station is making a difference in many positive ways for Junction, Kimble County, the Hill Country, and beyond."

NEW OLLI SCHEDULE POSTED

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) has posted its Fall 2015 schedule of classes to be offered at the Texas Tech University locations in Fredericksburg, Junction, and Marble Falls. OLLI offers non-credit learning opportunities designed for adults aged 50 and older. Topics of classes include gardening, investing, bird watching, and more. To learn more about classes and view the schedule, visit OLLI at TTU's Hill Country website.

TOP GRADUATE FROM MARBLE FALLS

Samantha Sheetz, an employee and student at TTU at Highland Lakes, was ranked as the top-performing student in the Texas Tech University College of Arts & Sciences as a December 2014 graduate. Sheetz is a Marble Falls native and serves as an Administrative Assistant for TTU at Highland Lakes. She graduated with her Bachelor of General Studies, studying the areas of English, Exercise & Sports Science, and Human Development & Family Studies.