Texas Tech Welcomes Back Dorothy Durband as Associate Dean in Human Sciences

The College of Human Sciences welcomes back Dorothy (Dottie) Bagwell Durband, Ph.D., as the Associate Dean for Academics and Professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning.

Dr. Durband received her B.S. in Family Life and Environment with an emphasis in Human Services from Louisiana State University in 1989 before completing her M.S. in Family Studies in 1997. A few years after finishing her master's degree, Dottie returned to complete her Ph.D. in Resource Management from Virginia Tech in 2000.

With experience as the founding director of the nationally recognized Red to Black® program and the founding chair of Texas Tech University's Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences (CFAS) department, Dr. Durband has gained leadership experience in areas of employee development and training that will benefit Texas Tech and the college.

Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, Tim Dodd, Ph.D., explains that Dr. Durband will oversee academics and faculty development, being highly involved in tenure and promotion, overseeing the development of new academic programs, and leading college initiatives to help the college and departments run smoothly.

"We are very excited to welcome Dr. Durband back to the College of Human Sciences family. She brings her knowledge and experiences to a new role here in Lubbock having previously served as a faculty member and more recently as a chairperson in our college. Dottie will fit very well with the existing administrative team. She has already made a very positive impact and I know the department chairs and faculty are thrilled to have her as part of our college."

Dottie has spent 18 years of her career in higher education with 14 of those years at Texas Tech University. After four years at Kansas State University, Dottie is looking forward to returning to her Red Raider roots.

"My growth as an administrator has been shaped by my experiences with faculty in different content areas in two departments and a school," Dr. Durband said. "I am thrilled to return to a college that was influential to my career and development. Having been mentored by administrators in this college, I am looking forward to doing this for others."

In her new position with the college, Dottie will guide matters of academic programs and procedures, policies, and faculty tenure procedures. She will work closely with department chairs to coordinate the annual faculty review process to ensure that the college is developing and supporting their faculty in ways that drive program interests.

Dottie will also serve in the coordination of graduate program reviews and accreditation processes. Overall, she will seek to ensure that the college is continually promoting teaching excellence and overseeing faculty award processes.

"I will also oversee curriculum needs, assessment, and strategic initiatives for outreach and engaged scholarship," Dr. Durband said.

When asked what she is most looking forward to in the position of Associate Dean for Academics, she pointed to the rich history and traditions of the College of Human Sciences.

"I seek to advance the mission and vision of the college while supporting our faculty and our strategic priorities. I desire to contribute to innovations in a rapidly changing higher education landscape."

Helping colleagues meet their goals is an objective Dottie finds fulfilling. She looks forward to re-engaging with colleagues of the past and present and is excited to meet the new additions to the faculty to see how she can help further their purpose and passion in education.

"I am inspired to be a positive force for others," Dr. Durband explains. "I enjoy discovering what people are passionate about and how I can provide the support and mentoring they need to reach their professional goals."

Welcome back, Dr. Durband!