Longtime faculty member was instrumental in college changes and the establishment of new degree programs
Lynn Huffman, Ph.D., began her role with the College of Human Sciences in 1980. Her first three years were spent in the Food and Nutrition department. With a bachelor's degree in Home Economics Education, a master's in Food Technology, a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology, and holding the Registered Dietitian credential, Huffman was an invaluable asset to the college.
In January 1983, Huffman helped welcome the start of the Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management (RHIM) program as one of the first RHIM faculty members. After two years, the program branched off from Food and Nutrition, and in turn, Dr. Huffman became the RHIM assistant program director, then program director.
Over the next several years, Huffman simultaneously served as interim department chair for many of the college departments. Roles that Huffman says lent to a better understanding of college inner workings.
Dr. Huffman led the former Education, Nutrition, and Restaurant/Hotel Management department as chairperson until January of 2009. After a few department name changes and mergers, she stepped into her final role as the Executive Associate Dean for Academics and Faculty Development.
During her time in the college, Huffman established several undergraduate and graduate degree programs. She also worked closely to develop online learning opportunities through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA) partnership and served on the university distance learning committee.
Huffman was widely known across campus for her mentorship and support of colleagues. The university recognized this, awarding several accolades during her time at Texas Tech. More recently, Huffman was the Distinguished Leadership Award and Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award in 2009. Huffman also served on the Texas Tech Teaching Academy to further expand her desire to help other faculty succeed.
For Associate Dean for Academics and Faculty, Dorothy B. Durband, Ph.D., AFC®, Huffman made quite the impact.
"As I reflect on the people who have been influential in my career in higher education, Dr. Lynn Huffman is definitely one of those people," Durband said. "Lynn mentored me when I entered administration, encouraged me, and helped shape who I am as an administrator."
Since retiring in 2018, Huffman has stayed busy with an active role on an academic accrediting agency and some project-based work with a local K-12 school. Outside of her continued work in education, Huffman enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and family.
"Dr. Lynn Huffman has an exceptional legacy in the college," Dean Tim Dodd said. "Her mentorship and support of graduate students and faculty members continued for over three decades as a department chair and an associate dean. She made an incredible impact on the lives of so many by helping to find resources and providing guidance throughout their career."
After her retirement, Dodd wanted to establish an endowment in Huffman's name to honor her contributions and commitment to mentoring.
"I am honored to have served with her and look forward to fulfilling this tribute to her legacy," Dodd said. "I would also encourage those who benefitted from her support to take part in this recognition."
In order to support faculty in the college in continuing Dr. Huffman's legacy, the College of Human Sciences has established the Lynn Huffman Faculty Support Endowment. If you would like to celebrate the immense impact that Dr. Lynn Huffman left in the College of Human Sciences while empowering current faculty to follow in her footsteps, consider making a gift to the support endowment.