Texas Tech University

Meat Science Alumni and Supporters

Each year the Meat Science Program honors outstanding alumni and supporters of the program at the annual Meat Science Recognition Banquet during homecoming weekend. The past award recipients listed below have each made a significant contribution to the Meat Science Program. We recognize their pursuit of excellence and thank them for their selfless contributions.

Meat Science Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

  • 2022: Greg Schilling
  • 2021: Alex Brandt, Ph.D. 
  • 2020: Kristina Butts
  • 2019: Tim Tatsch
  • 2018: Janeal Yancey, Ph.D.
  • 2017: Jason Behrends, Ph.D.
  • 2016: Ken Cable
  • 2015: Gretchen Hilton Mafi, Ph.D.
  • 2014: Larry Meadows
  • 2013: Randy Hines, M.S.
  • 2012: Bradley Price, M.S.
  • 2011: Deidrea Mabry, M.S.
  • 2010: Jeff Lansdell
  • 2009: Micah Butler
  • 2008: Mandy Carr, Ph.D.
  • 2007: Paul Heinrich
  • 2006: Tom Maynard
  • 2005: Molly McAdams
  • 2004: Wade Davenport
  • 2003: Kara Farmer
  • 2002: Ted Montgomery, Ph.D.
  • 2001: Kenneth Bell
  • 2000: Andrew Clarke
  • 1999: Bob Brown
  • 1998: Terry Rolan
  • 1997: Richard Hawkins, Ph.D.
  • 1996: Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D.
  • 1995: Hugo Irizarry
  • 1994: Tommy Wheeler, Ph.D.
  • 1993: Monica Hightower
  • 1992: Jeff Owen
  • 1991: Jim Law
  • 1990: Ferris Hightower
  • 1989: Ron Kersh
  • 1988: Mark F. Miller, Ph.D.

Albert Usener Award Recipients

  • 2022: Sam Jackson, Ph.D
  • 2021: Dusty Moore
  • 2020: American Meat Science Association
  • 2019: Joe David Lehmberg
  • 2018: Stanley Young
  • 2017: Scott Pohlman
  • 2016: Eddie Behrends
  • 2015: Jodie Pitcock
  • 2014: Darrell & Susan O'Quinn
  • 2013: Larry & Leslie Woolley
  • 2012: Tim Tatsch, M.S.
  • 2011: Kevin Pond, Ph.D.
  • 2010: Monica Hightower
  • 2009: Kayla and Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D.
  • 2008: Stacy Gilbert Smith
  • 2007: Gretchen Hilton
  • 2006: William F. Bennett, Ph.D.
  • 2005: Kelly Adams
  • 2005: Bryan King
  • 2004: Roger Green
  • 2003: Jeff Lansdell
  • 2002: Eddie Behrends
  • 2001: James Henderson
  • 2000: C. Boyd Ramsey, Ph.D.
  • 1999: Mark F. Miller, Ph.D.
  • 1998: Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D.

Meat Head of the Year Award Recipients

  • 2022: Rodolfo "Rudy" Muro-Felix
  • 2021: Trevor Caviness 
  • 2020: Kyle Mahagan 
  • 2019: Mike Piellucci
  • 2018: Tom Maguire
  • 2017: Brian Sikes
  • 2016: Tate Corliss 
  • 2015: Loni Woolley Lucherk
  • 2014: Travis O'Quinn, Ph.D.
  • 2013: San Antonio Livestock Exposition, Inc.
  • 2012: Rod Polkinghorne
  • 2011: John Hutcheson, Ph.D.
  • 2010: John M. Burns, Ph.D.
  • 2009: Chance Brooks, Ph.D.
  • 2008: William F. Bennett, Ph.D.
  • 2008: Coach Bob Knight
  • 2007: Jennifer Ritz
  • 2006: Scott Cooksey
  • 2005: Dale Woerner
  • 2004: Kevin Pond, Ph.D.
  • 2003: Michael Jaks
  • 2002: Bryan King
  • 2001: Kelly Adams
  • 2000: Bradley Price
  • 2000: Gretchen Hilton, Ph.D.
  • 1999: Mandy Carr, Ph.D.
  • 1998: Amber Lehmann Barham
  • 1997: Laura Locke Behrends
  • 1996: Mike Springer
  • 1995: Tracy Clare Cain
  • 1994: Eddie Behrends
  • 1993: Tammy Frederick
  • 1992: Shellie Smith
  • 1991: Monica Hightower
  • 1990: Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D.
  • 1989: Lavaughn Johnson
  • 1988: C. Boyd Ramsey, Ph.D.

Meat Science Excellence in Service Award

  • 2022: Cactus Cares
  • 2021: Nebraska Beef
  • 2020: Caviness Family

Meat Science & Muscle Biology