Texas Tech University

Office of Planning and Assessment Staff

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Jennifer S. Hughes, Ph.D.

Jennifer Hughes

Managing Director, Office of Planning and Assessment 
Email: jennifer.s.hughes@ttu.edu

Jennifer Hughes is Managing Director of the Office of Planning and Assessment (OPA) at Texas Tech University. She earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Research from Texas Tech University in 2015, a Master of Science in Communication from Illinois State University in 1996, and a Bachelor of Science in Speech from Northwestern University in 1995. Jennifer's dissertation explored faculty compliance in academic assessment practices, specifically studying the ways in which assessment professionals collaborated with faculty members to achieve compliance. Jennifer's philosophy for working alongside faculty is informed by her dissertation research, and she takes a collaborative and supportive approach to accreditation compliance. Currently, Dr. Hughes is working on preparing for Texas Tech's 2025 Reaffirmation of Accreditation.

Hometown:  Lanark, Illinois

Click here to learn more about Jennifer

Bryson Carroll, MA

Bryson Carroll

Associate Director
Email:   bryson.carroll@ttu.edu

Bryson joined the Office of Planning and Assessment in February 2021 as a Senior Administrator and became Associate Director in May 2023. He supervises and assigns task to senior administrators, provides training and consultation to faculty and staff on assessments and reporting cycles, and assists with documentation for SACSCOC, THECB, and other institutional reports.

Bryson completed his M.A. in Communication Studies from Texas Tech University in 2017. He previously worked for the U.S. Census Bureau in their Partnership Program for the 2020 Census, focusing on community leader engagement, database management and data analysis. Outside of work, Bryson enjoys time with his wife and daughter, eating great food, gardening, and playing games.

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

Kenny Shatley

Kenny Shatley

Senior Administrator, Faculty Credentialing 
Email:  kenny.shatley@ttu.edu

Kenny Shatley has been at Texas Tech University since 2007 where he got his B.A. in English. Since then, he has served in various offices across campus serving in different positions from the Office of International Affairs to, now, the Office of Planning and Assessment. Kenny is the Senior Administrator for Digital Measures (formerly Faculty Success), including HB2504 and faculty credentialing compliance.

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

Emily Wade

Emily Wade

Senior Administrator, Institutional Assessment
Email:  emily.n.wade@ttu.edu

Emily Wade has been at Texas Tech since 2016, earning three degrees - a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Communication, a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Communication, and a Master’s of Science in Personal Financial Planning. She has served in various positions across campus during her time at Tech. She began working in the Office of Planning and Assessment in 2020 as a web design graduate assistant. Emily now works as the Senior Administrator for Institutional Assessment. Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

Sandra Castillo

Sandra Castillo

Senior Administrator, Academic and Non-Academic Assessment
Email:  sandra.castillo@ttu.edu

Sandra graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Spanish from Texas Tech University in 2013. She also earned a Master's in Higher Education from Texas Tech University in 2020. Sandra has served in various positions across campus during her time at Texas Tech. She previously worked for Student Engagement, and The Learning Center. Outside of work, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She also enjoys reading, working on sewing projects, and game nights. 

Hometown: Canadian, Texas

Aurelia W. Crider

Aurelia Crider

Business Coordinator
Email: aurelia.w.crider@ttu.edu

Aurelia W. Crider earned her degree in Zoology with a minor in Music from Brigham Young University. She has traveled the world and country with her family living in a variety of cultures and areas from Hong Kong to Canada to Pennsylvania to finally Texas. She owned her own Piano Studio, teaching piano and music theory to people of all ages for many years. She has four children: the oldest two are students at the University of North Texas (Psychology and Music Education), and the younger two are still at home. Most recently, Aurelia worked as the Registrar and Attendance Clerk at Commander William C. McCool Academy in Lubbock. During her free time, she officiates for UIL and Club swim meets in West Texas. She is an avid knitter and really misses the mountains.

Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Chloe Vainrib

Headshot of Chloe

Student Assistant
Email: cvainrib@ttu.edu

Chloe Vainrib began working in the Office of Planning and Assessment in February 2023. She is a junior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Writing, Design, and Technical Communications with an English minor and a writing certification. She is involved in the Honors Bayless mentoring program and mentors an elementary student weekly.

Hometown: Pampa, Texas

Medhawi Niroula

Headshot of Medhawi

Student Assistant
Email: mniroula@ttu.edu

Medhawi Niroula began working in the Office of Planning and Assessment in March 2024. She is a sophomore perusing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a math minor. She is a part of the Nepal Student Organization (NSA) where she is the event co-coordinator. Medhawi is also a member of the Hydroraiders (RESA) where she is a connection team member. She has been playing soccer since she was 10 years old.

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Rigdon Yates

Headshot of Rigdon

Student Assistant
Email: riyates@ttu.edu

Rigdon Yates began working at the Office of Planning and Assessment in March 2024. He is a sophomore perusing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Rigdon is on the pre-dental path and hopes to one day become an orthodontist.

Hometown: Sunnyvale, TX