Brandon Beck, an associate professor in the School of Law, has earned the Integrated Scholar award at Texas Tech University. Receiving this award reminds Beck how important research, teaching and service are to the mission of Texas Tech.   

“Being an Integrated Scholar means a great deal to me. It is a wonderful recognition of my hard work while, at the same time, it is a reminder that Texas Tech values all aspects of academic work,” Beck said.    

Beck bases his teachings and assignments on the research he has conducted.   

“I craft new research and writing assignments nearly every year and do so based on real cases I’ve worked on or areas of the law I’m focusing on in my research,” Beck said. “This keeps me energized with the material, which then translates to enthusiasm in the classroom.”  

He has observed the influence of this synergy within his students’ experiences, more specifically within their assignments. He assigns research-based tasks to his students, which has proven to be particularly impactful.   

“I have several assignments that are based on real cases I’ve handled,” Beck said “I have the students act as lead counsel on those cases throughout the research and writing process. But I don’t tell them the cases are real or that I was lead on the case.”   

When the students complete the work, Beck shares details about the real case. This project reinforces the idea that even challenging tasks can be accomplished.   

One memorable instance in Beck’s career that shaped him into an Integrated Scholar is when the Netflix series titled “Making a Murderer” premiered. All of Beck’s students were given assignments that stemmed from cases in the series. Beck later participated in public lectures and wrote articles on the cases, along with meeting the lead attorney involved.  

“This combined popular legal material with research, and then it came alive by meeting the real people involved,” Beck said.    

Beck strives to balance research, teaching and service.   

“It is easy to fall into the trap of focusing solely on, for example, research. Or solely on teaching or service. Many people do. I guard against this as best I can by reminding myself of the integrated significance of all three aspects of academic life,” Beck said.