2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Hank Dorris began his career selling industrial hose for his father at Stuart Hose and Pipe, but soon transitioned to the family’s other business, Specialty Packaging. Starting in 1986, Hank learned the ropes by working on bag machines and in freight, eventually developing a program to analyze production efficiencies. He hit the road selling paper bags, often with his wife Meredith, making cold calls from hotels across the southwest and southeast.

In 1995, Hank became president of Specialty Packaging, growing the business to 50 employees and 24/7 operations. He acquired West Carrollton Parchment and Converting in Ohio in 2013, expanding into coatings and laminations. During the pandemic, Specialty Packaging, now deemed critical infrastructure, survived due to Hank’s strategic global relationships and his commitment to his employees.

By 2021, Specialty Packaging employed 200 people with 28 production lines in Texas and Ohio, leading to its acquisition by ProAmpac in 2022. Hank is passionate about litter removal and partnered with UpSpire to employ formerly homeless individuals to clean waterways, a program now employing 86 people.

Hank has served on the Rawls Advisory Council and contributed to Texas Tech’s supply chain management program and athletic projects. He enjoys aviation, golf, and traveling, and has been married to Meredith for 36 years. Their son, Holt, is a Texas Tech graduate and works at West Carrollton.