What does it mean to you personally to serve as the Banner Bearer for the college?
It is truly an honor and still feels surreal. I was far from the ideal student growing up, so being selected to represent Rawls is something I never would have expected. After serving in the Air Force and returning to school, I am incredibly grateful for the professors, classmates, and support at TTU and Rawls that have helped me succeed and accomplish far more than I originally thought possible. Carrying the banner gives me an opportunity to represent not only my own journey but also everyone who supported me along the way.
Looking back on your time at the Rawls College of Business, what’s been your most memorable experience or highlight?
It would be difficult to choose one specific moment to be most memorable, but I would say the biggest highlight has been the many fantastic professors I’ve had at Rawls. They made learning easier and more enjoyable, even in subjects I may have struggled with in the past. A few professors who really stood out to me include Bobby Merriam in financial management, Janet Huston in financial accounting, Damian Pantoya in managerial accounting, Jeffrey Harper in marketing, and Terri Giddens in database management, data communications & security, and web design implementation. Their expertise in their subjects and ability to deliver interactive and engaging lectures made even the most difficult material much easier to understand.
In what ways have Texas Tech and the Rawls College shaped your life?
I would say Texas Tech and Rawls have both rekindled my passion for learning. Before returning to school, I was not completely sure what to expect from college or what I would be capable of accomplishing. With the help of the amazing professors and resources available to students, I’ve become more confident in my abilities and more motivated to continue learning. My time here has helped me grow academically and personally while giving me a clearer idea of what I want to pursue in the future.
What’s one key piece of advice you’d share with future Rawls College students?
One piece of advice I would offer to future Rawls students is to get out and connect with people. Connect with your fellow students, professors, organizations, and anyone else you meet during your time here. Your time at TTU and Rawls is valuable but limited, so take the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. Those connections can make your college experience more enjoyable and benefit you long after you graduate.
Beyond the education and knowledge you’ve gained, what else has the Rawls College provided to help you in your future?
Beyond the education itself, I’ve made some lifelong connections that I can depend on professionally and personally. I’ve made a lot of great friends during my time here at Rawls. We’ve gone through late night study sessions for exams, presentations, and projects. After a semester of gathering data or designing IT systems, now we will be graduating together and moving on to start our careers.
What inspired you to choose the Rawls College of Business in the first place?
After leaving the Air Force to return to school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in information technology (IT). Rawls stood out because the IT program would allow me to build up my technical skills while also developing a better understanding of businesses. I liked the idea of learning not just how technology works, but also how it can be used to support people, organizations, and business decisions.
Congratulations to the summer 2026 graduates!
The achievements of all the graduates, shown through their dedication, perseverance, and resilience, have led them to this moment, and with eyes on the horizon, the faculty and staff at Rawls College look forward to seeing all that these graduates will accomplish.
Once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider.