2011 CASNR E-NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9
RESEARCH IN FOCUS
Texas Tech researchers dig
into
biodegradable
mulch
Each year more
than a million feet
of black plastic is
used to cut back-breaking weeding
costs in high-value crops like
lettuce, strawberry and tomatoes.
Now, Texas Tech agriculture
scientists are part of a national
research team developing and
testing
biodegradable
mulches that
could provide an
alternative to the
pricey
polyethylene plastic. more »
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
AFS’s Bradley Skinner takes
reins as 50th Masked Rider
A junior animal science major from
Texas Tech’s College of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural
Resources accepted the reins to
Midnight Matador Friday,
becoming Texas Tech University’s
50th Masked Rider. more »
CLICK: CASNR IN PHOTOS
GALLERY:
Inside The
Science Of
Women’s rodeo team has 'Top 5' finish at Wyoming’s National Finals Rodeo
Texas-tested rodeo skills helped guide the Texas Tech Women’s Rodeo Team to a fourth place national
ranking on Saturday (June 18) at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming. “All four of our
members gained points during the week,” said Chris Guay, Tech’s rodeo coach and an instructor with
Tech’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. more »
PSS doctoral student receives grant to investigate High Plains irrigation
A Texas Tech graduate student received a $5,000 grant from the Texas Water
Resources Institute, which will help fund the first year of her research investigating
irrigation on the Texas High Plains. Cora Lea Emerson, doctoral candidate in the
Department of Plant and Soil Science, will investigate possible solutions to the decline
in available water resources. more »
Scott Cooksey receives NAADA Founders Distinguished Service Award
The past director of development and external relations for Texas Tech’s College of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources was presented the National Agricultural
Alumni and Development Association’s Founders Distinguished Service Award today
(June 15) during the organization’s annual meeting here in Lubbock. more »
Akers Named CASNR’s Assistant Dean for Academic and Student
Programs
Nationally-recognized agricultural communications educator Cindy Akers has been
selected as assistant dean for academic and student programs with Texas Tech’s
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Her new appointment, as well
as her promotion to full professor, will take effect Sept. 1. more »
Winemaking
Texas Wine Business Is Booming.
Texas Tech introduced the state’s
first degree specialization in
viticulture and enology. Take a
walk though Brent Trela’s
laboratories as he conducts
research, teaching, and extension
programs in enology in support of
the grape and wine industry. His
classes introduce students to
wines, wine business, winemaking,
and the science, processing,
quality control and analysis of
winemaking. Photos: N. Martin.
Learn More >>
CASNR, NAADA host national agricultural alumni and development
conference
More than 130 agricultural alumni and development professionals from across the
nation are in the Hub City this week as part of the 36th Annual NAADA Conference.
Held June 12-15 at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center, the program features
educational sessions, speakers and tours of the Texas Tech campus. more »
In Profile: Bank Executive Stan Ray Is An Ambassador for Agriculture
A career in agriculture has taken Stan Ray (‘88, B.S., Agricultural Education) from
humble roots in Robert Lee, Texas (pop. 1,150) to the halls of Congress in Washington,
and later an executive boardroom for a multi-billion dollar financial institution in
Austin. Today, Ray is chief administrative officer for Farm Credit Bank of Texas, based
in Austin. more »
Noted agroecosystem research scientist Vivien Allen announces
retirement
UPCOMING EVENTS

 State FFA Convention
July 12-15, 2011
United Spirit Arena
Lubbock, Texas
 Sorghum ResearchExtension Symposium
July 21-22, 2011
Lubbock, Texas
Texas Tech’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources announced today
(June 7) that longtime professor and leading agroecosystem research scientist Vivien
Allen, the university’s Thornton Distinguished Professor of Forages since 1995, would
retire on Aug. 31. more »
Spring commencement caps semester for CASNR faculty, students
More than 3,275 Texas Tech students, including 151 from the College of Agricultural
Sciences and Natural Resources, received diplomas at the university’s commencement
ceremonies Saturday (May 13) at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock. more »
 Vocational Agriculture
 Teachers Association of Texas
Annual Conference
CASNR Alumni
Reception & Fajita Dinner
July 26, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Tierra Verde Golf Club
7005 Golf Club Drive
Arlington, TX
http://bit.ly/l9QyAN
The Thread: CASNR caps and tees crank up style; updated AEC shirt unveiled
 International Cotton School
August 8-19, 2011
Lubbock, Texas
The broad diversity of student organizations within Texas Tech’s College of Agricultural Sciences and
Natural Resources can be seen in its eclectic variety of specialty T-shirts. From blazing reds to subdued
beige, the shirts reflect in interests, pride and deep down belief that, “From Here, It’s Possible.” Photos:
N. Martin. Learn More >>
AJ NewsLink: NRM grad student lays ground work for prairie-chicken
study
In the dim light before sunrise, a loud bubbling sound fills the air over the expanse
of sand and tall grasses in northern Yoakum County. It is the familiar springtime
sound - booming - when male lesser prairie-chickens appear in the open and display
their colorful features to attract females for mating. more »
Administrative Council
DR. JOHN BURNS
Dean
john.burns@ttu.edu
DR. STEVE FRAZE
Agricultural Education
& Communications
steven.fraze@ttu.edu
DR. NORMAN HOPPER
Executive Associate Dean
for Academic & Student Programs
DR. LESLIE THOMPSON
Animal & Food Sciences
DR. RICHARD ZARTMAN
Plant & Soil Science
richard.zartman@ttu.edu
DR. CINDY AKERS
Dr. Bill Bennett Student Success Center
cindy.akers@ttu.edu
n.hopper@ttu.edu
leslie.thompson@ttu.edu
DR. SUKANT MISRA
Associate Dean for Research
sukant.misra@ttu.edu
DR. ALON KVASHNY
Landscape Architecture
alon.kvashny@ttu.edu
DR. EDUARDO SEGARRA
Agricultural & Applied Economics
eduardo.segarra@ttu.edu
DR. MARK WALLACE
Natural Resources Management
mark.wallace@ttu.edu
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
PO Box 42123
Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123
806.742.2808 phone
806.742.2836 fax
norman.martin@ttu.edu
JANE PIERCY
Development & Alumni Relations
jane.piercy@ttu.edu
NORMAN MARTIN
Marketing & Communications
norman.martin@ttu.edu