As Julann Curlee prepares to retire, she continues to impact Texas Tech University, as her decades of knowledge have transformed the university in ways that will be around for years. Her stories are a testament to the power of leadership, legacy, and lasting impact.
Curlee’s Next Chapter
After over two decades of dedication at the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Julann Curlee has announced that she will retire at the end of August 2025.
As retirement approaches, Curlee is most excited about the opportunity to spend more time with her growing family.
“I have a grandbaby, Ellianna Rose, and she’s getting ready to be one in April; she is precious,” Curlee said. “I’m looking forward to helping out with her.”
In addition to family time, Curlee has plans to travel and explore places that are close to her heart.
“We’ve always had dreams to go to Switzerland and Scotland,” she said. “My family came from Switzerland and Sweden and my husbands’ family came from Scotland and Ireland; we are looking forward to that. We also love Estes Park, Colorado, and usually try to go up there twice a year.”
Texas Tech has played a major role in Curlee’s life and her family’s legacy. Curlee and her husband, Bruce, are proud graduates of Texas Tech. Their son, Neil, Texas Tech University College of Human Sciences 2015 graduate, and his wife, Esperanza, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 2020 graduate, also share the same commitment to the university.
“Our son loves Texas Tech as much as we do, and so does our daughter-in-law,” Curlee said. “We are a family that loves traditions, so it’s great to be able to share that with them.”
Curlee also has a daughter who graduated from the Transition Academy at Texas Tech University Burkhart Center in 2010, further strengthening their connection to the university.
“The Burkhart Center was fairly new when our daughter started in 2007,” Curlee said. “She was one of the first graduates of the Burkhart Center and I cannot thank them enough for all they did for her.”
The Curlee family is passionate about Texas Tech sports, currently holding season tickets for both football and baseball. They are excited about the possibility of securing season tickets for basketball as well.
“Our blood runs red and black, and we are looking forward to having more time to enjoy watching our Red Raiders compete on the national level and bring home more championships,” Curlee said. “Texas Tech has been more than just a school for us, it is our extended family.”
Curlee’s influence will continue to be felt, even after her retirement, as she has promised to stay available for guidance.
“I’ll stay around a little bit and help when needed,” she said. “I have a lot of history in my head that you just can’t put down on paper. I’m sure they’ll have questions.”
Texas Tech University and the Davis College are incredibly grateful for Curlee’s dedication, and her retirement marks the end of an era, Maeley Stroupe, assistant director for student success and retention said. Her legacy of hard work, caring leadership, and commitment to the success of students and faculty will remain a lasting part of the college’s history.