Across the vast stretches of West Texas, small rural towns stand as testaments to resilience. At the heart of these communities, Texas Tech University cultivates a spirit of service that extends far beyond the classroom. Its graduates gain an education that prepares them to lead, innovate and give back to the places that raised them. 

These Texas Tech alumni are not just returning home; they are helping to transform the future of rural Texas.

At Texas Tech University, it does not take long for students to immerse themselves in the beef supply chain. From the smell of feedlots carried by West Texas wind to the lineup of steaks on supermarket shelves, the beef industry presents itself everywhere.

The oil and gas industry’s most overlooked byproduct—produced water—is stepping into the spotlight. Every barrel of oil brings with it several times that volume in contaminated water, laced with hydrocarbons, salts, and heavy metals. What happens to this water can have lasting effects on local communities, farm and ranch land, and the future of sustainable resource extraction.

Faculty and staff are the heart of Davis College, says Dean Clint Krehbiel. Julann Curlee, set to retire in 2025, has been key to the college’s growth for over 20 years. Laci Hardman manages the college’s $22 million budget, and Robby Carlson supports its expanding facilities and technology.

When first hired at the Bradley 3, Texas Tech University’s Ranch Management Program did not exist, but once it was established in 2024, Henderson reached out to Tracy and said that if it was something he was interested in, they could reach out to Clint Rusk, Ph.D., the Executive Director of the Ranch Management Program. This encouraged Tracy to join the program to gain deeper knowledge.