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<\/p>\n The transformational grant will fuel academic excellence and elevate campus while
\n strengthening food safety, innovation, workforce development and technology.<\/p>\n
\t\tCREATORS<\/p>\n
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Texas Tech University<\/a>\u2019s Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources<\/a> has received a $28.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s National \u201cAgriculture has been central to Texas Tech\u2019s mission since the university was founded, The complex will house food innovation and sensory evaluation laboratories, pilot-processing With a focus on science-based solutions to the food system\u2019s newest challenges, the \u201cOur continued growth as a founding college is a testament to the role we play in Plans call for flexible research space that can adapt to new technologies and evolving Students, industry professionals and entrepreneurs will gain hands-on experience with Darren Hudson<\/a>, associate dean for strategic initiatives and assessment and the Larry Combest Endowed \u201cWe are humbled and honored by USDA\u2019s investment in Texas Tech and Davis College with The new building, which will house the complex, is a centralized, three-story facility As one of Texas Tech\u2019s four founding colleges, Davis College has educated students The new building will replace the current Davis College Annex and the former Fisheries Modern, collaborative spaces and equipment will help Davis College continue to recruit Donors have already made several significant gifts to the new Davis College Flagship Those interested in giving can visit go.ttu.edu\/future-of-davis for more information.<\/a><\/p>\n About ON&ON: The Campaign for Texas Tech University<\/p>\n
\n Institute of Food and Agriculture to establish the Food Science, Safety, and Workforce
\n Development Complex in what will be the new Davis College Flagship Building<\/a>. The grant was awarded through USDA\u2019s Research Facilities Act Program, which helps
\n universities build and modernize agricultural research facilities.<\/p>\n
\n and it remains essential to our future,\u201d said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec<\/a>. \u201cWe are grateful to USDA for recognizing the significance of the work done by Davis
\n College and the role Texas Tech can play in advancing food security and agricultural
\n innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n facilities and spaces for industry collaboration. By bringing every stage of development
\n under one roof, it will place food safety research and product development alongside
\n pilot-scale processing, quality testing, consumer evaluation and workforce training
\n \u2014 giving new products a direct path from the lab to industry.<\/p>\n
\n complex will expand Davis College\u2019s research capacity and competitiveness while preparing
\n the next generation of food scientists and industry leaders. That work will reach
\n well beyond Lubbock, strengthening U.S. food security and positioning Texas Tech to
\n contribute to food-system advances nationwide.<\/p>\n
\n our university\u2019s mission and underscores the reality that we have outgrown our current
\n infrastructure,\u201d said Clint Krehbiel<\/a>, dean of Davis College. \u201cBy centralizing food safety research, product development
\n and workforce training under one roof, our students are gaining hands-on experience
\n with commercial-scale technology that will prepare them to be the agricultural leaders
\n of tomorrow. We are profoundly grateful to USDA and the visionary donors who have
\n already stepped forward to make this possible, turning this ambitious vision into
\n reality for our students, our faculty and national food security.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n industry needs without major renovation, allowing researchers to respond quickly to
\n challenges in food safety, manufacturing and innovation for decades to come.<\/p>\n
\n commercial-scale technology through professional certificates, continuing education,
\n workforce microcredentials and applied training programs.<\/p>\n
\n Chair for Agricultural Competitiveness, led the grant proposal and will serve as project
\n director and the primary liaison with USDA. He has also been one of the core faculty
\n leaders in planning the new building.<\/p>\n
\n this award,\u201d Hudson said. \u201cThe research and teaching spaces created by this project
\n will have national impacts on the science of food innovation, safety and production,
\n as well as create the next-generation workforce in the food industry. At the same
\n time, it allows us to directly impact our regional stakeholders through increased
\n product development and value that support our farm and ranch profitability.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n the college will build on 15th Street. The grant, combined with philanthropic gifts
\n from ON&ON: The Campaign for Texas Tech University<\/a>, is propelling the project forward.<\/p>\n
\n since the university opened in 1925. Enrollment has grown from about 2,800 students
\n in fall 2020 to nearly 3,500 in fall 2026, mirroring growth across Texas Tech, which
\n set a record this fall with 46,296 students. While its buildings have been renovated
\n over the years, the college has outgrown its current space.<\/p>\n
\n & Wildlife Research Building. In addition to the food complex, it will include the
\n Student Success Center, state-of-the-art classrooms, research and teaching laboratories,
\n the Raider Red Meats Caf\u00e9, the Dean\u2019s Suite, the Alumni & Development Center, central
\n faculty and staff offices and collaborative and multipurpose spaces.<\/p>\n
\n top faculty and students and keep its research responsive to the changing needs of
\n agricultural systems. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the 2026-27 academic year.<\/p>\n
\n Building.<\/p>\n