WT’s Ty Lawrence Named TAMUS Regents Professor

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — A West Texas A&M University professor and world-renowned expert in meat science has earned one of the most prestigious honors in The Texas A&M University System.

Dr. Ty Lawrence, WT’s Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, was named one of 17 Regents Professors during the most recent meeting of the TAMUS Board of Regents.

Lawrence and his fellow recipients were recognized for their exemplary performance during 2024-2025 and throughout their career.

Additionally, 13 agency service, extension or research professionals were named Regents Fellows.

“The exceptional achievements of these individuals reflect the very heart of The Texas A&M University System’s mission to serve the state of Texas — a mission rooted in our founding as a land-grant institution,” said Robert Albritton, TAMUS Board of Regents chairman. “Since the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas opened its doors in 1876, our System has carried forward a promise of practical education, research and service for all Texans. These Regents Professors and Fellows embody that enduring commitment, and their dedication will inspire others across our universities and agencies.”

Lawrence, a faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Sciences in WT’s Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, said he is humbled by the appointment.

“I reviewed the list of prior recipients from across the System, and this is an impressive group of people to be a part of,” Lawrence said. “For me, this honor is the culmination of a career defined by a commitment to take care of the students, serve the agricultural industry, advance societal knowledge and strengthen WT.”

The Board established the Regents Professor Awards program in 1996 and the Regents Fellow Service Awards program in 1998 to recognize employees who have made extraordinary contributions to their university, or agency, as well as to the people of Texas. Regents Professors are awarded a stipend and a special commemorative medallion bearing the seal of the A&M System.

“Dr. Lawrence sets the bar very high in teaching, research and service. He is outstanding in all areas and serves as an excellent role model for all students and colleague,” said Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. “The beef and meat industries seek his expertise and knowledge, and this in turn guides research and provides students with industry application in his teaching.”

To date, 323 Texas A&M system faculty members have been recognized with the Regents Professor Award—now including 14 at WT—and 201 agency professionals have received the Regents Fellow Service Award.

Previously named Regents Professors at WT have included Dr. Gary Bigham, dean of the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences; Dr. Alex Hunt, professor of English, the Vincent/Haley Endowed Professor of Western American Studies and director of the Center for the Study of the American West; Dr. Lal K. Almas, professor of agricultural business and economics; Dr. Jean A. Stuntz, Professor Emeritus of History; Dr. William J. Rogers, professor of environmental science; Dr. John L. Pipkin, former professor of animal science and equine industry program director; Dr. Bruce Brasington, professor of history; Dr. Darlene Pulliam, Professor Emeritus of Accounting; Dr. Robert Hansen, former director of the School of Music; Dr. David Sissom, former professor of biology; Royal R. Brantley, former professor of theatre; the late Dr. Charmazel Dudt, former professor of Shakespeare studies; and the late Dr. Peter Petersen, Professor Emeritus of History.

Lawrence, director of the Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center, teaches undergraduate courses in meat animal/carcass evaluation and meat animal welfare management. He also teaches advanced level meat science and technology, integrated animal science courses and statistics for graduate and doctoral students.

He also is director of the Beef Carcass Research Center and collaborates with other universities and animal agriculture businesses in research activities that focus on improving the yield, quality and safety of red meat products.

This year’s recipients of the Regents’ Professors Award, in addition to Lawrence, are: 

• Dr. Larry Davis, Texas A&M University-Texarkana
• Dr. Darryl J. de Ruiter, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Walter Den, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• Dr. Catherine Eckel, Texas A&M University
• Dr. James E. Gentry, Tarleton State University
• Dr. Tracy B. Henley, East Texas A&M University
• Dr. Arul Jayaraman, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Gerard Kyle, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Wenshe Liu, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Rajesh C. Miranda, Texas A&M University
• Dr. Aliakbar Montazer Haghighi, Prairie View A&M University
• Dr. Marco A. Palma, Texas A&M University
• Dr. David Ramirez, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• Dr. Mary L. Thornton, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Dr. Ping Yang, Texas A&M University

This year’s recipients of the Regents Fellows Award are: 

• Samantha Fabian, Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Dr. Girisha K. Ganjegunte, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• Dr. Julie Gardner, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Dr. Gabriel Gomez, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
• Mr. Jimmy L. Henry, Prairie View A&M University Extension
• Dr. Katie L. Lewis, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• Dr. Michael “Shane” McLellan, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Dr. Eun Sug Park, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
• Gretchen Riley, Texas A&M Forest Service
• Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service
• Darren Smith, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
• Country Weidler, Texas Division of Emergency Management
• Dr. Josias Zietsman, Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Award recipients are designated “Regents Professor” or “Regents Fellow” for the duration of their employment within the A&M System. They will receive a stipend of $15,000 — payable as $5,000 annually for three consecutive years — funded through their employing institution or agency. Each recipient will receive a commemorative medallion bearing the A&M System seal and a certificate signed by Chairman Albritton and Chancellor Glenn Hegar.

The selection process for the awards begins with a call for nominations from the chancellor. Final nominations are put forth to the chief executive officer of each respective entity. They are then subject to a system-level review consisting of academic vice chancellors and past recipients of the awards. Finally, nominations are forwarded to the chancellor and the board for final approval.

Prioritizing research and recruiting, retaining and rewarding the best faculty are key components of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign has raised more than $175 million and will continue through 2025.

About The Texas A&M University System

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the nation, with an annual budget of $8.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and Texas A&M–RELLIS. The System serves approximately 175,000 students and reaches millions more through service, research, and outreach programs annually. With nearly $1.6 billion in research expenditures each year, the A&M System fuels innovation, strengthens communities, and drives Texas’ economy.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The University also is home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—