Texas Tech University

Course Listing - by Instructor

Name Biography
Kate Alvarez Kate Alvarez is downtown coordinator for the City of Abilene. An enthusiastic marketer and advocate for Abilene, Kate is looking forward to presenting the Cypress Street project as it gets closer to its completion.
Michael Barr Michael Barr earned a bachelor’s degree in history and government from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in history from Texas State University. Instructor Michael Barr writes a local history column, called Hindsights, for the Fredericksburg Standard. He is a regular contributor to Rock and Vine Magazine.
Lorraine Benini Lorraine Benini has a Bachelor of Arts in
Anthropology and English from the University of South
Florida. She also received a master’s from the University
of Florida. She has been working in fine arts for 40 years.
James Bentley Nutrition Supervisor, James Bentley, James started at Leprino in January 2024 after graduating from TTU with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and masters degree in Business Administration. He started as a Manufacturing Management Trainee, where he was trained in Greeley, CO before returning to his hometown of Lubbock to help start up the Nutrition department at our new facility.
Tameisha Bolen Tameisha Bolen, owner of Bolen Vineyards, found her creative outlet in crafting charcuterie boards—an art form that reflects her love for “grazing,” sharing and bringing people together around the table.
Carole Buchanan Carole Buchanan, Ph.D., is an award-winning teacher who taught World & European History and trained Advanced Placement teachers to use art to teach about the past.
Bruce Campbell Bruce Campbell is owner of The Campbell CRAFT Company, broadcast consultant. With experience spanning 60 years, he has worked in the Abilene radio market as an owner, manager, sales manager, engineer, account executive and voice talent.
David Cho Instructor David Cho is the seventh music director of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted the Vienna Philharmonic, the National Symphony; and Atlanta, Houston and Seattle symphonies. He resides in Lubbock, Texas, and is actively involved in community outreach.
Katie Cortese Instructor Katie Cortese, author of "Make Way for Her and Other Stories" and "Girl Power and Other Short-Short Stories," has work in journals such as Indiana Review, Blackbird, and Gulf Coast. She holds a Ph.D. from Florida State University and an MFA from Arizona State University. She teaches in the creative writing program at Texas Tech, where she also serves as faculty director of Texas Tech University Press and series editor of the Iron Horse Book Prize.
Vanessa Costilla Dr. Vanessa Costilla is a gastroenterologist in Lubbock, Texas; medical director of Endoscopy at University Medical Center, division chief at UMC Gastroenterology Clinic, and associate program director at TTUHSC. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is passionate about colon cancer screening and IBD care.
Elsa Crenwelge
Becky Crouch Patterson With 50 years as a designer of western wear and liturgical art, Becky Crouch Patterson was the first woman to have a solo show at The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville and is archived in the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum in Fort Worth as an artist and author.
Karla Daniele Dr. Karla Daniele, director of UMC Breast Center and Integrative Medicine, specializes in combining standard and integrative care to support recovery and long-term wellness.
Jeff Day Jeff Day ranks in the top 15% of all chess players in the United States. He teaches Introduction to Chess at Texas Tech.
Jody Donovan Jody Donovan is a local financial advisor with Joseph Financial Partners. Jody has been researching and presenting this topic to his clients and organizations for over a decade. He loves helping people with their finances as well as how to preserve them by not falling victim to thieves.
Patti Douglass After 35 years in advertising and PR, Patti Douglass earned her doctorate at age 62 and now teaches in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech. She believes everyone is creative and just needs the right tools to unlock it.
Ronald Erdrich Ron Erdrich is an award-winning photographer and writer at the Abilene Reporter-News.
Urs Peter (Upe) Flueckiger Urs Peter “Upe” Flueckiger, M. Arch, Dipl. Arch. SIA, is a full professor and Dean of the Huckabee College of Architecture at Texas Tech, where he also maintains his architectural practice. His design and research interests are economical ecological housing, minimalism in architecture, design build, and modernism in the 20th century to the present.
Vaughn Hamilton Vaughn Hamilton taught English and history and now emergency medicine for paramedics. Today, he enjoys working with the Marble Falls Area EMS.
Eric Hammersen Eric Hammersen spent more than 25 years in the Intelligence Community, both in the U.S. and abroad. He taught intelligence-related courses at the National Defense University, the National Intelligence University and Texas Tech.
Larry Hess Larry Hess is a popular music history educator with over 30 years of experience performing with symphony orchestras, musical theatre productions, and several other groups. In 2021, Larry began presenting these talks on cruise ships as an enrichment speaker.
Monica Hightower Instructor Monica Hightower is a western history enthusiast. She owns the HX Chuck Wagon of Lubbock, Texas, a family heirloom wagon used for ranch cooking, competitions and catering.
Charles Hixson Charles Hixson received his masters in anthropology from the University of Texas, Austin. He conducts archaeological excavations and surveys with the Llano Uplift Archeological Society.
Lacee Hoelting Lacee Hoelting is the director of the FiberMax Center for Discovery.
Jeryl Hoover Jeryl Hoover, a 45-year veteran of the amateur stage, will share unique anecdotes, humorous reflections and lifelong learnings from his career directing and performing with amateurs.
Andy Hope Andy Hope is a technology teacher at ATEMS. He is an FAA-certified drone pilot with seven years' experience teaching and operating drone technology. With experience across various age groups, he is adept at creating a clear and supportive learning environment for all aspiring drone pilots.
Hugh Hurt Hugh H. Hurt III, Ph.D. (Harry) is the former program manager at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and has held positions with the Office of Naval Research and Naval Air Systems Command.
Zachary Ingle Zachrary Ingle, Ph.D. is a visiting assistant professor in communications at Hardin-Simmons University. He has written extensively about film, popular culture, religion and sports.
James Jorden James Jorden is a 27-year resident of Horseshoe Bay and has previously written three history books about the local community.
Arlene Kasselman A native of South Africa, Arlene Kasselman is co-owner of Seven and One Books.
Bob Kent Bob Kent earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin. He has published a number of professional and historical articles. He is on the board of directors for the Falls on the Colorado Museum.
Kevin Klaus Kevin Klaus has a background in anthropology, archaeology and public history from the University of New Mexico. He has researched family documents, government records, letters, photographs and stories for over 30 years.
Steve Kniffen Steve Kniffen has extensive teaching experience in lifelong learning, including two traveling Elderhostels that followed the route of Lewis & Clark from St. Louis to Portland. He has written 190 articles based on research he has gathered on the subject.
Rita LeNoir Rita LeNoir graduated from the University of Texas. She attended Harvard for "fun" and Oxford for the "Oxford experience" at Christ Church.
Thomas Lee Dr. Thomas Lee has been the Chair of the Department of Biology at Abilene Christian University since 2013. He has taught at ACU since 2007 and has led numerous field expeditions to Ecuador and other countries.
James Lindley James D. Lindley, M.D., a retired nephrologist and past president of the FGCCS and Gillespie County Historical Society will relate the story of the schools along with help from community club members.
Charles Miller Charles Miller has a BBA and MBA from the University of Texas. He was a commercial banker for 22 years and has been a board member of the Llano County Appraisal District for eight years.
David Miller David Miller graduated from Texas Tech University. He founded Spirit Ranch, a leadership and team development retreat. He was the mayor of Lubbock and on the board of University Medical Center, United Way, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock National Bank and the Texas Tech Alumni Association.
Tom Nichols Thomas Nichols is a retired police chief and graduate of the University of Arizona, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI Executive Development Program, and the Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard University. He is also a local, regional and international award-winning novelist.
John Osborne Instructor John Osborne, president and CEO of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance for over 15 years. He chaired the Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Travel Alliance and Ports to Plains, and serves on the Workforce Solutions South Plains board. A Dallas native, he holds degrees from West Texas A&M and multiple certifications.
Katherine Peake Katherine Peake is a retired Fredericksburg municipal judge and has been combing courthouse records and other primary sources as well as published materials.
Hannah Rae Pickens Hannah Rae Pickens is an interpretive ranger and natural resource specialist at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
John Powell John and Judy Powell moved back to Abilene 18 years ago from from Urbana, Illinois where John was a psychologist at the University of Illinois Counseling Center.
Frank Reilly Instructor Frank Reilly is a lawyer, municipal judge and political science professor at Texas Tech University with over 40 years of experience in the Texas legislative process as a former staffer, lobbyist and citizen activist.
Tracee Robertson Instructor Tracee W. Robertson is the Helen DeVitt Jones Curator of Art at MoTTU.
Katy Rush Katy Rush, with a background in fashion and events, helps others find joy through life’s complexities.
Matt Rush Matt Rush, aka the Gooder Guy, says “You can do more, be more and have more than you ever thought possible. You have to be willing to get over yourself to get there.” He’s a children’s author, speaker, trainer and bronze artist.
Larry Sanders Larry Sanders founded Belt Buckld Distillery with his son Keith. Always an enthusiastic advocate for Abilene, he now turns to the restoration of this historic 1921 building to house their business.
David Schafer During his 32-year career in the National Park Service, Schafer served at Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Missouri and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Texas. Now retired, he researches, writes and leads trolley tours of historic Fredericksburg, Texas.
Rick Smith Rick Smith is a Texas history buff who has three master's degrees and is retired from IBM and Austin Community College.
Jennifer Spurrier Jennifer Spurrier, associate archivist at the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library will lead the discussion.
June Steele June Steele earned her master's degree in history at Texas Tech University under the direction of Paul H. Carlson. For the past 25 years she has taught World History, World Geography, U.S. History and AP Human Geography at Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas.
Sevanna Stewart The Preserve staff have worked with elephants for nearly 50 years and are dedicated to expanding elephant education and conservation.
Doug Stowell Doug Stowell was director of market research for Xerox, U.S. director for National Opinion Polling, and senior consultant with Wirthlin Worldwide Polling before opening his own firm in 2008, conducting global consumer issues surveys and political polls.
Susan Talkmitt Susan Talkmitt was a team captain for two years in decorating the White House for Christmas. She is a graduate of Texas Tech with a bachelor's in horticulture and a master's in biology. Susan is retired from Texas Tech and owns a retail shop which specializes in Christmas and home decor.
Susan Tarrant Susan Tarrant earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas. Her artistic inspiration is deeply influenced by the rich shapes, patterns and colors of her childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas and further enriched by her travels to Hawaii.
Leland Turner Leland Turner is a retired history professor with expertise in the American West, ranching, country music and popular culture. He brings history to life through stories and symbols that have shaped regional and national identity.
Karen Vanek Karen Vanek is a retired educator and a history lover. She taught creative writing in Houston ISD. She is an associate member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
Natalia Velikova Instructor Natalia Velikova, Ph.D., professor of Wine Marketing at Texas Tech and associate director of the Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute, has worked with the industry for over 25 years. Her research supports its growth, and she’s passionate about sharing her knowledge to unlock the full potential of Texas wines.
JoAnna Vernetti Troppy JoAnna Vernetti Troppy, volunteer executive director of the Gillespie Literacy Council, is a Texas lawyer practicing as JoAnna Vernetti, attorney at law.
Marshall Watson Marshall Watson holds a bachelor's from Cornell and both a master's and a doctoral degree in petroleum engineering from Texas Tech. The chair of TTU Petroleum Engineering Department, Watson is an award-winning professor, a professional engineer, a patented inventor, and an author.
Samantha Weaver Samantha Weaver has been an Inks Lake State Park Ranger for six years and fell in love with spiders through her job.
Rob Weiner Rob Weiner, M.A., M.S., is the librarian for the Texas Tech University College of Visual and Performing Arts as well as Film Studies and has taught various history and film classes for nearly 20 years
Katherine Wells Katherine Wells, MPH, is the director of public health for Lubbock. The department received recognition from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, YWCA, Lubbock Rotary Club, and other civic organizations for its work during the pandemic response.
Madison White Madison White, hospitality director and sommelier, brings warmth, expertise and a deep love for Texas wine. A Lubbock native and certified sommelier, Madi began in the tasting room and later returned as Wine Club & Service manager. She continues to grow her skills and wine knowledge with enthusiasm. She’s the heart of the front-of-house hospitality.
Shandus White-Helms Shandus White-Helms is the program director for Community Partnerships at Texas Tech University.
Morris Wilkes Morris Wilkes is the founder and principal of The Wilkes Company, a strategic communications and public affairs consulting firm. He is an independently certified public speaker, mentor, trainer and coach on leadership and communications.
Rod Williams Rod Williams, Ph.D., Vice Provost of Outreach and Engagement, and Shandus White-Helms, program director for Community Partnerships, both at Texas Tech, are the presenters.
Brandon Young Brandon Young, AIA, is a principal, director of design and architect at Parkhill and was a professor of architecture at Abilene Christian University for 14 years.

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© 2018  Texas Tech UniversitySep 28, 2018  3:19 PM