Well Deserved Honor

Texas Tech University Recognizes NRCS State Conservationist as Distinguished Alumni

Temple, Texas - February 22, 2007.  Dr. Larry D. Butler, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas, was honored Feb. 19 as one of six 2007 Distinguished Agricultural Alumni recipients for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR), Texas Tech University.

The college recognized Dr. Butler for his dedication and commitment to agriculture. Throughout his 32-year career with the NRCS, Dr. Butler has assisted landowners and managers with improvement and management of ranch lands, including wildlife habitat and populations, and livestock grazing management.

As state conservationist in Texas, Dr. Butler has led the largest NRCS staff and budget in the nation. A leader in conservation, he has provided direction and supervision of all NRCS programs and personnel for the state since 2002.

Following the award presentation, he expressed his gratitude for being presented with such a prestigious honor. Dr. Butler credited much of his success to many of the past professors he was fortunate enough to have known during his time at TTU. “I’m proud to have been chosen for this high honor, and I truly appreciate the people at Texas Tech who took the time to help me get started on my journey,” he said.

Dr. Butler is a 1974 graduate of Texas Tech University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management. Subsequently, he earned a master’s degree at Texas A&M University in 1980 and completed his doctorate degree at Utah State University in 1990.

He said he has made land and people a priority in his life, working as a professional conservationist providing public service to help conserve natural resources, enhance the environment and improve the quality of living in Texas and across the nation.

Dr Butler plans to retire from NRCS in March 2007, and as one chapter of his life closes, he plans to continue his pursuit of conservation in the private sector.

He and his wife, Dorlene, attended the awards luncheon and ceremony at the Merket Alumni center on the TTU campus.

Dr. Larry Butler gave an acceptance speech following the award presentation.	Dr. Larry Butler was presented a university medallion and certificate during the Distinguished Agriculture Alumnus Awards Luncheon. (l to r) University Provost Bill Marcy, President Jon Whitmore, and Dr. Marvin Cepica (R) made the presentation.

Contact

Quenna Terry, Public Affairs Specialist, Lubbock
4609 W. Loop 289, Lubbock, TX  79414
Phone: 806.791.0581
Fax: 806.791.0565

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