Executive Director Named for National Ranching Heritage Center

Barton House NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 13, 2013
CONTACT: Sally Logue Post, sally.post@ttu.edu
(806) 742-3905

David M. (Matt) Brockman has been named executive director of the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) at Texas Tech University. The announcement comes today (June 14) from Rob Stewart, Texas Tech acting provost.

Brockman comes to the NRHC from the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, more commonly known as the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, where he was administrative manager.

“Given his extensive experience and network of contacts in related organizations, it is difficult to imagine anyone better suited to lead the National Ranching Heritage Center,” Stewart said. “Above all, Matt is genuinely passionate about the heritage and culture that the center stands for, and is excited about working to connect the center ever more closely to the academic and research missions of Texas Tech University. We are looking forward to very productive, long-term leadership in Matt.”

Brockman will begin his new position on Aug. 15.

“Ranching and its rich history is a treasured component of the American fabric,” said Brockman. “The National Ranching Heritage Center illustrates that history with a unique approach that captivates and intrigues visitors. I’m humbled to join this great institution and university.”

Carl Andersen, past president of the Ranching Heritage Association and interim executive director of the NRHC for the past eight months, knows Brockman well.

“I’m very excited about his appointment,” said Andersen. “All of the staff and most of the executive committee of the Ranching Heritage Association board have visited with Matt and are confident that he has the leadership strength to fit our needs.”

A graduate of Tarleton State University, Brockman has served as executive vice president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and as assistant secretary for the association’s foundation and the Cattle Raisers Museum. He also has served as assistant commissioner for marketing and business development for the Texas Department of Agriculture and as director of legislative and industry affairs for the National Grain and Feed Association.

Dedicated in 1976, the NRHC is a museum and historical park dedicated to preserving ranching history. The NRHC is composed of about 50 authentic, furnished ranch buildings and structures that represent the history of ranching from the 1780s to the 1950s. The buildings have been moved from their original locations to the historical park.

The NRHC also has a growing collection of art and artifacts, ranging from letters to saddles to wagons to a locomotive, that enhance and complement the rich ranching history of the region.

The NRHC is open to the public free of charge. It is located at 3121 Fourth St., near the corner of Indiana Avenue. For operating hours and more information about the NRHC, go to nrhc.ttu.edu.

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CONTACT: Carl Anderson, interim NRHC executive director, or Emily Wilkinson, NRHC education programs manager, at (806) 742-0498.