During his academic tenure at the university the Bastrop native has always been passionate
about developing successful students both in and out of the classroom. Rathmann teaches
an array of classes in introductory animal science, animal breeding and genetics,
management of beef production systems, artificial insemination in cattle, and multiple
animal evaluation courses.
In addition, Rathmann coordinates numerous judging related and leadership activities
for 4-H and FFA students that serve as key recruiting tools for the college. He also
serves as a professional livestock judge at livestock events both internationally
and domestically.
Rathmann has participated in beef cattle research focused on feedlot nutrition, carcass
composition and muscle growth. One of his long-term research goals is to provide a
greater understanding of the bridge between livestock selection technologies and subjective
evaluation principles in order to make animal breeders and marketers more precise
in their decision making.
Separately, Rathmann has continued his leadership with the university's national championship
livestock judging teams, serving as a coach and faculty advisor. Under Rathmann's
leadership his livestock judging teams have garnered seven national championships
in the eight years he has coached, three at Texas A&M University and four here at
Texas Tech.
Rathmann is the all-time winningest coach in the 100 plus year history of collegiate
livestock judging. In addition, Rathmann has coached four national champion meat animal
evaluation teams at Texas Tech.
Rathmann received his bachelor's degree in animal science and master's degree in beef
cattle reproduction from Texas A&M. His doctorate in ruminant nutrition is from Texas
Tech. Awards for Rathmann include the CASNR Instructor Award (
2009); Albert Usener Award (2009); and CASNR Outstanding Professor Award (2010). He joined the Texas Tech faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor.