Courtney Gibson, Ph.D.

Dr. Gibson grew up on the plains north of Lubbock where her childhood was steeped in the rural traditions of West Texas. Growing up in a family that maintained hobby farming, she was surrounded by activities like planting winter wheat and caring for livestock. This rich agricultural environment shaped her and her peers, many of whom came from generational farming backgrounds within her small school district. 

Despite her involvement in agricultural organizations like 4-H and FFA throughout high school, Gibson did not initially envision a career in agriculture for herself. However, after receiving scholarships through these organizations, she decided to attend Texas Tech University to study agricultural economics. During orientation, she learned of the emerging agricultural communications program Texas Tech had to offer and deemed this a better fit to her interests. In this program, she became involved in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) while also pursing a minor in zoology as she had interest in physical therapy. Recognizing her potential in the field of communications, her advisor, Dr. Cindy Akers, encouraged her to attend graduate school. 

After earning her master's degree from Texas Tech, Gibson moved to the Houston area where she taught junior high scoial studies to inner-city students. Many of her students were first-generation Americans, and it was during this time she learned of the significant gap in agricultural literacy between her and these students. Her interactions proved they were unfamiliar with agricultural concepts such as where their food came from and held the belief that chocolate milk came from brown cows. Her background provided her with a unique platform to fill these gaps, integrating lessons on agricultural advancements throughout history. 

After spending some time in Houston, Gibson's journey took an unexpected turn when faculty members back in Lubbock reached out to discuss her future. They encouraged her to pursue a Ph.D., recognizing her passion for communication and education, and it was Gibson's love for school that prompted her to return to Lubbock to pursue this opportunity. Since receiving her doctorate degree she has called the department home, witnessing its growth and contributing to its evolution over the years. 

In her current role, research is an important aspect to her communication approach. Her two main research focuses come down to creativity and visual communication. Her work in creativity strives to define the term for individuals and determine how to put that creativity to work, whether it be in problem solving, design, or a multitude of soft skills being sought after in the work place. Furthermore, her research in visual communication pairs well with the courses she teaches in the department. She investigates how to effectively communicate the complicated topics of agriculture, visually, using tools such as artificial intelligence, communicaiton audits, content analyses, social media monitoring, and more.