Jason Headrick has been named an assistant professor with Texas Tech University's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, according to officials within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He officially stepped into his new teaching and research post on Aug. 3.

The Tompkinsville, Kentucky, native indicated that his research program broadly focuses on the access to leadership education through a lens of instructional pedagogy, training and development for rural communities, and access through a lens of diversity and inclusion.

His seminal research in leadership MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) allows us to better understand how very large online courses are taught and managed by instructors for educational and professional development means.

"One of my primary goals is to engage students in the world of leadership and help them see practical applications in the agricultural sector and beyond, and strengthen the leadership knowledge base in rural Texas and across America," Headrick said.

Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, Headrick served as an assistant professor of practice in agriculture leadership, education and communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also worked as a graduate teaching assistant in agriculture leadership, education and communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Earlier he served as a director of student relations/student affairs, assistant director of admissions for alumni recruitment, and admissions counselor at the University of Kentucky. He is past president of the Kentucky Association of College Admissions Counseling (KYACAC) and a past Kentucky 4-H Officer.

Headrick's bachelor's degree in agricultural communications and his master's degree in community communications and leadership development are from the University of Kentucky. His doctorate in human sciences-leadership studies is from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a member of the American Association for Agricultural Education, Association of Leadership Educators, and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.

CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University, at (806) 742-2816 or scott.burris@ttu.edu

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