“Branding Excellence” is a series highlighting students and faculty who perform at a high level of professionalism, are forward-thinking individuals, and always have the willingness to learn more. The series name is derived from the saying “Pursuing Excellence” which means setting ambitious goals and working tirelessly to achieve them, consistently performing at your best, bettering yourself and those around you, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. The Department of Animal & Food Sciences is dedicated to excellence in every aspect of its faculty, staff and students. The department wants to wear the “brand” of success as they address today’s challenges and create a better future for our world.
From entering junior rodeos at the age of five, to now being one of the Southwest Regions standout athletes, Madison Bean knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a barrel racer.
Bean, a senior animal science student, is from Clint, Texas. Though her mom hoped she would become a ballerina, Bean’s passions are rooted in her ranching background and her dad’s family’s love for rodeo.
After Bean started riding horses at just three years old, she knew she was right where she was meant to be.
“From there dancing was out of the equation,” Bean said. “My parents could not get me off a horse.”
All throughout junior high and high school, Bean said she spent most of her weekends in the arena. When it was time to decide on where to go to college, she knew Texas Tech was the best option as her dad and cousins are alumni.
“I was planning on coming to Tech my freshman year, then I ended up getting a scholarship to rodeo at South Plains College, then transferred over here after two years,” Bean said.
After qualifying for the College National Finals Rodeo her sophomore year with South Plains, a second qualification for Bean is on the horizon after a big win at the Texas Tech College Rodeo.
Bean now sits fourth in the region and credits her four-legged teammate, George, who was raised and trained by her grandparents, aunt, and uncle, for the success she has had this past year.
“He’s got the biggest personality, so he’s just so much fun to be around,” Bean said. “He’s family; you could call him my heart horse.”
Although she has already dipped her toes into the professional rodeo level winning the Turquoise Circuit Average Championship and qualifying for the NFR open this past summer, Bean plans to continue pursuing professional rodeo after she graduates in May. She expressed that she would also like to pursue the business side of her degree as well.
“I’m planning to go into the MBA program next year through Rawls, and probably go online so I can hit the road and see what my horses can do,” Bean said.
What does branding excellence mean to you? “Something that I’ve lived through every day, whether it’s in or out of the arena, is that you either win or you learn, whether that’s taking an exam or running barrels, you win or you learn,” Bean said.