Growing up as an active 4-H member in Kentucky, I was challenged to step up, contribute, and take on responsibilities, which sparked my lifelong passion for community and leadership. Throughout my undergraduate career, I sought ways to get involved on and off campus, from student organizations to volunteer initiatives.
By understanding the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities in West Texas, we aim to equip them with resources for grant applications, leadership development, rural healthcare and veterinary care.
My master’s degree focused on leadership, and through my work in student affairs, I saw firsthand how leadership development can shape the lives of college students. These experiences drew me to pursue a Ph.D. in leadership studies from the University of Nebraska and set me on a path to explore how leadership happens across society and within diverse communities.
At Texas Tech, my research focuses on the intersection of leadership and community. Much of my work centers on civic leadership, which examines how communities assess needs through social, philanthropic, political and economic lenses. Civic leadership initiatives I have worked on include the Civic Leadership Academy, We Love West Texas, and co-authoring a book framing the context of agricultural leadership.
The ‘We Love West Texas’ project is part of a Davis College Catalyst Grant focused on 41 counties in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains region. We have hosted a Davis College Catalyst Summit and a Rural Youth Summit for high school students, emphasizing how students can positively impact their communities.
By understanding the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities in West Texas, we aim to equip them with resources for grant applications, leadership development, rural healthcare and veterinary care. The goal is to build on community strengths and encourage engagement in leveraging opportunities.
Leadership does not always come naturally, but it can be cultivated and developed. It is about advancing the ability to lead others for the common good rather than individual benefit. In Davis College, we have the tools to take on big challenges, but we must be willing to learn, assess and act. Similarly, rural areas require understanding changing demographics, celebrating strengths and addressing persistent challenges.
I hope my work helps others better understand the connections between leadership and agriculture while strengthening workforce development competencies and student skills. By developing capable, qualified leaders, we can ensure communities and the agricultural industry are prepared to meet increasingly complex challenges.
CONTACT: Jason Headrick, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2816 or jason.headrick@ttu.edu
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