Research Interests

• Agricultural Educator Teacher Preservice Needs
• Agricultural Literacy
• Agricultural and Extension Education Development

Education

Undergraduate Education

B.S. in Agricultural & Extension Education, New Mexico State University, 1985

Graduate Education

M.Ed. in Agricultural & Extension Education, Mississippi State University, 1991

Ph.D. in Agricultural & Extension Education, Mississippi State University, 1993

M.A. in Christian Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2023

Professional Biography

Dr. Rudy Jacobs graduated from Amistad High School (New Mexico) in 1980 and served as the New Mexico FFA President in 1980-81. After graduating from New Mexico State University in 1985, he married the 1985-86 State FFA President Crystal Wooton and they both changed their last name to Tarpley. As a high school agriculture teacher in New Mexico, Rudy Tarpley served at Lovington, Roswell, and Carlsbad schools. He earned Masters and Doctorate degrees from Mississippi State University and has been on faculty at College of the Southwest, Texas Tech University, Eastern New Mexico University, and Utah State University. He served as the Department Head of Agricultural and Consumer Sciences at Tarleton State University for seven years and is currently the Associate Dean for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, research presentations, poster presentations, service presentations, and over 150 speaking events at FFA, 4-H, and professional meetings.