Tarleton Collegiate Equine Leadership Academy
Providing students with opportunities to advance their leadership and equine experience, better positioning them for a career in the equine industry. Graduates will leave the academy with a better understanding of equine science, business, and policy related to the equine industry.
Leadership Academy Goals
- Develop leadership, networking, and communication skills
- Career exploration within the equine industry
- Foster professional growth through professional development
- Promote entrepreneurship and innovation
- Expose students to equine industries and networks on a national and global scale
- Prepare students to serve in advocacy roles
- Understand emerging technologies in the equine industry
Phase 1 – Texas Industry Experience
The first phase of the academy allows approximately ten students to attend a three-day industry tour to gain hands-on, real-world experience and deepen their understanding of the Texas equine industry. During the fall semester, students will contribute service hours, attend professional and career development sessions, and travel to an industry event.
Important Dates: November 13-15, 2026
Phase 2 – Business/Policy Experience
The second phase of the academy will take students to a major city for three days, exposing them to the political process, agricultural/equine law and lobbying, ethics of technology, agricultural/equine policy, and communications. During the spring semester, students will continue to attend professional and career development sessions and will travel to one industry event.
Important Dates: March 15-17, 2027
Phase 3 – National Industry Experience
The third phase of the academy allows students to experience the equine industry on a national scale. Students have the opportunity to travel during a May minimester to see first-hand the diversity of the equine industry in places such as Florida, Kentucky, Wyoming, and California.
Important Dates: May 16-22, 2027
SUPPORT TCELA
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled at Tarleton State University at the time of submission
- Profound interest in equine science and related fields
- Any student may apply, but those outside of the Department of Animal Science must be nominated by a member of the TCELA committee
TCELA Committee
- Dr. Jessica Leatherwood
- Dr. Trinette Jones
- Mrs. Bobbie Walton
- Dr. Rafael Martinez
- Dr. Kimberley Guay
- Mrs. Paxton Turner
- Dr. Ellen Rankins
Applications are open July 1 – August 21 for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
For more information contact: Paxton Turner