STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University launched its new President’s Speaker Series, “Leaders & Legacy,” Aug. 28, welcoming Tarleton State alumnus Colton Buckley and veteran sports journalist Dan Wetzel for a conversation centered on their careers, leadership and the experiences that shaped their professional journeys.
The series brings accomplished leaders from a variety of professions to Tarleton State, providing students and the university community an opportunity to hear firsthand about the decisions, experiences and lessons that define successful careers.
“Leadership is shaped by experience, purpose and a willingness to learn from every opportunity,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Colton Buckley and Dan Wetzel have built remarkable careers in very different fields, and their willingness to share the lessons behind those journeys gives our students a valuable perspective on what it takes to lead with confidence, adapt through change and leave a meaningful legacy. That is exactly what we want this series to offer our students, faculty and staff.”
Buckley serves as chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the federal agency that works with farmers, ranchers and private landowners to conserve natural resources on working lands. He was appointed to the role in May after previously serving as the agency’s associate chief and chief of staff. A Tarleton State alumnus, Buckley earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development. Earlier in his career, he worked in rural economic development and served as the first student regent from Tarleton State for The Texas A&M System.
Wetzel is a senior writer and multimedia journalist with ESPN’s Enterprise and Investigative unit. He joined ESPN in March 2025 following more than two decades at Yahoo Sports, where he was a national columnist, broke major stories and investigations, covered major sporting events around the world and co-hosted the “College Football Enquirer” podcast. He also is a New York Times bestselling author.
During the inaugural “Leaders & Legacy” conversation, Buckley and Wetzel reflected on their career paths and the experiences that have influenced their work, giving attendees insight into two distinctly different professional journeys.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of more than 27,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 127 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real-world learning and address regional, state and national needs.