The J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy positions Fearless Champions to discover, prepare, implement, and empower themselves in the four areas of career, character, wellness, and leadership. The J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy is the first comprehensive student-athlete leadership program of its kind in a collegiate athletics department. The brainchild of Director of Athleti
cs Kirby Hocutt and Hall of Fame Coach Marsha Sharp, the academy is designed to prepare student-athletes for success after graduation. Its comprehensive curriculum focuses on character, leadership, personal wellness, life skills, career education, community service, professional development and a lectureship series. "Preparing our student-athletes for success after graduation is a crucial part of our mission to educate, serve and grow fearless champions, and we are honored by the J.T. & Margaret Talkington Charitable Foundation's generous investment," Hocutt said. "In combination with the athletic and educational instruction that our student-athletes receive, the J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy is providing meaningful opportunities to prepare young leaders for successful careers." "Texas Tech is investing in the lives of its student-athletes and the Lubbock community," said Norton Baker, president of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington Charitable Foundation. and Margaret understood the importance of this university and its potential to impact this community. We are proud that their legacy will be associated with the kind of leadership development and community engagement being fostered by Texas Tech Athletics." More than 450 student-athletes representing 34 academic majors participate in academy courses and programs. Through outreach projects, summer camps and mentorships, student-athletes and coaches in all 17 sports volunteer more than a thousand hours each year to support at-risk children and benefit residents of Lubbock.
