Jared McMakin

Texas Tech University School of Law

Native to the South Plains, Evan Johnson, is a Texas Tech University School of Law student that graduated from the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. Her roots in agriculture have molded her to focus on water law, which has been dear to her heart from a young age. 

“I met and cultivated relationships with many agriculturists, farmers, and ranchers,” Johnson said. “ I listened to them reflect on their lives of service in agriculture and the successes they realized in addition to the struggles they endured. After months of conversations with these men and women, I realized the importance and need that existed to represent and communicate the mission of these producers.”

The agricultural communications degree offers a diverse way of giving a hands-on experience. 

“Agricultural communications allowed me to develop many skills, such as writing, design, photography, and a general sense of professionalism that I have implemented in my professional journey,” Johnson said. “The professors in agricultural communications truly care about their students, and I think that makes a huge difference when you are receiving an education and striving for success.”

Johnson said when deciding where to study law, it was easy for her to make the decision to go to Texas Tech Law with it being her number one option. 

“Tech Law puts students first and teaches the practical skills that make good lawyers. In addition, I remain passionate about agriculture and the culture of West Texas; I hope to remain here and serve the people of the area.”

She encourages students to get involved and to voice future goals and dreams to professors. 

“You should work hard now, listen to your agcomm professors, and talk to them about your aspirations because they want you to succeed,” Johnson said. “Law school is hard, but it is worth it and so are you.”

Texas A&M University School of Law

Texas Tech University track and field athlete Bret-Leigh Nance is running the race for success. The agricultural communication student has run track at Texas Tech for four years. Her passion for agriculture has pushed her to become a lawyer. She will attend Texas A&M University School of Law in May after graduating from Texas Tech with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Communications. 

 “I want to study law so that I can help my community. I come from a rural community that is often affected by rules and regulations often made by people who do not understand agriculture,” Nance said. “I hope to one day help to create policy that will help and not harm agriculture.”

Nance gives credit to her parents for pushing her to be her best.

 “My parents have been the biggest influence, they always told me education comes first and that if you work hard enough you can do anything.” Nance said. 

Nance stays busy on campus with her studies and participating as a Texas Tech athlete. 

“Track has helped me by not only providing me all the resources I need to succeed but has also taught me valuable life skills such as time management, teamwork and resilience.”

She encourages first-year students to get involved with organizations at Texas Tech.

“The connections you make are just as valuable as the education you obtain,” Nance said. “Try to build your network as large as you can.”

She is excited about her future and what she can do to give back to people in Texas. 

“After law school, I plan to move back the Hill Country and eventually open up my own practice around Fredericksburg, Texas,” Nance said. “Later in life, I would like to run for Texas agcommissioner so I can help even more people.”