November 17, 2016

Texas Tech Athletics Leadership Academy Named for J.T. & Margaret Talkington

Texas Tech Athletics announced today the naming of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy. The honor recognizes $5 million in gifts from the J.T. & Margaret Talkington Charitable Foundation that will establish a permanent endowment to support the Texas Tech student-athlete leadership and character development program.

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 Athletics 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. The academy and its curriculum are led by Texas Tech Athletics staff who customize the program to address the unique needs of student-athletes.

“J.T. and Margaret Talkington understood the strong relationship between Texas Tech University and Lubbock,” Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert L. Duncan said. “The J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy is a ground-breaking program, and through their foundation’s philanthropy, the Talkingtons continue to make a significant difference in the community they loved.”