OSU student leads National FFA Organization

Monday, November 7, 2005

Becoming president of a national organization with more than 490,000 members is a lofty goal for a small-town Oklahoman who graduated high school with around 30 students.

For Travis Jett, an agribusiness, pre-law junior from Laverne, Oklahoma, that goal became a reality on Oct. 29, when he was named president of the National FFA Organization at the 79th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

“When I was a young FFA member, I always knew I wanted to be a state officer,” Jett said. “I thought that being a national officer was out of reach. However, after serving as an Oklahoma FFA state officer, I realized that being a national officer was attainable and a great opportunity.”

Jett said that his experiences at OSU, where he serves on the Homecoming Steering Committee, Speaker’s Board, President’s Leadership Council, and is an Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity member, have helped him prepare for his role as national president.

“Interviewing for clubs at OSU has helped me because a large portion of the selection process for national FFA president was interviews,” Jett said.

Nominees for national offices must submit an in-depth application to the National FFA Organization detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community and complete an essay explaining why they wish to be elected.

Then, candidates will participate in six rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural topics, and complete a writing exercise. Jett is one of six individuals elected to hold national office from a field of 37 candidates.

Jett said he must finish his schoolwork by Thanksgiving to begin his presidential duties. He will then take a year off of school to travel the country, meeting with FFA members, agriculture teachers and FFA supporters, as well as top business, government and education leaders in approximately 40 states. He will also participate in an international experience tour to Japan.

“I really enjoy college, but I realize this is a tremendous opportunity for my personal growth and leadership,” Jett said.  “I’ll miss being at Oklahoma State, but I know there will be plenty of opportunities here when I return.”