Dr. Rudy Tarpley delivers Last Lecture
By: Ashley Inge—
Executive Producer
On Oct. 10, Dr. Rudy Tarpley, an Agricultural Education professor, delivered the fourth installment of The Last Lecture Series at Tarleton State University in the Fine Arts auditorium.
According to tarleton.edu, Tarpley earned degrees in Agricultural and Extension Education from New Mexico State University and Mississippi State University. He has also served on the faculty at Texas Tech University, Eastern New Mexico University and Utah State University. A former high school agriculture teacher, Tarpley has spent his life preparing pre-service agriculture teachers for the teaching of agriculture, leadership and career development.
Dr. Rudy Tarpley gave his Last Lecture on Tuesday night. Photo Courtesy of Tarleton.edu
The Last Lecture Series at Tarleton is the only award for faculty voted on by the entire student body, according to Tarleton’s website. Students are invited to nominate an outstanding professor who has inspired and influenced them in their education and outlook. The tradition invites professors to give a lecture as if it were the last lecture they would ever give.
The first installment of The Last Lecture Series was delivered in 2014 by Dr. Chris Guthrie. Dr. Jim Kirby gave the second installment in 2015 and Dr. Jim Gentry gave the third installment in 2016.
Tarpley started off the lecture by thanking his high school teacher, Mr. Roger Lamb, for introducing him to agriculture. He explained that it was important to encourage students to pursue agriculture at an early age. He also gave some advice on how to get incoming students to come to Tarleton.
“The number one rule in recruiting new students: get em’ on campus,” Tarpley said.
Tarpley explained that prior to 1862, colleges were liberal arts institutions and that there were calls for “a more practical curriculum.”
He said he learned three lifelong lessons from his teacher, Roger Lamb: Play the guitar in different keys, everyone should learn how to weld, and get your butt on the bus.
Tarpley said when his teacher said “play the guitar in different keys,” he meant don’t be afraid to try something new.
“It changed my life. Play the guitar in different keys. You can’t be afraid to try something different,” Tarpley said.
The third rule, “get your butt on the bus,” referred to Tarpley being late getting back on the bus one time during school and his teacher lectured him in front of the other students. He explained that the memory stayed with him and he was never late “getting back on the bus” again.
Tarpley then showed pictures of Roger Lamb, his teacher that inspired him to pursue agriculture. He also showed pictures of current agriculture teachers at Tarleton.
“My heroes have always been agriculture teachers,” he said.
After his lecture, Tarpley sat down for an open-mic interview. During the Q&A, Tarpley said a memorable quote regarding agriculture and Tarleton.
“When you combine national blue and corn gold, you get Tarleton purple,” Tarpley said.
