Litton Leadership Scholars

The legacy of Congressman Jerry Litton was recently celebrated by the College of Agriculture Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. A lectureship series was given by legendary farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson, agribusiness director of WGN Radio and RFD-TV. The evening commemorated the inaugural Litton Leadership Scholars Program. 

During the evening dinner, I found myself sitting next to the man of the hour himself, Samuelson. He described changes in agriculture that he had seen throughout his lifetime. Amongst conversations about my career goals and Samuelson's many adventures came up Litton. Also at my table were members of the Jerry Litton Foundation, many of whom were close friends to Litton and worked tirelessly on his campaign efforts. The friends and family members of Litton recalled many moments where Litton's charm, dedication and achievement inspired them. 

Being a part of the Inaugural Litton Leadership
 Scholars Program has been a great honor.

I consider being named as a Litton Leadership Scholar to be one of the highest honors I have achieved during my time at MU. I am one of the fifteen CAFNR sophomores to be a part of this endeavor. During my life, I have had the privilege of being apart of numerous leadership endeavors. But, the year-long Litton Leadership seminar course has single handily been the best leadership experience I have encountered. I read Jerry Litton's bibliography and watched clips from "Dialogue with Litton," and the more I learn about this great man the more I recognize his impact on not only agriculture, but our nation.  

Litton is an agricultural journalism MU alumni who, in the words of former President Jimmy Carter, "Would have been president of the United States." Litton's career in politics and agriculture was tragically shortened. He and his family perished in a plane crash the night he won the U.S. Democratic Senate nomination. 

Above all, Litton was a forward thinker in all that he did. He and his family developed the foundation for the American Charolais industry. He was committed to the National FFA Organization, which he credits for transforming him from a shy farm boy to a dynamic public speaker. Litton worked tirelessly for the people of Missouri, in particular rural residents.

I am proud to call Northwest Missouri home and even more proud to be from the same area of Missouri as Litton. America lost a great leader when he passed away. However, I believe the Litton Leadership Scholars program is truly the best way to remember and to continue on his legacy.  

As Samuelson addressed our crowded auditorium, he stressed, "You cannot dream big enough." I believe no better statement could have summarized the evening and the Litton Leadership Scholars Program. In his trademark broadcast voice, Samuelson recalled interviewing Litton when he was a national FFA officer. There were several tears shed but many smiles when Deans of CAFNR recalled their experiences with Litton. Samuelson also stressed that we should pick our heros. I know I am proud to call a fellow Northwest Missourian one of mine.  

Fifteen sophomores at the University of Missouri were inducted as the
2012-2013 Litton Leadership Scholars on October 15, 2012.