The Matador Institute of Leadership Engagement (MILE) is a program for undergraduate students in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources that seeks to develop participants' personal and professional skills while exposing them to the key issues affecting local, state, and national agriculture and policy. The program is designed to provide participants with a competitive edge when seeking career opportunities after graduation.
Each MILE cohort will take place over three semesters and include 14 selected students representing the six Davis College academic departments. Interested students will be required to complete a competitive application process in order to be considered for acceptance into this elite program.
Leadership Retreat
Professional Development
Personal Leadership
Media Training
South Texas Tour
Service Projects
Southern Plains Ag Tour
Federal Policy
– Washington D.C.
Industry Relations
State Policy – State Capitol
Panhandle Ag Tours
Community Relations
Civic Leadership
Entrepreneurship
MILE curriculum is delivered through experiential learning opportunities that include on- and off-campus workshops and tours. These experiences give participants exposure to the diverse issues affecting agriculture and public policy. Each cohort will travel to Austin to meet with state policy makers when the Texas Legislature is in session. Every MILE cohort will also spend a week in Washington, D.C. meeting with government agencies and industry representatives.
In addition to participation in on- and off-campus workshops, tours, and professional development training, students in the MILE Program are also required to participate in an internship. The internship program hopes to develop mutually beneficial relationships between our student MILE members and companies and organizations within the agriculture industry. Internship hosts will benefit from an intern who is receiving high quality leadership, professional development, and communications training through the MILE Program.
“My favorite trip with the program has to be our tour of the South Plains, just really getting one-on-one time with our industry leaders – we went to dinner with them and just really got to pick their brains about what they do on an everyday basis and learn how they're making an impact on our industry.”
“I applied to the MILE program to increase my network and gain more exposure to the agricultural industry. If you're somebody that's eager to challenge yourself, not only from an agricultural perspective but from growing in a personal and professional development stage, I would highly recommend applying to the program.”
“MILE was one of the highlights of my college experience. I gained skills from the program that were critical in exposing me to different aspects of agriculture, policy, and personal growth, all of which created a foundation for my career.”
“The MILE program provided the opportunity for me to develop competencies that led to growth in my personal and professional development. I felt well prepared to pursue a highly impactful career in the field of agriculture.”
"My favorite part of the MILE program was making connections with industry professonals all over the nation - from Washington D.C., to Austin, and even right here in our backyard in Lubbock."
"I interned for a semester in Washington, D.C., with the Farm Credit Council. This internship resulted in a full-time position and will allow me to see the value of this program from a different perspective."
“I am confident in my abilities and the role I will play in the development of our industry. My parents raised me with the belief that we create change where our feet are, and the MILE Program has given me the platform and tools to create that change.”
