Texas Tech University Athletics
Gray Promoted to Assistant A.D. for Leadership Academy
January 06, 2020 | Student-Athlete Development
Gray promoted at Texas Tech with proven experience in student-athlete development and community outreach
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt announced Monday the promotion of Jessica Gray to Assistant Athletics Director for the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy.
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In this role, Gray will be responsible for the continued success of the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy, including all programming under the four pillars of character, career, wellness and leadership. This includes the nationally-recognized Suited for Success program, the "Wreck 'Em Prep" student-athlete introductory courses as well as various leadership and life skills opportunities that prepare student-athletes for lifelong success.
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Gray arrived in Lubbock in January of 2019 as an assistant director for community and character development. She has previous experience at George Washington and Temple, serving in student-athlete development roles at both universities.
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 "Jess' commitment to developing young people, combined with her energy and passion for our community as a whole, and the potential of every student-athlete, supports the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy's goal to prepare all Texas Tech student-athletes, coaches and staff to best serve, compete and lead at the highest levels perfectly," said Amy Heard, Texas Tech's Senior Associate Athletics Director in direction of the leadership academy.
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Gray has represented Texas Tech Athletics as a 2019 NCAA Leadership Development, Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute Class member and was the 2018 Commitment Award Recipient from Women Leaders in College Athletics. Under her direction, Texas Tech Athletics' staff & student-athletes tallied up more than 700 hours of community service this past fall alone.
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"I am blessed and thankful for this opportunity to continue to grow and lead the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy," Gray said. "Over the last year, I have fallen in love with the Lubbock community, Texas Tech University and our athletics department and am excited to continue the great work we are doing under the leadership of Amy Heard and Kirby Hocutt. The student-athletes, coaches and staff here are Grade-A people, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build relationships and develop our people holistically."
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Gray replaces Lamarr Pottinger, who departed Texas Tech in December for a position at the NCAA national office.
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In this role, Gray will be responsible for the continued success of the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy, including all programming under the four pillars of character, career, wellness and leadership. This includes the nationally-recognized Suited for Success program, the "Wreck 'Em Prep" student-athlete introductory courses as well as various leadership and life skills opportunities that prepare student-athletes for lifelong success.
Â
Gray arrived in Lubbock in January of 2019 as an assistant director for community and character development. She has previous experience at George Washington and Temple, serving in student-athlete development roles at both universities.
Â
 "Jess' commitment to developing young people, combined with her energy and passion for our community as a whole, and the potential of every student-athlete, supports the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy's goal to prepare all Texas Tech student-athletes, coaches and staff to best serve, compete and lead at the highest levels perfectly," said Amy Heard, Texas Tech's Senior Associate Athletics Director in direction of the leadership academy.
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Gray has represented Texas Tech Athletics as a 2019 NCAA Leadership Development, Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute Class member and was the 2018 Commitment Award Recipient from Women Leaders in College Athletics. Under her direction, Texas Tech Athletics' staff & student-athletes tallied up more than 700 hours of community service this past fall alone.
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"I am blessed and thankful for this opportunity to continue to grow and lead the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy," Gray said. "Over the last year, I have fallen in love with the Lubbock community, Texas Tech University and our athletics department and am excited to continue the great work we are doing under the leadership of Amy Heard and Kirby Hocutt. The student-athletes, coaches and staff here are Grade-A people, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build relationships and develop our people holistically."
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Gray replaces Lamarr Pottinger, who departed Texas Tech in December for a position at the NCAA national office.
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