How FFA and Her Advisor Shaped Brooke Rollins' Path to Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins first crossed paths with her FFA advisor, Gary Rosenbusch, during an eighth-grade recruitment meeting at her junior high. Even then, her potential was unmistakable.
“I just encouraged her to get involved in as many different events and activities as possible,” recalled Rosenbusch.
Brooke Rollins didn’t follow the usual path of an FFA student. Unlike many of her peers with deep agricultural roots, she didn’t grow up with an ag background. However, she seized every opportunity FFA offered, thriving in leadership positions, public speaking, and livestock showing.
From that moment on, Secretary Rollins’ FFA career in Texas was marked by relentless determination and a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to succeed.
“Her dedication to be successful in everything she tried and her selflessness to put others first made her stand out from her peers,” said Rosenbusch.
One highlight of her FFA career is winning the state Radio Broadcasting Leadership Development Event (LDE), demonstrating her exceptional communication skills. This talent would later play a crucial role in her political career.
Secretary Rollins’ Texas FFA experiences not only provided a solid foundation to establish her leadership style but also influenced her career aspirations. Her exposure to numerous roles and successful alumni inspired her to pursue a path in public service.
“I believe she saw what FFA and ag education could do for people,” Rosenbusch said. “She saw others who became successful after their FFA careers andshe wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
Secretary Rollins served as a Texas FFA officer and then attended Texas A&M University, where she made history as the first female student body president.
“We all knew she was going to make it to D.C. in some way or another,” Rosenbusch said.
After graduating from Texas A&M, Rollins earned a law degree from the University of Texas. She began her career in policy as an aide to Texas Governor Rick Perry, eventually advancing to advise President Donald Trump during his first term and leading the America First Policy Institute.
Reflecting on the broader impact of mentorship within FFA, he emphasized its role in cultivating future leaders.
“Everything FFA does drives students to be the best they can be. Competition is a good example of real life. We compete daily to survive. Some win, some lose, but the fact that they just tried or competed makes them a winner,” Rosenbusch said.
The tenured educator believes that today’s FFA advisors play a critical role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders by providing diverse experiences and unwavering support.
“Exposing students to as many different activities and events as possible is the key,” said Rosenbusch. “It’s about helping them find their passion and reach their full potential.”
While Rosenbusch humbly downplayed his role, it is evident his mentorship with Secretary Rollins’ has made a significant impact.
One large enough that Secretary Rollins invited her former ag teacher to attended her Senate confirmation hearing, marking a profound moment in both their lives.
"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be there," Rosenbusch recalled, noting the pride he felt seeing Rollins, who had grown under his mentorship, take her place in front of the Senate. Her decision to invite her Texas FFA officer team to the hearing underscored the deep connections she continues to maintain with those who shaped her path.
For Rosenbusch, the experience was a bittersweet reminder of how far Rollins had come, reflecting on the values she developed in FFA. "It wasn't just about policy," he said. "It was about seeing one of our own step up and take on one of the most important jobs in the country."
Secretary Brooke Rollins’ story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting impact of FFA in shaping young leaders who are prepared to serve and lead in the world of agriculture and beyond.
“I always told my students to remember where they came from,” Rosenbusch said. “And she does. That’s the best part.”
|