Brooke Rollins ’94, a former student of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. She is notable for being the first Texan and the inaugural Texas A&M University graduate to assume this role.

Being a trailblazer is not unfamiliar to Rollins. She became Texas A&M University’s first female student body president after feeling “called to something greater than herself,” which set the groundwork for a career dedicated to public service, as noted in an article highlighted by the Texas A&M Foundation’s Maroon Magazine.

In her discussion with Maroon Magazine, she reflected on her motivation for entering public service.

“While strolling through the Memorial Student Center at the start of my freshman year, I noticed the names of Aggies who had made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I recognized the significant role this university had in the ongoing struggle for freedom. Shortly thereafter, I sat on the concrete stairs of the G. Rollie White Coliseum after witnessing my first Muster ceremony on campus. At that instant, I understood that servant leadership and Texas A&M would permanently be a vital aspect of my identity. Previous students had already paved the way for service, and I aspired to dedicate my life to upholding the Aggie standard,” Rollins articulated.

The Glen Rose native earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural development from the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications.

“It’s always gratifying to see Texas A&M represented in government, but we are particularly enthusiastic about seeing Aggies in the President’s cabinet,” remarked John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. “Aggies realize significant ideas, we don’t confine ourselves to limitations, and I look forward to the next steps she undertakes for the advancement of American agriculture.”

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry unanimously approved her nomination following her hearing in February.

“Secretary Rollins exemplifies the exceptional leaders we cultivate at Texas A&M,” stated General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “She possesses an impressive track record of achievements both within and outside the agricultural sector and has embraced the Aggie Core Values throughout her illustrious career. Now, she will share that dedication to excellence and selfless service with the citizens of America. Aggies everywhere are immensely proud of her today. Lead them well, Madam Secretary … and Gig ’em!”

Rollins was raised on her family’s farm, where she gained a robust foundation in agriculture through practical experience. She was deeply engaged in 4-H and the National FFA Organization, where she held the position of state FFA officer for Texas. Her background in agricultural education and leadership has molded her career, making her the first state FFA officer to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

After completing her studies at Texas A&M, Rollins obtained a law degree from the University of Texas. She worked as policy director for Gov. Rick Perry before leading the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a think tank focused on political issues.

“We often proclaim in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences that we house the ‘best and brightest,’ and Brooke certainly represents that,” commented Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Her unwavering commitment to agriculture and Texas A&M is evident, and we take great pride in seeing another former student break new ground for agriculture. We are convinced that agriculture is the answer at Texas A&M.”

In 2018, Rollins was appointed to oversee the White House’s Office of American Innovation and later the Domestic Policy Council. Subsequently, she established the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization. Along with her husband, Mark Rollins ’94, she recently resided in Fort Worth with their four children.

The article Brooke Rollins ’94 To Lead U.S. Department Of Agriculture originally appeared on Texas A&M Today.