Texas Tech release letter following termination of rodeo coach for alleged misconduct

Note: The video above is an interview with Jerrad Hofstetter on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources released a letter to rodeo students, parents and supporters on Tuesday regarding Jerrad Hofstetter’s termination from the college on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Texas Tech said Hofstetter’s financial management, disregard for animal well-being and policy compliance over many years is what led to the institution’s decision.

In a previous interview with EverythingLubbock.com , Hofstetter explained that there was a misunderstanding regarding livestock kept on and off Texas Tech property. He said everyone understood that he had cattle kept on his property in quarantine due to trying to prevent the spreading of illness to other cattle.

Hofstetter, who had been the head Texas Tech Rodeo coach for the past six years, recruited over 100 students for the rodeo team for the upcoming fall semester.

While Hofstetter was a tremendous recruiter and mentor within the program, Texas Tech said he repeatedly refused to follow Texas Tech University policies and procedures.

An audit was completed by the Texas Tech University System on June 28 and an investigation by the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) was completed on August 26, confirming the patterns of behavior.

See the full letter from Texas Tech Davis College below:

Dear Rodeo Students, Parents & Supporters,

I am writing today to follow up on a significant change in our Texas Tech Rodeo Program. On September 5, 2024, Jerrad Hofstetter was terminated from his position as Texas Tech Rodeo coach. We understand this news is upsetting to many, and we want to provide you with additional information about the documented misconduct over the course of many years that led to this decision.

While we recognize that Mr. Hofstetter has been a tremendous recruiter and mentor within the program, he has repeatedly refused to follow Texas Tech University policies and procedures. These patterns of behavior were confirmed by a Texas Tech University System audit completed on June 28th and an investigation by the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) completed on August 26th.

These reports provide numerous documented violations of policies that relate to the care and treatment of animals and the management and stewardship of financial resources, including:

Financial Management
A Texas Tech University System audit found hundreds of thousands of dollars unaccounted for in Rodeo Program accounts under Mr. Hofstetter’s management. Mr. Hofstetter also failed to produce receipts for more than 300 transactions.

Animal Welfare
An IACUC investigation documented neglect and unacceptable management of cattle used by the Rodeo Program. Mr. Hofstetter also did not maintain the required health and death records.

Policy Compliance
Mr. Hofstetter consistently disregarded University policies, including those related to animal care, financial management, and program administration. In an effort to work with Mr. Hofstetter, he was given multiple opportunities to address these issues, but he failed to do so.

These documented instances of financial mismanagement, disregard for animal well-being, and policy violations undermine the University’s ability to maintain its accreditations and comply with funding agency requirements. Thus, it was imperative that Texas Tech University take decisive action.

This decision stems from an unwavering commitment to the integrity of our programs and the welfare of our students and animals. At Texas Tech University, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our Rodeo students and livestock and require financial accountability.

While we acknowledge the immediate impact of this situation on our Rodeo program, we remain steadfast in our dedication to its future success, including supporting our students through this transition and maintaining National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association compliance. In the past year, the University has substantially increased support for our equestrian programs, including investments in both operations and facilities. Going forward, the University is committed to honoring all Texas Tech University-awarded Rodeo Program scholarships and to the ongoing support of all equestrian programs.

We recognize this is a difficult time for our Rodeo community. Please contact my office at daviscollege@ttu.edu with any questions or concerns. We’re here to support you and ensure the program’s continued success.

Sincerely,

Clint Krehbiel

Dean of Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

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