Jana Osbourn: A Legacy of Service at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Jana Osbourn, a distinguished Regents Fellow and regional program leader for Family and Community Health within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is poised to retire on January 31, 2024, after an impressive 35-year tenure dedicated to public service and community enrichment. Her career has spanned various roles and regions, culminating in her recent leadership position that has significantly impacted the South Region, which includes Districts 10 and 12, headquartered in Uvalde and Weslaco, respectively.
Throughout the last nine years, Osbourn has led and supported nearly 120 county agents and 50 program assistants, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages proactive programming and community engagement. Her innovative approach has placed a strong emphasis on employee onboarding, the development of impactful programs, and volunteer engagement, paving the way for enhanced service delivery to communities.
Osbourn’s journey with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension began in 1990 as a county agent in Lamar County. Over the following decades, she made her mark in Bandera County and Kendall County before assuming her role as regional program leader in 2017. Reflecting on her extensive career, Osbourn cites her ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives as a defining aspect of her work. “My proudest moments are seeing the impact you have as an agent on kids’ lives in 4-H and on people in the community,” she noted, highlighting her commitment to youth and community development.
Under her leadership, initiatives like Healthy South Texas have flourished, operating across 27 counties, including 13 in the South Region. Osbourn has witnessed first-hand the evolution of this program, noting its significant community health-related accomplishments. “When I moved into this role, we were figuring out how to make the greatest impact with the initiative. It’s rewarding to see the connections the agents have built in their communities and the results they are having,” she emphasized.
The 4-H program has also seen significant growth in enrollment and participation, attributed to the dedication of county agents and their investment in the youth. “People want to be a part of a successful program, and our agents are very invested in their programs,” Osbourn stated, reflecting on the positive perception of 4-H among families.
In terms of education, Osbourn holds a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in agriculture leadership science, focusing on adult education, from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her leadership contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including a team award from the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Services, recognition as a Texas A&M University Regents Fellow, and the Superior Service Award for leadership from AgriLife Extension.
Jana Osbourn’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, leaving behind a legacy characterized by dedication, innovation, and impactful community service that will resonate for years to come. As her colleagues prepare to honor her contributions, Osbourn’s influence on family and community health will endure, inspiring future generations of educators and leaders in the field.
