Finding Early Success: Davidson Receives Early Career Achievement Award

Finding Early Success: Davidson Receives Early Career Achievement Award

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | [email protected]

From the kelly green corduroy jacket to suits and bow ties comes a career of service that has spanned decades.

Jered Davidson, a recipient of the 2024 Ferguson College of Agriculture Early Career Achievement Award, grew up in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, and became involved with his local 4-H club at age 9.

During his time in 4-H, Davidson received numerous opportunities and experiences that would last him a lifetime, he said.

"Without 4-H, I definitely would not be where I am today," Davidson said. "It is a weird coincidence of things that just happened." Davidson started his 4-H career with a livestock project. This soon turned into conservation of natural resources projects before morphing into public speaking and leadership, Davidson said.

Davidson became a state 4-H ambassador and the Oklahoma 4-H state secretary his senior year of high school, leading him to become the state president his freshman year at Oklahoma State University in 2005.

"On the leadership team as state president, he definitely was one who could help motivate his peers and keep them organized," said Karla Knoepfli, OSU senior extension specialist and Davidson's 4-H officer adviser.

"He was one of those young people you could depend on to follow through with his responsibilities," she added. "Those skills are what you want when you have somebody who is the state 4-H president."

Being a 4-H member helped Davidson decide OSU was where he wanted to attend college, he said.

"Just being involved with the program and around it, you go to Stillwater so many times you almost get indoctrinated," Davidson said. "The people on campus were always welcoming, inviting, and encouraging."

Davidson found his place at OSU, he said, even if the initial culture shock from small town life to being in classes larger than the population of his hometown was a bit overwhelming.

"I had a very good relationship with a lot of the faculty and staff," Davidson said. "It sounds cliché, but the Ferguson College of Agriculture really is a family."

Davidson pursued a degree in agricultural economics during his time at OSU. He credits this as another reason he has found success at such a young age, he said.

"What the agricultural economics department taught me the most was to be flexible, adaptable, take everything in, analyze the information that has been given to you, and try to find a solution," Davidson said.

After completing his presidential term, Davidson joined FarmHouse fraternity his sophomore year at OSU. Davidson quickly found himself in leadership positions within the fraternity, serving as the community service chair, the recruitment chair, and the president, he said.

In addition to his involvement with FarmHouse, Davidson served on the Student Alumni Board through the OSU Alumni Association. While on the board, he was tasked with restarting the President's Posse, a student group associated with the OSU President's Office, that helped host alumni, donors and university guests.

"We welcomed them and showcased the amazing things the university was doing, explaining how their impact was felt on a day-to-day basis," Davidson said.

During his undergraduate studies, Davidson wavered between graduate studies in agricultural economics and law school, he said.

"Bailey Norwood, my adviser, pushed me more toward law school," Davidson said. "Based on my background, my analytical skills and the skillset I had developed, he thought I should really pursue law school."

Davidson attended the University of Oklahoma School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2012.

After graduation, Davidson found himself impacted by his time in 4-H again when representatives of The Public Finance Law Group, where Davidson is now a partner, discovered his 4-H-related background, he said.

"They listened to a radio interview that I gave as part of the Centennial Celebration," Davidson said. "One of the senior partners was also a 4-H'er, and we had that immediate connection. He knew 4-H had given me all the skills I needed to succeed."

In his professional role, Davidson serves as a bond counsel for multiple entities, including the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

"You're always striving to provide great customer service and great legal advice as well as trying to help clients reach their goals," Davidson said.

In several situations, Davidson has appeared before the Oklahoma Supreme Court, a rarity in the bond validation legal arena.

"The Oklahoma Supreme Court usually does not take oral arguments in bond validation cases," said Eric Lair, Oklahoma attorney and outside general counsel to the OTA.

"Jered's presentation to the Supreme Court justices, his ability to address their questions in a comprehensive yet succinct manner and be persuasive, was impressive to me," he added.

Outside of work, Davidson has served as an Oklahoma 4-H Foundation board member for 20 years, including a term as board president from 2019 to 2021.

"When Jered sets his mind to be a part of something, it is never just, 'Can I sit on the sidelines and watch?'" said Steve Beck, OSU Extension assistant director and state 4-H program leader.

"He's going to ensure he is productive and contributes."

Davidson and his wife, Lindsey Long Davidson, who he met in 4-H, contribute to OSU Agriculture, most recently through a gift to the New Frontiers Campaign. The Davidson donations went toward an office in the new 4-H suite in Agricultural Hall.

"Without the opportunities that Ferguson and 4-H provided us," Davidson said, "we would not be where we are. If we can help alleviate some of that burden from future generations, then we are willing to do that."

Story by Sydney Van Pelt | Cowboy Journal

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