Eighteen county judges and commissioners graduated August 6, 2026, from the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s V.G. Young Institute of County Government.

Dr. Peter McGuill, Director of the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, recognized the graduates for their commitment to advancing their leadership skills.  Hemphill County Judge, Lisa Johnson was among the graduates of the class.

The ceremony concluded a 2-day session for the academy members in College Station.  During their stay, the class members met with leadership development specialists and toured the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s Brayton Fire Training Field and Disaster City as well as received a briefing at the Texas A&M Forest Service’s State Emergency Operations Center.

The Commissioners Court Leadership Academy is a two-year program consisting of four multi-day sessions. These sessions are held in various locations in Texas and Washington D.C., and give commissioners court members a chance to increase their knowledge of county government, develop communications skills, and improve their ability to serve in a leadership position.