Dr. Jason R. Barrett
Awarded: Knight Commander’s Accolade – November 10, 2018
Awarded by Knight Commander Darren S. Kay during the 2018 Emmett Lee Irwin Province Court of Honor Banquet & Induction Ceremony at The Fairview Inn in Jackson, Mississippi.
Originally from Bobo, Mississippi, Jason was initiated in 1998 by the Beta Tau Chapter at Mississippi State University. As an undergraduate, he served as Rush Chairman and Number II.
After graduation, Jason began his Mississippi State University Extension career as a graduate assistant in the Food and Fiber Center. He went on to work for the Agricultural Economics Department as an Extension Associate and furthered his career as an Extension Instructor with the Center for Government and Community Development. Jason is an Assistant Extension Professor where he specializes in public utilities, private well education and screening, and leading the Mississippi Well Owner Network.
In 2015, Jason graduated with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.
Jason has been selected to serve on numerous boards including the Alabama/Mississippi Section of American Water Works Association, the Mississippi Association of County Agricultural Agents, the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine, and the Mississippi State University Robert Holland Faculty Senate.
Jason served as Alumnus Advisor for the Beta Tau Chapter from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, then Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan appointed him to serve as the Commander of Irwin Province. He was reappointed biennially, both by the 39th Knight Commander William E. Dreyer, and Knight Commander Kay, until he concluded that period of service in 2017.
Jason is a member of the Loyal Order, a participant in Forever KA, and a member of the 1865 Trust. In 2014, he was a member of the Crimson & Gold Society.
Jason and his wife Shannon reside in Starkville, Mississippi, and have four children, Joe, Bronwynne, Betsy Gray, and Hudson.