Duck Dynasty flies into Whatley Center this spring

Television’s hit show Duck Dynasty is headed to Northeast Texas Community College. Phil Robertson, the Duck Commander himself, and his youngest son, Jep, will speak on the NTCC campus on April 6. The event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
This event is hosted by the Northeast Texas Community College Foundation and will take place at NTCC’s Bob Baker Stadium. Tickets will go on sale on Feb. 25. All tickets are $20 and include a meal and admission to hear Phil and Jep speak.
“Duck Dynasty is hugely popular right now, and we are thrilled to host Phil and Jep on our campus. We are expecting a big crowd for this fun, family event,” said Dr. Jonathan McCullough, NTCC vice president for advancement.
Phil Robertson was born and raised in Vivian, La. With seven children in his family, money was scarce and hunting became an important part of his life very early on. Mr. Robertson went on to be a high school star in football, baseball and track. This afforded him the opportunity to attend Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship, where he played first-string quarterback ahead of Terry Bradshaw. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in education, Mr. Robertson spent several years teaching. While his students claim he was an excellent teacher, Mr. Robertson decided that his talents would be better spent in the woods.
Mr. Robertson and his family, which include wife Kay and four boys – Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jeptha – began a quest to turn his passion for hunting and fishing into a livelihood. Mr. Robertson began experimenting with creating duck calls and Duck Commander was born. He received a patent for his unique call in 1973, and the Duck Commander Company was incorporated in 1973. They started out making duck calls in their home, where the whole family pitched in to help. The side business of commercial fishing kept food on the table while the company was getting started. The family also started a series of hunting videos called Duckmen DVDs.
Since then, the Duck Commander Company has grown into a major enterprise, but remains a family business. Mr. Robertson is a devout Christian who has also become well-known as an inspirational speaker. Fans now get a glimpse into the Robertson family in the hit A&E show, Duck Dynasty, which follows the adventures (and misadventures) of the entire clan.
Jep, Mr. and Mrs. Robertson’s youngest son, grew up in the duck blind. He has been the cameraman and editor for the family business for years. He resides in Louisiana with his wife Jessica and their four children Lily, Merritt, Priscilla, and River.
Tickets to this event may be purchased by calling the Whatley Center Box office at 903-434-8181 beginning Feb. 25. For more information, visit www.ntcc.edu/duckdynasty. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. E-mail jmccullough@ntcc.edu<mailto:jmccullough@ntcc.edu> for sponsorship details.