ENMU-Ruidoso & Foundation to Host Meet & Greet Reception for WPRA President Jimmie Munroe
ENMU-Ruidoso and the ENMU-Ruidoso Foundation will host a meet and greet reception for Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) President Jimmie Munroe Wednesday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at 709 Mechem Drive.
Jimmie (Gibbs) Munroe initially made a name for herself in the rodeo arena by winning a WPRA world title in 1975, her commitment to the advancement of women in professional rodeo has cemented her legacy in the sport. Munroe, a Texas native and granddaughter of Zack Miller of the famous Miller Brothers 101 Ranch Wild West Show, entered her first horse show at three and her first rodeo at ten. An impressive rodeo career that launched with two National Intercollegiate Barrel Racing titles and an All-Around title, went on to include three WPRA world titles (barrel racing, all-around, and tie-down roping all in 1975), two WPRA season Barrel Racing titles (1976-77), and 11 trips to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on three different horses. During the 1984 NFR, she won the first five rounds aboard Smooth Cadett “Cat,” a feat unmatched by any NFR contestant at the time of induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2019.
Munroe etched her name in the record books winning the barrel racing world title aboard Robin Flit Bar “Billy,” in 1975. She credits her mom with finding the bay gelding that cost just $400 and changed the course of her life.
A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Munroe earned a degree in education that she has used not only as a leader of the WPRA, but in conducting horsemanship and barrel racing clinics worldwide. Munroe served as president of the WPRA from 1978-93, 2011-12 and again 2021-present. As president she has led the association in acquiring equal prize money for women, obtained national sponsors, strived for better arena conditions, and advanced the use of electric timers.
In 1980, she married the late Dan “Bud” Munroe, a 12-time NFR qualifier, 1986 PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider and ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee. The couple have one daughter, Tassie.
