Saluting Texas Lone Stars: The Lone Star section spotlights and recognizes powerful figures across Texas’ public sector landscape. This week’s Lone Star profile is Stacia Haynie, Ph.D, president of Midwestern State University.
Your public career highlights and education
https://msutexas.edu/welcome/president/haynie-biography.php
What you like best about public service
The ability to support the power of education so that our students have the opportunity for a life well-lived is what motivates me. I truly believe that I have one of the best jobs anywhere as we have the ability to transform lives.
An example of some of the best advice you have ever received
You can only spend a dollar once, so be thoughtful in serving your students, faculty, and staff.
Something you wish more people knew about the division of government you serve
The impact higher education has students, industry and business partners certainly boosts prosperity in terms of lifetime earnings, social mobility, and economic impact, but higher education also benefits our society. Studies show that college graduates typically volunteer at higher rates, rely less on public assistance, give to charity more frequently, and vote more regularly. Higher education isn’t just about transforming the individual but also empowering an entire community.
Any current project or initiative that you are working on
During the past two years, we spent time listening to and learning more about the unique needs of our active-duty military students and how we can provide streamlined services to help them succeed both in their mission and in the classroom. The Sheppard Air Force Base leadership team has been a phenomenal partner in helping us better understand the opportunities for these young service members as well as challenges of navigating higher education. Equally important to base personnel is the desire to support military-connected families. All of this information provided us with a vision for a Military Education Center.
Our community and its leaders have rallied for the cause! Last year through the generous support of local foundations and individuals, we raised $850,000 for scholarships and $4 million for construction of the center. In addition, we just received $3 million in financial support from the State of Texas for operational costs.
One thing outside of government service people may not know about you
My roots run deep in the red dirt of North Texas. From sitting behind the wheel of my grandfather’s tractor in an open field to an incredible 33-year career at LSU, this community enabled me to pursue opportunities beyond my imagination and enjoy a life well-lived. It is such an honor to return home to serve my alma mater and the Wichita Falls community and to pay forward all the opportunities that were provided to me.
