by M. C. Jennings | Feb 9, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
B.B.A. in Marketing from ACU.
M.B.A. in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. The company I worked for was based in the Bay Area. When I moved from the field office in Denver to the corporate headquarters, the company paid for me to get my M.B.A. This was very convenient. Golden Gate University is located in downtown San Francisco, but their East Bay campus was located where the company I worked for, Triad’s Systems Corporation, was based in Livermore, CA. Triad paid for all my tuition and books. I went to courses at night, while working full-time.
Tim Johnston
What is your work background?
Originally I worked for Triad Systems Corporation in customer service, then sales, and later became a Regional Manager for our Education Services. I had a team of 12 people, working in 10 cities. This team took care of the system configuration and training for all of our customers.
Eventually we moved to the headquarters in California. I held several positions over the years, including Marketing Analyst (putting together our service offerings), Sales Trainer, and Sales Development Manager (responsible for training our training team for industry training, system training, sales training, and supporting regional manager hiring and coaching programs).
At ACU, I worked as the Chief Enrollment Officer for 11 years and then moved to the Career Center. I have worked in COBA for the last 6 years as the Assistant Dean.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
First of all, I work with the Connections team to ensure we have a good advising process and career development program to come along side the academic coursework required for each major.
A key tie-in with the Career Development work is our partnership with ACU’s University Relations Managers, who live in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. These managers are critical to our efforts to help students connect to starting career opportunities.
ACU’s alumni provide us with scholarship dollars to help improve the affordability of the COBA experience. This is another area of work I help to coordinate.
As one of the co-founders of Leadership Summit, I serve as the leader of our management team to ensure our enrollment, satisfaction, budget and connection goals are achieved through this program.
Tim and crew at Leadership Summit 2015
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
Rick Lytle and I met in Denver. After earning my master’s degree, he encouraged me to consider working for ACU. Rick’s statement of, “Not everyone goes to church but most everyone goes to work”, really resonates with me. It’s challenging to be a Christian in the workplace. It’s difficult to be competitive and honorable. It’s important for our graduates to bring hope to their workplace. I wanted to help equip students for this challenge.
What’s the best part of working with students?
It’s great to see students understand how they can prepare to make a valuable contribution to an organization, both in terms of their business ability and their character. It’s exciting to see where they will have a place to live out the mission. A job search is difficult, it takes a lot of effort to put yourself out there in an effective manner. It can be hard on your psyche. This is where my coaching comes in. I like helping students face the challenge and win.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
Mountains, mountains and more mountains. I like to snow ski and hike whenever I can. Plus the mountain biking at Buck Creek trails here in Abilene is a lot of fun. A few years ago I bought a shotgun and joined the Sporting Clays Club here in Abilene. COBA students have tried to help me improve my shooting. It’s a work in progress. The students tend to shoot 70 – 80% out there, but I’m usually in the 40% range.
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
I remember working for a client in Steamboat Springs, CO. After a few days it was time to return to Denver. I was on a “puddle jumper” – we called it Rocky Mountain Scareways. As I was sitting on the plane watching them plow the runway as the snow kept coming down and the plane received multiple de-icings, I really questioned my career choice.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Currently I am commander of the armies of the north communion team at Highland CoC, (northside of the building) at second service. Over the years I have been very involved with our church Teaching class, or running the Habitat for Humanity Building project or Bus Ministry. Also, I am very passionate about supporting missions and really appreciate the work of World Vision and Compassion International.
Who is your role model and why?
At ACU I have had several including Jack Rich who was my boss for many years. He never got rattled and he always took the high road. And be careful if you are meeting with Jack and you criticize a team member. He will get them on the phone right away and ask them to address the complaint you just levied. That helps you learn quickly. Dr. Terry Pope is so wise and a man of integrity. If you haven’t heard Terry’s 10, you need to, it’s wisdom to guide your life. Rick Lytle is the most enthusiastic, hopeful Christian I have ever met. His positive energy constantly gives me a boost. My mom and dad were awesome. My dad was an Electrical Engineer and Elder at our church. Together they raised 5 children, one of which had special needs. I don’t think he ever wasted any time. Mom was a great communicator who would pour good Biblical wisdom into me, whether I wanted it or not. I could go on and on …
The Johnston Family
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
In graduate school, I had an economics professor who BELIEVED all problems are pricing problems. When the price goes high enough, people will solve the problem. I could tell his academic discipline was his belief. We disagreed, but he really made me think.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
My initial thought was to say that I really wish I could fly. But this is a selfish desire. What I really think would be most useful would be to be able to listen to people like Jesus listened to the women at the well. I wish I could tune into someone’s spirit.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I wanted to be an artist. But being an art major (courses are double blocked) and being a baseball player did not coincide well. So I switched to accounting. I really swung the pendulum on that decision. Ultimately I landed on marketing. This helps me be patient with our students. It can take a while to find your sweet spot.
by M. C. Jennings | Jan 22, 2016 | Academics, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Springboard, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
BS Communication Disorders, (Speech Pathology).
Karen Heflin
What is your work background?
I have been at home with my children for the past 13 years, with small part-time jobs on the side. Now that they are all in school, I’m enjoying the opportunity to work for the Griggs Center.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
I am the Springboard Program Coordinator for the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy. I help with fundraising, coordinate our business model competitions for both students and the community, and provide training events for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What’s the best part of working with students?
I enjoy their energy, creativity and enthusiasm.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I love being with my husband and four children. I love to travel and eat and experience other cultures–this may be because I’m a ‘Third Culture Kid.’ I enjoy reading and singing. Also, I love to climb things. Especially trees.
The Heflin Family
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
My very first job was scooping ice cream for a family-owned, homemade ice cream shop. I had a very strong right arm at the end of that summer!
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
My family and I are a mentors for arriving refugee families through the International Rescue Committee. These families have become our real life heroes as well as our dear friends. Their stories are humbling and inspiring. I am very passionate about serving this community of people and would love to tell you more if you’re interested in volunteering!
Karen and Houston Heflin
Who is your role model and why?
Corrie ten Boom and Rosa Parks- I admire their strength and tenacity and their willingness to take great risks for ideas they believed to be important.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. This would allow me to travel anytime to anywhere.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I lived in Iceland in the late 80’s.
by M. C. Jennings | Dec 11, 2015 | Academics, COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I graduated from ACU with a BA in Political Science in 1997, then received a JD from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2000. I also earned an MA in History from West Texas A&M in 2014.
Dr. Andy Little
What is your work background?
I practiced law from 2000 to 2010, primarily at a regional law firm in Amarillo. My legal practice encompassed employment law and business litigation.
What do you teach at ACU?
I teach the business law classes, and occasionally teach a class related to ethics and corporate social responsibility. I also teach Honors College colloquia from time to time.
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
In addition to teaching, I also serve as Associate Dean of the College of Business Administration.
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
I grew up the son of an ACU professor, and I had a wonderful experience at ACU as an undergrad, so I think I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to be back in the university setting at some point.
What’s the best part of working with students?
Students have a spirited vitality and sense of hope within them that keeps me young. I really enjoy walking alongside them at this transitional phase of their lives. In my better moments, perhaps there is an opportunity for me to share my faith journey with them, and for us to learn from one another.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
This is a hard question to answer. At a very superficial level, yes, I gave up considerable income and positional power as a partner at a regional law firm to work here at ACU. But during the time period in which I made the transition to teaching (around 2010), I was in the process of discovering that money and power weren’t my priorities anyway, so I’m not sure I was giving up something I really wanted in the first place. I guess I would say I gave up something I thought I wanted.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I like the wilderness—hiking, backpacking, skiing, camping with family and friends, etc. I like music. I read a lot of books about history and religion. I try to be involved with my church family.
What is a good, early story about your teaching?
I had a student named Brody Smith who insisted that we listen to part of the Top Gun soundtrack one morning in BLAW 461. I liked Brody. And I liked Top Gun. So I accommodated his request. It was a great class period. I’m sure everyone learned a lot that day.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
I was honored to be ACU’s Teacher of the Year in 2012.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
I’ve been on the boards of directors for several non-profits over the last 15 years, most recently the Christian Village of Abilene.
Who is your role model, and why?
He will likely be embarrassed by this mention, but I’ve tried to watch Monty Lynn closely to see how I can better emulate him as he emulates Christ.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
Mel Hailey in the Political Science Department consistently made me think deeper than any other professor. In a series of three courses dealing with political theory, he led us through an extended collection of readings that addressed the central question, “What is justice?,” which has animated much of my professional and intellectual career ever since.
Jennifer and Andy Little
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Who’s to say I don’t already have superpowers?
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a big fan of the punk band Social Distortion.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
As before, this is a hard question to answer. The easy, church-y way to answer it would be to say, “I want others to know Jesus when they know me.” And this would be a true statement, so far as it goes. But I’m also realistic enough to know that I am not Jesus, and that the Jesus people get to know when they know me probably looks and feels different than the Jesus they might get to know if they know someone else.
It’s also a hard question to answer because I’m a private person, and I’m not comfortable being known through social media at all. This is not a space in which I want to live, so I choose not to disclose much in these kinds of formats. I prefer unmediated relationships in which to know others and be known by them.
by M. C. Jennings | Dec 4, 2015 | Academics, COBA Staff, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I graduated from ACU with Social Work degree in 1988.
Frankie Montgomery
What is your work background?
I worked as an assistant for a CPA in Ft. Worth before coming to ACU. While at ACU I worked as the assistant director in Gardner Dorm and director in McDonald Dorm. After graduation I worked as a social worker with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was honored to work at home while our children were little and went back to work at Big Brothers Big Sisters about the time they were in middle school.
What do you do at COBA?
I assist (read: try to keep up with) Dr. Lytle, oversee the COBA budget and the various tasks associated with the upkeep of the Mabee Business Building. I’m also on the staff senate.
What’s the best part of working with students?
The fresh energy that students exude and the creativity and talent they are developing is inspirational – and I’m not exaggerating. It’s really fun watching students become who they are. Making new friends is one of my favorite things so connecting with students is really fun to me. I’m in a good place!
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I enjoy gardening, traveling, antique shopping, cooking/baking, camping (mostly the part where I sit by the fire), visiting with friends and keeping connected with them. All of these things are more fun when I’m in the company of my husband, Monty. (We’ve been married 25 years!) We also care for my 92 year old father who lives 3 blocks away from us in his own home. I enjoy anything that touches, affects, is related to or involves either of our kids who are both at ACU: Seth (Senior) and Leah (sophomore). They are both pretty cool people, to say the very least. I spend a good deal of time praying for them, their friends, their future spouses and their lives in general.
Monty and Frankie Montgomery
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
Well, I made it to my very last week of college before being thrown into the GATA fountain. (That used to be a thing when the fountain was like a shallow wading pool.)
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
I have been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 5 years. My Little Sister is 15 now!
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model has always been my mother. Although she died 22 years ago she continues to influence me. Mom came to know God when I was approaching my teen years so I had a front row seat at a pretty critical time to observe her and my dad as they made significant changes in their lives to follow Christ. I learned about accepting grace and desiring to please God and being real and being hospitable from her. I also learned from her the value of giving people a chance. She really grasped the concept of God doing mighty things when people are open to Him and not giving up on people because of that.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
John Willis, of course. His teaching was excellent and he had a way of making sure the students knew he was available to us. And those windmill cookies were to die for.
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Frankie and her son, Seth
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Frankie and her daughter, Leah
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Okay, I always hate this question. But if time travel was a superpower I would pick that. There are a couple of moments in history I’d really like to witness.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
That I lived in Scotland for a little over a year between my Sophomore and Junior year at ACU.
by M. C. Jennings | Oct 9, 2015 | Careers In..., COBA Events, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Placement stories, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I attended Hardin Simmons University and majored in Mass Media and minored in Spanish. I am currently finishing my masters in higher education with a certification in Conflict Resolution & Mediation. I will graduate December 2015!
Samantha Matta
What is your work background?
I started my career with Hendrick Medical Center as their marketing coordinator. I worked for the physicians that were not employed with the hospital and were an independent branch of Hendrick called Hendrick Provider Network. My main role was to travel to the rural communities outside of Abilene and market our services of internal medicine, endocrinology, sleep therapy, and hand therapy/reconstruction to the physicians that were in our network. I worked with HMC marketing for several years and assisted with the development of the MedSpa at Hendrick where I served as the primary patient consultant as well as their marketing coordinator. I have worked in several departments at Hendrick Medical Center and I still teach classes at Hendrick Health Club that include Body Jam and Attack. Little known fact: I was also certified as a Stott Pilates instructor!
What do you do at COBA?
I currently serve as the Career Development Advisor for COBA and SITC.
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
Coming from the field of marketing with an emphasis in health care, I was ready to challenge myself with a change. Originally, I had no ties to ACU but once I went through the interview process I fell in love with the community. My gut told me I had made the right choice. I wanted to work with students because I love the atmosphere of learning and academics.
What’s the best part of working with students?
The best part about working with students is building relationships with them. Student development through a holistic approach is best described as social learning theory and the focus on how the individual acquires new ideas, behaviors, and new cognitive content. James Fowler’s first three stages of Faith Development: conventional stage, individual reflection, and faith developments can adhere to the experience and theory of students questioning their beliefs and values. These steps were integrated into theory to help illustrate the foundation of questioning a student’s transition into individual self-awareness. Working with students as they grow and develop is such a unique experience that I am so blessed to be a part of.
Samantha hosted COBA students at the Hispanic Unidos banquet held at ACU last month.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
You can never have enough hobbies! I may not be a master at any of them but I will always try something new. Currently, I have taken up boxing lessons. I have a trainer and we work on sparring and kick boxing. I also enjoy painting when I have the time. I started playing the guitar two years ago….it has been a slow process. I love to cook but I am a healthy eater so Paleo is right up my alley. I love to run and I have completed two half-marathons. I love to be outside; camping, hiking, caving and rock climbing. An annual tradition I have is to attend ACL… here I come Billy Idol! I am passionate about living life with family and great friends; Carpe Diem!
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
I am a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Red Coats. I also am a member of the Young Professionals of Abilene through the Chamber of Commerce. I am an annual volunteer for Cancer Service’s Fashions for a Cure style show. I also volunteer at the Abilene Food Bank and Global Samaritan. I occasionally volunteer at the animal shelter.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To know every language in the world; I want to be like Nicholas Cage in the City of Angels.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
The smell of cucumbers and watermelon make me nauseated.
by M. C. Jennings | Sep 8, 2015 | COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Conroe High School in 2008 and enrolled at ACU that fall. I graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Management from COBA in 2012.
Corinne and her husband Chase
What is your work background?
While in school I worked with the University Events team on the ACU campus. We did everything from small lunches to large events like the President’s Circle Dinner. After graduating from ACU, I moved to Dallas and worked at the Coppell YMCA. After moving back to Abilene and getting married, I began working at a local oil drilling company. I began working in COBA in July of 2014.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
I am the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Rick Lytle.
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
ACU played a major role in making me who I am today. I came to school not knowing if I was going to be able to make it on my own, away from my parents. I met lifelong friends, grew to be someone that I loved and someone that loved the Lord more than anything. ACU helped me believe in myself. Deciding to work at ACU was not a hard decision at all. To work in a place where I can help lead students to Christ and possibly be a part of their story is a great feeling and I wake up every morning looking forward to coming to work.
What’s the best part of working with students?
The best part about working with students are the relationships that you can build along with the different types of people you meet and learn about.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I love to bake! It has been a stress reliever for me for a very long time. I also like to go to sporting events. My husband is a high school basketball coach and I love supporting him and his players! I would say that is my main hobby – getting to see him do what he loves along with being able to be a part of it and building relationships with each player during the season and during off season.
Corinne is Hawley basketball’s #1 fan!
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
When I was a senior at ACU, working with the University Events team, I was put in charge of the Opening Chapel Parade of Flags. This is a huge event on campus and an ACU tradition so I had to get it right! I spent about 6 months planning and getting students to volunteer to carry different flags. About a week out, I was bribing my roommates and close friends to be on the list to carry a flag. When the first day of school came I was super excited and a little nervous about opening chapel but all the work I had put into organizing and planning with each student had paid off. The entrance of each of the flags was perfect! To be a part of something so special to ACU and to get the chance to learn different event management skills made all the stress and worrying worth it.
Who is your role model, and why?
I would have to say that my mom is my role model. She has been my best friend since day one. She is a Senior Leadership Consultant for the YMCA of the USA and has had the chance to travel the country meeting new people and helping them achieve their career goals. She has taught me a lot about how to be a good daughter, friend, colleague and wife and I am so thankful to have someone like her in my life that is always pushing me to be a better person.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
My most inspirational professor was Laura Phillips. I was in her class a couple times throughout my four years in COBA and enjoyed the classes. But it was the times that she invited us over for dinner and to make Christmas Candy that were so special to me. Being 6 hours away from home was hard but when I would go over to the Phillips’ house it made me feel like I was at home, obviously not my own, but being around a family and taking part in their lives really made me feel special and loved.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower I would choose to be able to talk to my dog. We have a chocolate lab, Bear, and yes I talk to him pretty much every day. I would love to be able to have conversations with him and also know that he understood me when he gets in trouble. I’m pretty sure he would have a British accent if he could talk.
Bear
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
My mother and I have been on 25 mother/daughter trips. Beginning when I was just a year old, we have done a trip, just the two of us. They have ranged anywhere from a short weekend in Dallas for shopping to a two week trip exploring Italy. These are memories that I will always have and I hope to one day continue the tradition with my kids and their grandmother.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
Take the time to invest in yourself. When you are confident and believe in yourself, others will start to see you the same. Surround yourself with people that will help you grow into the person that God designed you to be!
