My Story
Howdy,
I have recently retired from full-time duty at Texas A&M University after an incredible 32-year career in higher education. I am currently a part-time Technical Project Manager with the Secure America Institute at Texas A&M University. I am also building up my blacksmithing business, the Hammerhead Armory, and completing my doctorate in Instructional Systems Design Technology. I feel like I am busier now than ever before in my life.
Born in Houston, Texas, and raised on a farm in East Texas, I was raised as a self-reliant, independent individual. After graduating high school, I joined the USAF, and I spent eight years seeing the world, learning about discipline, and making lifelong friends. After leaving the USAF, I wanted to pursue my engineering degree, and Texas A&M University recruited me as a Track athlete. I spent three years at Texas A&M but found my athletic scholarship was expiring, and I needed to join the full-time employment market.
Working full-time and taking a school break was supposed to be a short time event, but I met a great person, got married, and started a family. Loved every minute of it. During my early career at Texas A&M, I worked as an electronics technician, a server administrator, and a facility manager. I learned to work with students, faculty, and staff. I worked on committees, chaired one or two, and worked with first-generation students.
In 2011 I decided my children were grown up enough to tackle much of their problems, so I decided to finish my Bachelor’s degree. I decided to go to LeTourneau University, and in 2012 I received my Bachelor’s in Engineering Education. The best of both worlds. As I was promoted through the ranks at work, I was tasked with designing and building the college of engineering’s Makerspaces. At this time, I decided to pursue my Masters in Education Technology, completing it in 2016. For the pinnacle of my career at Texas A&M, I headed a team that designed, built, and managed the Zachry Engineering Labs facility. In 2021 I decided it may be time to retire from full time work and pursue a doctorate.
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
