Lasting Influence; Long-time AEC staff member Mary Lou Flom to retire
By: Norman Martin
After working at Texas Tech University for more than 45 years, Mary Lou Flom has announced plans to retire at the end of July. The veteran administrative business assistant spent the vast bulk of her career (1978-2019) with Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
"Mary Lou has contributed to the lives of many people in the department with humility and kindness," said Cindy Akers, CASNR's Associate Dean for Academic and Student Programs. "That's why she has so many friends across the college."
Asked if she expected to be on the job so long, Flom said with a laugh, "No, I didn't but it really doesn't seem like it's been that long because I really enjoy my job. I love working here and it made me feel young to be around the students."
"My whole life has been Texas Tech," she added. "I know I'll miss it, but I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren."
Steven Fraze, chair of Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, was a graduate student when Flom came to the department. "To this day when I meet up with alumni across the state they have one question in common, "How's Mary Lou doing?" She is agricultural education at Texas Tech to many people," he said.
In 2013, an endowed scholarship to honor Flom was established in her name, Fraze added. The scholarships go to undergraduate students in the department. The 'Mary Lou Flom Endowed Scholarship' was created by former students to show their appreciation for all the hard work and dedication Flom has invested in the department.
June Humble Bell, a former graduate assistant in the department and her niece, Jenna Davidson Hightower, also a graduate of the department, assisted in development of the endowment with the financial support of others.
Flom said at the time that she was thankful the scholarship would assist students in continuing their education, and hoped the scholarship continued to grow. "I was humbled that somebody would do this for me and the students," the Lubbock resident said
It's just a good way for former students to give back to the university, as well as thank and honor Flom, said Scott Burris, a professor and associate department chair of Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications.
"Her influence on students lasts a lifetime," Burris said.
CONTACT: Steven Fraze, Chairman, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2816 or steven.fraze@ttu.edu
0719NM19 / Editor's Note: To give to the "Mary Lou Flom Scholarship Endowment," click here
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