Mitzi Lauderdale, J.D., Ph.D., CFP®

About

Experience

Professor Lauderdale has been a member of the Texas Tech Faculty since 2004. She currently serves as Associate Academic Dean for Students in the College of Human Sciences, Associate Professor in the Department of Personal Financial Planning and as Interim Vice Provost at TTU. 

Mitzi works with Student Services in the College of Human Sciences to improve and enhance student recruitment, retention and engagement of undergraduate and graduate students. She has implemented a multi-year merit scholarship program for entering freshmen and transfer undergraduate students that is the first of its kind at Texas Tech. These scholarships are helping to attract high achieving students. Mitzi also supports the academic advising and retention office in the college, which frequently is among the highest retention and graduation rates at TTU. Additionally, she works in in an interim capacity to assist the Provost's Office with matters related to student academics. Mitzi is actively involved in professional organizations as well as university and community service.

Mitzi is a life-long Red Raider and has her Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law, a Masters in Personal Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas Tech University.  Mitzi actively conducts research and training in estate planning for special needs families and is a member of the Texas Bar.

Leadership / Awards Texas Tech University

TTU Chancellor's Council Distinguished Teacher Award (2019), PFPA Instructor of the Year (2018, 2013, 2012, 2011), Burleson Faculty Service Award from the College of Human Sciences (2017, 2015), Teaching Academy Member since 2013 (Executive Committee since 2018), TTU's President's Excellence in Teaching Award (2013), College of Human Sciences New Faculty Award (2010)

Research Interests

Special Needs Financial Planning, Higher Education Selection and Attainment, Planned Giving Strategies, Philanthropy, and Estate and Gift Tax Planning Strategies.

Classes Taught

Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Personal Financial Planning (PFP 2333); Estate Planning for Undergraduate Students (PFP 3378); Estate Planning for Graduate Students (PFP 5398); Introduction to Personal Financial Planning (PFP 1115); Personal Financial Planning for Professionals (PFP 2315); Tech Transition: Freshman Seminar (IS 1100); Strategies or Academic Achievement (PADR 0041); Strategic and Tactical Special Needs Planning (PFP 5311)  

Recent Publications

Cordell, D., Lauderdale, M., and Pickens, J. (2019). Financial Planning Insights from Research: Concepts Practitioners Can Use. Under Review, Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 76(3).

Piland Springer, N., and Lauderdale, M. (2019). Caregiver and professional perspectives: From financial planning obstacles to optimizing the future. In Brie Turns, Ph.D., Julie Ramisch, Ph.D., and Jason Whiting, Ph.D. (Eds.). Systemically Treating Autism: A Guide for Empowering Families (pp. TBD). New York, NY: Routledge.

Lauderdale, M. and Heckman, S. (2018). Work Transitions among SSI and SSDI Recipients Nearing Retirement: Employer Accommodations, Private Insurance, and Individuals with Mental Health Disability. Grant report for U.S. Social Security Administration's (SSA's) Analyzing Relationships Between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work found at https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/completed-projects/

Lauderdale, M., Walther, M. and Springer, N. (2017). Special needs financial planning: Optimizing resources for the future. In Goff, B. S. N., & Springer, N. P. (Eds.). Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Roadmap for Families and Professionals (pp. 173-187). New York, NY: Routledge.

Lauderdale, M. and Heckman, S. (2017). Children of Immigrants and College Attainment. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 38(3), 327-337.

Bost, J., Hoffman, M., and Lauderdale, M. (2015). Estate Planning and Taxation, 16^th Ed., Kendall/Hunt.

Hoffman, M., Lauderdale, M., and Bost, J. (2014). ABC Trust Plan Offers Added Protection from GST Tax. Practical Tax Strategies, 91(7).

Hoffman, M., Lauderdale, M., and Bost, J. (2014). (Reprint) ABC Trust Plan Offers Added Protection from GST Tax. Estate Planning, 41(8).

Lauderdale, M. and Huston, S. (March 2013). The Team Approach to Financial Planning for Families with Special Needs Dependents. Journal of Financial Planning, 26 (3).

Lauderdale, M. and Huston, S. (2012). Financial Therapy and Planning for Families with Special Needs Children. Journal of Financial Therapy, 3 (1).