The Back Story: In May 1972, Mary Lou Flom started her career with Texas Tech's Office of the Registrar. Now an administrative business assistant in the Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, she spends her days assisting faculty and students, making sure everything in the department runs smoothly. This year, the Lorenzo native celebrates 40 years with the department and 45 total years at Tech.

Here's What's Key: Asked if she expected to be here this long, Flom said, "No, I didn't. Of course, you know, the time flies. It doesn't seem like it's been that long, I guess because I really enjoy my job, and I love working here. It makes me feel young to be around all the students. I love coming to work, and I look forward to it every day. That's why I'm still here."

The Bigger Picture: "Just enjoy what you do and be proud of the things you do. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, you can't be happy and you won't last very long."

VIDEO: Mary Lou Flom celebrates 45 years of service with Texas Tech, including the past four decades within the Department of Agricultural Education & Communications 

Think Back: Asked about changes to Tech after more than four decades, Flom said, "I would say besides the technology, just the growth of the university. In 1986, when we moved over to the building where we are now, I found an old picture. It's an aerial view of the campus, and it has the construction of the first residence halls. It looks like Indiana Avenue is not even there – you can still see some of the farmland."

The Motivation: "My favorite thing is at the beginning of the fall semester, just seeing all the new faces come in. They're excited to be here, and you know it's the beginning of their journey. Everybody is unique, their goals are different, and I love to see what becomes of them after they graduate."

What's Next: "I think, 'My whole life has been Texas Tech. What's it going to be like when I don't drive to work every morning?' I know I'll miss it. It'll still be at my back door, but it just won't be the same. But I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren."

Additional Reporting by Amanda Castro-Crist

CONTACT: Scott Burris, Interim Chairman, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu

0412NM18 / PHOTO: N Martin / For a full-text version of the story please click here 

Editor's Note: In 2013, an endowed scholarship to honor Mary Lou Flom was established in the Tech's Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. To give to the Mary Lou Flom Scholarship Endowment, click here, and for a background story on the scholarship, please click here