Sarah Hollers did not know what doors might close after leaving her position as a wildlife officer to raise her two nieces and nephew. But a new door opened when she was tapped to serve as the first Department of Natural Resources Management Academic Advisor at her alma mater, Texas Tech University.

During her time at Texas Tech, Hollers flourished in her department and was honored with the Most Outstanding Student award by department faculty and staff. She also took it upon herself to revitalize Texas Tech’s chapter of The Wildlife Society.

After graduation, Hollers moved to Austin, Texas to work for the city as its wildlife officer. There, she served the community by dealing with local wildlife until she and her husband had to face the choice of taking in their nieces and nephews in from foster care.

“Call it the stars aligning or however you see it, but we knew what we had to do. We weren’t going to turn our backs on them,” said Hollers.

With the new responsibility of being a parent as well the stresses of COVID-19, Hollers decided it best to resign from her position to raise the children full-time.

Call it the stars aligning or however you see it, but we knew what we had to do.

“I didn’t know what doors may have closed when I left that position,” she said. “I had planned to stay there for several years, but I knew my first priority had to be raising my children.”

Not long after, the perfect door opened for her to return to Lubbock and Texas Tech to serve as the academic advisor for NRM at Texas Tech. Here, she has been able to work with the same staff and faculty that she worked with as an undergrad.

“Mrs. Hollers is a priceless resource to NRM, Davis College, and TTU. I met her as an undergraduate in NRM in 2015 and have known her since as a friend and valued colleague,” said Blake Grisham, Ph. D, Associate Professor of Wildlife Management.

Hollers is excited to be able to give back to the university that gave so much to her.

“This university equipped me with tools needed to excel in my field, and I am hoping that I will be able to do the same for other students,” said Hollers.