Maeley Herring knew the two things she was passionate about were agriculture and helping students. It’s not often you find a career that lets you do things you dream of. Herring found just that at Texas Tech.

Born in Archer City, Texas, Herring grew up in the agriculture industry and knew she always wanted to be a part of a college that shared this value.

“As a student, I loved my time, I loved my professors, I loved my classes,” Herring said. “I was a gung-ho Red Raider, but I never saw the behind-the-scenes.”

Herring had the opportunity to work in the dean’s office as a graduate assistant under then interim dean, Cindy Akers, Ed.D. While working in this office, Herring’s passion for higher education was sparked. As a graduate assistant, Herring admired the care and work every person put into each student that walked in the door.

“I want to stay here, I want to help students, and I want to grow our future generation,” Herring said.

“I love it because I get to meet students and help them through their darkest hours so that’s really very rewarding.”

– Maeley Herring

Herring graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and a minor in natural resource management. After graduation she continued working on her master’s degree then she began working in undergraduate admissions. She worked there for nine months until a position opened up in the Davis College Office of the Dean.

“The Lord had a great, great plan for me,” Herring said. “The position became available when I was in a place in life where I could take that full-time job.”

Currently, Herring is the Program Manager for Student Retention at Davis College. She focuses on making sure students are plugged in and engaged. She also works with incoming students to help welcome them to Texas Tech. Retention for students is the biggest goal,

especially with the increase in enrollment, Herring continues to work to grow Davis College and install the traditions that have made the college successful.

“I love it because I get to meet students and help them through their darkest hours so that’s really very rewarding,” Herring said.