“Life after college can wait, this chapter of your life can only happen once. These four years of your life at Tarleton State are going to be so special to look back on, soak up every memory.”
Annie Hailey
Tarleton State Alumna, Class of 2023
Although getting involved on campus is highly recommended, some students find that simply soaking up every moment is exactly what they need.
For alumna Annie Hailey, building relationships and forging lifelong connections did not start and end when she officially became a Tarleton State Texan.
Originally from Prosper, Texas, Hailey chose to attend Tarleton State for its rich traditions and small town feel.
“Tarleton reminded me of my hometown. There is a deep-rooted community here on campus, combining the small town feel while having a fast-growing campus in the heart of it all. After the first time I saw campus, I knew I was home,” Hailey said.
Despite not being heavily involved on campus, the connections Hailey made in and out of the classroom still made a lasting impact on her time here at Tarleton State University.
“While I was in school, I felt guilty about not being involved in anything on campus because everyone says to get involved and I felt that I was eventually going to regret my decision or feel left out. I would go back and tell myself to let that weight of guilt/worry go because I wouldn’t change my journey at Tarleton State. I focused on my grades and spending time with friends. I made so many connections and lifelong friendships without the added pressure of getting involved. I should’ve been more confident in my choice because I now know that I made the right decision for myself,” Hailey said.
Crossing The Stage & Everything After
In May 2023, Hailey crossed the stage after earning her B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Management.
After graduating, Hailey moved to the North Dallas area where she worked in finance.
It wasn’t until almost two years after leaving Stephenville that she decided Tarleton State University was her forever home.
“I think one of my greatest accomplishments has been leaving Stephenville to explore careers and opportunities but eventually moving back and working for the university. By doing this, I gave societal pressures, like moving to a city and working in corporate America, a chance, but ultimately realized I’m happiest in our small town of Stephenville, where working in higher education truly overflows my cup,” Hailey said.
Now, Hailey works full-time here at Tarleton State University in the Division of Enrollment Management as an Email Marketing Coordinator.
“In my role, I create communications that are going directly to the incoming class of freshmen! I think my time at Tarleton is what helps me most in my job. I know what incoming students want from our university because that used to be me,” Hailey said.
In addition to working full-time. Hailey is continuing her education at Texas A&M Mays Business School, our most esteemed sister school, pursuing her M.S. in Marketing.
If Annie Hailey’s experience as a Tarleton State Texan tells us anything, it’s to truly appreciate each of life’s moments.
“If I could give incoming students one piece of advice, I would tell them not to rush the experience. Life after college can wait, this chapter of your life can only happen once. These four years of your life at Tarleton State are going to be so special to look back on, soak up every memory. Tarleton is growing but there is still a sense of a small school on campus, running into the same people every day. You have so many similar opportunities that larger schools also offer but at a smaller scale which in my opinion creates a better experience,” Hailey said.
Ready to start your journey here at Tarleton State University?