Alumni Spotlight: Stacy Bender, ’94
By: McKensie Le Fevre
Stacy, son Seth, and husband, Lee (also Class of 1994) when Seth received his Aggie Ring, April 2024
What inspired you to pursue your degree at Texas A&M University?
I chose Texas A&M for three main reasons. I had family that had attended there in the past. Both my uncle and my cousin graduated from Texas A&M. Second, it was close to home. I grew up in the small town of Troy and Texas A&M was only about an hour and a half from my parents’ farm. Finally, I had fallen in love and for my boyfriend then (husband now) and I, Texas A&M was the school choice we could both agree on!
Can you share a favorite memory or experience from your time in the Biology Department?
I have so many wonderful memories of the Biology Department that centered around my classes and my professors. One that I often shared with my students was regarding Dr. Greenbaum’s Chordate Anatomy class. Oh my! The hardest class I ever took! There were about 150 of us in the class or so and most of us were biology majors. He walked into our class one day and said “I am here today to tell you that your first exam is two weeks from today and you need to start studying.” We all chuckled to which he replied, “You laugh now. Next time you won’t laugh when I tell you that.” Our eyes opened wide and we realized he was serious. My lab partner Lauren and I began studying that evening and continued to use that strategy the entire semester. Both of us ended up making A’s in the class. Just for the record, his tests were all essay and cumulative! Lauren and I forged a strong friendship through our hardships in that class, and we are still close friends today!
Were there any specific professors, mentors, or courses that had a lasting impact on you?
There were so many classes that made an impact on me. I especially enjoyed my Organic Chemistry classes with Dr. Yon-Hin. (Who would say that, right?!). But he truly cared about the success of his students and was an excellent teacher. I loved Dr. Sweet’s Ecology class and lab. We had so much fun using drag nets in ponds and streams, collecting specimens and studying the environmental impact. He used an old school chalk board to teach and would always join us on our lab expeditions. Dr. Gunn, my Biochemistry professor, showed us the practical application of what we were learning in class and truly challenged us. And so many more–Genetics, Teaching Science in the Secondary Classroom, Chemistry of Environmental Pollution, Invertebrate Zoology.
Stacy’s family (Husband Lee, Stacy, daughter Clara, son Seth, future daughter in law, Maggie, daughter in law Jaycee and son Trae along with their puppies, Motley and Crue)
Did any research opportunities, internships, or extracurricular activities at Texas A&M shape your career path?
Back in the 1990’s, there were not as many available internships or research opportunities as there are now. Also, I knew that I wanted to become a teacher so my focus was very different from other biology majors. I worked with the College of Education to complete my student teaching at Richardson High School in Richardson, TX and that was a very helpful and positive experience. It gave me the opportunity to learn teaching pedagogy and classroom management from some veteran teachers. I learned how to adapt lessons for different learning styles and how to adjust to teaching students from a variety of backgrounds. While at A&M, I joined an on campus organization for future educators and found that to be very helpful. Guest speakers would be brought in monthly to provide insight and direction in the teaching profession and that helped give me confidence and hope in my future career. Also we were encouraged to participate in a mentoring program at Jane Long Middle School and we enjoyed visiting with the students about once a month and helping them in the classroom with various projects. As a student, I always loved going to sporting events, especially football games at Kyle Field.
What career/academic path did you pursue after graduating from Texas A&M?
After graduation, I accepted a job teaching biology in a small school district south of Arlington. I grew up in a small school and wanted to return to one to teach. I taught grades 9-12 for 21 years in a variety of small schools in Texas and in a variety of subjects–Biology, Chemistry, IPC, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Microbiology and Algebra I. I spent two years at Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock as an education specialist helping teachers learn the PLC process and the Eureka Math curriculum. I also conducted several science workshops as well. I am currently working for Midland College as a college and career connections coach in their C3 Program. I help high school students make decisions about post secondary training and provide them with the resources they need. I enjoy building relationships with students and helping them reach their goals.
Stacy and son, Seth (Class of 2025) at Kyle Field for the George Strait Concert, July 2024
Can you describe your current role and how your education from Texas A&M Biology prepared you for it?
My education at Texas A&M prepared me for my career by providing me not only the knowledge and skills I needed to be a successful and well prepared teacher, but also the mindset needed to face the challenges of teaching. Texas A&M demanded excellence and we were expected to give our very best in whatever we pursued. A&M taught me to expect the same of my own students. The university taught me how to think beyond the textbook, to find the practical applications of my knowledge to the world around me, and to show the compassion and kindness of the Aggie Spirit to others. My degree from Texas A&M means something–it means that I know how to work hard, that I know my subject area, and that I can meet the demands of a rigorous schedule. Many districts over the years have noticed and commented on that.
What achievements or milestones are you most proud of since graduating from Texas A&M?
In 2016, I received the Teacher of the Year Award at Abernathy High School in Abernathy, Texas and in 2017, I received the Award for Excellence in Teaching and Distinguished Educator of Lubbock County Award from Lubbock Christian University. But perhaps my greatest achievement is raising three beautiful children who love Texas A&M almost as much as I do, one of which will graduate in May 2025 with his architectural engineering degree from Texas A&M.
What advice would you give to current biology students at Texas A&M?
Take advantage of every opportunity you are given! I did not have much money when I was in college. I had to live very meagerly but I wished I had taken the time and opportunity to study abroad or participate in biology expeditions to other places. As a young college student, now is the time to travel and apply your knowledge!
How do you stay connected to the Aggie community?
I stay connected to the Aggie community through the friendships I made there. Two of my very best friends and their spouses graduated from A&M so we enjoy getting together, watching Aggie football, sharing memories and reliving the good old days. We try to visit the campus as often as we can.
What are your goals or aspirations for the future in your field?
I hope to continue to share my passion for education and science with students until I retire. I still love to read about the latest updates in the field of biology and perhaps one day, I’ll get to teach my grandchildren all about Aggieland!
