Emily grew up on a dairy farm in Windthorst, Texas. She lives in Muenster with her husband Andrew, where they have been engaged in the family agriculture business for many years. They have four children and four grandchildren.

     With a background of being a non-traditional student herself, she has great insights and enthusiasm for her students at NCTC. She went back to school after her last child went off to kindergarten, and has never stopped being involved in education. After attending North Central Texas College, she earned her undergraduate degree in counselor education and communications from the University of North Texas. She earned a Master's degree from UNT in Counseling and spent several years as a counselor at Muenster ISD, NCTC and UNT. She recently earned a doctorate in Higher Education Administration/Community College Leadership at UNT.

     While working in the UNT athletic program as a counselor, Emily was an IMAGE award recipient given by the Morse St. Baptist Church in Denton. She was honored by her community of Muenster as the Jaycees Outstanding Citizen of the Year for her work with the youth of the community and other projects. Muenster ISD nominated her for the prestigious Dennie K. Richardson Excellence in Counseling Award. She was also named the 2009 Bowie Citizen of the Year for her work in higher education in their community, including the development of the Oil & Gas Technology Program which is a state and nationally recognized program.  The Graham Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2010 Grahammy President’s Choice Award for bringing Higher Education to Graham.  The passing of a branch campus maintenance tax and the creation of the campus in Graham has brought many opportunities in educational access and workforce training to the greater Graham regional area. 

     Emily has served on several boards, including North Texas Regional Workforce Board, Region 9 P-16 Council, Bowie Chamber of Commerce board director, and is an active member of the Rural Community College Alliance, both on the state and national levels.  She also serves on the national UNT Alumni Board and recently was appointed to the state board for the Texas Women in Higher Education.

     With a commitment to the community college mission and to rural Texas, she serves the college as the Dean of the Bowie and Graham campuses.  Emily is in her 12th year of service to North Central Texas College.