Lindsey Vaughn ’18

Lindsey Vaughn '18: A journey of resilience, purpose, and service

Growing up in Albany, Texas, just outside of Abilene, Lindsey Vaughn learned early the importance of resilience and responsibility. As the oldest of three sisters, she often found herself helping care for others. Becoming a mother early in life strengthened her determination to build a better future for herself and her family.

Rather than allowing circumstances to define her path, Vaughn made a decision that would guide the rest of her life: she would turn challenges into opportunities and create a life where she could help others do the same.

Vaughn's college journey began at Texas Tech University, but the large campus environment felt overwhelming after coming from a small town. After her freshman year, she transferred to Cisco College, where she could better balance school and family responsibilities while raising her young child. There, she earned her associate degree and began planning the next step in her education.

When exploring universities in Abilene, Vaughn visited each of the three campuses before deciding on McMurry University. The welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff made the decision clear.

"McMurry immediately felt like home," Vaughn said.

From 2016 to 2018, Vaughn studied Life Science and Psychology while balancing a demanding schedule that included working part time, raising two young children, and attending classes full time. During those years, the encouragement and flexibility she received from McMurry faculty made a lasting impression. Her professors challenged her academically while also supporting her responsibilities as a mother, helping her see potential in herself and her future.

After graduating in May 2018, Vaughn returned to her hometown and began teaching science to seventh and eighth graders at Albany ISD. In addition to teaching, she served as the school's cheerleading coach and continued coaching competitive cheerleading and gymnastics. These experiences strengthened her passion for working with young people and supporting their growth both inside and outside the classroom.

In 2021, Vaughn expanded her impact when she joined BCFS as a Parent Educator. In this role, she worked directly with families across the Big Country, offering education, guidance, and resources to strengthen family relationships and support healthy child development.

Her dedication and leadership quickly opened new opportunities. In 2022, she stepped into a curriculum coach role, helping other educators implement programming effectively. By 2024, she was promoted to Program Supervisor, where she now oversees a team of five Parent Educators in the HOPES program and supports their work serving families throughout the region.

Vaughn also serves as a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Through the SafeRiders grant, she helps organize community events focused on car seat safety and education in partnership with TxDOT, ensuring children travel safely throughout the region.

Throughout her career, Vaughn has found the greatest reward in the relationships she builds with students and families. Former students have reached out years later to thank her for believing in them, and parents she has worked with through BCFS often share how her support helped them navigate difficult seasons in their lives.

Recently, Vaughn's dedication to her community was recognized when she was named Abilene's Remarkable Woman of the Year. The honor reflects not only her professional accomplishments but also her commitment to helping families build stronger, healthier futures.

For Vaughn, the recognition is also a reminder of the mentors, family members, and colleagues who supported her along the way. She credits her success to the people who believed in her and helped her see possibilities beyond the challenges she once faced.

Today, Vaughn continues to focus on her mission of supporting children and families while encouraging others to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities. She remains proud of her time at McMurry and grateful for the professors who challenged and supported her during a pivotal time in her life.

"They saw potential in me before I could see it in myself," Vaughn said.

Do you or an alum you know have a great post-McMurry story? We'd love to feature YOU! Contact the Alumni Office at [email protected] to schedule an interview.