Kelle Mankin ’04

ABC's, 123's, and 22 Years with Mrs. Mankin

Hi McMurry! My name is Kelle (Hicks) Mankin, and I was blessed to grow up in a loving home in the small town of Merkel, Texas. McMurry holds a special place in my heart, as my dad, mom, and brother are all proud graduates of the university.

Growing up in a small town gave me a true sense of family and community, something I have always loved being a part of. As I got older, I became involved in many activities such as Vacation Bible School, mini cheer camps, PALS, Student Council, and National Honor Society. Through these school and community experiences, I often found myself surrounded by children, which only strengthened my passion for working with and encouraging them.

As I mentioned earlier, being from a family of McMurry Indians, I always knew McMurry could be a place I would call home, too. Coming from a small town, I felt McMurry would be the perfect fit for me-a welcoming community where I could truly belong. I loved the family atmosphere on campus, the close relationships between students and professors, and the traditions that make McMurry so special.

I entered college knowing that teaching was my passion and that I wanted to follow the Lord's calling on my life-to become an educator. I graduated from McMurry in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood through 4th Grade. During my time at McMurry, I was actively involved in Delta Beta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Servant Leadership. One of the most meaningful experiences for me was volunteering several times a week at Hendrick Home for Children, where I was able to pour into the lives of young people and gain hands-on experience in serving others.

I was blessed with some of the best mentors and professors during my journey, both growing up and throughout my time at McMurry. My number one mentor, and the one who continues to inspire me to this day, is my mom. She dedicated 38 years to teaching, and her love for education and her students has always been a guiding light for me. Watching her pour into the lives of children showed me the kind of difference one teacher can make, and it encouraged me to follow in her footsteps.

If I could relive any memory from my days at McMurry, it would be all the great times spent with friends at baseball, football, and basketball games. Some of our closest friends were on the field or court, and we were always right there in the stands cheering them on. Those moments were filled with laughter, pride, and a true sense of community that made McMurry feel like home.

In 2004, after graduating from McMurry, I landed my very first teaching job in the big city of Fort Worth at Meadow Creek Elementary (go Dolphins!). I loved the school and the teachers I worked alongside, but this small-town girl quickly realized that big-city living wasn't for me. I moved back home to Abilene and applied for a kindergarten position at Austin Elementary-along with more than 100 other hopeful teachers. That's when I met one of my favorite mentors, Candy Scarborough. She was the principal at the time, and she took a chance on me by hiring me. Her belief in me helped shape the teacher I am today.

This school year marks my 22nd year of teaching-all in kindergarten-and I truly could not have done it without the love and support of my mom and dad. I am also deeply grateful for the colleagues who have become like family to me over the years. I have been blessed to work alongside incredible educators who have encouraged, challenged, and inspired me throughout this journey.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my 21 years of teaching is that the curriculum will always be changing-and the key is being willing to be flexible, and you have to go along with the change.

Some of my proudest moments as a teacher are watching the incredible growth my students make from the beginning of the year to the end. Seeing their progress is truly one of the greatest rewards. I also treasure the times I get to see former students thriving in higher grades and hearing that I made a difference in their journey.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone entering education, it would be this: always remember you are there for the children. Their growth, their joy, and their success are what truly matter.

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.