On March 21, 2024, McMurry University held its 11th Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon with guest speaker General Lori J. Robinson, a retired United States Air Force general. Gen. Robinson was the first female to lead a unified combatant command when she was assigned Commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (USNORTHCOM) in 2016, making her the highest-ranking woman in U.S. military history. She began her Air Force career in 1982, retiring in 2018 following her 37-year distinguished military career.
Founded in 2014, the Dr. Sandra S. Harper Women’s Leadership Scholarship was established with the luncheon to honor McMurry University’s 10th and first woman president. Each year, two $5,000 scholarships are awarded – one to a traditional student and one to a non-traditional student (a student who began her college career over the age of 22). Seventeen scholarships have been awarded to McMurry women students who excel in the classroom and distinguish themselves through service. Forty applicants were received this year for the two scholarships.
This year’s traditional scholarship recipient, Trista Brown, is a junior from Crosby, Texas. She majors in biology and plans to apply to veterinary school after graduation. Brown plays for the McMurry softball team and is currently the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, where she advocates for McMurry’s athletic program. Brown is the face of the McMurry Biology Content Club and narrates McMurry’s “Bio Bits” segments, which showcase science majors on social media.
Mary Davis, the non-traditional scholarship recipient, is from Abilene, Texas. She is in McMurry’s innovative Aides to Teach program, studying early childhood education. Her career with Abilene Independent School District began six years ago, when she worked in the cafeteria. When an opportunity arose to move into the classroom as an ADAPT paraprofessional, she jumped at the chance. Since then, she has excelled in her positions and works at Craig Middle School as the campus receptionist. Post-graduation, she is eager to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher.
At the luncheon, Gen. Robinson spoke about what she believes a leader needs to have to succeed: good listening skills, humility, and the ability to look beyond oneself to see the bigger picture. She spoke about rising through the ranks in the Air Force and learning from other leaders on how and how not to lead. One of the most important lessons she learned was to know her own limits and when to turn to others for their advice and expertise. She said if she is seated at the head of the table, she wants the rest of the seats to be filled by people with different experiences and perspectives than her own.
Gen. Robinson also spoke about the responsibility of leaders to mentor those who will come after them. “Teach people to be better than you,” she said. “Every great leader starts as a great follower.”
At the student forum following the luncheon, Gen. Robinson answered questions about dealing with stress, the importance of a support system, and how to set up a routine to help yourself succeed. She said, “You might not make the best decisions when you’re exhausted. Having consistency, a routine you can rely on, and a goal can help you through it.”
Robinson advised students to always do their best, no matter what job or position they have, because someone is always watching. She told students to cherish every day and every opportunity, saying, “You have nothing but life ahead of you.”