Emily Cunningham Mire
University Administrator and College Professor
Name: Emily Mire
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Degree and Graduation Date: BS – Kinesiology and Health Promotion (2008)
Other Education:
* BS – Biology – Louisiana Tech University (2008)
* MPH – University of North Texas Health Science Center (2010)
* MEd in Counseling – Texas Christian University (2013)
* PhD in Health Studies with a concentration in Higher Education – Texas Woman’s University (2016)
Career Position and Where:
* Executive Director for Student and Academic Success at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in the Division of Student and Academic Affairs (Fort Worth, TX)
* Adjunct Faculty, MPH@Baylor, Baylor University (online)
* Adjunct Faculty, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth, TX)
What a typical day looks like:
* Every day is different, and that’s my favorite part! I could go from writing a student policy, to hearing a student conduct appeal, to a 1-1 meeting with a team member, to leading a faculty training, and to chiming in on what squat rack we should buy for the Fitness Center all in one day. In my primary job, I oversee the Office of Care and Civility (student crisis, student conduct, wellbeing and prevention programs), the Career Readiness Center, the Center for Academic Performance, Testing and Evaluation Services, and the Student Assistance Resource Center (food pantry, clothing closet, wellness coaching, restorative pathways, and the Fitness Center). The offices that I lead have a direct impact on student success and well being, and we get to work with students at all stages of their academic journey. I also write and maintain all student related policies and oversee the institutional response to the Clery Act.
In the past few years, I’ve started taking interns from schools across the country for in person and virtual internships (if you ever need an internship, reach out!), so I try to build in a regular cadence to check in on them and their projects. I could have the most perfectly planned out day, but given that two of my offices oversee student crisis and emergency response, my day can take a turn quickly! As I’ve progressed in my career, I have really enjoyed the supervision and leadership elements, and being able to coach team members and watching their offices do incredible work.
Once my work day wraps up, I run home to spend time with my family. Evenings with two kiddos at two very different ages can be a little chaotic, shuffling between homework, soccer practice, and bedtime routines. A few nights each week, I teach for the online MPH program at Baylor and the MPH program at UNTHSC. I absolutely love teaching and the point that I start working with students in both MPH programs, they are starting to figure out their own career trajectory, and there’s a mentorship element that is really neat. One thing I love about my relationship with the Kinesiology faculty at Louisiana Tech is how they held (and still hold!) space for me, and my hope is that I’m able to do the same for my students.
All of the other things:
* I never meant to stay in Fort Worth. We moved here for me to get my MPH and accidentally stayed! Keep an open mind – you never know where your career may take you.
* My husband is an alum from Louisiana Tech as well (BS, Biology – 2007 and MS, Exercise Science – 2008). He is my best friend and the BEST dad. He has supported my dreams without question. Once I graduated with my PhD, he did tell me that if I wanted to learn anything else, I could get a library card. I’m still not sure if he was joking or being serious. 😊
* We have two kiddos, Landry Kate (7, soon to be 8) and Anderson (2 in September). Having a picture with Landry Kate in my cap and gown from my PhD graduation is one of my favorites. Finishing my PhD with a toddler is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but my hope is that this picture will always serve as a reminder that we can do hard things.
* I try to prioritize exercise. You think overseeing a Fitness Center would make it easy, but sometimes it makes it even harder! I have a gym in my garage at home and try to spend time under a barbell and punching a boxing bag a few times per week.
* I am forever thankful for the people who served as mentors for me in college. In fact, I never would have looked into a MPH if Dr. Lanie Dornier wouldn’t have suggested it. I will always prioritize the moments where I can return the favor.
The Exponential Factor 