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Failing a class or even for some people getting a “C” in a class is disappointing and frustrating; however, it does not change who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

Mary Hurtenbach
Athletic Academic Advisor for All Women’s Soccer, All Women’s Softball, Women’s & Men’s Golf, Men’s Football Offense

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Advising Team | Athletics

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[email protected]
903.468.8656

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Thrower Center 016E

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Advising Team
Athletics

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Mary Hurtenbach is a jack of all trades. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she received her bachelor's at Viterbo University and her master’s in criminal justice from Illinois State University. She moved to Texas to pursue her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas. In her pursuit of her degree, life took over and she became a mom and moved from pursuing her education to working. Hurtenbach has worked in several areas, management, retail, fitness, and education. She worked through her master's and Ph.D. programs as a graduate and teaching assistant, teaching classes and providing support to students. Currently, she now works to help students achieve their dreams and goals, by encouraging them to never give up on the pursuit of something bigger. There is always more beyond the here and now. Hurtenbach wants to help students understand their full potential and see that they can accomplish even hard things. She wants her students to understand that though they may see a singular path forward, there is more than what meets the eye. What looks like one path when you start can split over and over, until you find yourself down a road you never thought possible.

A Conversation with Mary

What is the overall atmosphere on campus?

As someone who chose my undergraduate school because of a school visit and the feel of the campus, I have to say that I love what this campus has to offer an incoming freshman or any student. This campus is both big and small. It is big enough that you have plenty to explore and see, activities are always happening, with lots of amenities. However, it is also small enough that you won't get lost, whether it be in the crowd or on the grounds. You get the opportunity to get to know people and them to know you. People offer a smile as you walk by them because you are familiar to them. The class size ratios allow you to get to know your instructors and professors but also for them to get to know you and the needs of the students. It is a friendly and safe place that makes you feel at home.

What is your most important role as an academic advisor?

I believe my most important role as an academic advisor is to be a student's support and advocate. Going to college can be very intimidating and without someone to help you through the process, it can be overwhelming to students. I truly think being there for the students is the best part of my job. I am here to listen first and foremost and then offer any advice I can provide, from real-life experience to information they might need. I am here to make sure that students can find resources when they need them for anything from tutoring help to student disability information, to tickets for games, to the food pantry for those suffering from food insecurity, to who to talk to about their parking permit. I am an ear for them to vent to about their bad day when they may not have someone else to listen. Being a support for a student is one of the joys and rewards of my role.

Do you attend campus sporting events or activities?

Since I work in athletics, you can catch me at games and activities on campus. I enjoy bringing my kids out to watch some Lions Softball or Soccer since my daughter, 8, has started playing sports. She thinks it is so cool to watch them play a sport that she is learning to play herself. She even said she wanted to play here one day. We also like to tailgate at the Men's Football games. It's always a fun time.

What’s a valuable piece of advice you often give students?

I think the most valuable advice I try to give to my students is one grade does not define your entire college career. I know that seems counterintuitive to being an academic advisor; however, I think it is so important for students to know and understand that mistakes happen. Failing a class or even for some people getting a “C” in a class is disappointing and frustrating; however, it does not change who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing. Yes, you will have to retake the class. Yes, you may have some other consequences from failing like a financial loss. Nevertheless, you can retake the class. You can get back on the proverbial horse and try again. It is easy to give up and walk away. It is a lot harder to face your failures and consequences. The next time you can do better and be better than you were. The pressure that some students are under and the burdens they carry are heavy so hopefully just knowing that they can try again alleviates some of that.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, you will find me at home with my family and friends. I have 3 kids, I have an 8 year old daughter, 4 year old son and a newborn son who is 11 weeks. They are my heart and soul. I also love to spend time with the friends that I have made since moving to Commerce a few years ago. They are the family I choose, and they have become the glue that keeps me here. We have regular Friday bonfires in my backyard filled with belly laughs and stories and can't forget the food especially the smores that my kids now expect regularly. I enjoy a good podcast or documentary/docuseries. I am also a true crime buff/junkie whatever you call it these days. Oh! And I LOVE a good movie, any genre, so let me know if you have any suggestions.