Heather Prather

Coordinator for the Center for Professional Development

Heather Prather was born and raised in Greenville, Texas. She graduated from Greenville High School and enrolled at Texas A&M University-Commerce the following Fall. She was a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity and lived on campus in sorority housing. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and entered the workforce.

Throughout her career, she has done a little bit of everything; worked on a trade room floor, in Human Resources, sales, marketing, and as an intermediate, middle and high school teacher/drill team coach. She has landed back at A&M Commerce, and she is excited to get to utilize her experience and skills as the CPD Coordinator.

She is married, has two boys and 3 dogs! Her youngest will graduate soon and report to Camp Pendleton as a Marine Recruit in August 2024.

A Conversation With Heather

How do you help students?

As the Professional Development Coordinator, I will help both traditional and non-traditional students obtain licenses, certifications, and/or training in non-credit courses.

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

TAMU-C still has that family feeling while offering state of the art programs and access to amazing facilities.

What is something you enjoy about working at A&M-Commerce? Why?

Everyone is so nice and welcoming. You instantly feel like you belong.

What makes A&M-Commerce unique?

The student culture is amazing. The students are all so polite and willing to help.

Why did you choose your career/what draws you to your discipline?

Although I don't work directly with students, I like to think I still impact the student culture. I also enjoy that I am able to draw on so much of my past experience in this role. I love helping people!

Describe an obstacle you overcame in the past or are working to overcome to achieve a personal or professional goal.

I am really working on having a better/healthier work-life balance. Thankfully, the department I work with has made this goal more attainable.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your A&M-Commerce experience?

I am looking forward to calling A&M-Commerce home for quite a while. I hope this is where I can finish out my working years and eventually retire.

Education

• B.A., Political Science, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• Alternative Teaching Certification, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Research and Interest

• Career readiness
• Non-credit programs
• Student support
• Mentorship impact
• Development strategies

Awards

• Excellence in Service Award
• Outstanding Educator Award
• Leadership Recognition Community Engagement Award
• Professional Development Certificate