Dr. Lawrence "Larry" C. Minks earned two degrees from Eastern New Mexico University, a BBA in 1969 and an MBA in 1970, and will begin serving on the Alumni Association Board this summer.

He holds a doctorate in business teaching from the University of Northern Colorado School of Business. He has completed post-doctoral work through the Institute of Educational Management (IEM) and the Harvard Seminar for New Presidents (HSNP) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

The Greyhound Grad served as president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University from 2009–14. Upon his retirement as President Emeritus in 2017, Dr. Minks formed Lawrence C. Minks and Associates to continue his commitment to leadership and change.

Lawrence C. Minks and Associates offers virtual consultation in transformational leadership, technical project assistance, custom case study development and more.

"I was inspired by my time at Eastern developing a deep appreciation for learning, academic achievement, hard work, resilience and service to others," he shares.

Dr. Minks discusses his time at ENMU and how it prepared him for an illustrious career.

Why did you choose to attend Eastern?

My parents and I chose ENMU because of its size, the friendly, personal, welcoming environment, and strong recommendations by family friends who were alumni. I was also on a partial scholarship as a student-athlete and was impressed by the football and baseball coaches during campus visitation.

How did you choose your field of study?

I did not choose a major until my sophomore year and enjoyed the broad liberal arts curriculum offered through the general education classes. I had taken Introduction to Business and a couple of principles classes that influenced my choice of major.

Which activities were you involved in, and which academic honors did you receive?

I was involved with the Inter-Dorm Council, Chaves Hall officer (president), the Rodeo Club, Chaves Hall resident assistant, and assistant head resident in Lincoln Hall during my graduate program. I was on the dean's list my junior and senior years, had a partial athletic scholarship and was a graduate teaching assistant during the MBA program.

Discuss your Eastern Experience.

My professors at Eastern were exceptional individuals who served as positive role models and were real, genuine and authentic. As a professor privileged to teach thousands of students, I strived to follow their example, knowing that it is through the classroom that we truly make a difference in our world.

What aspect of your career is the most rewarding?

The most rewarding aspect of my career has been to work with others in the areas of teaching, economic and community service, and organizational change and leadership development. I have had the privilege of teaching and advising thousands of students.

One of the most exciting periods of my career was being part of an executive administrative team transitioning Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, to regional university status in accordance with a rigorous timeline as set forth by the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma.

What are your short-and long-term goals?

My short-and long-term goals are to continue consulting and writing. I am currently working on my fifth book (Kindle eBook and paperback) and enjoy sharing my experiences.

Tell us about your previous jobs.

After graduating from Eastern, I spent a year as an instructor at Ohio Northern University, then moved to corporate management with Miles Laboratories for five years. I returned to higher education in 1976 and advanced from assistant professor to president, working in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and Oklahoma. After serving as president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, I retired as President Emeritus in 2017.

How did ENMU prepare you for your career?

I am profoundly grateful for the educational foundation provided by ENMU that has shaped me both personally and professionally. This foundation included hard work, compassion, persistence and achievement and the ability to work effectively with others.

What advice would you give to a student interested in working in your career field?

Always present yourself professionally with the highest degree of motivation, integrity, honesty, authenticity and commitment to a higher purpose of understanding. My philosophy has always been to think a level above my position while constantly striving to understand both current and future interrelationships.

Tell us about your involvement on the Alumni Association Board and what that role means to you.

I have been fortunate to be appointed to the Alumni Association Board and look forward to continuing reconnecting with my ENMU friends and fellow student-athletes.  I am so impressed with the outstanding efforts of the Alumni Association—especially pro-actively reaching out and engaging Greyhound graduates.

Are you involved with any organizations or causes?

Since retirement, I have been involved with the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce Partners in Education Advisory Board and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center as an Advisory Board member. I am also a member of the St. Mary's Church Choir.

Discuss your family and background.

I was raised on my family's cattle ranch outside Hereford, Texas, and grew up working as a ranch hand. After high school graduation, I began my journey from an ENMU student to President Emeritus of a regional, comprehensive university. My entire career was possible through the love and encouragement of my late wife, Joan, and my children Laura, Amanda, Joy and Aaron.

Joan and I were high school sweethearts in Hereford and spent our first year of marriage in Lincoln Hall, where I was the assistant head resident –quite an experience—Joan was an R.N. and worked at Roosevelt General Hospital as the director of Nurses.

While working on my bachelor's at ENMU, Joan was in nurses training at St. Anthony's in Amarillo, so I would go for an afternoon movie date, or we would meet in Hereford, which was only 80 miles from Portales.

 Who influences you? Who is your role model?

During my youth, my parents and grandparents, teachers and coaches were a great influence. My professors and coaches at ENMU became my role models. A number of individuals influenced me at different times in my over forty-year career in higher education. Probably the key mentor and role model for me would be C. Roland Christensen, Robert Walmsley University professor at Harvard University. I was extremely fortunate to work with him across multiple institutions in the '80s and' 90s establishing and assisting faculty in The Art and Craft of Discussion Leadership Program sponsored by Harvard Business Publishing Seminars.

Tell us about your accomplishments and awards.

I have received numerous awards throughout my career, including a Recognition Award from the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations of Oklahoma, and I received resolutions and commendations from SOSU, Regional University System of Oklahoma, the University Center of Southern Oklahoma, Great American Conference, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Council of Presidents. I would consider the highlight to be the honor of receiving the 2019 ENMU Outstanding Alumni Award.

What are your hobbies?

Grandchildren, writing, traveling, jogging, biking, learning to play golf.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I was raised on a cattle ranch in West Texas and rode before I walked. During summer breaks, I either worked as a cowboy in Colorado or worked hoeing cotton on farms around Portales. As a parent, I coached my children's sports teams. While president of SOSU, I was talked into competing in a "Dancing with the Stars" competition; needless to say, we lost!

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

I am honored to be a new member of the ENMU Alumni Association Board. I look forward to serving our University.