Justine Tydings graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2011 with a bachelor's in biology. Tydings wanted to major in Biology because she said, "Those subjects always came really naturally to me," Justine has a longstanding family history in Portales, New Mexico. Her mother's side of the family were homesteaders of Portales, New Mexico when it was first established in 1898. Despite her history with Portales Justine was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was drawn to Eastern because she wanted a "hand-to-hand educational experience," Justine commented. During her time at Eastern Justine played on the women's soccer team and gained friendships she still has today. "I loved my experience," Justine commented while explaining her time at ENMU.
Justine now lives in Laramie, Wyoming where she works at the University of Wyoming as the new director of the Green Johnson Student Success Center (GJSSC). Justine oversees UW's advising center, enrollment services, and graduate programs within the College of Business. "It's really neat because I get to interact with different people on a daily basis," Justine explained. "I get to learn from them myself." Justine loves that the GJSSC gives students at UW the opportunity to use all of the resources that they have available. Justine had a similar experience at Eastern- she was given opportunities that helped prepare her for her career. Justine's goal is, "to be at the highest level of whatever career field I'm in." She enjoys leading a group of people to a shared common goal, Justine continued, "I have always thrived in environments that are bigger than just an individual."
She loved the friends she made in soccer and her professors helped lead her and push her to be the best she could be. Being a student-athlete can be difficult, however, Justine had the support of her team and her professors encouraging her to keep going. Justine loves learning and helping others around her. When Justine isn't working, she enjoys exploring the beautiful state of Wyoming through hiking, skiing, swimming, and taking care of her 6-month-old daughter.
