Women Leaders at HSU: Allison Goodwin

Hardin-Simmons University Vice President for Enrollment Management, Allison Goodwin ’21, began her journey at HSU as the Coordinator of Alumni Relations in 2016. Despite a background in business with no prior experience in higher education, Allison quickly adapted, relying on her faith and understanding that everyone is gifted differently. For Allison, leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about lightening the load for others, executing ideas and projects effectively, and being an asset to those around her. We had the chance to sit down with Allison and gain a better understanding of her journey, her leadership style, and what she loves about HSU. Here’s what she shared:

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your leadership style? Serving as Chief of Staff was pivotal, allowing me to engage with every facet of the university—from academics and student life to community and political connections. I’ve been told one of my greatest strengths is my emotional intelligence, balancing a visionary, future-focused leadership style with the ability to navigate the complexities of day-to-day operations through adaptive leadership. That position was pivotal for my career at Hardin-Simmons because it allowed me to be “in the weeds” with multiple sectors of our university. Being Chief of Staff provided me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the exciting moments and challenges each department faces, allowing me to acquire valuable knowledge and wisdom on how to navigate each situation effectively.

Is there a female leader who inspires you? Most people don’t know that I’m adopted, and much of my mission work revolves around orphan care, orphan relief, and transitional living for those aging out of the system. I’ve even worked on foster care reform in India. When I think of inspiring female leaders, Mother Teresa immediately comes to mind. She was an introvert who changed the world—not through force, but through kindness. She alleviated pressure from people even with limited resources, proving that when you align yourself with God’s will, there are no limits to what you can take on. Walking through the halls of an orphanage in India that she built and ran was a life-changing experience for me. She is one of the most influential female leaders I admire.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be? Show up where God calls you. I’ve always been persistent—some might say stubborn—but over time, I’ve learned that God’s plan is always greater than my own. There were moments when I wished the Lord would hear me out because I thought I had a solid plan for my life. But looking back, I see how much more impactful my life has been when I’ve trusted Him fully. The path I’m on now looks nothing like what I originally envisioned, but it’s exactly where I’m meant to be. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to trust God’s calling the first time.

Can you share a moment when your leadership directly impacted a student, faculty member, or initiative? I learn so much from our students. Walking alongside them is one of my role’s greatest privileges. One of the most meaningful moments was officiating the wedding of a former student worker. It reminded me that leadership is about more than just guidance—it’s about truly doing life with them. We often think students need us, but in reality, our generation needs them just as much. They teach us about strength, resilience, and the softest, most compassionate parts of this generation. How I respond in front of them—especially in moments of crisis—matters. It’s something they will carry with them for years to come.

What’s your favorite HSU tradition? STAMPEDE! It brings new life back to campus. Most of our students are gone during the summer, so when everyone returns, there’s an energy that’s hard to describe. Freshmen are finding their home away from home, finding the people they’ll be connected to for life, and stepping into the HSU spirit. Watching them start their first semester of college as hesitant and then seeing them fully embrace all that our university has to offer is incredible. They breathe new life into the university. The Fall of 2024 was especially special because no one tiptoed in—they jumped in headfirst. Seeing them fall in love with the same campus I did is one of my favorite moments each year.

Coffee or tea? Coffee all the way. My go-to order is a blonde espresso.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? This might sound odd, but anywhere that is under construction or a new building because that means growth and new life for HSU. I also have a special fondness for the alumni wall. It represents a lifelong legacy, connecting those who came before us with those who will come after.