Women Leaders at HSU: Vicki House

One of the many inspiring women leading Hardin-Simmons University is Vicki House, who has dedicated nearly two decades to serving HSU in various leadership roles. As the first woman to serve as a vice president at HSU, Vicki has paved the way for future generations of women in leadership. Her journey began in 2005 as a Financial Aid Counselor and Compliance Coordinator, and over the years, she has played a pivotal role in enrollment, administration, and now, engagement and advancement. This summer, she will celebrate 20 years at HSU, continuing her mission to share the university’s story and build meaningful relationships that support its future.

We had the opportunity to ask Vicki about her leadership journey, the impact of women in higher education, and dive into her leadership style. Here’s what she shared:

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your leadership style? Growing up with a younger sister, our dad repeatedly said, “you girls can be anything you put your mind to.” My dad was a pastor, and my mom was an evangelist. I watched them love and pursue God AND love and pursue relationship with people with everything within them. My mom was the first woman I watched in leadership. She embodied a blend of faith, strength, wisdom, and humility as she served others. She led with integrity, rooted in biblical principles, always seeking to glorify God in her leadership.

What does being a woman in leadership mean to you? The most important thing is to be my authentic self. I pray to lead with humility, recognizing that leadership is a calling. I desire to be a servant, asking God for guidance, to encourage, equip, and serve my team. I find daily strength in knowing God equips those He calls.

How has your time at HSU influenced your professional and personal growth? I have been blessed to work for supervisors, VPs, and Presidents who took a chance on me. They encouraged, challenged, and invested in my growth and development as a leader through workshops, book studies, conferences, and encouraging me to pursue a female mentor. There are many female faculty and staff, long-time friends, pre-HSU bosses, mentors, and women in my local church, who supported and helped shape me into the woman and leader I am today.

What unique perspectives do you bring to HSU as a female leader? In 2014, I became the first woman Vice President at HSU. As the first woman in a VP role, barriers and long-standing norms were broken, bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the table. Research shows that diverse leadership teams make better decisions, benefiting from a broader range of perspectives, and provide multiple viewpoints on policies, strategies, and student success. I have a collaborative, relationship-driven leadership style, which can help strengthen connections across university departments. I lead with compassion, active listening, and a nurturing perspective, fostering trust within my team, and the bigger overall university team.