“UTPB planted the seed for me and opened the door pertaining to my master’s and doctoral degrees through my professors and experiences,” she said. “My life is forever changed as a result.”
For Dr. Emily Mason, the University of Texas Permian Basin was more than just a place to earn a degree—it was where her passion for education took root and ultimately led her to a successful career in academia.
Mason, who grew up in both Odessa and Lubbock, graduated from Lubbock High School before choosing UTPB as her home for higher education. Her decision was influenced by the University’s welcoming environment and her recruitment to play for the women’s soccer team.
“Being from Odessa, my impression was that UTPB was safe and felt like home,” Mason recalled. “I also loved the size. Large universities were intimidating to me.”
In May 2013, Mason earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. During her time at UTPB, she immersed herself in campus life beyond academics, participating in Women’s Soccer, Baptist Student Ministries, and Theta Eta Sorority. She even found time to longboard around campus with friends.
Her professors at UTPB played a pivotal role in shaping her academic ambitions. She credits them for inspiring her to continue her education.
“My professors were extremely intelligent and incredible instructors. They made learning fun,” Mason said. “Subconsciously, all of these professors I had at UTPB made me more curious about graduate school and degrees because of their impact on me in the classroom.”
That curiosity led her to pursue a master’s degree at Texas Woman’s University, a program she learned about through a UTPB professor. She was accepted with a full scholarship through a grant, and her passion for education only grew stronger. After six years of teaching and coaching, she took the next step—applying for a PhD program at the University of New Mexico, where she once again earned full funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships.
“UTPB planted the seed for me and opened the door pertaining to my master’s and doctoral degrees through my professors and experiences,” she said. “My life is forever changed as a result.”
Today, Mason serves as the department chair over the Kinesiology program at Victoria College, where she is also the lead professor and wellness coordinator. She continues to share her expertise as an adjunct kinesiology professor at the University of Houston-Victoria.
Reflecting on her journey, Mason offers words of encouragement to prospective and current UTPB students: “Take every moment in. Observe every experience and ask questions. Follow your dreams and ambitions!”
From student-athlete to professor and department chair, Mason’s story speaks to the impact of UTPB’s supportive environment, faculty, and the opportunities it provides for students to pursue their dreams.
Mason, who grew up in both Odessa and Lubbock, graduated from Lubbock High School before choosing UTPB as her home for higher education. Her decision was influenced by the University’s welcoming environment and her recruitment to play for the women’s soccer team. “Being from Odessa, my impression was that UTPB was safe and felt like home,” Mason recalled. “I also loved the size. Large universities were intimidating to me.”
In May 2013, Mason earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. During her time at UTPB, she immersed herself in campus life beyond academics, participating in Women’s Soccer, Baptist Student Ministries, and Theta Eta Sorority. She even found time to longboard around campus with friends.
Her professors at UTPB played a pivotal role in shaping her academic ambitions. She credits them for inspiring her to continue her education.
“My professors were extremely intelligent and incredible instructors. They made learning fun,” Mason said. “Subconsciously, all of these professors I had at UTPB made me more curious about graduate school and degrees because of their impact on me in the classroom.”
That curiosity led her to pursue a master’s degree at Texas Woman’s University, a program she learned about through a UTPB professor. She was accepted with a full scholarship through a grant, and her passion for education only grew stronger. After six years of teaching and coaching, she took the next step—applying for a PhD program at the University of New Mexico, where she once again earned full funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships.
“UTPB planted the seed for me and opened the door pertaining to my master’s and doctoral degrees through my professors and experiences,” she said. “My life is forever changed as a result.”
Today, Mason serves as the department chair over the Kinesiology program at Victoria College, where she is also the lead professor and wellness coordinator. She continues to share her expertise as an adjunct kinesiology professor at the University of Houston-Victoria.
Reflecting on her journey, Mason offers words of encouragement to prospective and current UTPB students: “Take every moment in. Observe every experience and ask questions. Follow your dreams and ambitions!”
From student-athlete to professor and department chair, Mason’s story speaks to the impact of UTPB’s supportive environment, faculty, and the opportunities it provides for students to pursue their dreams.
