From Student to Dean: Suzanne Harris Reflects on Her Time at Sul Ross

Original illustration from Max Barraza, Skyline Cartoonist

By: Viviana Sanchez, Skyline Copy Chief  

ALPINE- After five years at Sul Ross State University, Dean Suzanne Harris is stepping away from the university to shape her career and her education.  

As an alumnus of Sul Ross herself, she earned her bachelor’s in 1999 and her master’s degree in 2002. Harris then returned to the university to work with students in 2020 and according to her the decision was both meaningful and rewarding.  

“I’m a product of this institution,” Harris said. “Everything that I learned started here. I’ve been successful in life, and that accolade goes to Sul Ross for the education and experiences I received here.” 

During her time at Sul Ross, Harris helped guide several institutional initiatives. When she returned, she first worked with the Provost to help rebuild operations within that office, implementing faculty promotion and tenure software systems and the development of an online bookstore.  

She then transitioned into student work, where she helped Vice President for Student Affairs, Ben Telesca. “Everything that happens on campus doesn’t need to be a referral to the Dean of Students’ office,” Harris said. “There are things that absolutely should be, but some issues can be handled at different levels first. That creates a culture where people feel safe and like they belong.” 

She also contributed to institutional efforts such as helping secure the university's Seal of Excelencia designation. According to Harris, the university received recognition on its first attempt, a process that usually requires multiple applications.  

Some of her accomplishments during her first period working at the university occurred when she helped write grants that established programs like TRIO, McNair and Talent Search as well as funding for the Lobo Den. Many of these programs are still active today.  

“To get the funding to start something and set it up in the correct way so that it can sustain itself over time—that’s probably what I’m most proud of,” Harris said. 

Harris' departure comes at a time of transition for the university, which Harris said is not uncommon. “Higher education is a bit cyclical,” Harris said. “People move into different roles or pursue different opportunities, and that’s part of how institutions evolve over time.” 

Harris will transition to the new role as an accreditation specialist at Texas State Technical College, which will be a shift from daily student interaction. “That will probably be the hardest change,” Harris said. “I derive so much joy from working with students and seeing how their lives evolve through the college process.” 

Looking at her legacy, Harris hopes hers will be one of optimism and student success. “I try to meet the world with optimism and find joy in situations,” she said. “Even when things are hard, you look around and say, ‘Who’s in the fire with me? Let’s grab the hose together.”