Today@Sam Article
Commencement Spotlight: Teresa Skidmore and Tiffani Hensarling
May 16, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Teresa Skidmore
Conroe, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Tiffani Hensarling
Conroe, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
It’s often said that blood is thicker than water, but Teresa Skidmore and Tiffani Hensarling decided to add diplomas to the mix. The mother-daughter duo decided in 2018 to follow in the footsteps of Hensarling’s older sister and earn their degrees at Sam Houston State University. Better still, they decided to do it together.
The two were stars upon their arrival on campus, with professors and fellow students often seeing them together in class with matching SHSU t-shirts. While their bond is endearing and inspirational, many cannot imagine attending college alongside their mother. For Hensarling, it was a no-brainer.
“She was so bored because my dad worked out of town,” Hensarling said. “I know she’s super smart and in the back of my mind, I was thinking of other people I knew who are certified public accountants and thought she could be one, too.”
Skidmore, who laughs at memories of her daughter stretching out the corners of her shirt to stay by her side, was happy to join Hensarling on SHSU’s main campus as a supporter and peer. As working parents and full-time, first-generation students, having one another for encouragement was helpful. What made the difference, however, was the support they received from the rest of the family.
“I lived with my oldest daughter during a summer session with two very hard classes. During that time, my evening routine was to get home, put the books down on the table, eat a sandwich while doing homework, go to bed at 11:30 after finishing homework, then get up for work bright and early the next morning,” Skidmore said.
With such a daunting workload, it would be easy for any student to fall behind, but Skidmore proudly touts that she has only received two B-grades throughout her academic career while also balancing her full-time job as office manager at a car dealership. She is also proud to see Hensarling thriving through the stress of juggling college, motherhood and her own full-time role at the San Jacinto County Appraisal District.
Hensarling had previously studied at SHSU before stepping away for a spell with her academic standing on shaky ground. Even though returning to campus was a bit nerve-wracking, she and her mother knew she was a Bearkat, and the faculty and staff at SHSU would help them succeed.
Sharmistha Self, dean of the College of Business Administration, proved their point during a recent meeting where she inspired the women to build on their success and pursue graduate degrees. Self’s chat with the two proved to be just as motivational when Hensarling repeated it to her sister over the phone.
“I feel like she’s sad that she missed out on the whole mom and daughter going to school together thing, so when we left our meeting with Dr. Self, we knew that we were going to do this. I got in my car and called my sister, because I knew she had a business degree from Sam, and she immediately said yes to getting her master’s with us,” Hensarling said.
The trio will start their master’s programs in the fall as working scholars. They know the work will be arduous but feel confident going into this new chapter of their lives, because they are doing it together with an army of Bearkats ready to support them every step of the way.
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