Today@Sam Article

Commencement Spotlight: Tu Anh Le

Aug. 7, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Driven by family and a desire to succeed, Tu Anh Le built a life for himself in the United States with the help of Sam Houston State University's vast support system for international students. On Saturday, he celebrated his second Bearkat commencement and a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Financial Institutions.

Tu Anh Le  
Da Lat, Vietnam  
Executive MBA in Banking and Financial Institutions

Two-time Sam Houston State University graduate and Smith Hutson Scholar Tu Anh Le fueled his journey with a steadfast desire to realize his dreams and support his loving family. Since moving to the U.S. in 2015, Le overcame significant obstacles to establish a roadmap for the future he has always envisioned.  

“Family is the most important thing,” he said. “My wife and I decided to go to school together, and she has always been there for me. We have pushed each other to overcome the challenges of earning our education and built a family here.”

Le’s wife, Phuong Anh Phan, recently earned her undergraduate degree in biology from SHSU with Summa Cum Laude honors. The couple married in 2017 and relied on one another throughout their studies, becoming parents in the process. While earning his Bachelor of Business Administration and later a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Financial Institutions, Le worked nearly 60 hours per week to help support his family.

Le pictured with his wife, Phuong Anh Phan, who recently graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors.

“I worked full-time as a nail technician at a salon in town,” he said. “I would schedule my classes in the morning and work after school.”

Le’s inspiring work ethic began in his hometown of Da Lat, Vietnam, where he developed a deep appreciation for numbers at an early age. After earning his high school diploma, he decided to study business administration at his local university, allowing him to remain close to home and support his parents as the only child.

“At the age of 22, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my education in banking,” he said. “I like to work with numbers and analysis, so banking has always been my top priority. I did some research and realized how strong Sam Houston State’s program is, so I decided to come here.”

While Le took the required English courses growing up in Vietnam, the focus was primarily on basic grammar. He was familiar with the language on a fundamental level but found himself overwhelmed by the speed of conversation once he arrived in Texas.

“I could not hear what people were saying at all,” he said. “There was a time I was scared to talk to someone on the phone, because I would have to keep asking them to repeat themselves.”

Fortunately, SHSU has a rich reputation for providing bountiful resources to international students. Today, resources through the Global Engagement Center assist Bearkats as they look to improve their English and excel in higher education.

“Attending the English Language Institute gave me a chance to get used to the way people learn here. Everyone was so friendly and helpful,” he said. “I had an opportunity to talk to a lot of students from different countries. This gave me the confidence I needed to interact with others.”

Le also found these qualities and the ability to make professional connections through the faculty in the College of Business Administration (COBA).

“My professors were always helpful and available to answer any questions I had,” he said. “The banking office has been a big support. They have not only helped me understand the industry and culture, but offered support through information on upcoming events and opportunities.”

This included the Smith Hutson Scholarship, which he earned in year two of his master’s program to help alleviate his financial burden.  
 
“It has been an honor to be a part of Sam Houston State,” Le said. “I think I will miss the people here most. Hopefully, my story can inspire others.”

It has certainly inspired his family. At Saturday’s commencement ceremony, Le’s support system included both his and his wife's parents.

“We appreciate our parents, who have supported us through everything,” he said. “We are proud of what we have done. This is the start of something new for us and a chance to continue working hard to improve our lives.” 

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