Mother-Daughter Duos Working Side by Side at HSU

In honor of Mother’s Day, Hardin-Simmons University is highlighting several mother-daughter duos who have the unique opportunity to share life through their work at HSU.

From coffee runs and lunches together to encouraging each other through busy days, these mothers and daughters reflected on the memories and moments that have made their time together on campus especially meaningful.

The Krueger’s

Jessyca Krueger, Instructional Designer, with her mother, Carol Krueger, Director of Disability Services and Ace.

For Carol and Jessyca Krueger, many of their favorite moments at HSU happen in the middle of ordinary routines. Most mornings begin with a ride to campus together, a stop at Chick-fil-A, and eventually a walk to Gilbert’s for coffee.

“Working at HSU with my daughter is wonderful,” Carol said. “It is a blessing to stand beside her and share the same passion for educating students.”

Jessyca said seeing her mom in a professional setting has given her an even greater appreciation for the way she leads and serves others.

“She has the biggest heart and leads with compassion,” Jessyca said. “I’ve learned a lot about integrity, teamwork, and what it means to be a true servant leader.”

Whether sharing lunch, celebrating successes, or encouraging one another through busy seasons, both said the opportunity to work together has strengthened their relationship in meaningful ways.

“She has been a constant in my life, always showing up, supporting, and loving my sisters and me,” Jessyca said. “I am who I am because of her example.”

The Plantier’s

Jennifer Plantier, Department Head: Management, Marketing, and Information Systems; Professor of Business, with her daughter, Moira Plantier, Associate Registrar.

Coffee runs to Gilbert’s and lunches together throughout the week have become part of daily life for Jennifer and Moira Plantier.

“My favorite part of having her on campus is simply getting to see her every day,” Jennifer said. “It’s a blessing I don’t take for granted.”

Moira said one of the best parts of working at HSU together is knowing her mom is always nearby.

“If I need medicine for a headache, a jacket if I’m cold, and a hug when I’m stressed, I can rely on my mom to help me out,” she said.

Jennifer described her daughter as attentive, engaged, and always willing to support others, while Moira reflected on the encouragement her mom has provided throughout every stage of life.

“She willingly listens to all my ramblings and is constantly encouraging me to chase after my goals and dreams,” Moira said. “Thank you for the encouragement, the support, the advice, and most importantly, for your love.”

The Houghton’s

Kaci Houghton, Accounting Professional, with her mom, Christi Houghton, Administrative Assistant, Family Psychology Center.

For Christi and Kaci Houghton, some of their favorite HSU memories revolve around traditions they have continued for years.

Weekly lunch dates first started when Kaci was a freshman at HSU and have remained a constant ever since. During COVID, the two also carpooled together and frequently stopped for Sonic drinks on the way to campus.

“We’ve had weekly ‘Lunch Dates’ since I was a freshman at HSU, and I hope we do that for years to come,” Kaci said.

Christi said one of her favorite parts of sharing campus life has been watching Kaci grow and become part of the HSU community. For Kaci, it is meaningful that her mom understands the traditions and experiences that make Hardin-Simmons unique.

“It’s like you went to the same university, without going to the same university,” Kaci said.

“You have taught me how to be selfless and to take care of those around you,” Kaci shared. “I had the privilege of seeing how you learned this from your mom.”

The Clancy’s

Elizabeth Clancy, Residence Director, with mom, Emily Clancy, Human Resources Assistant.

Though Emily and Elizabeth Clancy work in different areas of campus, both said simply knowing the other is nearby brings comfort during busy days.

Emily shared how proud she is of watching Elizabeth serve students through residence life and build community on campus.

“She wants students to feel important, cared for, and seen,” Emily said.

The two enjoy occasional lunches, surprise visits between meetings, and quick check-ins throughout the day.

“I love the surprise visits,” Emily said. “Leftovers are never turned away because her mom always needs to make sure she’s eating.”

“Just knowing she is here gives me a boost of confidence and a huge sense of support,” Elizabeth said.

One of Emily’s favorite parts of sharing campus life is getting to watch Elizabeth thrive in her role and use her creativity to build community across campus.

“Mom, you are beautiful inside and out,” Elizabeth said. “Meredith, Jared, and I believe that you are the best mom God could have given us. Keep being you, and you can’t lose.”