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Today, Anderson serves as Chair of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business Advisory Board, where she is helping create those same opportunities for the next generation of business leaders. But long before she was a business leader and RCOB champion, she was a first-generation college student trying to figure out what came next.

“UNT was the right size university for me, not as big as some of the other universities in Texas. I was away from home, but close enough that I could come and go on weekends if I wanted. And it ended up being close enough that I never moved home for a summer - I stayed in Denton full time, took classes and worked part time.”

What Anderson remembers most is not a particular class or campus tradition. It was the beginning of her independence.

“What I remember most about my time here was the beginning of my independence as a person and a professional, and I embraced it.”

As a first-generation college student, Anderson entered UNT without knowing exactly what to expect. College became an education in more than business. She learned to manage her schedule, her finances, a full class load and a part-time job. She also learned that success does not always look exactly the way you imagined it would.

After graduating as her high school salutatorian, Anderson discovered that college was about finding balance rather than simply earning perfect grades.

“After being salutatorian of my high school, I was not a straight A student in college! I actually got a little better balance in my life at UNT.”

That balance and the independence she developed along the way became part of the foundation for her professional life.

One of the defining moments of Anderson’s career came in 1999, when she accepted a controller position at Texas Capital Bank. What initially looked like one career opportunity became a 23-year journey that would shape both her professional and personal life.

“I had no idea at the time that I would be there for 23 years, become the CFO and meet people that would be important to me for the rest of my career, and life.”

The relationships Anderson built throughout those years remain some of the most valuable parts of her career. It is a lesson she carries forward as a leader and as an advocate for students: opportunities matter, but so do the relationships, effort and choices that follow.

Anderson’s commitment to higher education is deeply personal. Her father did not have the opportunity to attend college, and he was determined that his children would have that opportunity.

“We were lucky and I want to make sure that all students who desire a college education are able to do so even if their families are not financially able to help them.”

For Anderson, the value of higher education ultimately comes down to what students are able to do with their education after graduation.

“When you ask me how I measure the success of a university or the colleges within that university, for me it is all about what they do after graduation.”

She believes a business education should prepare students not only to get their first job, but to excel, advance and build meaningful careers. That focus on outcomes is also at the heart of the advice she gives today’s business students.

Anderson has a straightforward message for students beginning their careers: earning the degree is an important accomplishment, but it is only the beginning.

“The degree is only step 1. It may help you get your first job but then it’s up to you. Be present and always look for how you can do more and learn more. Never give anyone an excuse to NOT give you that next promotion.”

Now, as Chair of the RCOB Executive Advisory Board, Anderson is helping expand those opportunities for today’s students.

“We’re continuing to reconnect with many of our alums, some who are just starting to actively engage. I’m most excited that our reach is getting broader.”

For Anderson, a broader alumni network means more than increased visibility for the college. It creates tangible opportunities for students through financial support, mentorship and connections with leaders who can help them navigate their own careers.

“Our students are the ones who will benefit from that wider reach, from the financial impact as well as the mentorship those leaders can provide.”

And perhaps that brings her story full circle.

After all, Anderson was once a student who simply needed a chance.

“Maybe it’s too simplistic but really, I think we’re giving students a chance – and that’s what UNT gave me; a chance to be the best version of myself.”

Today, she is helping give that chance to someone else.

“The opportunities are available and it’s up to the students to make the most of all this amazing university can offer.”