Mendy Sharp

Executive Director of Community and Business Education, Texarkana College

Mendy Sharp was born to her parents and one older sister in Fort Worth, Texas. Shortly after, she moved to East Texas, where she was raised in the city of Maud. Mendy stayed active in extracurricular activities and in the teen group at Maud First Baptist Church, where she helped in the nursery and often played her clarinet in church.

After graduating in the top ten of her class at Maud High School, she attended Texarkana College, earning an associate’s degree, and transferred to Texas A&M University-Texarkana to complete her bachelor’s degree and teacher prep program. Mendy began her teaching profession, and after ten years, she returned to the same university to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a Principal certification, and a Superintendent certification. “I was driven by my constant passion for learning, my desire to have new experiences and to help others grow and learn,” Mendy says.

Today, Mendy is married to her husband, Kevin Sharp, and they have two children: Seth (22) and Kaylynn (18). “Motherhood is a journey filled with both incredible highs and challenging lows. A former teacher, colleague, and mentor once told me when I was a new mother, ‘Your children will bring you your greatest joy and your greatest sorrow.’ That statement means more today than ever before, as it is etched into this path of being a mother. The joys of this journey include the unconditional love that develops between mother and child and the personal growth that comes from nurturing and guiding them. The joy of celebrating their milestones and successes brings you more pride than any success you have ever achieved on your own. However, motherhood also brings in a flood of guilt and self-doubt. Working mom guilt is real when you are trying to serve and balance work life and family life, instill a spiritual life, and grow your own. Sleep deprivation and loss of independence can be a challenge as you navigate all the developmental changes that come with raising kids,” Mendy explains.

Maintaining the balance of work life, motherhood, and self-care does not come without practice. Mendy’s spiritual life is closely intertwined with her self-care and mental well-being. “Studying the Word of God, spending time in prayer, and quiet time in the Word are hallmarks for me and my mental well-being. Also, calling on the prayer warriors God has blessed me with when I physically and emotionally can’t do it alone,” she says. “In 2018, my husband was diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer. My son had just entered high school, my daughter was in the fifth grade, and I was in my first year as a high school principal, which was a very demanding job. This diagnosis changed the footprint of our lives from that day forward. We were quickly thrust into what seemed like a new universe, requiring my husband to move to Houston to receive daily treatments at MD Anderson. I was left in Texarkana with the kids, trying to maintain normalcy for them, lead a high school of 700 students, and commute on weekends and breaks to support and care for my husband. I had always been the one to help others and struggled to receive help; however, this season forced me to accept help and call on others directly to help me stay afloat. The love, kindness and service we experienced from our family, friends, church family, neighbors and strangers were truly the hands and feet of Christ at work.”

Through the journey of her education career, Mendy now enjoys a successful career as the Executive Director of Community and Business Education at Texarkana College. Her department at Texarkana College allows her to foster lifelong learning in our community. She works with instructors and trainers to build and offer training programs that upskill the workforce, attain workforce credentials, or build classes that allow individuals to pursue a skill or a hobby.

Mendy remains very invested in education and often volunteers her time through different agencies. “I serve on the Executive Board of a state committee for Texas Administrators in Continuing Education. I also serve on the planning committee for this state organization, planning the annual conference. I have been a session facilitator for two years and will be facilitating two sessions at the 2025 conference. I have also been the President of the Pleasant Grove High School Theatre Booster Club for two years and chaired the club’s fundraising committee,” Mendy says.

Mendy also gives back to the Texarkana community through her church and Leadership Texarkana. She states, “For almost 20 years, my family has been active members at Northern Hills Baptist Church, formerly County Avenue. During this time, I served in the church nursery, taught various ages in Sunday School, led and served in various Vacation Bible School roles, and served in other capacities. Additionally, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Leadership Texarkana, where my primary responsibility is planning professional learning sessions for the community with others on the planning committee.”

Mendy’s advice for younger women includes embracing your unique strengths and perspectives, as they are invaluable in any leadership role. “Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Look at challenges as an opportunity to explore and create solutions. Prioritize your spiritual life and self-care, and always have a trusted mentor in front of you and behind you. Remember most of all that leadership is not title or authority; it’s about collaborating, inspiring, and empowering,” Mendy says.

Mendy challenges the current generation to take every opportunity as women leaders to mentor a young girl. Volunteer in church or in community organizations that give you the chance to inspire them and build their confidence in who they are and what they have to offer.