Lindsey Koch

What happens inside the classroom is important for students, but so is what happens outside it. University of Houston-Victoria graduate student Lindsey Koch is doing her part to make sure students get the best of both worlds.

Koch is UHV’s director of student life and services, and she helps Jaguars find niche and gets them involved in mixers, leadership events and fundraisers.

“I love my job,” she said. “I enjoy working with the students, helping them figure out what they’re good at and giving them opportunities through student engagement they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Born and raised in Abilene, Koch earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising, with a minor in leadership, from Hardin-Simmons University. She moved to Victoria in 2010 and soon linked up with UHV.

Her job and studies for a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education go hand in hand. Her classroom lessons help her with one-on-one student interaction, and her work with students contributes to her studies.

Each student is different. While there are general traits that reflect a person’s age, their life experiences and background contribute a lot to how they act.

“I kind of work with everybody, from students struggling to obey the rules to those rising to the top through leadership opportunities,” she said. “Every student brings a unique set of experiences to the table, and that’s a good thing.”

Away from the classroom and office, Koch still finds time for hobbies.

She loves music and singing, and also travels when she can. She enjoys watching baseball, which is a good thing, since her husband, Blake, manages the Victoria Generals baseball team.

Books also are high on her list.

“Someday, when I’m not in school, I’ll read for pleasure,” she said, with a laugh. “At least I’m not bored with my textbooks.”

Koch admitted that between her full-time job, master’s work and other activities, she’s busy. Time management helps keep things in order, but she said her age helps, too. Although still young, the 26-year-old is older than a traditional college student who is straight out of high school.

“The level of maturity can make a difference,” she said. “A lot of times older students know themselves more. They have better routines and are more stable than the more traditional college student.”

Looking ahead, Koch plans to continue her coursework and remain focused on the higher education world. She is rewarded by working with students, and she’s definitely found her calling.

“College is a time that offers people a real opportunity for growth and a chance to develop into the best form of their self,” she said. “For me to have a chance to help them grow really means a lot.”

The UHV Outstanding Student is an online feature highlighting the exceptional students who attend the University of Houston-Victoria. To nominate a student, contact Paula Cobler, UHV interim director of marketing and communications, or call 361-570-4350.