Minakshi Lahiri ’11

I grew up in Calcutta, India, and then moved to the United States with my husband several years back. We lived in Pennsylvania and Michigan before moving to our current residence in New Jersey. We have two school-age kids, a son in high school and a daughter in elementary school. I enjoy reading books on various topics, music, cooking, art, and travel for leisure.

What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?


I work in higher education administration at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. I am the Assistant Dean for Assessments and Educational Technology at the School of Pharmacy at Rutgers.

I was a Mathematics major as an undergrad and earned a master’s degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Jadavpur University, Calcutta, India. I later obtained my second master’s degree in Educational Administration from FHSU. I then pursued a Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology from Wayne State University, Michigan. I started my career as an educator many years ago and transitioned gradually to educational administration. For the past several years, I have done part-time teaching in higher-education and worked full-time in higher education administration, mainly in a health education setting (pharmacy). My several years of education and training in applied mathematics, educational technology, and educational administration blend with my career and work. I apply my prior learning and professional experience to my work daily, and everything happened organically, as a natural transition.

Why did you choose to attend FHSU?


I was looking for an online/flexible yet rigorous degree – program in educational administration since I had a toddler at home. FHSU was a perfect fit from all aspects.

What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?


My first experience as an online learner was at FHSU, and it was a wonderful experience.
I visited the campus, with my family, at graduation.

What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?


There is no alternative to passion, hard work, and determination. At the same time, self-care, respect for others, humility, and happiness in whatever we do drives us and enriches us as individuals and professionals.

Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:


I remember my Faculty Advisor was Dr. Robert Moody, and I have learned a lot from him. I also fondly remember Dr. M. Slattery, Dr. J. Barrett, and Dr. M. Salmans from the Educational Administration and Leadership program.

In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?


I am very proud to be a part of a solid and caring community at FHSU. I am thankful for the wonderful faculty members I had as a student at FHSU. My experience at FHSU helped me grow academically and professionally.

More FHSU Alumni Spotlights

Matt Wendelberger ’20

My name is Matt Wendelberger, and I came to Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2015 as a football walk-on. I earned a scholarship to play on the football team during my first semester at FHSU. Throughout my playing career, I earned All-MIAA 4 times and was a...

Tanner Davis ’16

My name is Tanner Davis, and I have been married for 11 years to my wife, Jennifer Davis. We have two beautiful daughters, Addilynn (age 9) and Izabella (age 5). We recently moved to Great Bend, KS, to be closer to family. In my free time, I referee football and...

Dr. Sherry Crow ’77

I am a professor and chair of the Advanced Education Programs at FHSU. Most of my career was spent as a librarian at public or school libraries. In 2009, I completed a Ph.D. in Library and Information Management and spent 11 years at the University of Nebraska Kearney...

Miles “Woody” Stauffer ’20

My name is Woody Stauffer, and I'm from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The transformative power of art has led my life from a high school punk rock musician to a multi-material sculptor. Recently, I have been experimenting with my 3D printer and digital mold-making. Art has...

Lindsey DinkelĀ ’11

I am a Hays native but have moved to several different towns and cities. I have been in the mental health field for over ten years and have maintained roles as a clinician, researcher, administrator, and educator. I enjoy challenges and being placed in high-intensity,...