In our monthly Heroes of Higher Ed series, we highlight the inspiring leaders shaping the future of higher education. This month, we spoke with Dr. Criquett Scott Chapman, Vice President of Student Services at Vernon College, a community college in North Texas. A lifelong advocate for student success, Dr. Chapman brings a strategic mindset and deep passion for helping students achieve their goals—one system, one solution at a time.
And I have to say, I was personally very impressed (and delighted!) to learn that Dr. Chapman is a cowgirl! She's been team roping for years and is now venturing into breakaway roping. Whether she's in the arena or on campus, she brings the same grit, heart, and focus.
With that spirit in mind, we sat down with Dr. Chapman to learn more about her journey, her role, and how she's making a difference every day.
Could you briefly introduce yourself — what you do, where you work, and a little about your role?
My name is Dr. Cricket Scott Chapman, and I'm the Vice President of Student Services at Vernon College, a community college in North Texas. I oversee student support services, focusing on student success, retention, and completion.
What inspired you to get started in higher education?
It was kind of by chance! My master's degree is in Sports Management, a business degree focused on sports. I started as a grad assistant in the athletic department at Texas Tech University, and I was doing athletic compliance. I loved the higher education environment, even though my experience was primarily in athletics.
When I moved to Vernon, I transitioned to the community college level and discovered my passion for student success. It's been a journey, but I've found my place here.
Do you still stay connected to athletics in your current role?
Indirectly, yes. While athletics doesn't report to me, we handle athletic eligibility in student services through our registrar's office. We also provide academic advising tailored to student-athletes, who often have different requirements, like enrolling in more credit hours. Many of them aim to complete a general associates degree and transfer to a four-year institution to continue their athletic careers. So, I'm still involved, just in a different capacity.
What do you find special about Vernon College as an institution?
Coming from a university to a community college, my expectations weren't high in the sense of just the size and resources, of course not doubting the value or education at all. But I've been pleasantly surprised and very proud of Vernon College for the number of opportunities we're able to provide the students but also the teaching resources and technology tools we offer. Our connections to the community allow us to provide resources that even some larger institutions don't have. From hands-on medical training to a farm and ranch simulator in our farm and ranch program, and many other trainings, we do have some of the best resources. It's inspiring to see how we support students in unique ways.
Community colleges often serve a diverse range of students, including lifelong learners. What's your perspective on that?
Community colleges are incredibly versatile. Whether you're a traditional student straight out of high school, an adult learner, or someone looking to upskill, we have something for everyone. We offer both academic pathways for transfer students and career-technical programs for those entering the workforce directly. Plus, we provide holistic support — tutoring, academic coaching, mental health services, financial services — to meet students where they are and what are their needs to help them continue. The small class sizes and affordability make it accessible for everyone.
Tell me about a time when you felt you significantly impacted student success.
The biggest moment was when I became a part of our Student Success Department in Student Services. We had a Title III grant, and we were able to bring on student success programming. At the same time, our college was participating in a state-led international initiative called Texas Guided Pathways, and I got to participate in that program. This was coupled with the grant, and we were able to expand that and include all of our advising services and student support services into one. Instead of just impacting a small group of students — which the grant was really targeting — we could then expand that and really benefit all students at our institution. So, this was fun to be a part of. Seeing it grow from a small project to something that impacted retention and completion rates across the institution was incredibly rewarding. Hearing students' success stories made it all worthwhile.
How do you define student success in your own words?
Student success is about persistence — starting a semester, finishing it, and continuing toward their goals. But it's also about finding the right pathway for each student, whether that's a degree, a credential, or a career. We focus on both the statistical side, like retention and completion, and the individual wins — helping each student achieve what they came here to do.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in higher education?
Say yes to every opportunity, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, I took on roles that seemed daunting, like directing a quality enhancement plan focused on instructional technology. Those experiences taught me so much and opened doors I never expected. Be willing to put yourself out there — it will lead to bigger and better things.
What inspires you to stay motivated in your work?
I stay motivated by seeing the impact of our work — whether it's on my team or directly on students. I love strategizing and finding solutions to problems, but the real reward is seeing those solutions come to life. I also believe in empowering others. I don't want to be the "savior"; I want to guide and teach so that others can lead and succeed. Watching my team and students shine is my proudest accomplishment.
Any final thoughts or words of wisdom you'd like to share?
Professionally, one of the things that's really resonated with me is a quote from James Clear's "Atomic Habits": 'You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems.'
It made me reflect on how our institutional systems might be creating barriers for students. I've been on a journey to streamline our processes, using tools like Ellucian Student powered by Colleague, so we can spend more time supporting students directly. It's been a challenging but rewarding process.
