Frances Luse

A Conservation With Frances Luse

What was your Military Occupation Specialty?

First, I was a clerk typist and then a food inspector. I received a direct commission in 1995 and became a medical logistics officer for the next 12 years.

Where was your last deployment and most notable experience?

My last assignment was at the U.S. Army South Headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. I was the medical logistics officer for a small but important branch (Medical Operations) of the G3 Operations. We planned and executed up to 25 humanitarian medical missions per year in Central and South America. We sent two of our staff NCOs with a contingent of Army, Navy or Air Force reservists on each mission. The staff carried approximately $40,000 worth of medical supplies and drugs, as well as equipment, to provide Echelon 1 medical care in remote locations across a variety of countries. We also sent veterinarians with veterinary medicines (vaccinations) and ophthalmologists with glasses fabricated at the Army Optical Fabrication Lab (San Antonio) and Lions eyeglass donations. My participation in these missions was my most rewarding experience. We made valuable contributions to the lives of indigent people.

How has your military experience benefited your academic experience?

The military certainly teaches you discipline and how to take responsibility for your actions. That discipline helps me with my study time. The military has also taught me not to be shy in classroom settings, so when professors ask questions or ask for volunteers, and no one wants to speak up, I have no problem doing so. Also, I'm used to working with and building teams with a variety of people, whom I may have just met, and this has helped me participate in and form study groups for classes.

How has A&M-Commerce equipped you to reach your goals?

I like the personal interaction between professors and students at A&M-Commerce. The professors are invested in the accomplishments of the students. The math lab is outstanding. I've been able to receive help there from graduate students when needed. I like that the math department has a library/study area, which is a great place for study groups to meet and work undisturbed. I definitely feel like I have a family at A&M-Commerce. Many of us are even connected via facebook!

What is one of your favorite things about A&M-Commerce?

I like the close-knit ties that the students make. Everyone is so friendly! I enjoyed football season and attending a game with my classmates (even though I'm 20 years older than most of them). The Morris Recreation Center is probably my favorite non-academic venue. The math lab is my favorite academic location.

Education

• M.S., Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2011
• B S., Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2009