Randy Canivel | Community, Synergy, And Helping Hands Around Flower Mound
On this week’s episode of Around Flower Mound, we speak with a special guest who is making strides in the world of higher education, Randy Canivel. Randy and his wife, Lexi, are both alumni of Midwestern State University, and Randy currently serves as the Campus Director of MSU, Flower Mound. When not on campus, he is also a full-time doctoral student.
“Speaking for myself, and for MSU, I think that the best way to get connected is really exploring social media. The Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful website with all the activities. It's really about getting plugged in and finding an event that calls to you. There are just so many opportunities to get involved. This town is really about community, synergy, and helping each other out,” says Randy about finding a place within the Flower Mound community.
We chat about Randy’s favorite things about Flower Mound, as well as:
Getting involved with the community
His role at MSU and their partnership with NCTC
What he believes leads to someone being successful
What he looks for in a great craft beer
And more
Mentioned in this episode:
Transcript
Nicole Smith Woodard: Today I am so excited to introduce you to an absolutely fantastic Flower Mound resident. As you know, Around Flower Mound is all about bringing light to community leaders, business owners, parents and charities within our fantastic community. We in Flower Mound are so blessed to have a neighbor and fellow resident who is making tremendous strides in the world of higher education. Welcome my friend, Randy Canivel.
Randy Canivel: Thank you. Thanks, Nicole. Thanks for having me today. Hello to everybody that's listening.
Nicole: Awesome. Well, I'm excited and I'm so grateful to have been introduced to you via the chamber and community events. And I found you to be one of the most articulate and enthusiastic gentlemen I know.
Randy: Well, thank you. You know, I know we'll talk about this here in a minute, but I love Flower Mound. I love the town and, of course, MSU Midwestern State University. I have a long history and a familial history. So it's easy to talk about things when you love them, you know?
Nicole: I love that. Well, that definitely shows. So just a little bit about Randy before we jump into some questions. Randy and his wife Lexi are local Flower Mound residents. They live in the lakeside area. They're both alumni at Midwestern State University or MSU, Texas in Wichita Falls. Randy serves as the campus director of MSU Flower Mound. Now when not on campus, he's a full-time doctoral student, we're going to talk about that. And he enjoys trying new food and craft beers around the Metroplex. So thank you so much for your time today. We are so lucky to have you with us.
Randy: Thanks again. Yeah,
Nicole: Awesome. So okay, we're going to start with the most obvious question. What is your favorite thing about Flower Mound?
Randy’s Favorite Thing(s) About Flower Mound
Randy: You know, Nicole, to put my thumb on one thing, I think that might be hard for me, but I will say a few favorite things. I think one is the community. Upon moving here in 2017, it was a fast move for us because the campus was under construction so I had to get out of here quickly. And just how at home I felt, everybody was so welcoming. It's really just the community is what makes Flower Mound shine on the map.
I think the easiness of living here, it's really easy to get around. You know, 2499, you know, Cross Timbers, it's just easy to connect and get everywhere. And again, of course, the just a location, I think, for MSU for my wife and I this is a great location as it's, you know, central to the Metroplex, and it's central to, close to the airport, it's close to Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Denton. So I think this is just a great area, and it's continuing to grow.
Nicole: Well, I love that. And you're a perfect example of our potential target audience, which is somebody who may be thinking about making Flower Mound our home. And for someone who literally just been here a few years, you have made an impact. You've brought attention to your organization, which we'll talk about. But how would you go, if you had it all to do over again, you've obviously done a lot of things right. How would you recommend somebody who's relatively new to our community get involved and really make it their home quickly the way you have?
Randy: Yes, that's a great point. You know, speaking for myself and for MSU, I think that the best way to get connected is, obviously, in this time of, you know, living in the digital space with everything going on, I think really exploring social media. The chamber has a wonderful website. The Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce has a wonderful website with all the activities. I think picking up people like yourself Nicole, that are very knowledgeable and have been here a while and know the area. But I think it's really getting plugged in and finding an event that calls to you, you know?
I know the rotary here, Cross Timbers Rotary does the duck race in September, and it highlights our up and coming Riverwalk. That should be done, you know, anytime now. And so I think there's just so many opportunities to get involved. I mean, this town is really about community, synergy, helping each other out. And so, again, just exploring Facebook, and I would be happy to be a resource as well, because it's done so much for me and my family and MSU. So I think it's just plugging in and finding those avenues.
Nicole: Absolutely. Well, what you just said is, I think also what has contributed to your connectability, and that is your willingness to be a connector. So how cool is that? Well, let's talk about your role with Midwestern State University. So tell us what you do and who you want to be a hero to.
For the Student
Randy: Well, so my role as campus director is kind of multifaceted. And since we're, I have a lean team here, you know, we all were quite a few hats. So mostly my role is enrollment management. So making sure that we recruit and admit students every semester. I play the role of marketing or marketeer, if you can call it that. So I do our digital, I help with our digital and our print and social media and I work with our offices in Wichita Falls to make sure that we have a cohesive message, a message that parallels what our mission is here. And then also facility management is kind of my third hat.
And then I do help with academic instruction. I think hero wise, I would have to say, the reason why I'm still in higher education, why I still feel like I'm a college student because I never left MSU is, I love helping students. I love seeing a smile on a student's face when I've been able to help them whether it be in the classroom or with financial aid, or whatever it may be. So I think the student is always at the center of my personal mission, the mission of MSU and any higher education agency is the student.
Nicole: Well, it definitely shows. Now you mentioned a couple different things. Let's go back a little bit. So I know you did some higher ed work also at SMU in Dallas, but what kind of, how did you get into this role where you are in this higher education?
Randy: It's funny. I laugh, Nicole. I literally have not left college. So backstory, from Wichita Falls, a local native, their mom and dad still live there but I grew up in the area and decided MSU was a great fit for me and got my bachelor's there and my Masters. Started working there in 2004.
So I think I'm going on my 16th year at MSU in higher education. So I've been there quite a while. I just never left. I just enjoyed my life's work through higher ed, through MSU, through that lens and obviously got my degrees and then just kind of moved up the ranks and have worked in fundraising and marketing and instruction, student affairs. My background is actually in kinesiology or exercise physiology.
So I have a strong academic training in that area. And that's kind of what kind of propelled me this way in my career. But yeah, I mean my sister went to school there. She's a respiratory therapist at Dallas Children's Medical Center here in the Metroplex. My wife is an alum and her family went there. My mom is semi-retired and she works for our registrar's office. And so the only person left is my dad. We just got to get him a job out there and consider it a family affair. But yeah, in short, that's kind of how my connection to MSU started.
Nicole: That's awesome. Well, there's still time. And I may have told you, my mom went to MSU. But actually, my brother did as well. He only lasted a year, he had a really, really good time.
Randy: As most do, you know?
Nicole: I know, I know. But it's finding that balance as we talked about, well, what makes MSU Texas and specifically this campus in Flower Mound so special?
What’s Special About the MSU Flower Mound Campus?
Randy: Yeah, you know, I think we set our eyes on Flower Mound originally for first a few reasons. One is, you know, Southern Denton County, as you're aware, Nicole, we don't have a senior four-year institution that we can call our own. There is North Texas or UNC, there is TWU, to the north of us. There's UTA to the south, but it's specifically southern Denton county, there wasn't one. And now we have a great partnership with NCTC, which I hope we can talk about here in a few moments.
But we chose to park, to come here because of NCTC and the fact that we would be the senior four-year school. And then you have a great school district in LISB who we can't say enough good things about, obviously. But we just thought, Well, look, we could have a three-way pathway LISB, NCTC, MSU. You could get all your education K - 12, higher ed in southern Denton County without leaving. I mean, that just speaks volumes considering how important education is now. And I think that's why we chose the area.
Nicole: Well, absolutely. Well, it makes Flower Mound, again, as we know, and we're a little biased, so special. Well, do talk about your partnership with NCTC.
Randy: Yeah, so we entered in a partnership with them back 2000. Our talks began around 2015, 2016. between both our presidents. And surprisingly enough, MSU and NCTC shared the same founding father. Randolph Lee Clark, founded MSU in 1922 and then founded what is now NCTC in 1924, give or take a year or two. So we have the same father. So we're kind of kin institutions. We're kind of brother and sister. In fact, both our presidents call each other Bubba and Sissy. And so we have Dr. Suzanne Shipley, who is our president, Dr. Brent Wallace is the chancellor and they call each other, because we're that close.
We have a shared history. So here we are. You know, fast forward to 2015, 16, our talks began and we started talking to Parker Square, which is another great area of Flower Mound, a jewel a Flower Mound, and here we are. 2018 was our grand opening and we allow students to finish their first two years at NTCT and then transfer to MSU for the last two years, thereby getting your four-year degree in Parker square, saving money, marketable skills and accelerated completion times, by the way. So it's really a win-win.
Nicole: That's awesome. Yeah, fantastic. Well, are y'all, and I know this isn't this, hopefully, will have a lifespan well beyond where we are, which is kind of right in the middle of doing things a whole lot differently. How has this changed, what the product offering to our students? Were you already online? Are you, I mean, are you transitioning to that? Talk a little bit about that.
Randy: Yeah. Great question. So fortunately for MSU, Flower Mound, our courses have been mostly online pretty much I would say 100% online with some face to face. So when this all happened with COVID-19 and the shelter in place, we were already operating in this space, academically. So that was good. I mean, we have had no Service interruption. It's been good for MSU. I think for my staff, it's recruitment is where we've had to master the online space, and recruiting meaning community colleges, business partners.
And just, you know, affairs that normally would bring us face to face, we've had to learn to do good digitally through Zoom or WebEx. And so I think that's the change there. But right now, our enrollment is doing pretty well for a summer and fall start. And we have just over 300 students, and I think we're projected to have probably 340 plus for the fall.
Nicole: Nice. Well, very nice. It's still also very that community feel and that personal touch and what a gift that is for these college students. So here's a question, shifting gears just a little bit. So you've got a lot going on in your world. You are a campus director for a university. You're a full-time doctoral student. You're a husband. I see evidence of you continuing to work out regularly which that kinesiology kind of triggered that. Well, so how do you structure your energy and attention to get it all done in any given day?
Randy: Well, I think first is my faith, my reliance on God, on having a Christian foundation has always been at the center of my upbringing. And I, of course, similarly, I have a wonderful wife that shares in that faith. And she, of course, puts up with me and gives me the room that I need to work and we're both really into our careers and my wife works for, you know, community impact, which is a regional newspaper and growing nationwide, but she works kind of in the next door counties and areas and so we're both busy and so we understand one another, but I think we just share a lot of the same interest and we have patience and love.
And I think that's another great thing about Flower Mound is there's just a lot of love in this community for what we do, how we do it, and who we do it with. And so, yeah, I just I think it's, I don't know if balance is the right word, Nicole. I think it's really more how we prioritize our time might be the better word. But I make it work. The doctoral work does, that is mostly online for me. So that has not stopped. So this whole shelter in place, I have not really been that bored.
Nicole: I imagine. If you're like, wow. Yeah. You're definitely finding the positives from that for sure. Well, you have obviously had some real successes personally and professionally. So what is it that you believe makes some successful while others may struggle?
Organization and Vision
Randy: Wow. I think first is organization. And I think having some kind of list, having some kind of continuity, consistency. I mean, you need a plan, right? Whether you're a small business, 500-plus employee fortune 500 business or if you're higher ed or whatever it is you may be that you have a passion for, I think you have to have a plan you have to have some organizations. I think that's number one.
And number two, I think it's just making sure that you have a vision and that you inspire others in your network to, you know, take part in that vision with you and to support you and help you. So I think when I look at my own successes, Nicole, I think I owe it a lot to the people who are around me. My mentors, my parents, my wife, God, I think it's just having those influences and being open and receptive to feedback. I think that's the most important thing because I've always, I always tell my students when you're not in your comfort zone, you're growing. So I think that's kind of the MO that I live on.
Nicole: Wow, that definitely shows up and Gosh, what a blessing you are to this community. So shifting gears yet again, what do you look for in a good craft beer?
Randy: Oh my gosh, this is probably the hardest question, Nicole, that you're gonna ask me. And I love it. I love it.
Nicole: Of course, is there a bad one? You know what I'm saying? I mean like, right?
Randy: No, there's probably not a bad one. There are some that agree with me more for lack of better term but just a quick shout out for people that obviously, that are looking to Flower Mound to have to be their home, we have such great craft beer establishments here. We have the tavern which is I live in Lakeside and what a great area Lakeside is, it's right there. And, you know, and then when there's the Brass Tap right in Highland Village next door, but I think for me, a good craft beer is one that the minute you taste it on your tongue, it's, you fall in love with it, because it's something that you could drink on a hot day, on a cold day.
And so for me, I kind of like, I'm a fan of IPAs, and I really like, I'm not a, I'm an equal opportunity craft beer lover. So you give it to me and I'll try it, But I love the ones that are IPAs. I don't like super hoppy beers. But I do like IPAs. I like Polish culture. Nice this time of year. It's getting a little warmer.
Nicole: Well, exactly into your point. Gosh, we are so fortunate to have some really awesome locally-owned chef-inspired restaurants here in Flower Mound. And I don't know if we've talked about this, but I live in Lakeside. So
Randy: Oh. Well, hi neighbor.
Nicole: Hi neighbor. I know. So that's why I recognized one of those pictures on Facebook was like, wait a minute, that's the dog park I walk around. And those are, is that a cool outdoor exercise venue?
Randy: Oh my gosh, yeah. I mean, we, my wife and I go over there to that little dog park area, like you said, and there's calisthenic stuff and then we'll run around there and then run in front of our apartment area is a courtyard with benches. And so, you know, my gym has been Lakeside for all matters of speaking. And Lakeside. It's just, I mean, I think you'll agree, what a great addition to Flower Mound and I know there's master plans for that. And Gosh, just a great area.
Nicole: I love it. Well, I love all, I do love all areas of Flower Mound but of course I'm partial to that. So we were the second homeowner here, built a darling home in 2014. Well before, in fact, there was nothing in front of us. So when the Gaylord will do fireworks every Friday night over Lake Grapevine, early on, we can see them from our front yard. And so the trade-off is now we have maybe an eatery and, of course, great restaurants, including the tavern where we can walk to them. So I'll take the community development over the glimpse of fireworks from a distance all day every day.
Randy: Yeah, and I think you and I would both agree in this time, the businesses in Lakeside, I mean, they were the first ones to jump on board and say, Hey, curbside, we're going to do it. We want to stay open. We want to be here and keep going. And so kudos to those business owners like Nino's and the tavern and others.
Nicole: Nino's craft pies and can't wait for 1845, maybe by the time this episode airs it'll be in full swing with the whole Texas. I'm a fifth-generation Texan. So you put anything with 1845 on it near me and I am sold. So
Randy: Is it bad that my mouth waters every time I drive by? We know, I think you and I kind of have an idea of what that is going to be. I mean, I was, I mean, again I'm a Texan too at heart and so it's Wow, I'm ready.
Nicole: Me too. Me too. I love it. I love it. I love it. Okay, so what, I know you're a student obviously, so your time is spent learning things. With that, what book or books are you currently reading or what podcasts are you currently listening to that you would recommend to others?
Randy’s Recommended Books and Podcasts
Randy: Well, books, you know, most of my reading right now is mostly doctoral-level kind of work. And so I think recently, so two. Two come to mind. The Leadership Challenge is a great book for those that are in a capacity of leadership management. Anywhere where you're leading others, I would highly recommend The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner are the names of the authors.
But it outlines a five-step process of effective leadership. And it's not a hard read, it's not dense, but it gives you some good examples of how these, their strategies help. And they cite a lot of great companies that we would all know and that we all probably patronize. So that's one. And then another one that I found for personal reading is engineering to win or engineer to win, and I've only made it through parts of it.
But so far, it's a good book. It uses metallurgy and uses that as kind of a metaphor for sharpening yourself, you know, and making it refining yourself to be that much better in life, work for family, etc. So those are the two books and podcasts. I mean, I'm a big fan of The Ticket. So I'm a big sports fan. I listen to that. Of course, Around Flower Mound is going to be added to my list of podcasts. Probably number one because this is so fun. I mean, Nicole, you're such a great host, really.
Nicole: Well, it is my pleasure. I love it. Well, my husband was a commuter into North Dallas and his, you know, his ticket was the morning ride. And so we get a big kick out of well, it's changed now. right? So it's like he almost has to get in the car and just drive somewhere just so we can listen to the radio.
Randy: Yeah, how we consume it's different. But I think that, I think those are really the podcasts. I do listen to a podcast called Starting Strength. Of course, most of you now know, my background is still kinesthesia still hold onto that dearly. And so I do listen to that from time to time. But yeah, I mean those are kind of the things I read and listen to right now.
Nicole: Well, very well-rounded. And you've just, you're a pleasure and thank you so much for again, for your time today for joining us on the Around Flower Mound Podcast. So how can people connect with you if they want to learn more or with MSU if that particular, if it may be a good opportunity for someone to continue on with their education?
Randy: Yeah, yeah. So if you're interested in finishing my bachelor's or maybe starting a Master's 972-41-0124 is my office line, or Randy, RANDY.canivel, my last name, CANIVEL at msutexas.edu. Or you can also find me on Facebook and reach out to me that way. But always here, available to answer any questions or get you started on that degree. So pretty easy. Then, of course, I'm a local resident so easy to find me, for sure.
Nicole: I love it. Well, thank you, thank you, thank you so much for your time today.
Randy: Thanks, Nicole. Thank you.
