“Don’t worry so much about the little things because in the end it doesn’t matter that much. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself, go to all of your classes and trust that everything will work out. Talk to your professors when you need help.”
Caitlyn Oxford-Willig
Tarleton State Alumna, Class of 2020 & 2024
Finding a place that feels like home is the most important step during one’s college decision making process.
For Tarleton State alumna, Caitlyn Oxford-Willig, finding a forever home was imperative.
Despite being originally from Granbury, Texas, Caitlyn was unsure if going to school close to home was the best option. It wasn’t until she participated in T-Week activities that Caitlyn knew attending Tarleton State was the right move.
“I am so grateful that I chose Tarleton. This school is like home for me and I can’t imagine what my college experience would have been like anywhere else. I am also honored to be working here,” Oxford-Willig shared.
After becoming comfortable with the university’s culture and traditions, Caitlyn knew that she needed to find her one true place on-campus. Her love of reading and passion for writing drove her into the arms of student media.
“The JTAC Newspaper impacted my life the most. Combined with my courses, it gave me the skills to pursue writing and marketing in my career. I credit so much of my ability to do my job to the JTAC. I loved working for the newspaper and all that it taught me,” Oxford-Willig said.
Caitlyn’s skills quickly morphed into a passion that would positively impact her life forever.
After graduating with her Bachelor in Arts in English with minors in Technical Writing and Criminal Justice in 2020, Caitlyn started a full-time position at Tarleton State as the Student Media Coordinator underneath the Division of Student Affairs.
“My biggest accomplishment was advising the JTAC Newspaper. I’ve loved the JTAC since I started at Tarleton in 2015 and after writing for them and being on the editor board as the content editor, it was an honor to advise several groups of amazing students as they grew and improved the paper,” Oxford-Willig shared.
In addition to working full-time at Tarleton State, Caitlyn began her grad school journey to pursue her Master of Arts degree in English while also writing freelance at Hood County News.
Aside from her various professional accolades, Caitlyn shared that her greatest personal accomplishment was finding her soulmate.
“Personally, my biggest accomplishment has been marrying my husband and buying our home. I always dreamed of finding my perfect person and building a life together and I couldn’t be happier that I’ve done that,” Oxford-Willig shared.
After serving as the Student Media Coordinator for over two years, Oxford-Willig moved on to work full-time at BNSF Railway as a Web Content Writer. However, being away proved to Oxford-Willig that she had to find her way back home.
In May 2024, Caitlyn accepted a full-time position at Tarleton State as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the College of Health Sciences.
“I work on marketing all things health sciences for the college including marketing materials, social media and the website. I am blessed to have this job and love what I do. My time at Tarleton absolutely helped develop my skills to prepare me for all of the jobs that I’ve had. My time as a student worker taught me life skills and marketing skills that I use every single day in my job. Besides working at Tarleton I also write and edit resumes for people who need help finding jobs,” Oxford-Willig said.
Caitlyn’s current role allows her the opportunity to divulge in all of her creative passions; writing, photography and social media.
“My favorite part of my job is being behind the camera capturing Health Science students enjoying their college experience. Nothing makes me happier than seeing our students happy and thriving. I love catching those smiling moments,” Oxford-Willig said.
Although she did take a step away from Tarleton State to pursue other passions, Oxford-Willig truly exemplifies what it means to be a Tarleton State Texan because her purple has never faded.
“Tarleton is a magical place where everyone can feel welcome. We have a huge amount of resources for when things get difficult and there is always something fun happening around campus and Stephenville. The traditions here are so meaningful and the professors are willing to help you if you just ask. Tarleton becomes home for so many students and I can’t wait for more of you to experience that,” Oxford-Willig shared.
For more information about the various degrees and programs offered at Tarleton State, visit https://www.tarleton.edu/degrees/.