Kristi Taylor

Business Coordinator I, Adjunct Instructor

Kristi is from Commerce, Texas and has seen Texas A&M University-Commerce evolve from its time as East Texas State University. She began her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce, but completed her Bachelor's degree in Music at Texas State University, graduating with cum laude status. Having spent the majority of her life as a classically trained pianist, Kristi continued her education with a Master’s in Music from Texas Tech University. Upon graduating, Kristi’s career path became built upon retail management roles in department stores such as Belk's, JC Penney and Walmart. During the course of 20 years, she received multiple customer service and top sales producer awards. Kristi has served as the administrative assistant to the Associate Vice President and Chief Budget Officer and as the business coordinator for the Rayburn Student Center since coming to A&M-Commerce. She currently serves as Residential Living and Learning's business coordinator.

How I Can Help You?

A Conversation with Kristi

What do you like most about your career?

I've enjoyed a career that's evolved from the music industry to retail management, and into higher education. In each field I've acquired transferring skillsets that have made me into the empathetic professional I am today. I never dreamed that as a concert pianist I'd help manage multimillion dollar department stores and eventually advance into advanced administrative assistant and budget coordinator roles in higher education.

How do you help students at A&M-Commerce?

I'm currently the Business Coordinator for Residential Living & Learning and have had the unique opportunity to serve students, families, faculty, and staff while employed at TAMUC since 2017 in positions from Financial Services, the Rayburn Student Center, and Housing. While a full-time staff member, I'm also teaching Music Theory as an Adjunct in the Music Department. Whether engaged in customer service, accounting, music, or a departmental/campus project, I strive to be approachable, kind, inspiring, and a contributor to our students' overall university experience.

Educational Background

• M.M., Piano Pedagogy & Performance, Texas Tech University
• B.M., Piano Pedagogy & Performance, Texas State University-San Marcos

Professional Organizations

• Staff Council, Texas A&M University-Commerce, FY20 and FY21