Business Office staff (l-r) Casey McNeil, Emma Stonecipher, Meg Hoefer, Ashleigh Herr, and Leone Moore (photo by Sahira Kodra)
May 15, 2025
Five members of the School of Education’s Business Office —Meg Hoefer, Ashleigh Herr, Leone Moore, Emma Stonecipher, and Casey McNeil — received the Baylor University Team Staff Award in a ceremony on April 29. Baylor president Dr. Linda Livingstone presented the award, which is chosen based on nominations from colleagues during the prior year.
“We have an extraordinary business team whose expertise and productivity have enabled the School of Education to grow in ways we could not have imagined,” said Dr. Shanna Hagan-Burke, dean of the School of Education. “Often, we assume our best mentors are those we report to, but in reality, I have learned so much from their example. Our business team models respectful interactions with others and demonstrates how we should steward resources. I am grateful for the partnership I have with them because they make me better at my job.”
The Business Office was nominated by several colleagues in the SOE. Dr. Laila Sanguras, senior director of academics for the SOE’s Online Learning unit, offered high praise. “Our unit operates under a complicated budget model with 15 staff, 15 faculty, and many adjuncts,” she said. “The business support that we receive is exceptional, and we could not do what we do without this competent and patient team.”
Alyssa Harrington, program director of the SOE’s partner LEAD Living-Learning Community, lauded the team for their patience and grace. “They embody the spirit of stewardship, excellence, and service,” she said. “Whether it’s ordering things for students or help with student employment, they make it happen, never making anyone feel like a burden for asking questions. They bring genuine joy and helpfulness to every interaction.”
Dr. Nick Werse, senior director of operations for Online Learning, said the team is always gracious. “Their exceptional attention to detail has been instrumental in maintaining the financial stability of our programs,” he added. “They consistently go above and beyond for the entire School of Education.”
Dean Hagan-Burke said the words that come to mind when she thinks of the business team include “competence, patience, and dedication,” and others agreed.
Dr. Bree Jimenez, chair of the Department of Educational Psychology since fall of 2024, said, “They have been instrumental in making this job and my coming to Baylor seamless, and we are so lucky to have them.”
Dr. Tony Talbert, professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, said the team is instrumental in his leadership of study-abroad programs. “They not only help us plan our budget, but also help us stay within the budget, and as faculty members, we’re not that great about planning budgets and sometimes even staying within those budgets,” he said.
Dr. Sandi Cooper, professor of mathematics education who became associate dean for undergraduate education last year, said the team instills confidence that the budget is being handled properly. “They are always willing to listen, and they are very timely in their responses and willing to meet at any time,” she said.
MEET THE BUSINESS TEAM
Meg Hoefer, assistant dean for finance and business officer, leads the Business Office team serving as a senior advisor on all financial and administrative matters for the school. In her leadership role, she is responsible for conducting sound, compliant, and prudent business operations regarding all business affairs and the appropriate allocation of resources to achieve Baylor and the school’s education, research, and business objectives. A business and accounting graduate of Texas Tech University, Meg joined Baylor in 2017 after 13 years in public accounting. Before joining the SOE in 2020, she served as the business officer for George W. Truett Seminary and the financial manager for the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor.
Ashleigh Herr, financial manager, holds a BA and MS in accounting from Liberty University, with her master’s degree focused on financial reporting and auditing. Before coming to Baylor, Herr worked in public school accounting for Mexia ISD and at the Region 12 Education Service Center.
Leone Moore, financial administrator, came to Baylor in 2010 after a healthcare career in nursing and medical records. She served in Baylor’s Institute for Studies of Religion until she came to the School of Education in 2020.
Emma Stonecipher, financial administrator, is a business finance graduate of John Brown University, where she previously worked in student financial aid.
Casey McNeil, financial specialist, has been at Baylor since 2016, serving in admissions and enrollment management before coming to the School of Education in 2022. A finance graduate of the University of Tennessee, he also earned a BA in accounting from Washington State University.
Baylor SOE Business Office staff members received the Outstanding Staff Team Award award from Baylor President Dr. Linda Livingstone (left). Team members (l-r): Meg Hoefer, Leone Moore, Emma Stonecipher, Casey McNeil, Ashleigh Herr (photo by Baylor Photography)
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ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
For more than 100 years, the School of Education has advanced Baylor’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership, and human development. With more than 65 full-time faculty members, the school’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the School of Education website to learn more.
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.