Blake Enlow fondly recalls being voted "most likely to be a secondary school faculty member in high school." 

And the 2001 Midwestern State University graduate hasn't done anything to prove them wrong. Enlow was recently hired as the Bowie Independent School District Superintendent.

For many reasons, Enlow is appreciative of his experience at Midwestern State. His favorite memory outside the classroom was an easy choice. "I think my best memory from MSU was meeting my wife (Addie) and our first date," Enlow said.

He grew up in Coppell, Texas, and graduated from high school in 1997. He earned his bachelor's in kinesiology in 2001 with a minor in English. But he wasn't done. To fulfill his vision Enlow had to keep going, even after entering the teaching field at Keller High School. He decided a second time that MSU Texas was his best fit and completed his master's in educational leadership in 2006. The result was becoming a superintendent at age 39 after serving previously as a principal.

Following is a recent question and answer session with Enlow.

Q&A

Why did you choose Midwestern State?

Enlow: I chose MSU because of the small school feel.  I had family in the Wichita Falls area and enjoyed visiting campus while in town with family.

What made you feel that was a good choice?

Enlow: The small class sizes were a real benefit.  I enjoyed getting to know my professors and classmates.

How did the educational leadership program further your career?

Enlow: I think the program gave me real-world applications to the content we were studying.  I feel the program really focused on putting the students in real-world situations to prepare us for what is to come.

What inspired you to pursue educational leadership?

Enlow: I have always enjoyed school, and I wanted to be a principal. Once I became a principal, I had many people encouraging me to pursue a superintendent's position.

Was there a professor who made a large impact on you?

Enlow: Dr. Grant Simpson was a big part of my MSU experience. He taught various courses that I had, but he really took an interest in who I was as a person.  He also helped me get my first teaching job at Keller High School.

What advice would do you have for those considering a similar career?

Enlow: Education is an ever-changing industry, but treating people right never changes.  People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.           

Something on your play list?

Enlow: Aaron Watson, Robert Earl Keen, David Crowder Band, and Casting Crowns

Something on your reading list?

Enlow: Anything by Francis Chan

Something he always tell his kids (Laney, 10; Molly, 8; Jake, 7) about the "old days"?

Enlow: I always tell them not to wish their lives away and to enjoy today!

Photo: From left to right, Jake Enlow, Laney Enlow, Blake Enlow, Addie Enlow, and Molly Enlow. Blake and Addie met when they attended Midwestern State University.