The Haynies

“They've brought boyfriends and fiancés to meet me, met me for lunch in the cities where they live, and sent invitations to graduations, weddings, and baby showers. It's all very rewarding.”

Takisha Haynie came to Baylor as an English teacher in 1997 and embraced the lifestyle of dorm parenting the next year. As dorm head in Riverfront Hall, Takisha has witnessed, firsthand, the journey of countless Baylor boarding students.

"Several Riverfront alumnae have stayed in touch," says Takisha. "They've brought boyfriends and fiancés to meet me, met me for lunch in the cities where they live, and sent invitations to graduations, weddings, and baby showers. It's all very rewarding."

Equally rewarding for Takisha has been living with her family, husband Mario and son Evan, as part of the Baylor boarding community which she calls her village. "We look out for the safety and well-being of our children, whether they're boarding students or faculty children," she smiles.

"All his life," Takisha says, "my son has tossed, shot, or kicked some sort of ball with students from all around the world, and I have enjoyed seeing our students take on the big brother/sister role. Growing up in such a richly diverse community of young men and women helps Evan develop a global perspective. No corner of the world seems beyond his reach."

Profile on the Haynies

  • Takisha "Thomas" was single when she became a Baylor dorm parent. She married Mario Haynie in 2001.
  • The Haynies' son, Evan, was born in 2005.
  • Takisha has an amazing voice, sings often at her church, and is the lead singer of The Nighthawks, a band featuring several Baylor faculty members.
  • Under Takisha's direction, the girls of Riverfront have long been involved in a Valentine's Day tradition of making and sending Candygrams, which raises money for the Jamaica Education Fund.