Jack Borden Legal Eagle Award Richard Mitchell
With a degree from the University of Oklahoma in Finance and a law degree
from Texas Tech University, Richard Mitchell started his practice as a prosecutor in the Wichita Falls area. However, in 2012, Mitchell brought his diligent
and charismatic attitude to Weatherford, “opening Mitchell Law to provide
criminal defense, family law and other high quality legal services to individuals and businesses alike.”
Mitchell tries to give back to the community as much as he can and he
does this in two unique ways: by providing continuous pro bono volunteer
work with Legal Aid of North West Texas and as a commissioned officer in the
United States Air Force Reserves, serving as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate
General.
Having the talent and determination to provide for his family has given
Mitchell great satisfaction in being board-certified and working with the people
of Parker County.
Drew Springer Wealth Management Award - Sierra Lambert
Parker County native Sierra Lambert, 25, was drawn to the field of financial planning because the idea of helping families and businesses grow and manage their money intrigued him.
After Sierra earned his associate’s degree from Weatherford College, he received his bachelor’s in international
business from Tarleton State University.
“I’ve always been interested in finance,” Sierra said. “I bought my first stock
when I was 18. It seemed like a great opportunity to help families build a legacy
and, hopefully in the process, build one for myself.”
After earning his degree, Sierra came back to Weatherford to work and called
Mike Barron of Raymond James Financial in Weatherford and asked him for a
job.
Being new to the business, Sierra wasn’t quite sure where to start. He actually considers just being able to get a job there one of his greatest accomplishments.
He loves the work, the atmosphere and spending time getting to know his
clients.
Sierra’s advice to new grads coming into the field of finance is never give up.
He describes it as “The hardest easy job you’ll ever have.”
Sierra strongly believes that it’s not enough to just be a success in your business, it only counts if you give back to your community. To give back, Sierra
volunteers with Careity Foundation and he is a faithful Rotarian.
MAY 2016
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
The Dr. E.W. Mince Higher Education
Award - Elizabeth Endsley
Assistant Professor of History Elizabeth Endsley is one of the department’s and
the college’s brightest rising stars.
Five years ago, having just completed her master’s degree, Professor
Endsley was hired to teach part-time at Weatherford College’s new learning
center in Granbury. After one year, her popularity with students and the quality of her work in the classroom spurred the college to hire her full-time. She
brings to her classes a contagiously positive attitude that is not only encouraging for her students but makes them more at ease and ready to learn. She is
also extraordinarily hard-working.
A year ago, while driving home after work, Professor Endsley was in a terrible car wreck that put her in the hospital. Despite that and over the protests of
her department chair, within days she was back at work leaning on her crutches in the classroom with that wry smile of hers and educating her students.
Such actions are a demonstration of her extraordinary commitment to her
students and the college. In her so-called “spare-time” she works at a horse
ranch north of Fort Worth. While all of that might seem more than enough,
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