Funderburg creates 'magical moments'
Stephanie Funderburg, a San Jacinto College employee of 13 years, has served as an administrative assistant in career and employment, a recruiter/outreach advisor, and is currently the coordinator of tours and events for the office of outreach and recruitment.
“I never planned on being in education, but I'm so glad I ended up here,” she said. “I love working with a group of talented people who are always finding ways to improve what we do and are open to new challenges.”
Motivations and growth at San Jac
As coordinator, Funderburg described her mission as "helping students understand that their dreams are achievable, and that they're achievable here at the College.”
“I view myself as a magical moments creator,” she said. “Whether it’s planning large scale events like Flock to the Block or connecting with potential students at community events, I really want that first connection to the College to be welcoming and to set them up for success.”
Leading with humility, Funderburg credits mentors and supervisors for her professional growth.
All of my supervisors throughout my time here have just been awesome in continuing to push me outside of my comfort zone and give me opportunities to grow, not just as a San Jac employee, but as a professional as well.
More than a professional
In addition to her role as coordinator, Funderburg is the mother of two children. She enjoys spending time with them and creating themed dinner nights together around a movie. To relax, she likes to catch up with friends and listen to music.
“My kids would tell you we do family dance parties; sometimes to relax, we just put on some music, and we will dance around in the living room,” Funderburg said.
“Some of my most nostalgic memories are auditioning for musicals at the Central Campus and performing in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’,” she said. “Being a theater kid absolutely set me up for success, especially in my chosen career where I'm quite literally creating a good show for potential students and their supporters.”
New adventures on the horizon
Looking forward, Funderburg will step into the 2027 annual conference spirits and traditions subcommittee chair position for the Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association.
“I will be working with the annual conference planning team to plan the morning and evening activities, really focusing on connecting conference attendees with each other,” she said. “I will also help identify and work with a local organization in the conference city to do what's called CIVSA Cares, which is where we give back to that organization. I'm very excited to get to work with them.”
Funderburg said San Jac has provided her with opportunities to pursue her passions and continue inspiring others.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
