Service at the Center: Live Oak Mayor Mary Dennis on Leadership, Compassion, and the SAC Experience

For Mary Dennis, the path to public service didn’t follow a straight line – but it always pointed in the same direction.

Long before she became mayor of Live Oak, Dennis knew her life would be rooted in serving others. That calling took shape first in the funeral industry and later in city leadership, with both roles grounded in compassion, listening, and community connection.

A 2005 graduate of San Antonio College’s mortuary science program, Dennis entered higher education as a non-traditional student – balancing work, family and school. Today, after more than a decade and multiple election cycles as mayor, she continues to lead with the same purpose that first guided her: making a difference in people’s lives.

SAC: You’ve described your journey as one rooted in service. When did that begin to take shape for you?

Dennis: I’ve known since I was about nine years old that my life would be about serving others. I didn’t know what that would look like at the time, but that sense of purpose never left me. It followed me into every role I’ve had – from working in a funeral home to serving as mayor.

My introduction to the funeral industry came through my mother, who worked in a flower shop inside a funeral home. At first, I was afraid – I didn’t want anything to do with it. But over time, something shifted. I began to see the compassion involved, the care that families needed during their most difficult moments. That experience stayed with me and ultimately led me to pursue mortuary science.

SAC: Your start at San Antonio College is a memorable story. How did that moment shape your path?

Dennis: It really wasn’t something I planned out in a traditional way. One day, the funeral director I worked with told me to get in the car. He drove me to San Antonio College and told me to go register for the mortuary program. I walked in, got signed up – and that was the beginning of a life-changing experience.

I was older at the time, with a family and full-time responsibilities, so going back to school was intimidating. But SAC provided the support I needed. The professors were encouraging, patient and invested in my success. Even when I felt unsure, they reminded me that I was capable. That belief stayed with me long after I left the classroom.

SAC: As a non-traditional student, what was your experience like balancing school, work and family?

Dennis: It was challenging. I was working full time, raising a family and attending classes – often after long nights on call at the funeral home. There were moments when I was exhausted, even sitting in the parking lot before class wondering how I was going to keep going.

But I did. And that experience built endurance and resilience that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. SAC gave me access to tutoring, support and faculty who understood that not every student’s path looks the same. There was also a mix of students in the program – some younger, some older like me – so I didn’t feel alone in that journey.

SAC: What lessons from SAC have stayed with you throughout your career?

Dennis: One moment that stands out is when I was struggling in a class and felt like I couldn’t do it. One of my professors looked at me and said, “Yes, you can.” It sounds simple, but that kind of encouragement changes how you see yourself.

That lesson – pushing through something that feels difficult – has stayed with me in everything I’ve done. Whether it’s in public service or personal challenges, I go back to that moment and remind myself that hard doesn’t mean impossible.

SAC: Many might not immediately connect mortuary science to public leadership. How do you see the connection?

Dennis: For me, the connection is compassion. In the funeral industry, you’re working with families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. You have to listen, be patient and approach every situation without judgment.

Those same skills apply directly to public service. As mayor, you’re listening to your community, understanding their concerns and working to find solutions. It’s about people – always. Whether I’m serving a family or serving a city, the heart of the work is the same.

SAC: You’ve served as mayor for more than a decade. What led you to run, and what has kept you in that role?

Dennis: I didn’t initially set out to become mayor. My journey started with wanting to improve my own neighborhood – something as simple as getting my street paved. That led me to city meetings, then to serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and eventually running for city council.

When I ran for mayor, it wasn’t about titles – it was about service. I believed I had the heart for it, and I still do. I’ve now served for more than 15 years through multiple two-year terms, and I continue to run for reelection because I want to keep our city strong, safe and well-managed.

We’ve made progress in infrastructure, public safety and supporting local businesses – including welcoming dozens of new businesses into our community. But there’s always more work to do, and I’m committed to continuing that progress.

SAC: How do you see the role of community colleges like SAC in shaping communities?

Dennis: Community colleges are essential. They provide access – whether it’s affordability, convenience or support for students at different stages of life. Not everyone follows a traditional path, and places like SAC make it possible for people to pursue their education when they’re ready.

I’ve seen that impact firsthand, not just through my own experience but through the city of Live Oak’s relationship with the Alamo Colleges District through Northeast Lakeview College. From improving transportation access to supporting student success, these institutions play a critical role in strengthening communities.

SAC: What would you say to students – especially those who may feel it’s too late or too difficult to start?

Dennis: It’s never too late. No matter your age or where you are in life, you can pursue your goals. I went back to school later, and it changed my life.

Find something that not only supports you financially but also fulfills you. When you combine purpose with passion, that’s when you truly succeed. And institutions like SAC are there to help you every step of the way.

–SAC–