Mark Neese Bio

Thank you for taking the time to consider the possibilities of the What IF Dad site. I want to share some of my story with you so you will know not just my name, but my heart as well.

I grew up in an Air Force family,  my father was from Alabama and my mother was from Wetaskiwin, Alberta Canada. We moved around until my father retired and chose to reside in Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

During this time, I attended New Home Missionary Baptist Church where I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. After I graduated from High School I attended Ouachita Baptist University and majored in psychology and political science.

 During my time at University, I was able to continue deepening my walk with Christ through the local Missionary Baptist Student Foundation (MBSF), Baptist Student Union (BSU), and the many Godly influences at the school. 

After graduating I attended my Infantry Officer Basic Course in Ft. Benning GA. (I had served in ROTC and been commissioned as a Lt. in the Army Infantry.)

After completing the course, I lived in South Africa for a year (I had been able to spend time there during college on a Summer Mission program.) After this time, I returned to OBU as the assistant Baptist Student Union Director with Ian Cosh, my friend and spiritual mentor. 

Following this, I entered a 1 year ministry program called DOULOS ministries, serving under an amazing servant leader, Doug Nuenke, in Lawrence, Kansas where I was able to participate in a program with other men and women dedicated to serving God.

I then moved to Ft. Worth TX., where I was enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. After a year, I transferred to Dallas Baptist University to complete my Masters of Arts in Counseling and a Masters of Education in School Counseling. 

During this time, I began my educational career as a Special Ed teacher in an alternative campus setting. I am currently completing my Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

As an occupation, I felt called to serve in the field of public education over 20 years ago. My experience began as a special education teacher in an alternative school setting with students attending my class due to emotional or behavioral concerns. 

This assisted in my transition to becoming a Crisis Counselor, Behavioral Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I have had the privilege in working with students as young as the age of three through college age.

From a spiritual perspective, I have served as a children’s minister, youth minister, Baptist Student Union Assistant Director, and Director. I have enjoyed ministry with Children, Junior High, and High School programs as well as leading studies on the collegiate level and adult level. 

I currently serve students in the Children’s program at First Baptist Church in Bowie, Texas. I get to serve many of the same students and families as the counselor at Bowie Elementary School. It is my heart’s desire to use these experiences to encourage fathers to develop an intentional focus as we serve our families.

I married my wife, Tammy, in 1999. She has served as a Kindergarten teacher and an elementary school counselor. Our son, Brock, started High School this year, so be in prayer for us!! (Actually, I often say he is the one who needs the prayers since both of his parents are counselors.) 

After Brock was born, we began looking for a small country town to raise him. We found a great place near Bowie, Texas and my parents moved from Hot Springs, AR. to join us on the same property where we have been living for over ten years.

I look forward to developing our relationship and hearing your story as we seek ways to encourage one another!

Kindest Regards,
Mark Neese
Founder, Whatifdad.com