Dr. and Mrs. Roland A. Goertz of Waco, Texas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Allison Leigh Goertz, to James Patrick Harkins Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. James Patrick Harkins Sr., of Jackson.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Emma Goertz and the late John A. Goertz, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Sebern Barker. She is a 2005 graduate of Texas Christian University, where she earned a degree in journalism and fashion merchandising and textiles. In 2009, she earned her juris doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. She is an associate attorney with the law firm of Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr, and Smith in New Orleans.

The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Harkins, and June Arlene Coughlin and the late James Marion Coughlin, all of Jackson. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and a 2006 graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he earned his doctor of medicine. He is associated with Louisiana State University and Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans where he is completing his residency in ophthalmology.

The couple will exchange vows January 9 in Waco.