Awards and Achievements
A&M-Commerce Nationally Ranked by U.S. News & World Report
News Bites
The A&M-Commerce chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has been chosen as a Distinguished Chapter for the 2019-2020 academic year. The honor marks the sixth consecutive year the group has received the designation. SPS is an organization of the American Institute of Physics.
Officers for the 2019-2020 academic year include Keely Scott, president; Madison Smith, vice president; Flint Morgan, secretary; Allan Teer, historian; and Jaden Hart, treasurer.
“We, at the SPS national office, want to take this opportunity to commend and applaud you for your tireless efforts to enrich the SPS community,” said Brad R. Conrad, SPS director. “It is because of your dedication and commitment to the SPS mission and vision that we are able to foster such a strong SPS community.” Learn more about the Society of Physics Students.
Students in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts at Texas A&M University-Commerce teamed up to create a film that took second place in the Broadcast Education Association’s Film 168 Student Film Competition. The students’ film, “Soda Boy,” finished second out of 10 submissions from universities nationwide. Those who worked on the project include:
• Producer and Editor: Ashley Fordinal
• Director, Editor and Writer: Molly Chavez
• Writer: Paisley Jacques
• Crew: Aliyah Sabir and Beamer Murphy
• Actors: Daryl Brown and Casey Bass
• Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tony DeMars
See the film.
Texas A&M University-Commerce doctoral student Pearlie Lubin was recently selected for a fellowship project by the United States Department of State. She will be teaching English in Costa Rica. In a press release, it was announced that Lubin is one of 170 people selected for the 2020-2021 Virtual English Language Fellow Program. Lubin received her graduate certificate as a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from A&M-Commerce and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education with an emphasis in TESOL from A&M-Commerce. As part of the fellowship, she will teach training courses to improve the communicative language ability of in-service teachers and enhance their teaching practices at Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA). She is also facilitating a virtual English conversation club at INA and enhancement activities at the FundaTec Virtual Access program. Read the official release.
Members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Fishing Team competed in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Tournament, held in Leesburg, Florida, on Oct. 29. Out of 150 competing teams, the two-person tandem of Lions, Augustus McLarry and Dawson Cassidy, finished 27th. This is the first time A&M-Commerce has been represented in the national tournament since the team was formed in 2017. To qualify, a team must either finish in the top 10 at an officially sanctioned tournament or be ranked in the top 25 nationally, based off of points earned in tournaments. The 16-person team competes in about a dozen tournaments per year.
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Meat Judging Team continued its run of success in 2020 with an overall victory in the first-ever virtual contest held by the American Meat Science Association. All four team members swept the top four individual scores. Madison Wynne, Colleen Hooge, Katherine Bivens and Kris Barr finished first through fourth place, respectively.
Rocio Almanza, a teacher at Mesquite Independent School District, recently received a one-year scholarship from the district toward her doctorate at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Almanza is pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction through the Excellence in Teaching Incentive Program (ETIP), a partnership between A&M-Commerce and Mesquite ISD. ETIP encourages the district’s teachers to pursue master’s and doctorate degrees by offering significant earnings increases for teachers who complete the program and maintain certain quality standards in the classroom.
Dr. David Vroonland, superintendent for Mesquite ISD, created the scholarship to inspire participation in the ETIP initiative. The scholarship is awarded annually to a teacher pursuing a doctorate through the program.
Texas A&M University-Commerce honors student Emma Anderson recently completed a sizable art installation at the Commerce Post Office, located at 1300 Park Street. The wood design bears the resemblance of a USA Forever Stamp emblazoned with a Lion, the mascot of A&M-Commerce. The entire project, which was part of Anderson’s honors thesis, took more than a year to complete. Anderson also intends to petition the United States Postal Service to turn her design into a real Forever Stamp. Read the KETR story on this achievement.
A group of A&M-Commerce engineering and physics students recently designed and built a Rube Goldberg machine in the Jimmy and Sherrol Shirley Makerspace on campus, under the direction of A&M-Commerce engineering faculty members Dr. Perry Moler and Patrick Carter. The group included electrical engineering students Caleb Otte, Devin Beamon and Rhiannon Roberts, and physics student Flint Morgan.
The students and their machine were featured in a lighthearted video produced by A&M-Commerce alumna Rebekah Grey and distributed by The Texas A&M University System to highlight safety precautions for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rube Goldberg was an American cartoonist known for his illustrations depicting devices performing simple tasks in indirect, overly complicated ways. Such devices have gained increased interest thanks to Rube Goldberg competitions and references in pop-culture.
View the video.
A&M-Commerce student Omar Ramirez’s research study, “Using Fitbit Competitions to Increase Physical Activity in College Students,” has been accepted for publication in The Macksey Journal. The journal is a collection of articles based on presentations given at the annual Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Research Symposium at Johns Hopkins University.
Ramirez’s study found that students who use a Fitbit device and app to compete in weekly competitions logged more steps than students wearing a simple pedometer. The results suggest that adding the social and competitive aspects of a mobile app can be a powerful motivator for college students seeking to increase physical activity.
Under guidance from Dr. Vipa Bernhardt in the Department of Health and Human Performance, Ramirez conducted the study as part of the McNair Scholars Program. He graduated in May with a double major in human performance and biological sciences. Ramirez is currently a graduate assistant pursuing his master’s degree in the Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies program.
Kelli Lahman, a graduate student in the Specialist in School Psychology program at A&M-Commerce, recently received a scholarship from the Miller-DeLange Education Foundation.
The foundation provides scholarships for graduate students who are enrolled in programs to become licensed school psychologists, counselors, speech therapists, dyslexia specialists, occupational therapists and physical therapists who intend to work in educational settings upon graduation.
Learn more about the Miller-Delange Education Foundation.
(from left) Cierra Hatch of Rockwall, Karlie Self of Sulphur Bluff, Cheyenne Gray of Cumby, Hannah Wright of Omaha, Madison Wynne of Garland and Taylor Gilcrest of Campbell.
Seven Texas A&M University-Commerce students were the recipients of scholarships from the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization at its July Cattle Sale in Sulphur Springs, Texas. NETBIO awards these scholarships each year to young students from the Northeast Texas area who are interested in completing their degrees and returning to the area to practice their agriculture-related trades. The scholarship recipients are as follows:
• J. D. Norris Scholarship: Taylor Gilcrest (Campbell, Texas) majoring in Animal Science/Pre-Vet
•NETBIO Jacobs scholarship: Madison Wynne (Garland, Texas) majoring in Agricultural Science/Education; Hannah Wright (Omaha, Texas) majoring in Animal Science; Cheyenne Gray (Cumby, Texas) majoring in Agricultural Science; Karlie Self (Sulphur Bluff, Texas) majoring in Agriculture Education; and Cierra Hatch (Rockwall, Texas) majoring in Agricultural Science.
Also receiving a scholarship but unable to attend the event was Ann-Marie Robinson (Seagoville, Texas) a graduate student earning a degree in Animal Science.
Read the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram story.
Two A&M-Commerce nursing classes working through their clinicals at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe, in Rockwall, Texas, recently received high praise from their host.
A&M-Commerce junior nursing students with clinical instructor Crystal Brakefield.A&M-Commerce senior nursing students with clinical instructor Modester Gemas.
Vice president of patient care services, Joni Watson, said she’s heard highly-positive feedback about the junior nursing students taught by clinical instructor Crystal Brakefield and the senior nursing students taught by clinical instructor Modester Gemas.
“I just want to thank you for letting us serve your students in our hospital,” said Watson. “I have recently heard how helpful your current student cohort has been with patient care.”
Watson said the students are always smiling and pleasant. “Your students are serving as strong partners in care,” she continued. “That’s pretty spectacular feedback to hear from my nurse leaders. Thank you for growing our profession and letting us serve them in growth.”
Brakefield and her students are grateful for their clinical experience at the hospital. She said clinicals allow nursing students to have real-world experiences caring for actual patients in a hospital setting alongside seasoned medical professionals.
“All of the staff have been so helpful and supportive of the students’ learning experiences,” said Brakefield. “They have been so gracious with sharing their knowledge and time to help train our future nurses.”
Dr. Jim Hamill, head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently announced that accounting student Maxwell Perez has received a $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).
The PCAOB is a non-profit corporation established by Congress to oversee audits of public companies. The PCAOB Scholars Program awards merit-based scholarships to exemplary undergraduate and graduate accounting students. In order to be awarded this scholarship students must have an outstanding academic record and department faculty must advocate heavily for the student. “It’s an honor for Maxwell and for the A&M-Commerce College of Business for one of our students to be selected,” said Hamill.
Perez is from Denison, Texas where he graduated eighth in his class.
Senior students in the Texas A&M University-Commerce Visual Communications Program hosted their exit showcase “Expressive Minds” in a virtual format starting May 8. In the weeks leading up to the showcase, students posted teaser content to a new Instagram account “ExpressiveMinds2020.” Follow the account @ExpressiveMinds2020 to see the showcase.
Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the A&M-Commerce College of Education and Human Services, is slated to speak at the upcoming 2021 Texas Women in Higher Education annual conference on March 22-23.
The virtual event is themed, “Showcasing Your Professional Portfolio.” Leaders from across The Texas A&M University System will present on the topic of “Leadership Tools and Activities for Developing Your Leadership Skills.”
Learn more and register for the event.
Dr. Ayal Feinberg, assistant professor of political science at Texas A&M University-Commerce, received a $3,000 grant from the Academic Engagement Network (AEN). The grant comes as part of Feinberg’s appointment as the Junior Faculty Selection Chair of AEN. Feinberg utilizes his position to organize networking events and professional opportunities for scholars that share the missions of AEN. The organization is an independently run nonprofit that seeks to promote campus free expression and academic freedom, support research, education and robust dialogue about Israel, and counter antisemitism. The grant funding will be used to provide innovative on-campus programming including the webinar “Future of Bigotry: Racism & Extremism in America,” which is being hosted by the A&M-Commerce Department of Political Science on February 18. Learn more about AEN and the webinar.
Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, will be keynote speaker at IgNite II: Leading and Learning Through the Pandemic and Beyond, presented by the Fort Worth Area Alliance of Black School Educators. The online event is February 6, from 9:00 am to noon. All proceeds from the $20 registration fee will fund scholarships for the class of 2021.
The annual leadership institute provides educators necessary tools to become principals and assistant principals, central office personnel, instructional coaches, head coaches and athletic directors who are able to create viable pathways to success for Black students.
Learn more at the event’s registration page.
The State Senator for District 13, Borris L. Miles, recently issued a resolution congratulating Dr. Kimberly McLeod on her appointment as dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce. McLeod began her role as dean in May 2020.
The resolution highlights McLeod’s numerous academic accomplishments and service to the field of higher education. The author of 12 books and 20 peer-reviewed articles, McLeod has raised more than $20 million in government and philanthropic grants. McLeod is one of only 17 individuals recently selected for the fifth cohort of the prestigious Impact Academy Fellowship from Deans for Impact.
“Dr. McLeod brings to all her endeavors a wealth of knowledge and experience, and she may indeed reflect with pride on her many impressive achievements as she takes on the challenges and opportunities of her new role,” the resolution states.
Learn more about Dean McLeod.
Dr. Erin A. Harper, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at A&M-Commerce, is quoted in a recent article from realsimple.com titled “How to Give Back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”
The article outlines the benefits of volunteerism to physical and mental health, and the community. Harper is a nationally certified school psychologist.
Read the article.
The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners recently elected A&M-Commerce employee, Brian Brumley, to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). The council is charged with oversight of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists and Social Workers in the state.
Brumley is a Licensed Master Social Worker and director of field education for the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Association of Social Boards, Red River Valley Fair Association, and the Council on Social Work Education. Brumley earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce). He received a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Learn more about BHEC.
The Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) recently selected Dr. Sandy Kimbrough, professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas A&M University-Commerce, as president-elect for 2021. The professional group is one of the largest membership-driven organizations in the state of Texas.
After her time as president-elect, Kimbrough will join the ranks of several A&M-Commerce faculty who have served as president of the organization.
Learn more about TAHPERD.
Dr. Eman Hammad, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Texas A&M University-Commerce, received grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense Air Force Research Laboratory. The grant will fund Hammad’s research project, “Government Secure Voice Architecture.”
Hammad is a faculty member in the A&M-Commerce cybersecurity program located at The RELLIS Campus in Bryan, Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed Brian Brumley, an employee and alum of Texas A&M University-Commerce, as chair of the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. Brumley has served on the board—which regulates the practice of social work in Texas—since 2016.
Brumley is a Licensed Master Social Worker and director of field education for the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce. He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Association of Social Boards, Red River Valley Fair Association, and the Council on Social Work Education. Brumley earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Economics from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce). He received a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington.
The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) selected Dr. Sarah Rodriguez to receive the 2021 AAHHE Early Career Award. The award recognizes faculty and staff members who demonstrate commitment and promise in their scholarship and service to the Latinx higher education community.
Rodriguez is an associate professor in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The award will be presented virtually at the 2021 AAHHE National Conference on Thursday, March 4.
Dr. Gil Naizer, professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University-Commerce, received the George G. Mallinson Distinguished Service Award, presented by the School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA). The award recognizes notable service to the organization, including substantial participation and leadership in SSMA activities such as paper presentations, committee and membership work, and reviewing for the organization’s journal. Nominations come from current SSMA members.
Awardees receive a one-year SSMA membership and are invited to address the membership at the organization’s annual conference.
Learn more about the SSMA.
Five faculty members from the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts at A&M-Commerce were awarded Global Human Rights fellowships. These awards are meant to sponsor the research of faculty members whose subject areas engage with global human rights, and supports the college’s Global Human Rights Initiative, a concerted effort to incorporate themes involving global human rights and social justice questions into research and classroom content.
The awarded faculty are:
Jeffrey Baker, Associate Professor of Music—Research: “Sinfonia Migrante: Musician Networks Forged Through Migration Ayal Feinberg, Assistant Professor of Political Science—Research: “Hate Beyond the State: Hate Crimes and Minority Insecurity Ashanka Kumari, Assistant Professor of English—Research: “Let’s Not Forget the Next Wave of Leaders: Mentoring Graduate Students, Supporting Global Human Rights Emily Newman, Associate Professor of Liberal Studies—Research: “Burn Your Bras: Feminist Fashion and Art in United States Protests Ozum Yesiltas, Assistant Professor of Political Science—Research: “Orientalism Interrupted: A Critical Examination of Media Representations of Kurdish Female Fighters in the US
Dr. Nate Templeton, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, has been selected as the 2020 Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) Researcher of the Year based on his contributions to the field of educational research and inquiry. Templeton said he’s grateful for the support of peers within his department and from Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services. He expressed great appreciation for TCPEA’s recognition of his work’s positive impact.
“I am deeply honored to be selected by my peers as the recipient for this prestigious award,” Templeton said. “I am also excited that my research continues to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of educational administration and, more specifically, toward building administrative capacity for improving teaching and learning practices which forge the narrowing of achievement gaps for marginalized student populations.”
Dr. Maia Lamarque, professor in the Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Literature and Languages, recently published a new book, “Fairy Tales and its Adaptations in Spanish,” which focuses on how fairy tale analysis is the paradigm of globalization. Lamarque posits that fairy tales are the emblem of the human condition, global awareness, and offer a picture and understanding of how the world is shaped by ideas and a variety of performances. This is the second book written by Lamarque in the last year. She also released “Cinderella in Spain: Variations of the Story as Socio-Ethical Texts” in 2019.
Adam Metts, a staff member with the A&M-Commerce Counseling Center, was recently appointed to the Unemployment Transition Program for COVID-19 Job Loss, which has been implemented by “Because I said I would,” a social movement and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. The organization was founded by Alex Sheen, who appeared at A&M-Commerce as a featured speaker in 2019. Metts currently serves as assistant director of training and supervision at the Counseling Center. For more information, visit the organization’s website.
Dr. Teresa Farler, assistant professor of educational leadership at A&M-Commerce, recently secured additional funding for the university’s partnership with Region 10 Educational Service Center.
Dr. Pam Winn, head of the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, reports corporate sponsorships for the three-year agreement now total $45,000.
The partnership will develop 15 to 20 aspiring superintendents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “As their positive experience with A&M-Commerce increases our presence in the area, our recruiting efforts will become more fruitful,” Winn said. “This is an amazing win for the College of Education and Human Services and for the university.”
Learn more about Region 10 ESC.
Dr. Mylynka Cardona, assistant professor of history at A&M-Commerce, was recently featured in an episode of “This Week in Texas History,” where she discussed what it is like teaching Texas history and some interesting historical figures from her research. “This Week” is produced by Save Texas History, an organization run by the state of Texas that seeks to rally public support and private funding for the preservation and promotion of the historic maps and documents housed in the General Land Office Archives. See the episode.
Texas A&M University-Commerce Professor Dr. Maia Lamarque was crowned champion of the A&M-Commerce Intramural Tennis Tournament on Oct. 22. Lamarque, who teaches in the Department of Literature and Languages, won in straight sets against Kinesiology student Hyaznarely Ramirez. Lamarque stated that the tournament was a great opportunity to engage with students and the university community.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Jodie Elder, Ph.D., to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for a term set to expire in 2027. The board licenses and regulates Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Elder is a member of the Texas Counseling Association, Texas Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, American Counseling Association, Relational Therapists of Dallas, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from A&M-Commerce. She is now an adjunct professor of counseling at Southern Methodist University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a speaker and presenter.
Photo credit: Southern Methodist University
A recent article in the The Oklahoman announced that A&M-Commerce alumna Dr. Charlotte Simmons has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma. Previously, Simmons served as the co-interim vice president for Academic Affairs.
Simmons holds bachelor’s degrees in English and mathematics from A&M-Commerce, where she is a distinguished alumna. She also earned a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of North Texas and a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma.
Read The Oklahoman article.
Photo credit: University of Central Oklahoma
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna, Sanjeeta Singg, Ph.D., to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for a term set to expire in 2025. The board regulates the practice of psychology in the state of Texas.
Singg is a past president of the Psychological Association of Greater West Texas and served as president on the board of the American Heart Association, Tom Green Division. She is an avid researcher with 45 publications and more than 120 presentations.
Singg earned her master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology from A&M-Commerce. She is now a professor of psychology at Angelo State University and director of the graduate level counseling psychology program.
Photo credit: Angelo State University
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Ben Scholz was recently named a recipient of the Pioneer Award from Texas Farm Bureau. Scholz received the award along with 13 others across the state for their contributions to agriculture and the organization, through service and leadership. Scholz graduated from East Texas State University in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, and currently serves as president of the National Association of Wheat Growers. He also previously served as president of the Collin County Farm Bureau and several other high-ranking positions in the agriculture and food industry.
The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) recently named Cheyenne Hunter as its Rookie Science Teacher of the Year. Hunter earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, specializing in mathematics and science.
Hunter teaches sixth-grade science at O. Henry Elementary School in Richardson, Texas. In her first year at the school, she hosted the campus science fair. Her peers describe Hunter as diverse and inclusive, reporting that she strives to make every student feel like a distinguished scientist. She inspires students to be curious and encourages them to ask questions about science in everyday life.
Hunter plans to pursue her master’s degree in spring 2021.
View the announcement at the STAT website.
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin was recently appointed to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas by Governor Greg Abbott, along with three others. The Rehabilitation Council works under the Texas Workforce Commission to advocate for Texans with disabilities in the vocational rehabilitation process. Bowdoin graduated from A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Bowdoin and the other appointees, Emily Robinson, Roderick Robinson and Lindsey Geeslin, will serve their terms until October 29, 2023.
Melva Henderson, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the State Independent Living Council. The council, founded in 1989, is tasked with partnering, developing and monitoring a comprehensive state plan that develops goals and funding for independent living services in Texas. Other roles of the Texas State Independent Living Council are systems advocacy and public education on disability-related topics. Henderson earned her master’s degree in social work from A&M-Commerce. She and three other appointees will serve on the council until October 24, 2023.
A significant number of Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni have been placed in some of the top doctoral programs in the nation. Five recent A&M-Commerce Agribusiness graduates are currently continuing their studies in the field. The recent graduates include:
• Artak Meloyan (A&M-Commerce class of 2017) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Hovhannes Mnatsakanyan (A&M-Commerce class of 2017) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California-Davis.
• Chelsea Arnold (A&M-Commerce class of 2018) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Kansas State University
• Armine Poghosyan (A&M-Commerce class of 2018) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech University
• Samuel Uche (A&M-Commerce class of 2019) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University
Dr. Dawn Weatherford recently sat for an interview with All Things Cognitive, a podcast produced by the prestigious Psychonomic Society. She discussed her recently published paper in the Psychonomic Society journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications.
Her paper, “You shall not pass: how facial variability and feedback affect the detection of low prevalence fake IDs,” discusses the cognitive abilities of security screeners to detect fake IDs.
Weatherford earned her doctorate in educational psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2013.
Listen to the interview.
Dr. Kisha McDonald, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, took over a newly-created role with Cedar Hill Independent School District in June. As executive director of school leadership for grades six through twelve, McDonald oversees secondary education at five schools in the Cedar Hill district.
McDonald earned her doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction from A&M-Commerce. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. McDonald has 21 years’ experience in the Texas education system as a teacher at four different school districts, an assistant principal and principal. She most recently served as director of social-emotional learning at Mansfield ISD.
The A&M-Commerce Department of Physics and Astronomy is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant intended to fund a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for community college students interested in physics and astronomy.
The 10-week REU program—which runs from June 6 through August 12—will host six students from community colleges in the mid-south region near Northeast Texas, which borders the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
The grant will provide each participant with a $6,000 stipend, housing and travel support to and from Commerce, as well as an observing run at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas.
Selected participants will work directly with a faculty mentor on a collaborative research project matching the student’s specific interests. Additionally, students will attend several social events and field trips to research and industrial institutions in North and East Texas.
Learn more about the summer 2021 physics and astronomy REU. Application deadline is March 31.
Dallas Regional Chamber recently published an article that examines how area universities have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights A&M-Commerce, Austin College, Dallas Baptist University, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of North Texas.
According to the article, “Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) was one of the few institutions that didn’t miss a beat, beginning online instruction immediately following the university’s regularly scheduled spring break, largely thanks to the school’s robust catalog of online classes and widespread use of learning management systems in traditional courses.”
The article notes that A&M-Commerce has recorded growth in graduate enrollment, partly due to a slower job market.
Additionally, the article points out that the pandemic has accelerated innovation in higher education, including online programming. “…TAMUC is nationally recognized for its non-traditional, competency-based education programs, which grant credit for an individual’s prior work experience,” the article states. “Presently, TAMUC offers the program in criminal justice and organizational leadership, but is preparing tracks in health services administration, safety and health, and other fields to respond to emergent workforce needs stemming from COVID-19.”
Read the Dallas Regional Chamber article.
Faculty at Texas A&M University-Commerce now have free access to a suite of powerful tools thanks to a recent partnership between the university and Oracle Academy. Programs for use include cloud technologies, software, support and professional certification resources. The Oracle Academy touts itself as a platform for “advanc(ing) computing education around the world to increase knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields.” The partnership is similar to the university’s inclusion in the SAP University Alliance, which allows A&M-Commerce faculty to embed appropriate SAP transactions within selected courses. As of the end of Fall 2020, A&M-Commerce had awarded 11 SAP UA Student Recognition Awards to students for completing three or more courses, and has 511 students who have taken at least one SAP course. A recent graduate went so far as to receive certification as an SAP application developer. Interested faculty can learn more about Oracle Academy and sign up for free at the academy website.
The Center for Business Excellence at A&M-Commerce is available to provide organizations with customized business training programs and consulting services.
Visit the Center for Excellence web page to learn more about the services they provide.
View the Center for Excellence promotional video.
The A&M-Commerce Sport and Recreation Management program recently released a promotional video touting the purpose and benefit of its undergraduate degree offering.
“A lot of times, if we’re doing our job correctly in sport and recreation, you never see us,” said Dr. Clay Bolton, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. “We’re not the athletes, we’re not the coaches. In a lot of cases, we’re not even the owners. We’re all the people in between those.”
Assistant Professor Samantha Roberts states in the video, “The undergraduate Sport and [Recreation] Management program gives you the opportunity to experience professional sport, but also campus recreation, athletics here on campus, city parks and [recreation], and really opens your eyes to the plethora of opportunities that are available to you in the sport industry more broadly.”
Watch the video.
In 2020, Texas A&M University-Commerce received approval from the Texas A&M University System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to begin offering a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
This makes A&M-Commerce only the second university in the state of Texas to offer an undergraduate degree in sustainable agriculture.
The degree affords students an opportunity to work hands-on in a variety of settings discovering the processes that keep our food systems running smoothly, and work with people, plants and animals to improve our planet and feed a growing world.
The curriculum for this 120-hour program is varied, with students taking courses in natural resources management, animal science, urban agriculture and agricultural economics, among others. Dr. Bob Williams, professor of agriculture, food and family at A&M-Commerce, stated that programs like these benefit us all in the future.
“We have finite natural resources, and food insecurity is a worldwide issue,” Williams said. “This program aims to give students the tools to address these issues while at the same time leaving the planet in good shape for future generations.”
The program has already seen interest, with 34 students enrolled in the Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture course during fall 2020.
“I hope that this program will be attractive to not just traditional ag students but those interested in gardening, self-sufficiency and a wide range of topics,” Williams said.
To learn more about the B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, visit the program webpage.
In a recent ranking from GreatBusinessSchools.org, the B.S. in Technology Management at Texas A&M University-Commerce was named one of the most affordable degrees in engineering management in the nation. A&M-Commerce’s program, which integrates technology, applied engineering, project management, and leadership, was ranked the third-most affordable. GreatBusinessSchools.com is an independent, third-party site that ranks schools and provides detailed information about institutions of higher education. See the ranking and learn more about our Technology Management program.
The Meadows Principal Leadership Institute presented the Meadows Law Conference on October 28 at the McKinney ISD Community Event Center. Dr. Nathan Templeton, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, serves as director of the institute. The Meadows Principal Improvement Program offers a series of professional development opportunities for professional educators in Northeast Texas.
More than 100 administrators from campuses and districts across Northeast Texas attended the conference. Sponsored by a grant from the Meadows Foundation, the conference addressed special education issues and changing 504 laws. Renowned legal scholar Jim Walsh facilitated the conference, which focused on creating developmental opportunities for school administrators and policymakers. Attendees also learned methods of improving their campus’s ability to provide special education services.
“This was an incredibly successful event that keeps our practitioners abreast of changing laws and policies regarding educating our children with special needs,” Templeton said.
The Mexia High School Class of 1959 presented $45,000 to Texas A&M University-Commerce in June 2019 to establish an endowed scholarship fund. This fall, the new scholarship will be available to a deserving A&M-Commerce student for the first time.
The scholarship is open to Mexia High School graduates of any age who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at A&M-Commerce. The scholarship recipient must be a sophomore or above, and students who are enrolled at A&M-Commerce at Navarro College will receive priority consideration.
The Mexia High School Class of 1959 has a history of giving. For decades, the class members have enjoyed a close bond as they work together to provide educational opportunities to Mexia graduates.
In 2019, the class was gifted a portion of the Ina Cooper estate. With this gift, the group agreed to establish the Mexia High School Class of 1959 Scholarship at A&M-Commerce.
April Carl, director of development for Institutional Advancement at A&M-Commerce, expressed gratitude on behalf of the university.
“We are honored to be a part of the legacy created by the Mexia Class of 1959 and truly appreciate their generosity in giving so others may succeed,” Carl said.
The scholarship application deadline is November 1, 2020, and full scholarship details are available at https://tamu-commerce.academicworks.com.
The Planetarium at Texas A&M University-Commerce is reopening with new seats and a few new requirements. Reservations are now available for shows beginning November 13 and running through December 18. Seating is limited.
The feature presentation will be Mystery of the Christmas Star. Shows will start at 7 p.m. Reservations are required in order to practice safe distancing. All visitors, regardless of age, are required to wear a face covering for the duration of their visit.
Tickets are $5 per person, payable at the facility. Reservations can be made by calling 903.468.8650.
Learn more about the A&M-Commerce Planetarium.
The Office of Latinx Engagement and Outreach (LEO) at A&M-Commerce is facilitating the creation of a Latino Staff and Faculty Association at the university. This first-of-its-kind group for the campus’ Latino population was established to provide representation of diverse staff and faculty at key decision and stakeholder opportunities, empower Latino/Hispanic professionals, assist the university in becoming a federally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution, and aid the university with its diversity, equity and inclusion goals. This group has been a long time coming, with talks beginning almost eight years ago. Association founders shared that more than 50 interested university members attended the first official meeting on October 8. The association anticipates monthly meetings to begin in November, and interested parties can contact them at [email protected]
Several locations on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce will be lit up in an array of colors in recognition of National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 in support of the university’s LGBTQ community. National Coming Out Day has been recognized in the United States since 1988 and is aimed at bringing awareness to important LGBTQ issues.
The Department of Victim’s Advocacy and Support at Texas A&M University-Commerce is encouraging the university community to wear purple on Oct. 14 to raise awareness of Domestic Violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in America, and the community is invited to swap out their blue and gold attire on this upcoming Blue and Gold Wednesday for purple as a symbol of survivors and those who lost their lives due to domestic violence. In addition, select locations on campus will be lit up purple for the occasion. People are asked to share their purple looks on Facebook on Oct. 14 and tag @TAMUCAdvocacy in their photos.
The Department of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently received a grant totaling $98,960 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. The program provides grants to professional nursing programs at public and private higher education institutions in order to combat nursing shortages and meet the need for registered nurses in the state of Texas. The university was selected for the award based on enrollment and graduation numbers in the undergraduate nursing program over a two-year period, as reported to THECB by the registrar’s office.
The Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources was awarded $50,400 by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to fund four graduate assistant positions within the college. This continues a long-standing partnership between HLSR and A&M-Commerce, with the organization donating more than $450,000 in scholarships to A&M-Commerce agricultural students to date. The recent funding from HLSR marks an increase in their commitment to agricultural education, as the amount was increased by $12,600 this year in order to add another GA position. The four graduate students that will benefit from this funding are Kaylee Kipp, Shannon Park, Sofia Martinez and Courtney Baldwin.
The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Texas A&M University-Commerce received grant funding as part of the university’s ongoing affiliation with the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP).
JAMP is a partnership between 11 medical schools in Texas and 70 public and private four-year undergraduate institutions. The program provides financial and academic support for qualifying pre-med students, as well as guaranteed admission to a medical school in Texas upon completing all requirements at graduation.
Dr. John Slovak, assistant professor in the department reports most funds from the grant will be used to provide tutors in the JAMP room located within the McFarland Science Building at A&M-Commerce.
Learn about JAMP.
The Department of Nursing at Texas A&M-Commerce is featured in a recent article from the Herald-Banner newspaper in Greenville, Texas, for its efforts to train nursing students amid the challenges of the COVID-19 era. “Since March, so many things have changed, everything from pedagogy to budget,” said A&M-Commerce Department of Nursing Head Denise Neill in the story. “Statewide, the rules have been changing daily, so when we’re just about to get the hang of new procedures, new changes come in.”
Left to right: Dr. Monica Tenhunen, Hannah Dixon, Dr. Denise Neill and Camila Brown of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Nursing Department. Photo courtesy of Herald-Banner.
Neill said the pandemic has forced faculty to be creative and reconsider how they approach the role of teaching students. “It’s all made us reevaluate re-evaluate what’s essential,” Neill said.
Professor Monica Tenhunen agrees. “People are a lot more adaptable than they’re often given credit for,” said Tenhunen. “Innovation isn’t just an academic buzzword. It can mean nursing done a lot better.”
Read the full story.
