Awards and AchievementsA&M-Commerce Faculty Araujo Accepted into Leadership Academy
Awards and AchievementsRetired TAMUC Faculty Holt Honored with Emeritus Distinction
News Bites
The student-led robotics team from Texas A&M University-Commerce made a splash recently, reaching the quarterfinals of the Texas VEXU Qualifying Tournament in the team’s first competition. The A&M-Commerce team defeated the team representing Texas A&M University in both the qualifying round and in the first round of elimination matches. Lions Pride Robotics finished with a tournament record of two wins and three losses after being knocked out in the quarterfinal round by the eventual tournament champions from the University of Florida. See the competition results. 
The First Year Leadership Class (FLC) at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently spearheaded a major effort to fundraise money and items for Off the Chain Rescue, an animal rescue organization in nearby Cooper, Texas. FLC students ran an animal supply drive and fundraiser as a service project for the class, and in total raised more than $850 in donated funds as well as supplies topping $1,000 in value. Class instructor Coy Martin said he is extremely proud of the work that the small group of students has accomplished. Over the last year, the 10 FLC students cumulatively amassed over 350 community service hours. Learn more about Off the Chain Rescue. 
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Stock Horse Team was firing on all cylinders at the Stock Horse of Texas competition in Bryan, Texas, earlier this month, taking home the Division 2 Championship and a slew of personal honors for students. Head Coach Nathan Wells stated, “I am so very proud of our team and look forward to the collegiate finals in Lubbock at the end of April.” The team’s individual results are as follows: Chance Clipper won the collegiate LTD non-pro pleasure with a 76, was second in cow work with a 75 and second in trail with a 77. He was also second in the collegiate LTD non-pro all around.Kelsey Jordan was second in collegiate LTD non-pro pleasure with a 74.5, second in reining with a 73 and fifth in collegiate LTD non-pro all around. Mya Rooke tied for first in the collegiate novice pleasure with a 73.5.Chrissy Bodman tied for third in the collegiate novice trail with a 71.5. (Photo: From left is Chance Clipper, Mya Rooke, Savana Wood (Team Manager), Chrissy Bodman, Kelsey Jordan and Nathan Wells) 
Students with the Department of Nursing at A&M-Commerce are helping administer COVID-19 vaccinations at multiple locations across Northeast Texas. More than 20 students have helped inoculate area residents at CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital-Sulphur Springs, Hunt Regional Healthcare, Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville and the Garland Health Department. “We are proud of our students and glad to have the ability to partner with our health care community to help get this vaccine out to the public,” said Denise Neill, Ph.D., head of the A&M-Commerce Department of Nursing. 
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.” 
Kate Koo, Ph.D., assistant professor of higher education at A&M-Commerce, is featured in a recent article from The Chronicle of Higher Education. The article details mental health strains on international students. Koo spoke of faculty and staff misperceptions of international students and the minority stress felt by many overseas students of color. She also discussed how higher education institutions can design culturally responsive mental health services. Access the article at Chronicle.com. 
Brian Brumley, director of field education for the Department of Social Work at A&M-Commerce, presented at the 2021 VA Social Work conference, held virtually on March 26. Brumley spoke on ethical decision making to a group of 77 social work staffers from the VA North Texas Health Care System. Attendees gave Brumley high marks for the engaging, three-hour presentation. Participants were able to compare laws and moral views against agency policies in order to determine acceptable practices and decision-making for social workers. 
Joshua Ege, associate professor of visual communication at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the latest recipient of the Golden Apple Award from the Dallas Society of Visual Communication (DSVC). The award is given as part of the DSVC’s National Student Show and is presented annually to an outstanding professor at a college, university or art school after evaluating student essays in recognition of nominees and their contribution to the student’s design career path. The award is open to all faculty teaching in visual communication and related programs in the United States. Learn more about the National Student Show. 
James Hamill, associate professor of accounting and head of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was recently featured in an article on wallethub.com regarding important information about tax day in the United States. Hamill provided answers on how tax day will be different this year and what tips can taxpayers use to reduce their time spent preparing. Read the WalletHub article. 
Julia Ballenger, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, is the recipient of the 2022 Willystine Goodsell Award, presented by the American Education Research Association’s (AERA) Research on Women and Education special interest group. The highly coveted award recognizes educators who have served AERA on behalf of women, girls and education through scholarship, activism and community building. The award is named for Willystine Goodsell, a nineteenth century activist, teacher and faculty member at Teachers College, Columbia University. Goodsell dedicated her life to advancing equal opportunities and education for women. Ballenger is the third African American woman to successfully advance as finalist through the rigorous selection process. Kriss Y. Kemp-Graham, associate professor in the department, nominated Ballenger for the award, describing her as extremely deserving of the prestigious recognition. “Dr. Ballenger’s life’s work in education—at the school, district, state, national, international and university level—in advancing opportunities and equal education for women represents the familiar dedication, passion and commitment of Willystine Goodsell,” Kemp-Graham said. 
William Newton, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at A&M-Commerce, is cited in a recent press release for his collaboration with researchers at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. The researchers have discovered a new process for examining the internal structure of neutron stars, thereby revealing clues about the structure of nuclei at the heart of atoms. “This has been an exciting collaboration, bringing together a range of expertise to figure out how we can explore the forces that bind neutrons and protons together by observing neutron stars about to violently collide millions of light years away,” Newton said. “Our proposed method uses gamma rays and gravitational waves to figure out when the crusts of the neutron stars shatter just before they merge!” Read the full announcement at the University of Bath website. View the published research paper at the Oxford Academic website. 
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. Originally scheduled in February, the online event will now be held on April 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. All proceeds from the $20 registration fee will fund scholarships for the class of 2021. The annual leadership institute provides educators with the necessary tools to become principals, 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. 
Toni Sturdivant, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce, recently published an article wherein she revisits the famous doll test first demonstrated by psychology researchers Kenneth and Mammie Clark in the 1940s. The husband and wife team used dolls to investigate how young Black children viewed their racial identity. The research eventually served as evidence for school desegregation. Sturdivant decided to recreate the historic experiment after her preschool-age daughter expressed dislike for her own dark skin color. “Maybe, I thought, the racial bias wasn’t related to schools as much as it was to the broader society in which we live,” Sturdivant said in the article. “Maybe it was much more nuanced than whether Black kids attended an all-Black school or went to school alongside other kids.” Yet, despite a new approach in an integrated setting, the experiment produced similar results. Sturdivant claims the experiment’s findings indicate the same anti-Black biases revealed more than half a century earlier in the Clark studies. Read the full article. Photo credit: theconversation.com 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. This event has been rescheduled for April 24. 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. 
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. 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. 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 
Paul Zinke, Ph.D., senior lecturer in chemistry at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, was recently named the 2021 Collins Outstanding Professor. The award is provided by the Carr P. Collins Foundation, which presents the annual award to an exceptional Baylor professor. The Baylor senior class selects the recipient by popular vote. According to a Baylor University news story, Zinke has worked as a professor at Baylor since 2014. He is also a principal scientist for Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research/Alcon in Fort Worth, Texas. Zinke graduated from East Texas State University, now A&M-Commerce, with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in chemistry. He received his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Read the entire Baylor University news story. 
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Katie Andrade to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners for a term set to expire in 2027. The board regulates the practice of social work in Texas. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Andrade is a licensed master social worker at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Texas. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in social work from A&M-Commerce. Read the announcement. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Zenetta S. Drew has been nominated for a 2021 Association of Performing Arts Professionals Award (APAP). According to an article in Broadway World, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a significant impact on the industry and communities they serve. Drew is among 53 performing arts professionals and organizations who were nominated by APAP members for an award. Drew serves as executive director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT). She has been with DBDT since 1987 and has seen the company develop from an annual operating budget of $175,000 to over $3.9 million. APAP will recognize the nominees and announce the final award recipients at a virtual ceremony on May 6. Drew is a 2016 A&M-Commerce Distinguished Alumni Recipient and holds a BBA in Accounting from A&M-Commerce. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Shabiha Nymphi was among 50 immigrants who were naturalized at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in College Station, Texas, on March 18. In a recent interview, Nymphi expressed how it feels to become an American citizen. “I moved to the United States from Malaysia in 2014, and what truly amazed me about this country is the cultural diversity and welcoming nature of the community. I have seen the excellent practices of moral values and respect for law and order of the citizens,” Nymphi said. Nymphi graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2019 with a Master of Business Administration. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Tanis Clarke was featured in an article in the Waco Tribune-Herald. The piece tells about Clarke’s often-harrowing experiences as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. Clarke served for four years, and her tour included time in Germany, Kuwait and Iraq. Later, she attended A&M-Commerce and received a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Read the story. Photo from Waco Tribune-Herald by Mary Drennon. 
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Emily Glass of Sulphur Springs, Texas, to the Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors. According to a press release from the governor’s office, “The board has the responsibility to construct, maintain, and operate inside the state and in the watershed of the Sulphur River and its tributaries inside or outside the boundaries of the authority any works considered essential to the operation of the authority and for its administration in controlling, storing, preserving, and distributing the water of the Sulphur River and its tributary streams, including the storm water and floodwater.” Glass’s term is set to expire on February 1, 2027. Glass received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from A&M-Commerce. She currently serves as president of the A&M-Commerce Alumni Association for Hopkins County. Read the full release. Photo from LinkedIn. 
A recent LA Venture podcast episode highlighted A&M-Commerce alum Taj Eldridge and his company’s newly launched $250 million fund to support “Black and Brown founders and investors.” According to the LA Venture article, “Taj is passionate about reducing the wealth gap through Black and Brown ownership.” Eldridge is the senior director for investment at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), a business incubator that provides services to startup companies that are focused on green technology. Eldridge received a bachelor’s degree in English from A&M-Commerce. Listen to the podcast. Photo: Taj Eldridge – From laincubator.org 
A&M-Commerce alum James Seek has been named clinical operations division chief of the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) in Southeast Texas. According to an article in The Courier of Montgomery County, “Seek will be at the charge of a department that oversees all medical care MCHD EMS employees provide.” A statement from MCHD said, “Chief Seek is a mentor at heart, focusing on employee professional development through his passion to uplift those around him.” “I am proud to lead the clinical department at MCHD. It’s such a great atmosphere where we find value in each other and push ourselves to innovate our practices and protocols to keep up with the latest medical research…” Seek said. Seek earned a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from A&M-Commerce. Read The Courier of Montgomery article. Photo from Montgomery Hospital District website. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Tiffany Ricks was recognized by Our Community Now (OCN) as one of 10 Inspiring Female Founders in Dallas-Fort Worth. According to OCN, Ricks has been recognized for her contributions to software engineering as a 2021 Innovator in Cybersecurity finalist by D CEO and Dallas Innovates, 2020 Top 50 Innovator by Dallas Innovates, and Top Woman in Technology by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).Ricks is the founder and CEO of HacWare, a phishing-simulation technology that protects organizations against data breaches. Ricks received her Bachelor of Science in computer science at Texas Christian University and Master of Science in management from A&M-Commerce. Read the full article. Photo courtesy of Hacware.com. 
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. Kimberly McLeod, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently joined Keturi DeLong for an episode of Let’s Talk it Over, a TAMUC web series on YouTube. McLeod discussed the state of educator training in Texas and the university’s role in providing career-ready teachers for rural and urban communities throughout the state. Watch the episode on YouTube. 
A recent article in the Calgary Herald introduced a new competency-based education (CBE) program at Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In the article, Carlos Rivers, executive director for the Institute of Competency-Based Education at A&M-Commerce, affirmed that CBE programs at A&M-Commerce effectively reduce time and cost for adult learners who return to college to complete their degrees. Read the full article. Photo: Executive Director Carlos Rivers 
A May 12 article in The Dallas Morning News summarized a “fireside chat” led by Harrison Keller, Texas’ commissioner of higher education. The chat included Mark Rudin, president of A&M-Commerce; Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College; and Neal Smatresk, president of the University of North Texas. Their discussion centered on the role of universities and the needs of students in Texas’ post-pandemic recovery. According to the article, the commissioner and presidents called for restored state funding, sustained flexible scheduling (on-line and face-to-face), additional support for students of color and immigrant students, and mental health services following the trauma of the past year. Read the full Dallas Morning News article. 
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce hosted a guest lecture by Sandra Duncan, Ed.D., via Zoom on April 10. The virtual event drew a large, international attendance with 179 registrants from across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. A noted author, Duncan presented The Honeycomb Hypothesis: A New Perspective on Children’s Acquisition of Knowledge. Likening a honeybee’s acquisition of pollen to that of children acquiring knowledge, the presentation gave insight into how children learn. Duncan also discussed ideas for designing classroom environments that encourage freedom of flight. Josh Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor of early childhood education at A&M-Commerce, said the lecture challenged teachers to rethink patterns of play in childhood. Duncan is set to publish a book on her research later this year through publisher Gryphon House. View the lecture on YouTube. 
Public health students in the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce recently planned and executed the 2021 TAMUC Student Healthfest, which was hosted virtually on YouTube. The event aimed to promote wellness amongst A&M-Commerce students and the campus community by increasing awareness and access to available university resources. Elizabeth Wachira, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the public health program, said event feedback revealed that participants found the presentation to be valuable and engaging. Many reported they would attend such an event each semester. “As we mobilize to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, access to accurate and easy-to-understand information is crucial,” Wachira said. “Our campus community offers numerous resources to support the health and wellbeing of our students. The Healthfest, similar to the four-week COVID-19 talk series hosted by public health students last fall, adds to this wealth of knowledge and increases access to these resources.” View the 2021 TAMUC Student Healthfest on YouTube. 
The A&M-Commerce Department of Chemistry is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant for continued funding of the department’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The grant will fund REU summer programs through 2024 for community college students interested in chemistry. “Our REU program has supported community college students in North Texas since 2006,” said Professor Ben Jang, D.Sc., who serves as director of the program. “It’s a great tradition that continues to build the university’s reputation for research and mentorship among community college faculty in the region.” The 10-week summer REU program hosts students from community colleges in the North Texas region. Participants learn lab skills, instrumentation techniques, technical writing and presentation skills, and research ethics. They’ll also apply teamwork and network-building skills while gaining an appreciation for what it takes to be a successful professional in the fields of chemistry and science. REU research results are often published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at American Chemical Society conferences. Read more about the chemistry summer REU program. 
Staff members from Clarksville and Rivercrest ISDs visited A&M-Commerce for lunch and a Planetarium show on Wednesday, March 31. The visit kick-started a partnership between Red River County schools and the A&M-Commerce Planetarium. The partnership enables children in grades K-8 from Red River County to receive free transportation and entrance fees to the university’s planetarium. As a result, schools may bring students to campus without incurring transportation costs and other field trip-related expenses. The provision is made possible by an endowment from the late A&M-Commerce alumna Georgia M. Dorrough. Mrs. Dorrough and her husband, Mr. Rudy Dorrrough, shared the view that the study of science is crucial to future generations. They were particularly interested in supporting the Planetarium because of the opportunities for outreach to small rural schools in Northeast Texas where many students have not been exposed to this type of learning. During Wednesday’s visit, guests met with A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin before eating lunch in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. After lunch, the group enjoyed a Planetarium show hosted by Dr. Cheri Davis, Planetarium director. Read the Dorrough Endowment article. 
The A&M-Commerce Department of Chemistry is the recent recipient of a grant from The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest private funding sources for chemical research at universities, colleges and other educational institutions in Texas. The foundation supports degree programs in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering. The foundation’s departmental grant program will award A&M-Commerce with $40,000 per year over a three-year period. The funds support a number of functions within the department, including chemistry research by faculty members Ben Jang, D.Sc.; Allan Headley, Ph.D.; Laurence Angel, Ph.D.; Stephen Starnes, Ph.D.; Bukuo Ni, Ph.D.; and Thomas West, Ph.D. The goal of the departmental grant is to provide students with research experiences that encourage eventual careers in chemistry. The grant will support graduate student fellowships and undergraduate scholarships; funding to purchase chemicals and supplies; and travel support for faculty and students to attend conferences. West, who serves as department head, said faculty and students have benefitted greatly over the years through grants from The Welch Foundation. He reports that many students who have received support from the departmental grant program are now pursuing graduate degrees in chemistry at major universities or attending professional schools dedicated to biomedical sciences. Learn more about the Department of Chemistry at A&M-Commerce. 
On Monday, March 22, Metropolitan Opera rising star mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko will present a virtual vocal masterclass on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce. Three students will perform live in Finney Concert Hall while Mesko works with them virtually through the Zoom video conferencing platform. In a statement earlier this week, Mesko said, “I’m really looking forward to hearing the students, and offering any ideas I can to support them in their singing!” The event will be held on Monday, March 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. Mesko will work with each student as they sing through one piece, focusing on vocal technique, dramatic interpretation, and stage presence. Feedback from such a highly trained, professional, classical singer is invaluable to young musicians, and will benefit anyone wishing to learn more about the craft of singing. Student performers include Vanessa Carrasco, Brittany Morrison and Erica Carranza, all accompanied by Laura Maxwell, staff accompanist and adjunct instructor of piano. The masterclass is free of charge and open to the public via the Zoom link. For more information about Sarah Mesko, please visit her website. For more information about the masterclass, contact Dr. Randy Hooper, director of Vocal Activities at 903.886.5284. (Photo by Dario Acosta – All Rights Reserved) 
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] 
