Awards and AchievementsTAMUC Doctoral Student Named Director at Austin ISD
Lion PartnershipsResponsiveEd Partnership Increases Access to Higher Education
Outside the ClassroomFrom Ashes We Rise: TAMUC Senior Films NBA/MLB Sportscaster’s Inspirational Story of Survival
Faculty & StaffTAMUC Partnership with Mexican Consulate Provides Vital Assistance to more than 1,000 People
The Texas A&M University SystemTAMUC and The Texas A&M University System to Observe New National Holiday
News Bites
A current Texas A&M University-Commerce percussion student and two alums took home the top prize in separate competitions this summer. Ashton Carter, a current Music Education major at A&M-Commerce, was named the winner of the 2021 Black Swamp Snare Drum Competition. Carter won the competition with his recorded performance of “Impressions (movement 1)” by Nicolas Martynciow. A&M-Commerce alumni Michael Jones and Dr. Andrew Veit, who both graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2012, took home first place in the Southern California Marimba International Artist Competition’s Open Duo Division. The pair’s winning entry included performances of “Departures” by Emmanuel Sejourne, “Passacaglia” by Anna Ignatowica-Glinska and “Scene Romantique (OP 101: No. 5)” by Jean Sibelius. Watch Carter’s winning entry. See Jones’ and Veit’s entries at the following links: Departures, Passacaglia, Scene Romantique. (Pictured are, from left, Ashton Carter, Andrew Veit and Michael Jones) 
A&M-Commerce sophomore Chance Mulligan was paired with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo at the U.S. Amateur Qualifier in Gladewater, Texas, on June 30. In a Tyler Morning Telegraph article that was published prior to the event, Mulligan said, “I’m not sure how much of a crowd to expect, but being with Tony, I know there will be fans and photographers…Hopefully, I can play well and get my name out there.” Read the full story. 
Three members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team represented their university well at the College National Finals Rodeo held in Casper, Wyoming from June 11 to June 19. Wyatt Muggli, Alyssa Lockhart and Ryan Nettle all qualified for the finals in at least one event. Muggli, a graduate student from Lane, Oklahoma, seeking a degree in agricultural sciences, competed in Calf Roping and Team Roping and finished 38th and 43rd, respectively. Lockhart, a psychology major from Oelrichs, South Dakota, finished 24th nationally in Goat Tying and 21st in Barrel Racing. Nettle, an agribusiness major from Goldthwaite, Texas, placed 14th in the nation in Steer Roping. This comes after he won the third round of the competition outright. (Pictured are: Top left, Alyssa Lockhart | Bottom left, Ryan Nettle | Right, Wyatt Muggli) 
Allen ISD recently named Aimee Cherry as the new principal at Norton Elementary School. Cherry is currently working toward a Doctor of Education in educational leadership at A&M-Commerce. An Allen ISD alum, Cherry earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian University and her master’s degree from Concordia University. Cherry has 14 years of service with the district, having most recently served as assistant principal for Cheatham Elementary School. She previously worked as the school’s campus intervention specialist, and as a teacher for Story Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Allen ISD. 
The Theta Xi chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce recently donated $9,000 to the North Texas Food Bank. The proceeds were raised during the fraternity’s 24th annual Crawfish Festival, held at “Pikeland” off of Highway 224 north of campus. Members of the chapter presented the funds to the food bank earlier this month, which will go toward providing 27,000 meals for people in need. The North Texas Food Bank distributes food across a large area with the help of several partner organizations, including the Commerce Food Pantry. Learn more about the food bank at their website. (Pictured, from left: Charles Berry, Sam Brunsen, Adam Scharf, Zach Erlewein, Jeffery Norlin, Dillon Hubbard and NTFB Major Gift Officer Cody Meyers.) 
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health recently selected A&M-Commerce graduate student Amanda Gage as a 2021 Ima Hogg Scholarship recipient. Gage will receive a one-time award of $5,000 to support her Master of Social Work studies before launching a career to provide mental health services to underserved, underrepresented individuals and communities in Texas. Established in 1940, the foundation aims to transform how communities promote positive mental health by fostering communities in Texas that support mental health, achieve health equity and promote well-being. Marcella Smith, Ph.D., interim head of the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce, said Gage is an exceptional student. “We’re proud to have Amanda represent the A&M-Commerce School of Social Work,” Smith said. “There’s no doubt that she will continue to advance the social work profession through her contributions in the area of mental health.” 
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. 
African American News and Issues recently published an article about former East Texas State University professor J. Mason Brewer. Brewer was a renowned poet and folklorist who played an important role in preserving African American folklore in Texas. Throughout his career, he collected stories of everyday life from Texas’ former slaves and their descendants. The stories reflect the “hardship and humor of the ‘coming-up times’ after slavery.” Brewer published many collections of folklore and poetry. Some of his most notable works include The Word on the Brazos (1953), Aunt Dicey Tales (1956), Dog Ghosts and Other Texas Negro Folk Tales (1958), and Worser Days and Better Times (1965). According to the article, “His books serve as a timeless record of Texas storytelling, and powerful proof of what he called ‘folklore as a living force.’” Brewer was the first African American to serve on the council of the American Folklore Society, among many other honors. He has been compared to noted authors Zora Neale Hurston, Joel Chandler Harris, and Alain Locke. Brewer taught at numerous colleges and universities in Texas. He was hired as one of the first black professors at East Texas State University in 1969. University archives report that he taught courses in African American folklore and organized writing, poetry and folklore symposiums on campus. Brewer died in 1975. Read the full African American News and Issues article. 
Dr. Sarah Rodriguez, associate professor of higher education and learning technologies at A&M-Commerce, is teaming up with Miami Dade College and the University of Florida for nearly $1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation for their implementation and research project, Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Implementation and Evaluation Project: Artificial Intelligence for All. The project seeks to develop artificial intelligence courses and an interdisciplinary certificate leading to successful student outcomes in an HSI community college. The researchers also plan to build Miami Dade College’s capacity to develop a four-year degree emphasizing artificial intelligence. In addition, the project will partner with AI4ALL, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in AI education, research, development and policy, as well as industry advisors IBM, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft. Dr. Antonio Delgado, dean of the School of Engineering, Technology and Design at Miami Dade College will serve as principal investigator for the project. Rodriguez will share co-principal investigator duties with Joseph A. Weathers, instructor of computer science at Miami Dade College and Diego Alvarado, instructional assistant professor of engineering at the University of Florida. Rodriguez will assist with project administration and lead the qualitative research component of the grant focused on understanding how community college students develop their computing identities. “HSIs have the potential to transform AI and computing,” Rodriguez said. “This project represents an important step in broadening participation by diversifying computing pathways and understanding how students can envision themselves in AI careers.” 
The National Science Foundation recently awarded grant funding to A&M-Commerce faculty members, Dr. William Newton, associate professor of physics and astronomy, and Dr. Melanie Fields, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction. William Newton, Ph.D.Melanie Fields, Ph.D. The funding will see the university’s College of Science and Engineering and College of Education and Human Services join forces to conduct research into secondary STEM educator preparation programs in rural areas. The project will span multiple states in collaboration with 14 universities. Newton and Fields report they will address the unique challenges facing rural secondary STEM educators. Their research will identify educator preparation program features that successfully prepare STEM teachers for roles in rural school districts. “Dr. Newton and I are very excited to work on research that could improve secondary STEM teacher retention in our local, rural schools,” Fields said. “As institutions share these features among each other, we will identify areas for programmatic adjustment that ensure the needs of rural teachers are met.” 
Associate professor and Department of Liberal Studies head Mark Menaldo, Ph.D., recently published a new book through Routledge Publishing. “Philosophy and Leadership: Three Classical Models and Cases” connects philosophy to leadership by examining three representative texts from the history of philosophy: Plato’s “Republic”, Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” and Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince”. Menaldo has published several works on the topic of leadership, including “Leadership and the Unmasking of Authenticity: The Philosophy of Self-Knowledge and Deception” and “Leadership and Transformative Ambition in International Relations.” See the publisher’s listing for the new book. 
Associate professor Kelly M. Carrero, Ph.D., in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at A&M-Commerce, recently secured funding to research the design and implementation of a community-based program to increase safe interactions between law enforcement and people with exceptionalities who are in crisis. The research funding is provided by a private foundation choosing to remain anonymous. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation seeks to ensure the safety of vulnerable people, including those with disabilities. The research project includes an interagency team comprised of a local behavioral health system, two police departments and disability service providers. Carrero praised the efforts of research graduate assistant Britta Schwab, a doctoral student in the educational psychology program at A&M-Commerce. “These funds are the result of a lot of hours, meetings and hard work,” Carrero said. “Britta was instrumental in each step of the process and her dissertation research will be funded as a result of this award.” Carrero indicated that the research team submitted several other letters of intent with hopes of securing additional funding for the project. 
Courtney Fields, an A&M-Commerce alum and staff member, was featured in an NBC News story on June 7. The news story shares how Fields, a former Lion basketball player, endured a double mastectomy, followed by blood clots that resulted in a leg amputation. Through her loss, Fields wants to help others gain faith and strength as they face their own hardships. Fields graduated from A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in global e-learning (now higher education and learning technologies) and a Master of Science in higher education. She currently serves as an academic concierge in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts at A&M-Commerce. View the news story. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Marcella Smith as interim head of the School of Social Work. Smith joined A&M-Commerce in 2015 and began her tenure track a year later. She served as the Master of Social Work program director from 2019-2021. She is currently working on research to assess food insecurity at the A&M-Commerce campus. Prior to joining TAMUC, Smith worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2012-2015. She has served on numerous higher education committees at the department, college and university level. Well-published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, Smith’s research focuses on minority and adolescent health, health disparities, immigration issues, college student issues and social work education. She has presented her research at state, national and international conferences. “I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead the School of Social Work into the future,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with my team to continue growing our program.” 
Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce will present an online workshop called Racial Justice and Social Emotional Learning. The workshop is scheduled for June 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The session will provide strategies and changing perspectives for faculty to align campus learning environments with practices and beliefs which enhance and speed up positive academic outcomes that empower both the educator and student. The workshop is part of the Anti-Racism Professional Educator Webinar Series hosted by the University of Iowa College of Education. The series seeks to identify psychological, social, physical and emotional aspects of racism present in U.S. schools and how they define current schooling practices. Learn more about the Racial Justice and Social Emotional Learning workshop and the Anti-Racism Professional Educator Webinar Series. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Dean Culpepper as interim head of the Department of Health and Human Performance. Culpepper has 17 years of higher education experience as a faculty member, including more than three years as chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Eastern New Mexico University where he served on the University Assessment Committee. He also served on the faculty senate at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Lubbock (TX) Christian University. Culpepper has a strong history of working with administrators to initiate change and growth for programs that support university goals. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Nate Templeton as interim head of the Department of Educational Leadership. Templeton is an associate professor and director of the Meadows Principal Leadership Institute in the department. Prior to joining the graduate faculty at A&M-Commerce, he served in Texas public schools as a teacher, program administrator and principal. “I am excited to assume leadership of our storied department, and I look forward to continuing the great work of preparing students to be change makers in public education,” Templeton said. “Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce has been a pioneer in our profession and I look forward to adding to this rich tradition through a renewed commitment to professional relevance, innovation and partnerships with K-12 stakeholders.” 
The Texas Education Agency appointed Dr. Tami Morton, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, to the agency’s Reading Specialist Educator Standards Advisory Committee. Limited to 15 members, the committee advises on relevant updates to standards and issues related to the reading specialist certification. Morton is coordinator for the reading specialist certification program at A&M-Commerce. 
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, head and professor in the Department of Counseling at A&M-Commerce is featured in a recent episode of Here & Now on Fox 4 News in Dallas, Texas. The segment discussed a study Hendricks and colleagues performed in 2020 to gain insight into how students of all races feel about social justice activism. Hendricks served as lead researcher in the study, alongside TAMUC colleagues, Dr. Willie Edwards, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice; Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance; and Dr. Stephen Reysen, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education. “Collectively, what we have found in this study is that black, brown and white students are all coming together to address the social ills of society; looking at police brutality, looking at racism, looking at discrimination,” Hendricks said in the interview. “And these three groups are coming together to address those issues.” Watch the interview online. 
Dr. Robert “Bob” Williams, Professor of Agriculture, Food & Family at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the recent recipient of a $30,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to assist in the development of education in the field of urban agriculture. A three-person research team of Williams, Dr. Doug LaVergne, associate professor and associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and a graduate research assistant will solicit input from stakeholders regarding the needs and concerns faced by today’s agricultural educators in urban settings. Williams says that once these needs and concerns are identified, they hope to identify potential partners for a large, comprehensive grant proposal that will address the issues and concerns and possibly eliminate or reduce them. The research project is slated to run until May 2023. 
Torrey Rhone, adjunct professor in the competency-based Criminal Justice program at A&M-Commerce, was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Mesquite Police Department (MPD), located in Mesquite, Texas. Rhone becomes the first Black sergeant in the department’s 69-year history. Rhone was quoted in a Dallas Morning News article that he feels “overwhelmed and overjoyed by this promotion.” Rhone has served in the MPD since 2007 and is a recipient of the Mesquite Elks Lodge Police Officer of the Year award, two Certificate of Civic Achievement awards, 49 commendations and three awards for saving lives. Rhone has served as an adjunct faculty member in the A&M-Commerce Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice since August 2020. To read more about Rhone’s promotion, view the Dallas Morning News article. 
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 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. 
A TXK Today article announced that TAMUC alumna Patti O’Bannon has been named the new principal of Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. O’Bannon has served as an educator for 28 years. Most recently, she was principal at Nash Elementary School in Nash, Texas. O’Bannon earned her superintendent certification from A&M-Commerce. 
Dr. Jim Richey, who received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from A&M-Commerce, was honored by the Texas Legislature for over 20 years of teaching excellence in Texas. State Representative Cole Hefner submitted Texas Resolution #1391 to recognize Richey. Richey currently serves as professor and chair of the English Department at Tyler Junior College. A current Texas A&M University-Commerce percussion student and two alums took home the top prize in separate competitions this summer. Ashton Carter, a current Music Education major at A&M-Commerce, was named the winner of the 2021 Black Swamp Snare Drum Competition. Carter won the competition with his recorded performance of “Impressions (movement 1)” by Nicolas Martynciow. A&M-Commerce alumni Michael Jones and Dr. Andrew Veit, who both graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2012, took home first place in the Southern California Marimba International Artist Competition’s Open Duo Division. The pair’s winning entry included performances of “Departures” by Emmanuel Sejourne, “Passacaglia” by Anna Ignatowica-Glinska and “Scene Romantique (OP 101: No. 5)” by Jean Sibelius. Watch Carter’s winning entry. See Jones’ and Veit’s entries at the following links: Departures, Passacaglia, Scene Romantique. (Pictured are, from left, Ashton Carter, Andrew Veit and Michael Jones) 
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna Christina Moreland is the recipient of the inaugural “Emerging Creative” award from the Dallas Society of Visual Communications. The award was given as part of the 52nd annual Dallas Show, the leading juried competition and awards show for professionals in the southwest. Moreland is an independent designer and cartoonist currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communication with an emphasis in Art Direction from A&M-Commerce in 2017. 
A recent press release announced that East Texas State University alumnus Christopher S. Adams, Jr., Retired Major General with the United States Air Force, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. According to the Who’s Who website, the award recognizes individuals who have achieved greatness and excelled in their field for at least 20 years. General Adams has received numerous awards for his decades-long service in the U.S. Air Force, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. Adams has also written 12 books, including 2018’s “Notable Encounters,” which documents his experiences with military heroes, political figures and others who were impactful in his professional journey. General Adams earned a Bachelor of Science from ETSU, now A&M-Commerce. Read the article. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Nicole Koch was named executive director for strategic initiatives and accountability at Killeen ISD. Koch is a former teacher and, most recently, Killeen ISD’s special projects assistant. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a Master of Educational Administration from A&M-Commerce. Read the Killeen Daily Herald news story. 
The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) recognized recent A&M-Commerce graduates Belinda Sanchez and Mikaela Green in the 2021 AKA National Scholar Awards competition. The awards recognize academic excellence, encourage professional competence, and promote kinesiology and related fields. Pictured left to right: Vipa Bernhardt, associate professor; Belinda Sanchez; Henry Ross, instructor.Pictured left to right: Vipa Bernhardt, associate professor; Mikaela Green; Henry Ross, instructor. Sanchez—who recently graduated with a Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies with a concentration in exercise science— received honorable mention in the AKA Master’s Scholar Award competition. She recently began as a research associate at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine in Dallas. Green is a recipient of the AKA Undergraduate Scholar Award. She recently graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Studies, concentrating in human performance. Learn more about the AKA National Scholar Awards. 
The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership named Dr. Jericah Jackson, a graduate of A&M-Commerce, winner of the 2021 Edgar L. Morphet Dissertation of the Year Award. The award recognizes scholarship in the dissertation stage of advanced academic work in the field of educational administration. Dr. Julia Ballenger in the Department of Educational Leadership operated as Jackson’s dissertation chair. Jackson holds a doctorate of education from A&M-Commerce. She is founding principal at Aldine (TX) Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She previously served as assistant principal at Aldine Middle School and assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at the Shotwell Academy in Houston. Photo courtesy of Aldine ISD. 
Two A&M-Commerce alumnae are setting the mark high in the Corsicana Independent School District. The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees and Corsicana Education Foundation Executive Board named Casey Gordon as Elementary Teacher of the Year at Navarro Elementary School. She also received the Mark Culwell Award for outstanding elementary teacher of the year. Additionally, Raquel Espinoza-Rivera received the Rising Star award at Sam Houston Dual Language Elementary School. Gordon and Espinoza-Rivera both graduated from the A&M-Commerce Navarro Partnership. The partnership provides multiple programs for students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree without leaving Navarro County. Director Virginia Monk said she’s happy to see graduates of the partnership program being recognized. “The A&M-Commerce Navarro Partnership is a tremendous opportunity for our local students,” Monk said. “I’m proud to see our graduates recognized for their achievements and continued contributions to the Navarro County community.” 
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum is competing for a national honor as she attempts to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA. Kenda Felker was recently named Ms. Wheelchair for the Southwestern Region and will compete at the national pageant in July. Felker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 15, and lost the use of her legs 12 years ago. The Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant aims to show that all women, despite any disability, can be glamorous and exhibit self-confidence in personal, professional and public life. Felker is currently a teacher at Frank Stone Middle School in Paris, Texas, and she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000 from A&M-Commerce after double-majoring in Economics/Finance and Agricultural Economics. Felker was recently featured in a story by Dallas-Fort Worth TV station WFAA. See the WFAA story. 
TAMUC Alum 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. 
A&M-Commerce will host the 2021 Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 11 conference this fall. The event will be at the Rayburn Student Center on November 5. The organization encourages students to learn about careers in education and assists them in exploring the teaching profession. Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce said the conference expects nearly 700 future educators from across the state of Texas. A&M-Commerce began its local TAFE chapter earlier this year under the leadership of Dr. Carol Revelle, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce, with the support and encouragement of Dr. Shonda Gibson, vice chancellor for The Texas A&M University System. McLeod gave kudos to everyone involved in securing the event. “Please join me in congratulating Drs. Laura Isbell, Carol Revelle, Juan Araujo and the entire Department of Curriculum and Instruction for this huge win for our college,” McLeod said. “Special thanks to Judy Sackfield, vice president for student success and dean of students at A&M-Commerce, for helping with the arrangements, and to Provost John Humphreys for standing behind us in institutional support. All of us, together, make it possible for any one of us to do our part for collective success!” Learn more about TAFE at their website. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce and fellow Texas A&M University System member institution Tarleton State University jointly received nearly $300,000 in research funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture. The funds will go toward research into Plant Drought Response and Insect Pollinator Studies, also known as Plant DRIPS. A&M-Commerce is the prime recipient of funds, being awarded $159,124, while Tarleton will receive $140,743. A&M-Commerce Professor of Horticulture Dr. Derald Harp says that the project will evaluate perennials commonly used in ornamental landscapes in the area and study their performance under low-input conditions, specifically looking at three different irrigation programs all related to water loss from evapotranspiration, and looking at flower production, along with nectar quality and quantity. Harp adds that one of the main goals of the project is to generate information about the relationship between plants and pollinators, especially during periods of drought stress, and identify ways landscapes can be designed and managed to benefit pollinators. The project will run until August 31, 2024. Read an NIFA press release regarding the award. 
Two new graduate fellowships will be available next year to students in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, thanks to the estate of alumna EdWinnie Brown McWhirter. Assistant dean Juan Araujo, Ph.D., said the college will begin accepting applications for the McWhirter Graduate Fellowship in spring 2022. He said he hopes the first recipients will be selected in time to begin taking classes in summer 2022. “We will award two $20,000 scholarships each spring until 2031,” Araujo said. “One for education students and one for human services students.” He said the fellowships will adjust in 2031 to $15,000 per student, provided the endowment earns that much per year in interest. Students can apply for the McWhirter Graduate Fellowship by submitting a proposal of work during the spring semester. As a condition of acceptance, recipients agree to complete their degree in either four or five semesters. A lifelong educator, McWhirter earned her bachelor’s degree in education from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce) in 1943 and her master’s degree in 1951. Her teaching career crisscrossed the state of Texas with stops in Paducah, Waco and Hondo—where she taught 34 years before retiring. Upon her passing in 2018, she left her estate to A&M-Commerce, except for a few small bequests, to establish graduate fellowships in education. “The McWhirter Graduate Fellowship provides financial support to graduate students through their program of study and enhances their marketability upon graduation,” Araujo said. “In lieu of entry-level experience, McWhirter fellows will gain much-needed mentorship while engaging in real work to facilitate research with faculty who are renowned in their fields.” 
The university flag at A&M-Commerce will fly at half-staff Monday, July 12 in memory of Dr. Chester Robinson, associate professor of counseling, who passed away on the morning of Friday, July 9. Originally from Bluefield, Virginia, Robinson joined the A&M-Commerce faculty in 1995. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Commerce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial scholarship established by the TAMUC Foundation. Please designate your gift by writing on the memo line, “Dr. Chester Robinson Scholarship.” Gifts can be mailed to: TAMUC Foundation, P.O. Box 3425, Commerce, TX 75429-3425. Read his obituary here. 
A&M-Commerce and Frisco ISD are partnering to provide more student teaching opportunities for the university’s undergraduate education students. Department of Curriculum and Instruction head Laura Isbell, Ph.D., reports that the university is delighted with the partnership and looks forward to additional educational opportunities with Frisco ISD. Associate professor Kathryn Dixon, Ph.D., is coordinator of the Educator Preparation Program at A&M-Commerce. “Our partnership with Frisco ISD is off to a great start through exciting and collaborative conversations with campus principals. We look forward to building relationships with classroom teachers as they welcome our teacher candidates in the fall,” Dixon said. Associate professor Juan Araujo, assistant dean in the College of Education and Human Services, said the partnership will provide career-building experience for the university’s aspiring educators. “Our students will gain valuable experiences with our new clinical teaching partnership with Frisco ISD,” Araujo said. “This is just the start of many great things to come between our teacher preparation program and Frisco ISD.” TAMUC will begin placing teacher candidates into elementary schools within Frisco ISD this fall. 
A recent Greenville Herald Banner article discussed A&M-Commerce’s new North Dallas location. The site is set to fully open in Spring 2022. As the article explains, the university’s College of Business and College of Education and Human Services will spread their operations to North Dallas. The move will open new opportunities for students in the metroplex. Read the Herald Banner article. Kimberly McLeod, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, recently joined Keturi DeLong, vice president for Philanthropy and Engagement at A&M-Commerce, 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, 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 a child’s acquisition of 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. 
