Faculty and Staff Success

Can AI Make Police Lineups Fairer? ETAMU Researchers Aim to Find Out
The project combines eye-tracking technology and psychology to examine how people process real and AI-generated faces.

Educational Leadership Research Takes International Stage in Australia
Dr. Kriss Kemp-Graham and Dr. Sharonda Pruitt presented their rural education research in Australia at the University of Melbourne and the National Conference for Regional, Rural and Remote Education in Ballarat.

Psychology Professor Secures $581K in Research Excellence Fund Grants
Three Research Excellence Fund grants are expanding psychology research, student opportunities and technology at East Texas A&M.

Assistant Professor Gains Valuable Insights into AI Use in Cybersecurity Education During Exclusive Fellowship
ETAMU Assistant Professor Ahmet Kurt recently completed a coveted six-week fellowship that equipped selected cybersecurity educators with hands-on AI tools, technical resources and mentorship to build modern curricula.

ETAMU VP Featured in Article Discussing A&M System Institutes’ Resources for Student Mental Health
Judy Sackfield, ETAMU vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, spoke to the A&M System Regents' Committee on Academics and Student Affairs about the resources and responses to students’ mental health needs at ET.

Counseling Professor Honored with Authors’ Park Recognition in Commerce
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, professor of counseling at East Texas A&M University, has been named a 2026 Authors' Park Brick Recipient by the Commerce Public Library.

East Texas A&M Appoints Research Leader to Drive Innovation and Economic Growth
Dr. Mustafa Mashal will lead the university’s next phase of research growth following its R2 designation.

Can Concrete Heal Itself? ETAMU Professor Helps Lead Groundbreaking Research
Dr. Ayman Elzohairy is helping lead research that could transform the future of construction through the development of stronger, more sustainable concrete.

East Texas A&M Honors KETR Staff Member for Three Decades of Service
East Texas A&M University has honored longtime KETR producer and host Matt Meinke for three decades of service that have shaped the station’s sound, stability, and evolution.

AI 75 Honors ETAMU Professor for Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Christian F. Hempelmann has been selected as one of the 2026 AI 75 Innovators in DFW for his contributions to AI research, education, and industry collaboration.

Counseling Professor Earns IAAOC Educator Excellence Award
Dr. Michael K. Schmit has been named the 2026 recipient of the Addictions/Offender Counselor Educator Excellence Award from the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors.

East Texas A&M Honors Regents Professor Henley at Spring Academic Convocation
East Texas A&M University honored Dr. Tracy Henley, Regents Professor and professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education, during its Spring 2026 Academic Convocation.

ETAMU Music Faculty Member Gives Piano Concert at National Music Museum
East Texas A&M University’s Dr. Luis Sanchez wowed audiences with a guest performance at the National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, on March 6.

East Texas A&M Professor Leads Statewide Project Highlighting Women in Texas History
To honor Women’s History Month, East Texas A&M celebrates a decade of the work of Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, who serves as founding project director for the “Handbook of Texas Women.”

Counseling Professor LaVelle Hendricks Named 2026 Addictions Educator of the Year
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks has been named the first recipient of the 2026 Peter Bell Premier Addictions Educator of the Year Award by the Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery.

Public Administration Instructor Justin Weiss Receives TCMA Statewide Award
Justin Weiss, instructor in public administration and city planning at East Texas A&M University, has been named the 2026 Academician of the Year.

ETAMU Faculty Member Steps into MAC3 President Role
Arthur Lumzy Jr., was selected for a new leadership role within MAC3, recognizing his long-standing service and impact in advancing career readiness.

ETAMU Staff Member Steps into Regional Leadership Role with NACADA
Alyssa Coats has been appointed interim Region 7 chair for NACADA, representing and supporting advisors across Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Award-Winning Interactive Maps Showcase East Texas A&M’s History and Identity
East Texas A&M University earned the 2025 Interactive Map Partner Award for its creative virtual campus tours and innovative digital storytelling.

A Career of Curiosity and Commitment: Henley Named Regents Professor
Longtime psychology educator Dr. Tracy B. Henley honored for transformative teaching, research and mentorship.