Faculty and Staff Success

Bill Martin Jr Symposium Celebrates 20 Years of Literacy, Learning and Legacy
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Texas A&M hosted the 20th annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, honoring the life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved children’s authors.

Ag Faculty Recognized with AAAE Outstanding Teacher Award
ETAMU Mayo Professor Dr. Bob Williams was recently honored with the Western Region Outstanding Teacher Award by the American Association for Agricultural Education.

Growing the Future: How ETAMU Faculty Aim to Transform Urban Agriculture Through Hydroponics
Inside the greenhouses at East Texas A&M University, a new kind of farming is taking shape, one that doesn't require soil, takes up only a fraction of the space and could help feed the growing cities of tomorrow.

ETAMU Faculty Receives 2025-2027 Texas OER Grant
Dr. Flavia Belpoliti, associate professor and director of Spanish graduate studies at East Texas A&M University, recently received a grant worth more than $16,000 to develop course curricula based on Open Educational Resources.

How East Texas A&M’s Dual Credit Program is Helping High School Students Earn College Degrees Faster
For graduates like Blake Roten, East Texas A&M's Dual Credit Program is a launchpad to a college degree and a fulfilling career.

AgriLife Agent and ETAMU Instructor Awarded County Agent of the Year
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent and East Texas A&M University Adjunct Instructor Dr. David Drake was recently recognized as the 2025 Texas Wheat County Agent of the Year by the Texas Wheat Producers Board.

East Texas A&M Professor Contributes to Major Discovery of Planet Candidate in Nearby Star System
A newly accepted scientific paper involving ETAMU's Dr. Billy Quarles, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy, details the possible discovery of a planet orbiting Alpha Centauri A.

Piano Faculty Judging Prestigious International Competition
Dr. Luis Sanchez, professor of music at East Texas A&M University, was invited to serve as a panelist for the 2025 Rubato International Piano Competition

Computational Linguistics Professor Featured in Article About A.I.-Created Humor
Dr. Christian Hempelmann, professor of computational linguistics at East Texas A&M University, was recently featured in an article by Undark Magazine discussing the science behind humor and whether artificial intelligence could truly be humorous.

English Faculty Receives Technology Innovator Award
East Texas A&M University Director of Writing, Assistant Professor and English Program Coordinator Dr. Charles Woods was recently honored with the Technology Innovator Award by the Conference on College Composition and Communication.

ETAMU Director of VisCom Honored with AAF Dallas Luminary Award
East Texas A&M University Director of Visual Communication Lee Hackett was recently honored with the prestigious Luminary Award by the American Advertising Federation of Dallas.

ETAMU Faculty to Keynote Fire Leadership Challenge 2025
Dr. Brandy Runyan and Hussien Jabai have been invited to serve as keynote speakers at the Fire Leadership Challenge 2025.

College of Ag Faculty Publishes Research in Journal of Animal Science
East Texas A&M University Assistant Professor Landon Sullivan was recently published in the latest issue of the Journal of Animal Science.

ETAMU Instructor Hired as First Police Chief of Central Texas Municipality
The City of Snook, Texas, recently announced the hiring of East Texas A&M University adjunct instructor Dr. Steven Huron as its first-ever police chief.

East Texas A&M Professor Featured in HigherEdJobs Interview on Graduate Student Success
Dr. Leslie Ekpe, assistant professor in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies at East Texas A&M University, was recently featured in an interview with HigherEdJobs, a leading national platform for academic careers and insights.

ETAMU Adjunct Professor Desiree Stephens Featured in Voyage Dallas Interview
Dr. Desiree Stephens, adjunct professor of counseling at East Texas A&M University, was recently featured in Voyage Dallas, a regional publication known for spotlighting the stories of local entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders.

Staff Honored at 2025 Appreciation Luncheon and Service Awards Ceremony
Staff Council hosted its annual Staff Service Awards and Appreciation Luncheon on April 24 at the Rayburn Student Center.

Mars Crater Naming Honors Renowned Planetary Scientist, Former ETAMU Professor Dr. Kit Blount
The honor recognizes Dr. Kit Blount’s legacy as a planetary scientist who helped map the Red Planet, and her lifelong commitment to STEM education.

East Texas A&M Faculty Members Recognized at Awards Luncheon
On April 22, the East Texas A&M University Faculty Senate combined efforts with the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) to host a luncheon in which multiple faculty members received recognition for their service in teaching and research.

Newest Regents Professor Honored at Annual Convocation
East Texas A&M University Regents Professor of Music Dr. Brian Zator was officially recognized for his outstanding achievement at the university's annual Spring convocation.