Being a first-generation student is very challenging, both financially and emotionally. Ana Martinez, as a first-generation college student, derives her strength to work hard every day from a close connection to her community and family. Since high school, getting involved…

A Conversation with Michael How did East Texas A&M help prepare for your career? Being part of STEM allowed me to work one-on-one with my professors, shaping my career path into graduate school. East Texas A&M is affordable; the STEM…

A Conversation with Cole How did East Texas A&M help prepare for your career? My experience at East Texas A&M established the foundation for my career. There have been many days throughout my career when I reflect on my courses…

Her home is in Chennai, India, but her community is in Commerce, Texas. When Divya arrived at East Texas A&M, she didn’t know anyone. But that soon changed. Friendships through the Baptist Student Ministry and international student organizations made her…

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Tatiana describes fear and uncertainty as the recipe for success, and so it should come as no surprise that she began a business amidst a global pandemic, and succeeded. Now she helps other small business owners find success through marketing…

Attending college was always her dream. East Texas A&M made that a reality. Eight years ago, Viktoria left Central Asia for a better life in the United States. When she arrived, Viktoria faced many barriers. New city, new language and…

Public health is her purpose. Empowerment is her mission. Dr. Elizabeth Wachira is an Associate Professor and Public Health Program Director at East Texas A&M University, bringing over 15 years of experience in nursing, health promotion and education. Her distinctive…

George Swindell is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in both mathematics and psychology. Holding dual Master of Science degrees in Mathematics and Psychology from East Texas A&M University, George has honed his skills in teaching, curriculum development, and instructional…

Writing has been an integral part of Kristen’s life since childhood. English was always her favorite school subject, so it was a natural choice for her college major. Throughout her career, Kristen has enjoyed working as a post-secondary composition instructor…

While David Scott now spends most of his time mentoring students and faculty and collaborating with Arts programs across the region and country, his career in music has allowed him to travel to amazing places, meet incredible people, perform for…

Dr. Mark J. Rudin was named the thirteenth president of East Texas A&M University on August 16, 2018. A progressive leader with a passion for innovation and research, Dr. Rudin is using his experience and expertise to grow East Texas…

Dr. Kelly Reyna spent most of his childhood exploring the outdoors, typically camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. His most memorable moment was flushing his first covey of quail when he was 10. His time outdoors is what he…

Dr. Perry Moler has been with East Texas A&M for more than 15 years as either a student or a faculty member. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moler applied his knowledge to create personal protective equipment for hospitals and law enforcement.…

Leigh Merrill is an American Artist from the American Southwest. She creates digitally collaged photographic and video works that explore our contemporary surroundings and the impact of desire, simulation and perception on the human-made landscape. Leigh's artistic productions have been…

Mark A. Menaldo, Ph.D., is an associate professor and head of the Department of Liberal Studies. He came to East Texas A&M in 2017 after spending seven years at Texas A&M International University. He attended Colorado College as an undergraduate…

Educational Background Ph.D., Social Work, University of Houston, 2006 MSW, Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, 1994 B.S., Psychology, University of Houston Clear-Lake, 1991 Academic Positions Associate Professor, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2012-present Assistant Professor, Lamar…

Dr. Sandy Kimbrough (Dr. K) lives for movement and the education it brings. An expert in group exercise and a devoted professor, she has received many professional and educational awards. Kimbrough enjoys the challenge of creating classes that are informative,…

As a young child growing up in Jamaica, Allan Headley was always very curious, vexing his family, teachers and friends with incessant questions. Young Headley enjoyed observing his uncle, a pharmacist, mixing mysterious liquids to cure ailments. This experience excited…

Aminta Fuentes holds the historical distinction as the first student to earn the minor in Latin-American Studies at East Texas A&M. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and she proudly tells everyone that she is a first-generation college student…