Stories by Chris Gage

Lyon Center Student Researcher Named G. W. Allen Gamebird Research Fellow

Recent East Texas A&M graduate Jilian Hudson made her way from Colorado to the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, where she works as a quail research technician in the Reyna Laboratory for Upland Gamebirds. She just graduated…

Lyon Center for Gamebird Research Advisory Board Ready to Support Landmark 2026 Initiatives

Following its induction at the Wing Ranch in Montana, the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research advisory board is gearing up for a transformative 2026. With construction of the Lyon Center's new state-of-the-art facility in Commerce nearing completion,…
A group of 11 men in various styles of hunting apparel stand behind a large vinyl banner welcoming people to the event.

Lyon Center Collaboration at 2025 Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic Spurs 2026 Momentum

The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M University showed up big at the 2025 Kansas Governor's Ringneck Classic hunt in Colby, Kansas. Dr. Kelly Reyna, founding director of the Lyon Center, fielded a hunting…

Recent ETAMU Master’s Graduate Selected as First Lyon Center Full-Time Laboratory Manager

Originally from Winthrop, Arkansas, Grace James earned her bachelor's in biology from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, while working in a pharmacy to support her schooling. Afterward, she made the move to East Texas A&M University, to obtain her master’s degree and…
Dr. Kit Blount faces the viewer, positioned between two people in the foreground facing her.

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.
A person studying in a room on a college campus.

East Texas A&M: Leading the Charge in Competency-Based Education

East Texas A&M University is at the forefront of competency-based education (CBE), offering flexible, career-focused programs that empower busy adults to transform their careers.

Super Bowl 2025: How Fandom Boosts Mental Health, According to Psychology Research

Dr. Stephen Reysen shares his insights into the psychology of the millions of fans who will watch Super Bowl 2025.
At left, Dr. Sandy Kimbrough stands next to a 2024 TAHPERD Award Winners sign showing a picture of her. On the right side of the image stands a female student with a male student behind her.

Department of Health and Human Performance Shines at Annual Industry Conference

Faculty and students from the department received awards and presented workshops at the premier industry conference.
East Texas A&M cybersecurity alum Tag Kalat smiles at the viewer, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a light blue button-up against a gray background.

Blazing New Trails: East Texas A&M Honors College and A&M-RELLIS Shape Cybersecurity Graduate’s Career Success

Kalat's academic and professional successes illustrate the transformative power of an East Texas A&M University education.

Morris Recreation Center Prepares for Transformative Expansion

The expansion reflects Campus Recreation’s ongoing commitment to serving the university population and the surrounding community.
East Texas alum Arley Sansom, dressed in his police uniform and wearing his new chief's badge, smiles for a professional photo against a woodgrain wall featuring a large, out-of-focus Terrell Police Department seal.

East Texas A&M Alum Named Terrell Police Chief

Chief Arley Sansom joins a growing network of East Texas A&M graduates who are leading the charge in law enforcement leadership across Texas and beyond.
Professional headshot of ETAMU alum Freeman Martin against a splotched blue and brown background.

Two East Texas A&M Alums Lead Major State Agencies

Both Martin and Kidd graduated from competency-based degree programs at East Texas A&M designed to help working professionals advance their careers.
Two cheer megaphones, one white with red letters spelling NAVARRO, and one yellow with the TAMUC lion logo and the word LIONS in blue.

A&M-Commerce Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary of Navarro College Partnership

The Navarro Partnership offers local students access to four-year degrees and has produced more than 3,000 graduates since 1999.
An athlete runs on a treadmill while connected to a tube measuring her breathing. Several students in the background are analyzing the data on a computer monitor.

A&M-Commerce Introduces Bachelor’s with Strength and Conditioning Emphasis to Train Future Athletic Performance Coaches

The bachelor's in strength and conditioning will provide a comprehensive curriculum combined with theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
A bilingual person sits with legs crossed facing the viewer. There are Spanish-language books on the table behind her, where blurred people are conversing in groups.

Preparing Bilingual Teachers for Texas Classrooms: A&M-Commerce Receives $2.7 Million Multilingualism Grant

The university will use the funding to launch the LeoTeach BEACON project.
A student with raised fists prepares to demonstrate a punching technique. An instructor stands holding a thick safety pad to absorb the impact. Two students watch a few feet away.

UPD Self-Defense and Educational Programs Contribute to Culture of Safety at A&M-Commerce

The programs empower students with the tools to take ownership of their safety and wellbeing.
An adult learner sits on a couch in front of a laptop. Her chin is propped on her fist and she has a textbook and paper on her lap.

A&M-Commerce Offers Two New Competency-Based Degrees

The university will offer fully online bachelor’s degrees aimed at city planning and human resource development
Chief Bryan Vaughn dressed in his dark blue, formal police uniform. He is standing in front of a dark wall with a silver embossed TAMUC lion head logo and the words University Police Department A&M-Commerce.

Redefining Campus Policing: Chief Bryan Vaughn’s Vision for Campus Safety at A&M-Commerce

Vaughn's leadership and vision for campus safety center around empathy, proactive measures and community involvement.
Allan Headley headshot

Texas A&M-Commerce Faculty Selected for Prestigious Teaching Award

Dr. Allan Headley, a professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is among 10 faculty in the state selected as a 2024 Piper Professor. The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation presents the annual design in recognition of outstanding achievement in the…
A man attaches sticky notes to a large white paper adhered to a large window.

A&M-Commerce Professional Development Series Helps Employees Grow, Thrive

This spring, Texas A&M University-Commerce embarked on the second semester of its transformative Investing in Us employee development program, which has met with high praise from faculty and staff across the university. The innovative program features eight-week courses designed to…
A young woman poses holding a basketball on her hip.

A&M-Commerce Kinesiology Student Discovers Career Focus as a Champion for Accessibility in Sports

Standing courtside at a recent unified basketball event hosted at Texas A&M University-Commerce, kinesiology student Katelyn Frisbie's eyes light up as she cheers for both special education and general education students participating in the event. As an aspiring adapted physical…
The Lucky Lion mascot holds a sign saying "We Appreciate Austin Police"

A&M-Commerce and Austin Police Department Establish Preferred Path to a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

The partnership provides automatic admission for eligible department employees to obtain a high-value degree with no out-of-pocket expense. The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce and the City of Austin, Texas, have partnered to establish a preferred…
A college student demonstrates a balance bird.

A&M-Commerce Students Dazzle, Inspire at Dallas ISD STEM Expo

Multiple student organizations representing the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at Texas A&M University-Commerce dazzled nearly a thousand Dallas ISD students and their families at this year's Dallas ISD STEM Expo. A Dallas ISD student peers into a microscope…
Science elements.

A&M-Commerce Building Reputation as Solid Choice for Future Physicists

In a world driven by technology and innovation, a degree in physics is a gateway to limitless possibilities. With the study of physics offering numerous benefits and opening doors to career paths across industries, the Department of Physics and Astronomy…

A&M-Commerce Physics Students Earn National Recognition

The Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has won a 2022-23 Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS national office. This is the seventh consecutive year the chapter has been recognized for its excellence as a…

A&M-Commerce Nursing Instructor Inspires Students to Take Flight

Few roles in healthcare are as dynamic and demanding as that of a flight nurse. These dedicated professionals provide quick, specialized care to critical patients during emergency air transport. Brandy Estes worked as a flight nurse for seven years before…

Morris Recreation Center at A&M-Commerce Celebrates 20 Years

The Morris Recreation Center (MRC) at Texas A&M University-Commerce marked its 20-year anniversary with a dazzling casino-themed celebration on Nov. 9. The event drew a large crowd of students, former MRC staff, and current university faculty, staff and MRC members.…
A professor stands with arms folded confidently.

TAMUC Science and Engineering Dean Builds Bridges for STEM Success

As a young girl growing up in rural Lee County, South Carolina, Dr. Andrea Toney Graham had “big dreams of doing big things.” Since then, she has blazed a pioneering trail through the STEM field, making a lasting impact through…
Two individuals are working together at a desk equipped with electronic components and a laptop. The man uses the laptop, while the woman interacts with electronic devices and wires while looking at the computer screen. Another person is in the background focusing on their computer. The room is dimly lit.

A&M-Commerce College of Science and Engineering Locks in Multiple Research Grants

From decoding the mysteries of the universe to engineering innovative solutions to real-world challenges, the College of Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University-Commerce is home to forward-thinking faculty dedicated to cutting-edge scientific exploration. Faculty members from the college secured…
A commemorative coin inside a jewelry box.

By Cops, For Cops: A&M-Commerce Competency-Based Criminal Justice Degree is Transforming Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officers in Texas and beyond are elevating their careers by earning their bachelor's degree fully online through Texas A&M University-Commerce. The university's competency-based Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program emphasizes law enforcement leadership and provides a…
A digital rendering of Sue McMichael McGown Elementary School.

A Lion’s Legacy: Sue McMichael McGown Elementary School Named in Honor of TAMUC Alum

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) recognized Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Sue McGown in October 2022 for her contributions to the district by naming an elementary school in her honor. The district dedicated the new Sue McMichael McGown Elementary School on…
A quail emerges from its shell.

Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research Planned for Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce will soon be home to an innovative gamebird research and education facility, thanks to a historic gift from alumnus Ted B. Lyon and his wife, Donna. Construction of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research…
Students meditate on the outdoor amphitheater lawn at A&M-Commerce

Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 Ways to Support Your Mental Health at A&M-Commerce

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With physical health often taking center stage, it's a crucial reminder of the hidden struggles many face silently. Adam Metts is the assistant director of training and supervision—and a licensed professional counselor-supervisor—for the Counseling…
A person wearing a tan hat and an orange shirt holds a red vintage-style microphone and gestures with their hand while singing against a black background.

A&M-Commerce Graduate is “The Voice of Hunt County”

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Carissa Carter has been singing for as long as she can remember. Her talent and determination were on full display as the inaugural winner of “The Voice of Hunt County,” a singing competition held April 14-15…
Closeup of a student's hand writing on an assignment sheet.

A&M-Commerce Invests in Employees with New Professional Development Series

Amid post-pandemic trends in the workplace that focus on improving employee job satisfaction, a new professional development series at Texas A&M University-Commerce promises to empower employees and foster rewarding work experiences. Dubbed “Investing in US,” the series of for-credit courses…

A&M-Commerce Invites Mental Health Professionals to Attend Dallas Symposium

The Counseling Center at Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a Transforming Mental Health Symposium on Friday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the university's Dallas site located at 8750 North Central Expressway. Professionals in the mental health…
A calculator sits atop a spiral-bound notebook on a student's desk.

A&M-Commerce Invites Undergraduate Math Enthusiasts to Apply for Summer Research Experience

Are you an undergraduate math whiz looking for a transformational summer experience? Consider participating in an eight-week undergraduate research experience hosted by Texas A&M University-Commerce from June 4-July 29. Any college student currently enrolled in a relevant undergraduate program at…
A speaker wearing a white "Oak Cliff" hoodie stands at a podium, addressing an audience.

A&M-Commerce to Host Rural Mental Health Forum in Greenville

The Counseling Center and the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas A&M University-Commerce are partnering to host a free rural mental health forum at Fletcher Warren Civic Center in Greenville, Texas, on March 21. Dr. Nick Patras, executive…

A&M-Commerce Represents at Texas A&M-RELLIS Engineering and Computing Fair

Representatives from Texas A&M University-Commerce attended an engineering and computing fair hosted at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan, Texas, on Jan. 21 to speak with prospective students and families about opportunities available through A&M-Commerce at RELLIS. A&M-Commerce Assistant Professor Eman Hammad…
A collage of torn newspaper fragments displaying the text "HUMAN TRAFFICKING" repeatedly. The central, prominent piece highlights the term in bold, emphasizing the serious issue. The background pieces are slightly faded, drawing attention to the main focus.

Human Trafficking Courses Bring Awareness, Volunteer Opportunities to A&M-Commerce Students

Students at Texas A&M University-Commerce are gaining awareness of human trafficking thanks to the university’s newly developed undergraduate and graduate courses. The courses also provide volunteer opportunities for students to help trafficking victims. The U.S. Department of Justice defines human…
In front of the Keith McFarland Science Building.

A&M-Commerce to Host Premier Meeting of Physicists

Physicists far and wide will visit Texas A&M University-Commerce from March 23-25 when the university hosts the 2023 Joint Spring Meeting of the Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (TSAAPT), the Texas Section of the American Physics…
A group of adults standing and sitting in rows, while smiling for a group photo in a conference room. Two men in formal suits stand on the far left and right, while others wear casual attire, including festive holiday sweaters. Two screens display festive decorations behind them.

TAMUC Department of Counseling Honors Mesquite ISD School Counselors, Mental Health Professionals

The A&M-Commerce Department of Counseling honored more than 200 Mesquite ISD school counselors and mental health professionals on Friday, Dec. 9 at the K. David Belt Professional Development Center in Mesquite, Texas. The event is part of the department's ongoing…
Four perforated plastic balls, two blue and two orange, are lined up in an orderly fashion on a beige tabletop. The balls rest in a grey tray, and their design suggests they are for a sport or game such as pickleball. The background is blurred.

America’s Fastest-Growing Sport is a “Big Dill” at A&M-Commerce

Students, faculty, staff and community members certainly relish the opportunity to learn and play pickleball at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Dubbed America's fastest-growing sport, pickleball appeals to a wide demographic including men, women, athletes and non-athletes of all ages. The sport…
Three faculty members posing with honks in front of the CBE: It's a game-changer stage.

A&M-Commerce Faculty, Staff Share Expertise at Renowned Competency-Based Education Conference

Representatives from Texas A&M University-Commerce attended the CBExchange conference hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network in Amelia Island, Florida, from Oct. 18-21. The annual event is touted as the foremost conference on competency-based education. “As founding members of the Competency-Based…
Professor in a suit in tie teaching students.

A&M-Commerce Department of Counseling Recognizes, Honors School Counselors

Texas A&M University-Commerce and the Department of Counseling hosted a luncheon in Dallas on Thursday, October 20, to recognize school counselors and celebrate their vital role in the education system. The event honored counselors and mental health professionals from Desoto,…
A nighttime photo of a forest with dense, dark green trees. Above the trees, the sky is a deep purple, dotted with numerous stars twinkling in the clear night. The horizon is lined with the silhouette of the treetops.

A&M-Commerce Physics Students Present Research at International White Dwarf Workshop

Students Eric Burns and Zorayda Martinez from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University-Commerce presented research at the renowned 22nd European Workshop on White Dwarfs in Tübingen, Germany, from August 15-19. “White dwarfs are the remains of…

A&M-Commerce Announces First Health Services Administration Graduates

The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce has produced the first graduates of its new health services administration program. Patty Macias, Danielle Mahan, Alysa Moss, Kaci Powers, Kardelia Smith and Kisha Wofford received their Bachelor of Applied…
The image shows the Keith D. McFarland Science Building, featuring a modern facade with large glass windows and a rounded central structure.

Three A&M-Commerce Students Selected for Prestigious Texas Space Grant Consortium Funding

The Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC), which is funded through a NASA training grant, has selected three Texas A&M University-Commerce students—Rebecca Preston, Amber Stinson and Judah Byars—to receive grant funding for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. Pictured left…
A person using a tablet device

A&M-Commerce Offers Technology Management BAAS for Working Professionals

The Department of Engineering and Technology at Texas A&M University-Commerce has launched a new Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Technology Management degree program. The new fully online program is designed to prepare working professionals for managerial careers…
A track and field athlete is depicted in mid-air over a long-jump sand pit.

A&M-Commerce at Dallas to Host Summit on Elite Athlete Performance

The Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas A&M University-Commerce will present an Elite Combined Event High-Performance Summit on Monday, July 11 at the A&M-Commerce at Dallas site located at 8750 N. Central Expressway. In conjunction with the Thorpe…
A professor interacts with the classroom

Signature Courses at A&M-Commerce Set the Stage for Student Success

The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce has announced its new slate of signature course offerings for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. With an emphasis on student engagement and retention, signature courses are about more than…
faculty members pose for a photo with Dr. Henry Ross

Longtime A&M-Commerce Faculty Member Honored with Emeritus Status

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents recently honored retired Texas A&M University-Commerce faculty member Henry Ross, Ph.D., with the designation of Instructor Emeritus of Health and Human Performance. The Emeritus designation is the top honor granted to retired…
Three people are outdoors in a field with bright blue skies, releasing several quails into the air.

A&M-Commerce Researchers Publish Groundbreaking Record of Quail Chick Development

A quail research team at Texas A&M University-Commerce has published the first record of California valley quail chick development. Their research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, will accelerate new opportunities for quail management and conservation. Kelly Reyna, Ph.D., is…
Graphic featuring logos for SGA, Faculty Senate and Staff Council

TAMUC Faculty Senate, Staff Council and SGA Affirm Commitment to Inclusion

The Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government Association (SGA) want to emphasize and reiterate the principles of Texas A&M University-Commerce and The Texas A&M University System. A&M-Commerce supports all people who work for and attend our university. As our…
An A&M-Commerce professor instructing students

A&M-Commerce Partners with Rural School Districts for $1.7 Million Grant

Texas A&M University-Commerce, in partnership with Corsicana ISD and nine school districts in the Freestone-Navarro Bi-County Co-op, will benefit from nearly $1.7 million in grant funding through the Texas Education Agency's Innovative Services for Students with Autism Grant Award Program.…
A group of people in formal attire pose for a photo, each holding a plaque.

A&M-Commerce Personnel, Alumni Honored by Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education

The Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) honored several of the university's personnel and alumni at an awards ceremony on April 30 in the Rayburn Student Center on campus. Awards and…
Person writing at a desk

A&M-Commerce to Establish National Writing Project of Northeast Texas

Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with the National Writing Project (NWP) to establish the National Writing Project of Northeast Texas. A&M-Commerce will join a network of 170 NWP sites spanning all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S.…
Two TAMUC minority graduates

A&M-Commerce Awarded $1.23 Million Grant to Serve Disadvantaged Rural Students in Texas

Texas A&M University-Commerce is the recipient of a $1.23 million Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant earmarked to benefit disadvantaged students by improving rates of college enrollment, determination and completion among rural students. The RPED grant program is designed…
Cadets present a check to Texas Oncology

TAMUC Law Enforcement Academy Cadets Raise Money for Charity

Cadets in the Hunt County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Academy located at A&M-Commerce participated in No-Shave November in 2021 as a fundraiser for Texas Oncology. The cadets recently presented a check for $1,000 during a ceremony at the Hunt County…
TAMUC sport and recreation management students at DII national championship game

A&M-Commerce Sport and Recreation Management Students Assist with Nationally Televised NCAA Football Games

Several students in the Sport and Recreation Management program at Texas A&M University-Commerce volunteered at two NCAA football games in 2021, the NCAA DII Football Championship game and the Armed Forces Bowl. Clay Bolton, Ed.D., associate professor and program director,…
TAMUC lion statue at dusk

First Social Work Cohort Graduates from A&M-Commerce at Frisco

Texas A&M University-Commerce students Jodie Schmitt, Samantha Newton and Caylin Menard donned their caps and gowns for the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony in Commerce, becoming the first cohort of undergraduate social work students to graduate from A&M-Commerce at Frisco. Pictured…
The new lion statue in front of the Rayburn Student center.

A&M-Commerce Career Development Staff Members Honored at Regional Conference

Two staff members from the Office of Career Development at Texas A&M University-Commerce earned prestigious awards at the recent Southern Association of Colleges and Employers (SoACE) annual conference. Amy Horton, career coach for special populations, was awarded the Champion of…
Collage of AIDS Memorial Quilt panels

AIDS Quilt Display at A&M-Commerce Sparks Reflection and Discussion

A recent collaboration between Texas A&M University-Commerce and the National AIDS Memorial brought four sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to campus to honor more than 700,000 lives lost to AIDS in the 40 years since the first cases were…
Department of Counseling faculty and students at 2021 TCA conference

A&M-Commerce Department of Counseling Shines at State Conference

Faculty and students representing the Department of Counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently attended the Texas Counseling Association's (TCA) annual Professional Growth Conference in Galveston, Texas, where they made several presentations and brought home two awards. Second-year doctoral student Sarah…
TAMUC representatives at CBExchange 2021 conference

A&M-Commerce Representatives Lead the Way at National Competency-Based Education Conference

The Institute for Competency-Based Education (ICBE) at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently sponsored 25 university personnel to attend CBExchange, an annual conference hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network (CBEN). The event is the foremost conference on competency-based education, where leaders from…
A&M-Commerce signage

A&M-Commerce Department of Counseling Represents at National Conference

The Department of Counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce was well represented at the 2021 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) national conference in Atlanta, Georgia, this past October, with several faculty members, current students and alumni in attendance. Erika…
TAFE chapter president Caitlynn Moniz address conference crowd

A&M-Commerce Hosts Successful Conference for Texas Association of Future Educators

The Texas A&M University-Commerce campus bustled with aspiring young educators recently when the university hosted more than 600 high school students for the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 11 conference on Nov. 5. Established in 1984, TAFE is…
Hospital administrators

A&M-Commerce Introduces Competency-Based Health Services Administration Degree Program

With its new Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Health Services Administration degree, the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce is furthering its mission to empower working professionals through competency-based education. David Deggs, Ph.D., is associate director…
AIDS Memorial Quilt panels

A&M-Commerce and National AIDS Memorial Partner to Display AIDS Memorial Quilt Sections in Commerce

Four quilt panels will be displayed at A&M-Commerce from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3 to commemorate the more than 700,000 U.S. lives lost to AIDS since the first cases were reported 40 years ago. Texas A&M University-Commerce and the National…
Sandy Kimbrough, Ph.D., with dog

A&M-Commerce ‘Must Love Dogs’ Class to Assist with Commerce Dog Park Grand Opening

Students in the “Must Love Dogs” signature course at Texas A&M University-Commerce will help celebrate the grand opening of a long-awaited dog park in Commerce, Texas on Nov. 29. Signature courses provide an opportunity for faculty to highlight their knowledge…
Dr. Juan Araujo

TAMUC Education Faculty Member Releases Handbook of Research on Teacher Preparation

Juan Araujo, Ph.D., faculty member and assistant dean in the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has released a new book titled “Handbook of Research on Reconceptualizing Preservice Teacher Preparation in Literacy Education.” According to the…
Two construction workers wearing hard hats and orange safety vests discuss plans at a construction site. One worker gestures with their hands towards a partly constructed building.

A&M-Commerce Launches Competency-Based Safety and Health Degree Program

The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce is launching a new competency-based program. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Safety and Health is designed for working professionals across a wide range of safety and health-related…
Kelli Lahman

TAMUC Student to Receive Outstanding Grad Student-Specialist Level Award

The Texas Association of School Psychologists' (TASP) Awards and Honors committee recently selected Kelli Lahman—a graduate student in the Specialist in School Psychology program at Texas A&M University-Commerce—as the winner of the 2021 award for Outstanding Grad Student-Specialist Level. Lahman…
Psychology Clinic wall

A&M-Commerce Community Psychology Clinic Finding New Ways to Serve

Under the leadership of director Tina Borke, the Community Psychology Clinic at Texas A&M University-Commerce is finding innovative ways to provide mental health services to the university and the Commerce community. The clinic, staffed by student clinicians under the supervision…
A TAMUC graduate flashes the "L" hand sign to signify Lions

A&M-Commerce Offers Multiple Pathways for Aspiring Latino Educators and Leaders

Texas A&M University-Commerce is committed to growing the number of Latino educators in Dallas ISD and school districts throughout the region. Rene Martinez, community activist and special assistant to A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin, said Latino educators have a measurable impact…
blue campus

A&M-Commerce Will Shine Blue for World Teachers’ Day

Texas A&M University-Commerce will shine blue again this year, joining campuses across The Texas A&M University System in recognition of World Teachers' Day. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5, prominent buildings across the A&M System will be illuminated…
Electrical engineering students

A&M-Commerce Undergraduate Electrical Engineering Program Earns Accreditation

The Department of Engineering and Technology at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently announced that its Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering is newly accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET is a non-profit, non-governmental agency tasked with accrediting academic…
Richard Lowry

Author Richard Lowry to Speak at A&M-Commerce

The Young Conservatives of Texas at Texas A&M University-Commerce will present a guest speaker on Tuesday, September 28 at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium. Syndicated columnist, author and political pundit Richard Lowry will present a conservative viewpoint…
Dr. Kimberly McLeod

TAMUC College of Education and Human Services to Host Second Annual Symposium Virtually

The College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce is set to host its second annual symposium, titled “Education: A Vision for Healing Society.” The fully virtual event will be presented on Friday, September 24 from 8:30 a.m.…
An individual completing a problem on paper in front of a computer.

A&M-Commerce Research Students Present at Mathematics Conference

Two research projects submitted by A&M-Commerce students participating in the university's summer 2021 National Research Experience for Undergraduates program in mathematics were selected for pre-recorded presentations at the Young Mathematicians Conference at Ohio State University, held virtually August 20-22. Mathematics…

TAMUC Alum Designs Cranial Prosthesis With Cornell University Team

In the two years since graduating from Texas A&M University-Commerce, Karli Thornton has been busy changing the world. She has worked internationally, earned her master's degree in biomedical engineering from Cornell University in New York and designed a patent-pending cranial…
A&M-Commerce sign

A&M-Commerce Awarded Funding for Augmented Reality Research

Texas A&M University-Commerce faculty members Shulan Lu, professor of psychology and Derek Harter, associate professor of computer science and information systems, received grant funding from the U.S. Department of Defense to support their research project, “Embodied Cognition and Cognitive Control…
A&M-Commerce signage

A&M-Commerce Recognized with Vetted Teacher Residency Distinction

The Texas Education Agency recently designated Texas A&M University-Commerce with the Vetted Teacher Residency distinction along with nine other programs in Texas. Sherri Harwell, director of the Office of Educator Certification and Academic Services at A&M-Commerce, lead efforts to secure…
Statia Paschel

TAMUC Doctoral Student Named Director at Austin ISD

Texas A&M University-Commerce doctoral student Statia Paschel is the new director of Social Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness at Austin ISD, the district recently announced. Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at…
Nicole Britenriker

TAMUC Sport and Recreation Management Board Member Takes Shot at the NBA

Nicole Britenriker, a three-year member of the expert advisory board that helps guide the Sport and Recreation Management program at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is taking her shot as a senior team talent advisor for the NBA in New York City.…
Blue and gold rope strung over a podium.

Honors College Student Finds Ingredients for Success at A&M-Commerce

Noah Garcia, an Honors College student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is cooking up a recipe for success by exploring the history of food with his podcast series, “A Bit About Bites.” Noah's passion for culinary arts began at an early…
Peter Williams Headshot.

TAMUC Faculty Williams Co-hosts Doc101 Podcast Series

Peter Williams, associate professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is co-host of the Doc101 podcast series along with Drs. Linnea Rademaker and Scott Self from the School of Educational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. Geared toward doctoral students,…

A&M-Commerce Graduate Ahmad Honored with Boe Award

The Great Plains Honors Council has recognized Maleeha Ahmad, a recent graduate of the Honors College at Texas A&M University-Commerce, with the Boe Award. The award showcases honors program students who display outstanding scholarly work. She was nominated by the…
Diksha Shakya

TAMUC Biology Undergrad Selected for Summer Research Program

Diksha Shakya, an undergraduate biology student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is set to attend the Developing and Readying Underrepresented Minority Researchers (DRUMR) program this summer at Texas A&M University's College of Medicine in College Station, Texas. Funded by a grant…
Dr. Juan Araujo

A&M-Commerce Faculty Araujo Accepted into Leadership Academy

Juan Araujo, Ph.D., assistant dean in the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been chosen to participate as a Fellow in Cohort 4 of the Texas Academic Leadership Academy (TALA). TALA is a year-long experience…
Dr. Chuck Holt, A&M-Commerce

Retired TAMUC Faculty Holt Honored with Emeritus Distinction

Following his retirement after 10 years of service at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Chuck Holt, Ed.D., earned a new title when the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents designated him as Associate Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership. “I am honored…
TAMUC Dallas College MOU 13 April 2021

A&M-Commerce, Dallas College Partner to Bring New Undergraduate Pathways to Dallas Students

Texas A&M University-Commerce and Dallas College are joining forces in a partnership that will provide Dallas College students with convenient options to transition their associate degree studies to a bachelor's degree from A&M-Commerce. The institutions signed a memorandum of understanding…
TAMUC Recreation Center

A&M-Commerce Recognized for Culture of Wellness on Campus

By Exercise is Medicine Texas A&M University-Commerce is one of only 153 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. “We are thrilled…
TAMUC chemistry experiment

11 Area Students Selected for TAMUC Chemistry Summer Research Experience

The Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University-Commerce will host 11 community college and A&M-Commerce students this summer for a Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The 2021 REU, which begins June 6, is funded by the National Science Foundation.…
TAMUC Student Affiliates of School Psychology

TAMUC Recognized for Efforts During National School Psychology Week

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recently dubbed the Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program at Texas A&M University-Commerce as one of three leading school psychology programs in the country. The program received an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Graduate…
Assistive robot, Mitra

TAMUC Robot Living Lab to Partner with Invento Research

The School of Social Work at Texas A&M University-Commerce is excited to announce a new, collaborative partnership between its Robot Living Lab and Invento Research, Inc., a Delaware-based corporation. Established in January 2020, the mission of the Robot Living Lab…
TAMUC Unity Walk

A&M-Commerce Introduces New Cultural Competency Course

Cultural competency among students, faculty and staff is a top priority for University President Mark Rudin. This spring, A&M-Commerce launched its first offering of a new cultural competency course, which garnered a lot of interest from students and university employees.…
A woman and a man smiling for a picture.

A&M-Commerce Alumna Making Big Plays in Professional Athlete Management

In her Dallas office, Brandy Runyan fondly recalls her time in the Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies graduate program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. These days, she's the owner and chief executive of Black Diamond PR & Sport Management Firm, an…
TAMUC counseling

Harold Murphy Counseling Center Expands Services to Collin County

The Harold Murphy Counseling Center (HMCC) in McKinney, Texas, invites residents of Collin County and surrounding areas to elevate their mental health and empower their lives. As a partnership between the Department of Counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce and McKinney…
Frank Young Education North building.

TAMUC’s Ballenger Named Texas A&M System Regents Professor

Dr. Julia Ballenger, professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been selected by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as a 2019-2020 recipient of the Regents Professor Award. Ballenger is among a select…
Sowers Education South

TAMUC Professor Co-Authors Innovative Literacy and Bilingual Education Book

A&M-Commerce Assistant Professor Alexandra Babino, Ph.D., recently published a new book, “Radicalizing Literacies and Languaging: A Framework toward Dismantling the Mono-Mainstream Assumption.” Babino co-authored the book with Dr. Mary Amanda Stewart, associate professor of literacy at Texas Woman's University in…
McFarland Science Building at TAMUC

TAMUC Students Represent University at American Physical Society Meeting

Undergraduate students representing the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently delivered talks at a virtual meeting of the Texas section of the American Physical Society hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington November 12-14. Flint…
Lion statue in front of a bricked building. It is in the evening and the focus is on the lion.

A&M-Commerce Partners with IDRA for Groundbreaking Collaboration

Texas A&M University-Commerce and the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) are partnering to create a trailblazing collaboration to increase access to higher education and provide students with insight into influencing educational policy and legislation. Based in San Antonio, Texas, IDRA…
Sowers Education South

A&M-Commerce Named One of Nation’s Top Teacher Prep Programs by NCTQ

The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at A&M-Commerce has been named among the top in the country by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), a nonpartisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization that advocates for teacher training in classroom management…
Frank Young Education North building.

A&M-Commerce Educational Leadership Professor to be Honored by ICPEL

Dr. Julia Ballenger, professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) recently named Dr. Julia Ballenger, professor of educational leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce, as recipient of the ICPEL 2021 Living…
Students departing nursing and health sciences building.

Poverty Simulation Provides Insight for A&M-Commerce Students and Educators

In fall 2018, the Department of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Commerce purchased a poverty simulation developed by the Missouri Association for Community Action, Inc. The simulation is a three to four-hour activity designed to help participants understand daily challenges faced…
Lion statue in front of a bricked building. It is in the evening and the focus is on the lion.

A&M-Commerce Hosts Virtual Signing Day for Partnership with Multiple Organizations

Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a virtual signing day on October 29 to commemorate partnerships with some of the most impactful professional organizations in Texas. The various agreements are part of the university's efforts to make college more accessible to underserved…
Dr. Denise Neill Headshot.

A&M-Commerce Department of Nursing Welcomes New Leadership

In August, the Department of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Commerce welcomed Dr. Denise Neill as the new department head. Prior to joining A&M-Commerce, Neill served as director of the School of Nursing at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.…
Future nurses studying patient life signs with teacher.

A&M-Commerce Department of Nursing Awarded Innovation Grant

The Department of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Commerce has been selected for a Nursing Innovation Grant Program award under the 2020-2022 RFA, “Supporting Clinical Learning Experiences to Mitigate Impediments due to COVID-19.” The award program was established by the Texas…
Sowers Education South

A&M-Commerce, Mesquite ISD Partner to Increase Educator Mastery and Retention

Dr. Susan Williams, director of the Mesquite ISD/TAMUC Partnership at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently shared information about the Excellence in Teaching Incentive Program (ETIP), a collaboration between Texas A&M University-Commerce and Mesquite Independent School District (MISD). ETIP encourages the district's…
Memorial Stadium at East Texas A&M

A&M-Commerce Sport and Recreation Management Alumni Setting the Bar High

Graduates of the sport and recreation management program at Texas A&M University-Commerce are finding success from coast to coast according to Dr. Clay Bolton, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance. “We've been fortunate to have outstanding…
What truth sounds like symposium graphic, featuring dynamic type design and a line drawing with headphones.

A&M-Commerce College of Education and Human Services Hosts Symposium on Racism

The College of Education and Human Services (CoEHS) at Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a virtual symposium, “What Truth Sounds Like,” on September 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Leading voices from multiple disciplines will discuss systemic racism, trauma…
TAMUC Physics Research Group

A&M-Commerce Elevates Status as Leader in Physics Teacher Education

The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Physics and Astronomy recently received additional funding from the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) to lead the creation of a PhysTEC regional network for the state of Texas. A&M-Commerce is the lead institution in…
Kimberly McLeod, Ph.D.

Education Dean Named to Leadership Fellowship

Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been named an Impact Academy Fellow, joining a cohort of academic leaders chosen for their commitment to improving educator preparation. Deans for Impact…
Araujo/Hayes

College of Education and Human Services Names Assistant Deans

Dr. Juan Araujo, associate professor and assistant head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. DeMarquis Hayes, associate professor and head of the Department of Psychology and Special Education, have been named assistant deans of the College of…
Kent Montgomery at planetarium

A&M-Commerce Planetarium & Observatory Offer the Universe to Students and Community

The Planetarium and the Observatory at Texas A&M University-Commerce offer an astronomical amount of knowledge to students and the community. Located on the first floor of the McFarland Science Building, the Planetarium features a Digistar 5 all-digital projection system and…
Technology Management at East Texas A&M.

Retooled Technology Management Program at A&M-Commerce Provides Career Elevation

The Department of Engineering and Technology at Texas A&M University-Commerce is introducing enhancements to the Master of Science in Technology Management program. Technology management has been deemed an emerging field of study by the U.S. Department of Education. The revamped…
Dr. Elva Resendez

A&M-Commerce Professor Joins Purdue Faculty After 28 Years as a Lion

Dr. Elva A. Resendez, faculty member in the Department of Management and Economics at A&M-Commerce, has accepted a position at Purdue University Fort Wayne (IN). She will assume her new role on August 17. “There's no question about Elva's contributions…
Black Lives Matter

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at A&M-Commerce to Host Race Relations Webinar

Amid increased attention on race relations in America, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee will host a one-hour town hall webinar titled “White Panel: What Should White America Do to Improve Race Relations?” on Tuesday, June 23,…
Nursing students evaluating a patient.

A&M-Commerce Announces First Graduates of Nurse Practitioner Program

Five graduate nursing students are now part of A&M-Commerce history. Natalie Cooper, Mundi Gutierrez, Megan King, Samone Middleton and Jennifer Speulda are the first graduates of the university's nurse practitioner program, which began in 2017. “We're thrilled to have our…
Charlie Didear and Craig Anderson

First Graduates of A&M-Commerce Electrical Engineering Program Announced

A&M-Commerce alums Charlie Didear and Craig Anderson made history this month as the university's first two electrical engineering graduates. Dr. Andrea Graham, head of the Department of Engineering and Technology, and faculty member Patrick Carter recently presented them with commemorative…
A group of professors and students talking outside of the College of Business building.

College of Business Offers Graduate Certificates and Programs to Enhance Workforce Marketability

With much of the workforce in doubt or on hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Commerce is offering graduate certificates and programs designed to enhance workforce marketability. Dean Mario Hayek emphasizes that now is…
A teacher interacting with a student through the glass of their front door during pandamic.

A&M-Commerce Graduate Shows Heart for Teaching During COVID-19 Pandemic

Jamie Allen, a Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna from Rowlett, Texas was recently featured on nbcdfw.com when a parent caught a heartwarming photo of her interacting with a student through the glass of their front door. Allen graduated from A&M-Commerce in…
Counseling Center

A&M-Commerce Utilizes JED Campus Program to Enhance Campus Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and the Counseling Center at A&M-Commerce is taking the opportunity to highlight its efforts to improve mental health initiatives on campus, including its partnership with JED Campus. JED Campus was introduced to A&M-Commerce in…
Screen Shot of COVID spreadsheet.

Multiple Agencies Utilize A&M-Commerce Database to Monitor COVID-19 Headlines

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Texas A&M University-Commerce has played an integral part in formulating the university's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and when the EOC needed to track news and trends surrounding the outbreak, they asked Dr. Brian…
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library

College of Science and Engineering Students Win Big at 16th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium

Four students from the College of Science and Engineering came home with top finishes at The Texas A&M University System’s 16th Annual TAMUS Pathways Research Symposium, hosted on the campus of Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, on November 7-8, 2019.
Temi Assistive Service Robot.

A&M-Commerce Faculty Hope Assistive Robot Can Provide Human Connection

As social distancing requirements surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have shifted the way we interact with the world around us, researchers at Texas A&M University-Commerce are seizing the opportunity to further their research into the connection between humans and robots. Dr.…

College of Education and Human Services to Welcome New Dean

Texas A&M University-Commerce welcomes Dr. Kimberly McLeod as the new dean of the College of Education and Human Services. McLeod will join the university on May 1, 2020. McLeod has served in multiple educational roles, including public school teacher, counselor,…
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