Alumni Engagement News

East Texas A&M Receives $8 Million Gift from Rene’ Griffin, Largest in University History
East Texas A&M University is proud to announce a historic $8 million gift from alumnus Rene’ Griffin, marking the largest single philanthropic contribution in the history of ETAMU.

Built on Belonging: The Life and Legacy Behind the Rene’ Griffin Event Center at East Texas A&M University
At their core, Rene' Griffin's story and the story of ET's new event center are about creating places where people belong.

Building Connections Across Generations: East Texas A&M Dedicates McCord Family Alumni Center
The revitalized McCord Family Alumni Center offers an inviting space where alumni, students, and the entire Lion community can come together to connect and collaborate.

The Lions Reserve: A Premier Fundraising Event for Student Success
The Lions' Reserve proved to be more than an evening of fine wine and hors d'oeuvres. The event hosted by East Texas A&M University raised more than $30,000 to support student scholarships and university programs.

Alumna Retires After Decades of Child Advocacy Leadership
After more than three decades of service in child protection and advocacy, East Texas A&M alumna Irish Burch has announced her retirement.

East Texas A&M Alumnus Named Dean of TJC North
Adam Palacios, a graduate of East Texas A&M University, has been named dean of Tyler Junior College North (TJC North) in Lindale.

World-Renowned Artist & Alum’s Artwork Featured in Texas Art Museum
Artwork by Lion Alumna Robyn O'Neil was recently acquired for display by the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas.

Lion Alum Starring as Titular Character in Shakespeare Dallas’ Production of ‘Othello’
Alum Henry Okigbo is leading the cast of Shakespeare Dallas' latest production of "Othello," which is currently running until July 20.

Recent ETAMU Music Graduate Wins National Competition
East Texas A&M University alum and percussionist DJ Talbot recently took first place at the Black Swamp Percussion Solo & Ensemble Showcase.

East Texas A&M Alumnus Named Seguin ISD Superintendent
Dr. Jack Lee, a 2020 graduate of East Texas A&M University’s Ed.D. in Educational Administration program, has been named the lone finalist for superintendent of Seguin ISD.

Lion Alumna Featured in Dallas Observer for Former Athlete Advocacy
The Dallas Observer newspaper recently published a profile on East Texas A&M University alumna Acheil Tac.

A Lambskin Legacy: What a 19th-Century Diploma Reveals About East Texas A&M’s Early Days
An alumnus recently discovered a rare diploma from 1897 and brought it back to East Texas A&M. The artifact provides a fascinating glimpse into the earliest days of our university.

Paris Police Department Swears in East Texas A&M Graduate
East Texas A&M University’s Law Enforcement Training Academy (AMLETA) celebrates another successful graduate as Austin Garrison was sworn in as a new officer with the Paris Police Department.

Photography Alum and National Academy Director Publishes New Book
A Lion Alum recently published a book examining the dynamic relationship between contemporary art and scientific inquiry.

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.

Alum to Lead Prestigious Percussion Research Center
ETAMU alum Dr. Andrew Veit was recently named the new managing director for the Wells-Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University.

East Texas A&M Alum Lands Position Working For U.S. Congress
East Texas A&M University alum Emau Stephen Petaia has been appointed to the position of digital engagement manager for United States Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen.

East Texas A&M Alum Named Plano ISD Principal
Jean Laswell, a 2007 graduate from East Texas A&M University, has been named the first-ever principal of the newly established Plano ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center.

Outstanding Alumni Honored at East Texas A&M Awards Gala
The Alumni Association hosted the 2025 Alumni Awards Gala on April 26 to honor six exceptional Lions whose lives reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership and the university community.

Alum Named Southlake Fire Chief
A Lion alum with more than 30 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services was recently appointed to lead the Southlake, Texas Fire Department.

ETAMU Alum Celebrates 101st Birthday
Alum J.B. McNatt is a WWII veteran and businessman who recently celebrated his 101st birthday April 18, 2025.

East Texas A&M Alum Kraig Knight Named EVP of Global Data Center Operations at Goodman Group
Goodman Group owns, develops, and manages logistics properties and data centers in major international cities.

Alum, Former Coach Tabbed to Lead West Virginia Men’s Basketball Program
Lion alum and former assistant basketball coach Ross Hodge was recently announced as the new head coach of the West Virginia University Men's Basketball team.

Alumna and ‘Days of Our Lives’ Actress’ Podcast Nominated for Webby Award
A Lion alumna who starred in the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives" currently hosts a podcast that was recently nominated for a Webby Award by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Principal of the Year Awarded to ETAMU Alum
Alumna Dr. Jericah Jackson is the Secondary Principal of the Year in Aldine ISD for her outstanding work.

Lion Football Legend’s Debut Book Reaches Top of Amazon Charts
East Texas A&M alum and football star Luis Perez recently released his first book, which has already reached No. 1 on Amazon's best-selling football biographies list in less than a week.

ETAMU Alum Awarded PE Teacher of the Year
Alum Kevin Nguyen was awarded 2024 High School PE Teacher of the Year by TAHPERD.

2025 Alumni Ambassadors Honored
The 39th annual Alumni Ambassador Forum celebrated standout East Texas A&M alumni.

ETAMU Alum Publishes Black Children’s Book on Career Choices
ETAMU alumna Destiny Hibbler writes an inspirational and creative book to teach Black children about various career choices from A-Z.

Lion Alum Appointed by Governor Abbott as 62nd District Court Judge
William "Bill" Harris, a 2020 Lion graduate, was recently appointed to serve as judge of the 62nd District Court.

ETAMU Alum Featured on PBS News Weekend
ETAMU alum Dr. Kerry Karrafa was recently featured on PBS News Weekend to discuss the mental health issues among veterinarians.

ETAMU Business Staff, Alum Named Co-Chair of DJCC
Yazan Kakish, director of marketing and communications for the East Texas A&M University College of Business, was recently named the co-chair of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce's (DJCC) Board of Directors.

ETAMU Alum Named Lone Finalist for GPISD Superintendent Position
Dr. Gabriel Trujillo was recently named the lone finalist for the position of superintendent of the Grand Prairie Independent School District.

Social Work Graduate Student and Alum Named to TACUSPA Board
Current East Texas A&M University graduate student Gabrielle Vaughn was named to the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators.

Lewisville ISD Names East Texas A&M Alum Executive Director of Special Education
Tina Clark brings years of experience to her new role as the executive director of Special Education at Lewisville ISD.

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Selects ETAMU Alum Texas High School Principal of the Year
McCowan gained eligibility for the award following his selection as Principal of the Year for the Region 11 Education Service Center.

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.

ETAMU Alum Leverages His Past to Guide Youth Toward Better Futures
East Texas A&M alum Leon Theodore is featured in a recent article by Spectrum News. The feature details Theodore's journey of overcoming a troubled past to become a social worker, nonprofit leader and adjunct professor.
East Texas A&M alum Leon…

University Gallery Hosting Wheeler Brothers’ Traveling Exhibition
The University Gallery at East Texas A&M University is pleased to announce "Novel Toys, Tricks, and Games," a traveling exhibition by Texas art scene vets, the Wheeler Brothers.
Social Work Instructor Slated to Serve on Regulatory Association’s Board of Directors
Brumley will serve a one-year term on the Association of Social Work Boards board of directors.

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.

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.

Distinguished Alum Named Head of Philippine Government Commission
A Lion alum was recently named the head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Lion Alum Named One of the Best Butchers in Dallas
A Lion alum has just been named a top butcher in the Dallas area by D Magazine.

ETAMU Alum Leading St. Croix District in U.S. Virgin Islands
Belton-Gonzalez brings more than 24 years of experience as a teacher and administrator to the role.

A&M-Commerce Alum, Plano ISD Superintendent Profiled in Video Series
Two-time TAMUC alum Dr. Theresa Williams shares her insights on leadership, personal growth and the value of strong professional networks.

University Gallery to Host Traveling Exhibit of Photos From Civil Rights Movement
"I AM A MAN" displays a wide range of photographs that provide a vivid visual story of the evolution of the civil rights movement.

Atmos Energy Invests $25,000 to Empower First-Year Teachers and Enhance Early Childhood Education Programs at A&M-Commerce
The Dream Classroom Fund helps new teachers furnish their classrooms to promote literacy and learning.

University Gallery Hosts Graduate Student’s Exhibition
The University Gallery at Texas A&M University-Commerce will exhibit the work of current M.F.A. student Lisa Tyndell Batchelder from October 18 to November 1.

A&M-Commerce Alum Takes on Leadership Role at KISD
Dr. Terri D. Osborne stepped into the new role on Sept. 30.