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.
Rene' Griffin is pictured as a child, wearing a baseball uniform. He is facing the camera. He has a baseball glove in one hand and a ball in the other.

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.
A large room is shown with a blue screen at the front of the room. The screen has the university's logo. A speaker at a podium is on the left side of the screen. Several people sit at tables and stand along the back wall.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A graphite drawing of two ducks diving into the water.

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.
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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.
A person playing multiple percussion instruments on a stage.

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.
Image of Dr. Lee in a suit, with captions introducing him as the next superintendent of Senguin ISD.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Eight individuals, dressed in formal attire, stand in front of a black curtain. Clusters of gold, blue and white ballons are above the curtains in the background.

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.
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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.
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ETAMU Alum Celebrates 101st Birthday

Alum J.B. McNatt is a WWII veteran and businessman who recently celebrated his 101st birthday April 18, 2025.
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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.
A graphic of a college basketball coach with the text "Welcome Ross Hodge."

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.
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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.
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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.
A promotional image of a book by Luis Perez titled "The Spring King"

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.
A large group of people face the camera and smile. In the background, a blue backdrop with yellow lion heads is visible, along with a white sign above the backdrop with the words "East Texas A&M."

2025 Alumni Ambassadors Honored

The 39th annual Alumni Ambassador Forum celebrated standout East Texas A&M alumni.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
East Texas A&M alum Tina Clark wearing a blue top, standing against a light brick background.

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.
Dr. Winston McCowan poses for a headshot against a vignette background wearing a dark suit, purple-toned tie and a gold cross necklace.

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.
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.
Leon Theodore, dressed in dark clothing, sits outside of a white building. He is smiling as he looks into the distance with his fingers interlocked in front of him.

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…
An art piece by the Wheeler Brothers title "Slinger Variation 1."

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 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.

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 Sharlene Belton-Gonzalez on a blue- and gold-barred background

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 smiling Theresa Williams sits for an interview wearing a black dress against a light, blurred background.

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.
Teacher sits at the front of a classroom reading a book to several students who are sitting on cushions.

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.
An image of TAMUC alum Dr. Terri D. Osborne wearing a gray business suit displayed over a blue and gold background.

A&M-Commerce Alum Takes on Leadership Role at KISD

Dr. Terri D. Osborne stepped into the new role on Sept. 30.
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