Alumni Engagement News
TAMUC Alum Selected to Obama Foundation Leaders Program
An alum of Texas A&M University-Commerce was recently one of 200 people worldwide selected to join the Obama Foundation’s Leaders Program.
Pair of TAMUC Alumni Named to Quinlan ISD Hall of Fame
The Quinlan Independent School District in Quinlan, Texas recently announced their 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, which include a pair of Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni.
A&M-Commerce Alums Honored with New Middle School in Forney ISD
The couple are noted Forney ISD alums and educators.
TAMUC Alum Appointed by Governor Abbott to State Council
An alum of Texas A&M University-Commerce was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council.
Alum Awarded with Lone Star Emmy
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum was recently honored for his work as a graphic designer with an Emmy Award from the Lone Star chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
A&M-Commerce Music Instructor Honored as UNK Distinguished Alumnus
Texas A&M University-Commerce Adjunct Instructor Dr. Kory Reeder was recently honored with the Gary Thomas Distinguished Music Alumnus Award from the University of Nebraska Kearney.
A&M-Commerce Alum Selected as Region 11 Principal of the Year
Dr. Winston McCowan ('01, '08) will now represent ESC Region 11, vying for Texas Principal of the Year.
‘Abstraction and Color’ Exhibit now Showing at University Gallery
The latest art exhibition is underway at the Texas A&M University-Commerce University Gallery until October.
From Aviation Dreams to Corporate Success: The Inspiring Journey of TAMUC Alumnus Richard Heitzman
Richard Heitzman’s journey from aspiring aviation professional to a leadership role at CAE, the world’s largest manufacturer of flight training devices, exemplifies the transformative power of education at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Region 10 Principal of the Year
Creel will now vie for the title of Texas Principal of the Year.
TAMUC Alum Celebrates 45 Years with North Texas-Based Credit Union
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna Carolyn Jordan recently celebrated 45 years with Dallas-based Neighborhood Credit Union (NCU), a not-for-profit organization with more than 90 years of history.
A&M-Commerce Alum Named to Vice President Role at SAP
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum was recently selected as the newest vice president of a multinational software company.
Three TAMUC Lions Going for Gold at Paris 2024 Olympics
A&M-Commerce is well represented at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with three Lions vying for gold.
TAMUC Alum Named National Forensic Interviewer of the Year
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum recently received national recognition for their work as a forensic interviewer. Rachel Mitchell was recently named the National Forensic Interviewer of the Year by Guardify, a digital evidence management platform, as part of the platform’s…
Alum Named Chief Marketing Officer of Dallas-based Beverage Company
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Tatiana Chamorro was recently named the Chief Marketing Officer of Shaken Beverage Co., a Dallas-based alcoholic beverage company that operates under the parent company Unexpected Products, which packages their drinks to store ingredients separately, allowing the…
TAMUC Alum to Join Arlington ISD as Deputy Superintendent
The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) recently named Dr. Jennifer Collins, an A&M-Commerce alum, its new deputy superintendent.
Collins has an extensive background in education. She taught sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in Sunnyvale, Forth Worth and Marshall. She served…
A&M-Commerce Alum Hoover Featured in Texas Monthly Magazine
An article published in the June 2024 edition of Texas Monthly magazine highlights A&M-Commerce alum and best-selling author Colleen Hoover.
In it, Hoover provides insight into her meteoric rise to fame and the following scrutiny and criticism. Readers catch a…
Texas A&M-Commerce Alum Leading Digital Transformation at Midland College
A&M-Commerce alum Kevin Andrews ('10) is the new executive director of Digital and Workplace Transformation at Midland (TX) College. In this newly created role, Andrews leads the Project Management Office, enterprise systems and software development, process improvement and knowledge management.…
A&M-Commerce Alum Receives Prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship
The Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Honor Society recently awarded MacKenzie Van Buren, an A&M-Commerce alum, a Fellowship worth $8,500. One of only 62 recipients nationwide, Van Buren is the university’s first PKP Fellow.
A member of the Honors College, Van…
TAMUC Alums Lead Percussion Ensembles in International Showcase
Three Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni will direct ensembles performing at the Percussive Arts Society’s (PAS) international convention, scheduled for November 13-16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Ind. Dr. Andrew Lynge is a 2011 A&M-Commerce graduate, assistant professor of percussion and director of…
A&M-Commerce Instructor Self-Publishes Four Sport-Related Books
A&M-Commerce alum and instructor Brandy Runyan has self-published four titles this summer aimed at various groups in professional sports.
“Understanding the Role of Agents and Navigating Legal Aspects of Contracts and Endorsements” equips aspiring agents, seasoned professionals and clients with…
TAMUC Employee Honored with AMA’s ‘Marketing Maverick’ Award
A Texas A&M University-Commerce employee and alum was recently honored with the “Marketing Maverick” award by the American Marketing Association's Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter (AMA).
Yazan Kakish, the director of marketing and communications for the A&M-Commerce College of Business, was given…
A&M-Commerce Criminal Justice Alum Elected as Guadalupe County Sheriff
Recent Texas A&M-Commerce alum Joshua Ray is sheriff-elect of Guadalupe County in Texas. Ray emerged victorious in the county's Republican primary and is unopposed in the November election. A United States Marine Corps veteran and retired Texas Ranger, he served…
TAMUC Alum Makes Appearances on DFW Television Networks to Promote Mental Health
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Kasey Smith recently appeared on multiple Dallas-Fort Worth area television networks to promote mental health awareness and her work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Smith, who graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2020 with her…
A&M-Commerce Alum to Head New School for Student Empowerment
The Cheltenham School District in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, has named Texas A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Christine Zubairu (‘23) as principal at its newly established Cheltenham Empowerment Center (CEC).
Aimed at students facing challenges in the traditional school setting, the center's mission…
A&M-Commerce Alum Joins Renowned Architecture Firm
Texas-based Pfluger Architects recently announced its selection of A&M-Commerce alum Dr. David Young ('98) as communications and engagement manager.
Texas A&M-Commerce alum Dr. David Young. Photo courtesy of Pfluger Architects.
The retired superintendent and 29-year educator brings a wealth of…
TAMUC Alum Sets Sights on 2024 Summer Olympics
A recent article in the Greenville Herald-Banner highlights A&M-Commerce alum Joe Brown and his goal to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in August. Brown, a discus thrower, was a national champion track and field star for Texas A&M-Commerce. He…
TAMUC Construction Engineering Alum Among the Best in Region
A&M-Commerce alum Cristina Gutierrez ('17) recently received the 2024 Regional Hispanic Contractors Association Construction Worker Woman of the Year Award.
Gutierrez is an assistant superintendent for Rogers-O'Brien Construction, where she has been an invaluable team member for seven years. She…
Texas State Representative Dr. Gary VanDeaver Receives A&M-Commerce Legislative Award
Texas State Representative Dr. Gary VanDeaver was recently awarded the Legislative Award by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at Texas A&M University-Commerce in recognition of his continuous support of the university. The award is given to…
TAMUC Alum, Instructor’s Agency Named a Top Dallas Firm in 2024
Texas A&M-Commerce alum and instructor Brandy Runyan's public relations firm, Black Diamond PR and Sport Management Firm, is one of the top PR firms in Dallas for 2024, according to PRNEWS.IO.
The site also published an interview with Runyan, discussing…
Texas A&M-Commerce Alum Named Rockport Chief of Police
The City of Rockport, Texas, named recent A&M-Commerce graduate Nathan Anderson as its new Chief of Police.
Anderson—who joined the department in 2020 with 24 years of law enforcement experience—completed his bachelor's degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in…
TAMUC Alum Named Superintendent of Schools for Abilene ISD
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. John Kuhn ('16) is the new superintendent of Abilene Independent School District. He previously served as superintendent at Mineral Wells ISD, overseeing approximately 3,000 students compared to Abilene's 15,000.
“This will be a challenge because there is…
A&M-Commerce Alum Elected to Colorguard Hall of Fame
An alum of Texas A&M University-Commerce was recently inducted into the North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) Hall of Fame as a reflection of his impact as an educator. Stuart Spoon, a 2002 Lion graduate, received the honor during the NTCA…
TAMUC Gala Celebrates Six Outstanding Alumni
On a star-studded Saturday evening, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Alumni Association rolled out the red carpet for the annual Alumni Awards Gala. Guests gathered at the university's Sam Rayburn Student Center in an Oscars-themed event on April 27 to celebrate…
A&M-Commerce Hosts Luncheon to Celebrate Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a luncheon at the Hilton hotel in Rockwall, Texas, on Tuesday, April 16, to celebrate the university's planned Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
A poster commemorates the Lyon Center project. Photo by Matt…
A&M-Commerce Alum Recognized for Leadership in Local, State Bar Associations
A lion alum was recently spotlighted for her leadership while serving as the head of multiple bar associations in Texas as well as her abilities in the courtroom. Lynne Liberato, a 1976 graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas…
A&M-Commerce Alum Connects Her Passions to Help People and Animals
A&M-Commerce alum Tonja Thurman ('19) was recently honored as a nominee for Nexstar Media Group's “Remarkable Women” series. The nationwide initiative celebrates local women who inspire, lead and forge the way for other women.
A&M-Commerce alum Tonja Thurman. Submitted by…
The Great Connector: The Influence of Derryl Peace
The retired director of Alumni Engagement at TAMUC built relationships with Lions across generations. A new endowment will continue his legacy.
For Derryle Peace, the word “connection” embodies a central theme that resonates across his years at Texas A&M University-Commerce.…
TAMUC Alum Coaches NJCAA Team to Top-4 National Finish
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum nearly coached her team to a junior college women’s basketball national championship this season. Latasha Keith, head coach at Dallas College Cedar Valley, led the Suns to a fourth-place finish in the National Junior College…
Texas A&M-Commerce Alumni Association Honors 2024 Alumni Ambassadors
The 38th annual Alumni Ambassador Forum celebrates successful A&M-Commerce alumni.
The Alumni Association of Texas A&M University-Commerce recognized 21 new Alumni Ambassadors at the 2024 Alumni Ambassador Forum on Tuesday, March 19. The 38th annual forum was held in the…
TAMUC Alum in the Running to be Named ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum has the chance to be named “America’s Favorite Teacher” after entering a nationwide contest.
Kara Wallace, a 2005 graduate of A&M-Commerce, is one of many educators across the nation vying for the title. The contest…
A&M-Commerce Alum Shares Tips for a Career in Health and Wellness
A&M-Commerce alum Angela P. Harper (‘09) recently sat for an interview featured in Authority Magazine.
In the article, Harper shares five keys for building a successful career in health and wellness. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-care strategies…
A&M-Commerce Alum Appointed to Preside over 73rd District Court
In February, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Marialyn Barnard to the 73rd Judicial District Court in Bexar County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024. Barnard is a 1983 graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas…
TAMUC Alum Promoted to Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Chief Transformation Officer for The Texas A&M University System
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Shonda Gibson has been promoted to the role of senior associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and chief transformation officer for The Texas A&M University System.
As chief transformation officer for the A&M System, Gibson's mission is…
A&M-Commerce Doctoral Student Published in Research Methods Publication
A&M-Commerce doctoral student Bailey Ayers is helping to shape the future of education with her recently published research in the Sage Research Methods Cases publication.
The case study highlights Ayers's thesis project on the effectiveness of different learning strategies in…
The TAMUC Trailblazer: The Legacy of the First Black Student
Black History Month Series Part 2: Honoring and Recognizing Impactful Black Figures in the Lion Family
Texas A&M University-Commerce is renowned for a student body comprised of people from a multitude of races, cultures, and countries. But it wasn’t always…
A&M-Commerce Alum Selected for Prestigious Federal Fellowship Program
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Deon Johnson is one of the 825 finalists selected from more than 7,000 applicants for inclusion in the 2024 Presidential Management Fellows Program (PMF) cohort.
PMF is the U.S. government's flagship leadership development program, designed to recruit…
‘Just Get Involved’: The Story of a Pioneering Computer Programmer Who Gives Back
Alumnus Scott Stahl and his wife, Margaret, from Sulphur Springs, Texas, have recently presented a $100,000 gift to Texas A&M University-Commerce. The Scott W. Stahl and Margaret Stahl Gift Agreement will provide matching gift opportunities that champion the Greatest Need…
Lions Feeding Lions: Match Challenge Brings Big Support to the Lion Food Pantry
Alumni Freddy and Margaret (Muffy) O’Pry presented the Lion Food Pantry with a $30,000 check on February 13 at the pantry’s grand reopening in the university’s Performing Arts Center. The funds were raised, in part, through the O'Pry Family Match…
A&M-Commerce Staff Member Receives Emmy Award for Musical Compositions
A staff member at Texas A&M University-Commerce was honored with an Emmy Award from the Rocky Mountain Southwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Taylor Mefford, who works as manager of videography in the Office of…