Alumni Engagement News
Kristy Davis Becomes Mesquite ISD Director of Counseling
Mesquite News recently highlighted A&M-Commerce alumna Kristy Davis in a “Community Profile” article. The article reports that Davis was named the director of counseling for Mesquite ISD. She previously served as the at-risk coordinator for the district. Since she assumed…
A&M-Commerce Alum is #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
A recent article in the Longview News Journal highlights A&M-Commerce alum Colleen Hoover, a #1 New York Times bestselling author. The popular “New Adult” romance and thriller writer self-published her first book, “Slammed,” in 2012. Within a few months, it…
From the White House to TAMUC: Alumnus Makes “Historic” Gift
As a White House liaison for the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Ted Crim was privileged to watch American history unfold from a front-row seat. Now, the Lion alumnus will share his impactful life and career with…
Al Craig Fleming Publishes New Book
A&M-Commerce alum Al Craig Fleming recently published a new book on corporate responsibility. The work discusses the implications of corporate greed for the economy. His book, “Corporations’ Responsibility to Society,” was released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
Fleming earned his…
A&M-Commerce Alumna Named Registrar at Texas State University
Texas State University recently appointed A&M-Commerce alum Martha E. Fraire-Cuellar as university registrar. Fraire-Cuellar began serving as the Texas State University associate registrar in 2006 and has been the interim university registrar since March 2021.
Fraire-Cuellar earned her Bachelor of…
TAMUC Alum Sanchez Makes List of Finalists for Superintendent of the Year
A&M-Commerce alum H.T. Sanchez, Ed.D., is one of five Texas finalists for the state's Superintendent of the Year award. The award, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), recognizes superintendents across the state for excellence and achievement.
With…
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…
Blue Ridge ISD Elevates TAMUC Alumna Ray to CFO Position
A&M-Commerce alumna Amanda Ray is the new chief financial officer for Blue Ridge ISD, the district announced recently. Ray previously worked as the director of Business Services, where she led the district's finances and business department for six years.
Ray…
Blue Ridge ISD Names TAMUC Alum Todd as Assistant Superintendent
Blue Ridge ISD named A&M-Commerce alum Matthew Todd as assistant superintendent. He previously served as the district's director of curriculum and instruction and will continue leading the district's teaching and learning work. He has worked for the district in roles…
Sharlotte Johnson Named COO at Avenu PR
A&M-Commerce alumna Sharlotte Johnson was recently named chief operating officer at Avenu PR in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
According to a company press release, Avenu PR is a boutique public relations and brand development agency. Prior to Avenu PR, Johnson spent the…
TAMUC Alum Joins Editing Team for Social Media Journal
A recent article in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune announced that A&M-Commerce alumna Jennifer Dias, Ph.D., recently joined The Journal of Social Media in Society as an associate editor. She previously served as a reviewer for the journal.
Dias is an assistant…
A&M-Commerce Alum Recognized as Top 100 Leaders in Education
Dr. Mary L. Thomas was recognized with the Top 100 Leaders in Education award at the second Global Forum for Education and Learning (GFEL) event, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 23-25.
In her 45 years…
TAMUC Alum McWhirter’s Estate Establishes Graduate Fellowships
Two new graduate fellowships will be available next year to students in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, thanks to the estate of alumna EdWinnie Brown McWhirter.
Assistant dean Juan Araujo, Ph.D., said the college will begin…
TAMUC Alumna Patti O’Bannon Named Principal of Texas High
A TXK Today article announced that TAMUC alumna Patti O'Bannon has been named the new principal of Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. O'Bannon has served as an educator for 28 years. Most recently, she was principal at Nash Elementary…
A&M-Commerce Alum Honored By Texas Legislature
Dr. Jim Richey, who received his bachelor's, master's and doctorate from A&M-Commerce, was honored by the Texas Legislature for over 20 years of teaching excellence in Texas. State Representative Cole Hefner submitted Texas Resolution #1391 to recognize Richey. Richey currently…
A&M-Commerce Percussion Student, Alums Win Big at International Competitions
A current Texas A&M University-Commerce percussion student and two alums took home the top prize in separate competitions this summer. Ashton Carter, a current music education major at A&M-Commerce, was named the winner of the 2021 Black Swamp Snare Drum…
TAMUC Visual Communication Alum Named ‘Emerging Creative’ at Dallas Show
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna Christina Moreland is the recipient of the inaugural “Emerging Creative” award from the Dallas Society of Visual Communications. The award was given as part of the 52nd annual Dallas Show, the leading juried competition and awards…
Alumnus Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
A recent press release announced that East Texas State University alumnus Christopher S. Adams, Jr., Retired Major General with the United States Air Force, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who's Who.
According to the Who's…
TAMUC Alum Named Executive Director at Killeen ISD
A&M-Commerce alumna Nicole Koch was named executive director for strategic initiatives and accountability at Killeen ISD.
Koch is a former teacher and, most recently, Killeen ISD's special projects assistant. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Mary…
A&M-Commerce Doctoral Student Named Principal at Allen ISD
Allen ISD recently named Aimee Cherry as the new principal at Norton Elementary School. Cherry is currently working toward a Doctor of Education in educational leadership at A&M-Commerce.
An Allen ISD alum, Cherry earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian…
College of Business Alumnus Provides Gift to Establish Funderburk Scholarship
Professor Emeritus Dale Funderburk created a legacy of excellence in the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Commerce during his 52-year teaching career. A new scholarship in his name will memorialize his impact.
The Dr. Dale Funderburk Honorary Scholarship will…
TAMUC Health and Human Performance Grads Receive Recognition
The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) recognized recent A&M-Commerce graduates Belinda Sanchez and Mikaela Green in the 2021 AKA National Scholar Awards competition. The awards recognize academic excellence, encourage professional competence and promote kinesiology and related fields.
Pictured left to right:…
A&M-Commerce Alum Wins 2021 Morphet Dissertation of the Year
The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership named Dr. Jericah Jackson, a graduate of A&M-Commerce, winner of the 2021 Edgar L. Morphet Dissertation of the Year Award. The award recognizes scholarship in the dissertation stage of advanced academic work…
A&M-Commerce Navarro Partnership Alumnae Receive Awards
Two A&M-Commerce alumnae are setting the mark high in the Corsicana Independent School District.
The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees and Corsicana Education Foundation Executive Board named Casey Gordon as Elementary Teacher of the Year at Navarro Elementary School. She…
TAMUC Alum Appointed to Leadership Role at Prairie View A&M University
Anthony Harris, Ed.D.., was recently named chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Prairie View A&M University, effective July 1, 2021. Harris earned his doctorate in counseling and secondary and higher education from East Texas State University…
TAMUC Alum Competing for Title of Ms. Wheelchair USA
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum is competing for a national honor as she attempts to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA. Kenda Felker was recently named Ms. Wheelchair for the Southwestern Region and will compete at the national pageant in July.…
TAMUC Alum Named 2021 Outstanding Professor at Baylor University
TAMUC Alum Paul Zinke, Ph.D., senior lecturer in chemistry at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, was recently named the 2021 Collins Outstanding Professor. The award is provided by the Carr P. Collins Foundation, which presents the annual award to an…
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…
A&M-Commerce Endowment Promises to “Lift a Lion” to Graduation
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Lift a Lion initiative received a significant boost in February from the new Janis and Ralph Stroope Lift a Lion Endowment.
Lift a Lion provides financial assistance to undergraduate students at A&M-Commerce who face financial hardships.…
Governor Names TAMUC Alumna Andrade to State Board
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Katie Andrade to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners for a term set to expire in 2027. The board regulates the practice of social work in Texas. The appointment is…
TAMUC Alums Lead Lancaster High School to Track Championships
Two A&M-Commerce alumni led the Lancaster High School's boys' and girls' track teams to the Class 5A Region II Championships this year. Coach Beverly Humphrey earned a master's degree in secondary and higher education from A&M-Commerce. She was presented the…
Zenetta Drew APAP Nomination
The College of Business is proud to announce the nomination of our alumna, Zenetta Drew, for the APAP William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence and Sustained Achievement in Programming.
“I am proud to represent A&M-Commerce in all my endeavors.Please know…
MoneyGram Announces Hilary Jackson as COO
A press release from MoneyGram, dated April 6, 2021, announced that A&M-Commerce alumna Hilary Jackson is the company’s new chief operating officer.
According to the release, Jackson previously served as chief operating officer at Selene Holdings. Prior to joining Selene,…
Distinguished Alumna Zenetta Drew Nominated for APAP Award
A&M-Commerce alumna Zenetta S. Drew has been nominated for a 2021 Association of Performing Arts Professionals Award (APAP).
According to an article in Broadway World, the awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a significant impact on the industry…
Alumna Leaves $1.47 Million to A&M-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce students will benefit from a generous $1.47 million gift from the late Lanelle E. Southerland.
The substantial gift will support A&M-Commerce students by providing two annual scholarships: The Lanelle E. Southerland and Joe E. Phillips Endowed Scholarship,…
TAMUC Alumna Naturalized at George W. Bush Presidential Center
A&M-Commerce alumna Shabiha Nymphi was among 50 immigrants who were naturalized at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in College Station, Texas, on March 18. In a recent interview, Nymphi expressed how it feels to become an American citizen.
“I…
TAMUC Alum Making Waves in Cybersecurity as an Industry Leader
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum is gaining serious recognition in the world of cybersecurity, and was recently named an industry leader by a national publication.
Earlier this year, Heather Gantt-Evans was named one of Security Magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders for…
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Superintendent of Lamar Consolidated ISD
An article in the Fort Bend Herald announced that A&M-Commerce alumnus Roosevelt Nivens, Ph.D., was named the lone finalist as superintendent of Lamar Consolidated ISD, southeast of Houston. Nivens has served as superintendent of Community ISD in Collin County since…
Scholarship for Future Educators Established to Honor the Legacy of Dr. Mary Jane Vance
The family of the late Dr. Mary Jane Vance has established a scholarship to honor her lifelong commitment to education. This scholarship will benefit A&M-Commerce students who are pursuing teaching careers.
“The family has always known of her passion for…
Feature Story Highlights Bill Carr’s Noteworthy Music Career
A Greenville Herald-Banner story, published by Yahoo News, shares the interesting history of A&M-Commerce alum Bill Carr.
Between 1975 and 1995, Carr was a working musician on the Las Vegas Strip. He and guitarist Larry Jenks backed famous performers like…
TAMUC Alum Shares Her Experiences as a Combat Medic
A&M-Commerce alumna Tanis Clarke was featured in an article in the Waco Tribune-Herald. The piece tells about Clarke's often-harrowing experiences as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. Clarke served for four years, and her tour included time in Germany,…
Governor Greg Abbott Appoints Emily Glass to Sulphur River Basin Board of Directors
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Emily Glass of Sulphur Springs, Texas, to the Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors.
According to a press release from the governor's office, “The board has the responsibility to construct, maintain, and…
TAMUC Alum Taj Eldridge Heads Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
A recent LA Venture podcast episode highlighted A&M-Commerce alum Taj Eldridge and his company’s newly launched $250 million fund to support “Black and Brown founders and investors.”
According to the LA Venture article, “Taj is passionate about reducing the wealth…
TAMUC Alum Named Division Chief at Montgomery County Hospital District
A&M-Commerce alum James Seek has been named clinical operations division chief of the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) in Southeast Texas. According to an article in The Courier of Montgomery County, “Seek will be at the charge of a department…
TAMUC Alum Named Top Woman in Technology
A&M-Commerce alumna Tiffany Ricks was recognized by Our Community Now (OCN) as one of 10 Inspiring Female Founders in Dallas-Fort Worth.
According to OCN, Ricks has been recognized for her contributions to software engineering as a 2021 Innovator in Cybersecurity…
Rosalie and Frank Turner Establish Endowed Professorship for Race Education at TAMUC
Award-winning novelist Rosalie Turner and her husband, Texas A&M University-Commerce alumnus Frank Turner, are doing their part to end systemic racism in America through education.
The Turners, who live in Durham, North Carolina, have established the Rosalie and Frank Turner…
Dr. Greg and Alicia Hulsey Recognized for Transformational Gift
Texas A&M University-Commerce and Lion Athletics recognized Dr. Greg and Alicia Hulsey with a ceremony Friday in recognition of their transformational leadership gift to the university and the Lion Sports Medicine program. It marks the largest gift to intercollegiate athletics…
Governor Names TAMUC Alumna to State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Jodie Elder, Ph.D., to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists for a term set to expire in 2027. The board licenses and regulates Marriage and Family Therapists…
Former TAMUC CFO Becomes ‘Lion for Life’ with Emeritus Honor
A ceremony was held on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce on Jan. 26 in recognition of Lion alum and former Chief Financial Officer Alicia Currin, who was recently honored with an Emeritus distinction by the Texas A&M University System…
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…