Alumni Engagement News

TAMUC Alumna Named Provost and Vice-President at University of Central Oklahoma

A recent article in the The Oklahoman announced that A&M-Commerce alumna Dr. Charlotte Simmons has been named provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma. Previously, Simmons served as the co-interim vice president for Academic…

Author and TAMUC Alumna Presents at Cleburne MLK Celebration

A Cleburne Times Review article announced that Kimberly D. Mathis, author and A&M-Commerce alumna, was a featured presenter at a virtual Martin Luther King Jr. program at East Cleburne Community Center in Cleburne, Texas. Mathis discussed her book, “Dope Girl,”…
Dr. Sanjeeta Singg, Angelo State University

Governor Names TAMUC Alumna to State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna, Sanjeeta Singg, Ph.D., to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for a term set to expire in 2025. The board regulates the practice of psychology in the state of Texas.…
Brian Brumley

Governor Names TAMUC’s Brumley Chair of State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed Brian Brumley, an employee and alum of Texas A&M University-Commerce, as chair of the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. Brumley has served on the board—which regulates the practice of social work in…

Alumna’s Estate Gifts $975,000 to A&M-Commerce Planetarium and Chemistry Program

The late Georgia Mae Waters Dorrough gifted $975,000, through her estate, to the College of Science and Engineering at A&M-Commerce. The Georgia M. Dorrough Planetarium Endowment, the Georgia M. Dorrough Planetarium Maintenance Endowment, and the Georgia M. Dorrough Endowed Chair…
Ben Scholz

Lion Alum Receives Texas Farm Bureau Recognition

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Ben Scholz was recently named a recipient of the Pioneer Award from Texas Farm Bureau. Scholz received the award along with 13 others across the state for their contributions to agriculture and the organization, through service…

TAMUC Alum Joe Castillo Leads Garland ISD in Hispanic Mentorship Organization

North Garland High School head coach Joe Castillo was recognized in a recent Garland ISD newsletter as a local leader who is raising awareness for Latinos seeking leadership roles. Castillo serves as vice-president of the Hispanic TXHSFB Coaches Association, which…
McFarland Science Building

A&M-Commerce Alumna Named Rookie Science Teacher of the Year

The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) recently named Cheyenne Hunter as its Rookie Science Teacher of the Year. Hunter earned her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, specializing in mathematics and science. Hunter teaches sixth-grade science at O. Henry…

Accomplished TAMUC Alum Highlighted in WLUC-TV Article

WLUC-TV in Michigan featured a story about A&M-Commerce alum Kia Jane Richmond, Ph.D. Richmond is an English professor at Northern Michigan University who has been selected as the faculty speaker for NMU's virtual commencement ceremonies on December 6. According to…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named Deputy CEO of Carevide

A&M-Commerce alum Michael Glas was named deputy CEO of Carevide on October 1, 2020. According to an article at EGreenvilleExtra.com, Glas has worked with Carevide for more than eight years in employee and consulting roles. Glas graduated from A&M-Commerce in…

TAMUC Alumnus Publishes New Novel

Local author Jim Ainsworth recently published a new book, “His Way.” The novel is set in a small Texas town that is shrouded in mystery. A book launch celebration is planned at Mugs on the Square in Commerce, Texas, on…

Alum Codie Hedge Promoted to President of Graham Savings and Loan

A&M-Commerce alum Codie Hedge was recently promoted to president of Graham Savings and Loan SSB, a bank in Graham, Texas. In his new role, he will oversee management and lending operations. Hedge is a Graham Chamber of Commerce ambassador and…
Eric Hale

A&M-Commerce Alum Named Texas Teacher of the Year

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Eric Hale made history after being named Texas Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The announcement came September 30 during the annual TASA/TASB…

Jane Cowley Memorial Endowment Provides Scholarships to Future Library Science Professionals

The Jane Cowley Memorial Endowment honors the late Lou “Jane” Cowley, a respected A&M-Commerce alumna and committed educator. Ms. Cowley’s husband, alumnus Jessie “Harold” Cowley of Sulphur Springs, Texas, established the endowment to recognize and memorialize Jane’s impactful 35-year career…
Rehabilitation council of Texas

A&M-Commerce Alum Appointed to State Council Position

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Erin “Amanda” Bowdoin was recently appointed to the Rehabilitation Council of Texas by Governor Greg Abbott, along with three others. The Rehabilitation Council works under the Texas Workforce Commission to advocate for Texans with disabilities in…
Lion statue in front of a bricked building. It is in the evening and the focus is on the lion.

A&M-Commerce Alum Appointed to Texas State Independent Living Council

Melva Henderson, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the State Independent Living Council. The council, founded in 1989, is tasked with partnering, developing and monitoring a comprehensive state plan that develops…
Campus picture

Several former A&M-Commerce Agribusiness students placed in top doctoral programs

A significant number of Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni have been placed in some of the top doctoral programs in the nation. Five recent A&M-Commerce Agribusiness graduates are currently continuing their studies in the field. The recent graduates include: • Artak…

A&M-Commerce Alumna Featured on The Digital Hacker Agency Podcast

Tatiana Chamorro was recently featured on The Digital Hacker Agency Podcast, a digital marketing podcast. Chamorro graduated from A&M-Commerce in May 2020 with a master's degree in marketing. The Nicaraguan native described her path to founding Hyvemark, an innovative marketing…

A&M-Commerce Alum Joins Counseling Center Staff

Matthew Richardson, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, has joined the campus Counseling Center as a physician assistant. He is a part of the interdisciplinary team that provides compassionate and caring mental health services to A&M-Commerce students. Richardson began working…
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…

Alum Mike Onuoha Continues NFL Career

A recent article at NFL Draft Diamonds reported that Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Mike Onuoha is expected to work out with the Indianapolis Colts. Onuoha was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens. The football standout graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2017…
Dr. Dawn Weatherford

A&M-Commerce Alumna Featured on All Things Cognitive Podcast

Dr. Dawn Weatherford recently sat for an interview with All Things Cognitive, a podcast produced by the prestigious Psychonomic Society. She discussed her recently published paper in the Psychonomic Society journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications. Her paper, “You shall…
Dr. Kisha McDonald

A&M-Commerce Alumna Accepts Newly-Created Position at Cedar Hill ISD

Dr. Kisha McDonald, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce, took over a newly-created role with Cedar Hill Independent School District in June. As executive director of school leadership for grades six through twelve, McDonald oversees secondary education at five schools…
Gee Lake and Gee Library

A&M-Commerce Announces Decision to Change Name of Lake, Library

As expressed in our Strategic Plan, we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels welcome, safe, respected and valued. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce that…
Sheriff Tracy Murphree with his mother Ruth

Denton County Sheriff Graduates from A&M-Commerce Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program and Fulfills Family Promise

The sheriff of one of the most populous counties in Texas was able to complete his bachelor's degree at his own pace and fulfill a decades-old promise he made to his mother, thanks to the Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program…

Alum Jim Larimore Appointed Chief Officer of Riiid Labs

A&M-Commerce alum Jim Larimore was recently appointed as chief officer for Equity in Learning at Riiid Labs in San Ramon, California. A recent article in AZCentral states: “Jim has distinguished himself as an education pioneer and catalytic innovator for more…

ETSU Alumna and Kaufman County’s First Woman Lawyer and Judge Celebrates 90th Birthday

East Texas State University alumna Maxine (Darst) Flatt celebrated her 90th birthday on August 25. Flatt logged a historically significant career as the first woman lawyer in Kaufman County, Texas, and the first woman to be elected Kaufman County judge.…

Texas Governor Appoints A&M-Commerce Alum to Early Childhood Committee.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed 23 members to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee, including A&M-Commerce alumna Cynthia D. (Cindy) Lee. According to a release from the governor’s office, “The Committee advises the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Division…
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…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named to Board of Regents of Higher Education Institution

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Troy Leland Walker was recently appointed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to the Board of Regents of Eastern Oklahoma State College. Walker will serve a seven-year term beginning June 2, 2021. EOSC is a public community…

Former A&M-Commerce Golfer Manages PGA Tour’s Multicultural Marketing Strategy

A recent article at firsttee.org follows the amazing journey of A&M-Commerce alum Sara Diaz. Diaz learned to play golf through First Tee, a youth development organization that uses golf as a means to provide experiential learning opportunities to young people.…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named Lone Finalist for North Texas Superintendent Position

A&M-Commerce alum Holly Ferguson has been named the lone finalist for the position of superintendent of Prosper ISD. Ferguson is slated to replace Superintendent Drew Watkins, who is stepping down after 18 years with the district. Ferguson has worked at…

A&M-Commerce Alumnus Receives Recognition as Texas Boot Maker

Jarrett Van Curen is a Texas boot maker, one of just a few young craftsmen in the state. At 29, Van Curen is fully committed to the fine art of boot making. With intricate inlays, signature stitching and clean-lined aesthetics,…

A&M-C Alum, Professor Featured in D Magazine Article

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum and adjunct professor Awstin Gregg was recently featured in an article in Dallas' “D Magazine” on how to achieve zero percent turnover in business. Gregg is currently a licensed clinical social worker, as well as a…

Alum Eric Hale Provides Back-to-School Tips on NBCDFW

A&M-Commerce alum Eric Hale recently spoke with NBCDFW about ways to prepare children for the new school year, whatever it may bring. Among his tips, Hale encouraged parents to practice self-care. “You have to find at least 45 minutes a…

A&M-Commerce Graduate Wins Distinguished Morphet Award

Dr. Molly J. Fuller, a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce has been named winner of the 2020 Morphet Dissertation of the Year Award for her dissertation titled, “Principal as Servant-Leader: An Embedded-Descriptive Case Study of One Prekindergarten School's Efforts to…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named Dean at Chadron State College

Dr. Alaric Williams, former student and staff member at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been named dean of professional studies and applied sciences at Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. He will begin his duties on July 15. Williams began his…

Governor Appoints A&M-Commerce Alumna to Family and Protective Services Council

Governor Gregg Abbott has appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Cortney Jones to the Family and Protective Services Council, along with Enrique Mata. Their terms will expire in 2025. The council makes recommendations to the commissioner regarding management of the Department of Family…

Plainview ISD Superintendent Receives Contract Extension

H.T. Sanchez, superintendent of Plainview ISD, was recently granted a 1-year contract extension by Plainview ISD's board of trustees. The unanimous vote extends his contract to 2025. When Sanchez was hired as superintendent in May 2018, he signed a three-year…

Urbanski and Hayes Preserve a Piece of Greenville History

Two A&M-Commerce alums are preserving history in Greenville, Texas. Robbie Urbanski and Travis Hayes, both educators, purchased the historic Pfaeffle Circle House on Park Street in Greenville in 2017. The home was built around 1905 by local jewelry store owner…

A&M-Commerce Alum Opens Educational Center in Navarro County

A&M-Commerce alum Deb Tamez designed and built the new Eagle's Nest childhood center in Navarro County. The facility will feature an after-school program that teaches science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to children from five to ten years old. The…

A&M-Commerce alumna featured by Dallas Observer

Christina Moreland, a Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna, was recently featured by the Dallas Observer. Moreland uses cartoon-styled artwork in her series “Daily Tips for a Better Quality of Life,” which, according to the article, “interrupt the incessant flow of negativity…

A&M-Commerce Alumna Steps into Superintendent Role

A&M-Commerce alumna, Linda Ellis, has been named superintendent of the Grand Prairie (TX) Independent School District. Ellis has served as interim superintendent since July 2019, following the death of her longtime mentor and colleague, former superintendent Susan Simpson Hull. Ellis…

A&M-C alum teams up with university to donate laptops to students

Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Eric Hale teamed up with this alma mater to donate 16 laptops to his students so they can continue to learn through the summer. Hale teaches first grade at David Burnet Elementary School in Dallas. He…
Corny Dogs by Katie Ritchie

A&M-Commerce Graduate Student has Artwork Featured on Fort Worth Billboard

Katie Ritchie, who graduated in May 2020 with her Master of Fine Arts from Texas A&M University-Commerce, was chosen to have her work featured on a billboard as part of the Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth’s “Modern Billings” campaign.…

Panola College Art Professor Featured in Shreveport Exhibition

Amanda Clements' artwork is featured at R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport as part of “BLOOM! 2020,” a juried exhibition. Her work was one of only 48 pieces selected for the exhibit out of 193 submissions. Clements is an art…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named as Finalist for The American Prize in Conducting

Professor Eddie W. Airheart, Tyler Junior College assistant director of bands and professor of woodwinds, has been named one of 14 finalists nationwide — and the only finalist from Texas — for The American Prize in Conducting. Since 2009, The…

A&M-Commerce Alum Named Chief Operating Officer at Midland ISD

Kellie Spencer recently accepted a position as chief operating officer for Midland ISD, one of the largest school districts in West Texas. For the past 23 years, Spencer has served at Cedar Hill ISD, most recently as assistant superintendent. She…

A&M-Commerce Alum Competes in NPR’s Tiny Desk Song Contest

A&M-Commerce alum Tim York is a contestant in National Public Radio's 2020 Tiny Desk Song Contest. His entry, “Homage de la Old Age,” is a whimsical ode to aging. York graduated from ETSU in 1970 with a degree in psychology.…

A&M-Commerce Alum to Lead Percussion Ensemble at Prestigious Conference

The North Forney (Texas) High School Percussion Ensemble, led by A&M-Commerce alum Jim Gist, has been invited to perform at the 74th Midwest Clinic in Chicago, one of the largest band and orchestra conferences in the country. The conference is…
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