College of Education and Human Services News

THECB Taps East Texas A&M Professor to Evaluate Workforce Training Initiative
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, a professor of counseling at East Texas A&M University, has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), to evaluate the Texas Innovative Adult Career Educational (ACE) Grant Program.

Snakes and Conan the Barbarian: Unique Topics at East Texas A&M Lion’s Lecture
On April 22, attendees at the atrium of the Nursing and Health Sciences Building were treated to two equally fascinating Lion’s Lectures, one discussing snakes and the other covering Texas author Robert E. Howard.

East Texas A&M Researchers Link Pollution Exposure to Mental Health Risks
A new peer-reviewed study involving East Texas A&M researchers is drawing urgent attention to the mental health consequences of environmental pollution in rural, underserved communities across the South.

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.

Staff Member Appointed to Texas Association of Play Therapy Board of Directors
On March 20, Dr. Candace Chuyou-Campbell, clinical director for the Department of Counseling at East Texas A&M University, was appointed to the board of directors of the Texas Association for Play Therapy (TxAPT).

Region 10 Superintendent Certification Program Students Enjoy Golf and Networking
Region 10 students gathered and shared experiences at their recent golfing event. They had the opportunity to network while enjoying a day of fun and connecting.

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.

Why Advancing from RN to BSN Matters More Than Ever – And How It’s Faster and Cheaper Than You Think
At East Texas A&M University, an RN can earn their BSN in a matter of months while avoiding many of the drawbacks of the standard college experience.

Symposium Delivers Valuable Lessons to Graduate Students
For the fourth consecutive semester, East Texas A&M University Assistant Professor Dr. Leslie Ekpe organized and hosted an online Graduate Student Symposium.

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

Public Health Showcase Comes to East Texas A&M
On March 21, East Texas A&M Health and Human Performance students hosted the fourth annual Public Health Showcase at the university’s Dallas site.

Newsome named to CSC Academic All-District Team
East Texas A&M University women's basketball guard Jordyn Newsome was named to the Academic All-District team, as selected by the College Sports Communicators.

Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Sign-ups Open Now
East Texas A&M University will host the Roll ‘n’ Shoot 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament on May 1 at 5 p.m. at the Nursing and Health Services Building gym, room 175.

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.

Undergraduate Nutrition Program Earns Accreditation Candidacy
The Department of Health and Human Performance at East Texas A&M University recently announced that its Bachelor of Science in Nutrition degree program was granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

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.

ETAMU Assistant Professor Receives Special Appointment From Texas Governor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed Assistant Professor Belinda Rudinger, Ed.D., to the Governing Board of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI).

Faculty Member Honored with TABPHE State Service Award
East Texas A&M faculty member Michele Anderson was recently honored with the Reby Cary Community Service Award by the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education.
Reactivated Chi Sigma Iota Chapter at East Texas A&M Initiates New Members
The Epsilon Tau Honor Society, which promotes professionalism in counseling, will hold initiation ceremonies each fall and spring semester to induct new members.

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.
Super Bowl 2025: How Fandom Boosts Mental Health, According to Psychology Research
Dr. Stephen Reysen shares his insights into the psychology of the millions of fans who will watch Super Bowl 2025.

East Texas A&M Recognized for Top Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report
East Texas A&M earned top ratings from U.S. News & World Report for several online degree programs, reflecting the university's commitment to excellence and innovation in online education.

East Texas A&M Doctoral Student Named Assistant Superintendent for Bonham ISD
A seasoned educator and administrator with more than 25 years of experience, Branam is pursuing a doctorate in educational administration at ETAMU.

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.

Department of Health and Human Performance Shines at Annual Industry Conference
Faculty and students from the department received awards and presented workshops at the premier industry conference.

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…
East Texas A&M Professor Joins Educational Administration Group’s Executive Board
Ross brings more than 28 years of experience in education to the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration executive board.

Honoring Cultures Through Literacy: ETAMU Hosts First Culturally Relevant Literacy Seminar
The event brought together educators to explore effective strategies for integrating cultural perspectives into literacy instruction.

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.

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.

Interdisciplinary Team of Faculty Publish Title on Hispanic Leadership
The book is a result of a joint effort between the provost and the College of Education and Human Services to promote cross-discipline collaboration at A&M-Commerce.

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.

A&M-Commerce Introduces Bachelor’s with Strength and Conditioning Emphasis to Train Future Athletic Performance Coaches
The bachelor's in strength and conditioning will provide a comprehensive curriculum combined with theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Preparing Bilingual Teachers for Texas Classrooms: A&M-Commerce Receives $2.7 Million Multilingualism Grant
The university will use the funding to launch the LeoTeach BEACON project.

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

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.

Six Mount Pleasant ISD Employees Receive Scholarships for Pride Pathway at A&M-Commerce
The program addresses teacher shortages by assisting school district employees in earning their degree and teacher certification.

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.

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 Students Present at International Educator Convention
The students shared their experience establishing the first DKG student organization.

A&M-Commerce Education Students Compete Successfully at National Conference
Three A&M-Commerce students recently competed with future teachers from across the nation at the Educators Rising 2024 National Conference in Washington, DC.

Alternative Certification Empowers Career Changers and Retirees to Become Skilled Teachers
These online programs create pathways for professionals with non-education bachelor’s degrees to shift to a teaching career.

A&M-Commerce Faculty’s Research on Texas Districts of Innovation Posted on Brown University’s EdWorkingPapers Website
Dr. Kathryn Dixon, associate professor and assistant dean for the College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M-Commerce, and Dr. Sarah Guthery with the University of Oklahoma have researched the first iteration of Texas Districts of Innovation (DOI). DOIs…

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…

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 Faculty Publishes Book for Children with Unique Names
A&M-Commerce faculty member Dr. Kamshia Childs recently authored the children's book, “I Am More Than My Name.”
Aimed at children from ages six to 10, the book celebrates the beauty of having a unique name through poetic storytelling. Illustrated by…

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…