College of Education and Human Services News
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…
Black History Month Extended: Celebrating the Contributions of Five Impactful TAMUC Professors
Black History Month Series Part 3: Honoring and Recognizing Impactful Black Figures in the Lion Family
As the echoes of Black History Month fade, the legacy of trailblazers like Dr. David Talbot continue to inspire forthcoming generations of brilliant professors…
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 and Austin Police Department Establish Preferred Path to a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
The partnership provides automatic admission for eligible department employees to obtain a high-value degree with no out-of-pocket expense.
The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce and the City of Austin, Texas, have partnered to establish a preferred…
A&M-Commerce Aspiring Educators Compete at State Conference, Advance to Nationals
A&M-Commerce students representing Texas Educators Affiliate, the university's chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), attended the TAFE Teach Tomorrow Summit in Round Rock, Texas, Feb. 8 through March 1.
Student members participated in several competitive events at…
TAMUC Well-Represented at Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Annual Conference
A&M-Commerce had a strong showing at the 51st annual Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education conference held Feb. 11-14 in Frisco, Texas.
Numerous faculty and staff presented at the conference, with two receiving some of TABPHE's highest awards.…
TAMUC Co-Hosts Privacy Week to Explore Digital Privacy
A&M-Commerce played a significant role in organizing and hosting an international event to promote discussions about digital privacy in academics and the wider community.
Flyer for the DRPC’s Privacy Week | Courtesy of the DRPC
Texas A&M University-Commerce played a…
TAMUC Health and Human Performance Students Present at Regional Conference
Twelve students and three faculty from the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce attended and presented at the annual conference for the Texas chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine in Waco, Texas, Feb. 22-23.
(A&M-Commerce faculty…
Blinn College and Texas A&M University-Commerce Forge New Bachelor’s Degree Pathway for Safety and Health Students
Through the partnership, students can earn their AAS in Fire Safety and Health and their BAAS in Safety and Health
By Blinn College District
BRYAN, TEXAS: The Blinn College District and Texas A&M University-Commerce have established a new transfer agreement…
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…
Health and Human Performance Students Present at Social Change Conference
A&M-Commerce students from the Department of Health and Human Performance, guided by Assistant Professor Katharine Halfacre, presented an educational session titled “Roundtable: Perspectives on Women's Health and Nutrition” at the Social Change Conference held on campus Feb. 20.
A&M-Commerce Health…
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…
A&M-Commerce Professor Set to Lead Advocacy Group’s Division of Visual Impairment and Deafblindness
A&M-Commerce faculty Dr. Beth Jones was recently elected president-elect for the Council for Exceptional Children's Division of Visual Impairment and Deafblindness (DVIDB). She will serve two years as president-elect, two years as president, and two years as past president.
DVIDB's…
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…
A&M-Commerce Alum, Instructor Spearheads Changes to CFL Collective Bargaining Agreement
A&M-Commerce alum and instructor Brandy Runyan recently celebrated the culmination of a two-year effort to battle fraudulent practices targeting free agents in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Runyan, founder of Black Diamond PR & Sport Management Firm in Dallas, championed…
A&M-Commerce Students Gain Skills for Healthy, Affordable Cooking
The Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce, in conjunction with the Lions Coalition for Accessible Needs, recently hosted a seminar on healthy meal preparation in the testing kitchen within the Nursing and Health Sciences building on campus.
More…
A&M-Commerce Doctoral Students Honored by International Association
Two A&M-Commerce doctoral students, Diana Rodriguez and Duc Huy, were recently named 2024 Emerging Leaders by the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC). IAMFC is a division of the American Counseling Association consisting of counselors, therapists, social workers,…
A&M-Commerce Construction Science Alum Named to Prestigious 40 Under 40 List
A&M-Commerce alum Todd Wynne ('12) is forging a reputation as an innovative leader in the construction industry. He was recently named a distinguished recipient of the Building Design + Construction 2023 40 Under 40 award recognizing architecture, engineering and construction…
A&M-Commerce Alum Receives Human Rights Award
The Texas Counseling Association recently honored A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Staussa Ervin ('98, '05) as the recipient of its 2023 Molly Gerold Human Rights Award, which recognizes contributions in one or more areas of human rights.
Ervin's background advocating for human…
A&M-Commerce Building Reputation as Solid Choice for Future Physicists
In a world driven by technology and innovation, a degree in physics is a gateway to limitless possibilities. With the study of physics offering numerous benefits and opening doors to career paths across industries, the Department of Physics and Astronomy…
TAMUC Scholar-Athlete Tapped for Second-Team All-Academic Honors
A&M-Commerce scholar-athlete Casey Novelo earned Southland Conference second team all-academic honors for men's cross country in 2023, according to an announcement from Lion Athletics.
Novelo is a junior majoring in electrical engineering. He is a President's List honoree named to…
TEA Appoints TAMUC Alum as Deputy Commissioner of School Programs
The Texas Education Agency recently confirmed its appointment of A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Shannon Trejo ('23) as deputy commissioner for its Office of School Programs.
In her new role, Trejo will oversee three departments tasked with providing resources, services and program…
A&M-Commerce Physics Students Earn National Recognition
The Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has won a 2022-23 Outstanding Chapter Award from the SPS national office. This is the seventh consecutive year the chapter has been recognized for its excellence as a…
“Winter Blues”: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Tips to Fight It
Winter can be a beautiful season. The air gets colder; the holidays arrive, and a snow flurry might even appear. But for many, the feeling of “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” isn’t always pleasant. In fact, during the colder…
TAMUC Doctoral Student Named 2023 Administrator for the Gifted
The Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT) named A&M-Commerce doctoral student Cheryl Beard as its 2023 TAGT Administrator for the Gifted. The award recognizes service, contributions and commitment to gifted education.
Beard has been an educator and district…
Educational Leadership Council Names TAMUC Professor ‘Living Legend’
The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) selected A&M-Commerce faculty Dr. Nathan R. Templeton as the recipient of its 2024 Living Legend award, which recognizes service, scholarship and overall contributions to ICPEL and the field of education.
Templeton—a…
Preserving History: TAMUC Student Helps Keep The East Texan Alive
Jackson Thornton, a senior Computer Science major at A&M-Commerce, is helping preserve the university's rich history. Since August, he has interned in the Archives Department, located on campus in Waters Library. His role is to digitize The East Texan, A&M-Commerce's…
A&M-Commerce: A Gateway to the Fastest-Growing Careers
A recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals remarkable growth in the U.S. job market in the fields of health, math and computer science. In fact, 15 of the top 20 fastest-growing careers land in these three fields. As…
Decades After Escaping Abuse, TAMUC Alum Now Aids Domestic Violence Victims
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Aaliyah Miranda ('19) is featured in a recent Dallas Morning News article describing her journey from experiencing domestic violence to becoming a champion for victims of domestic abuse.
Born and raised in Mexico, Miranda immigrated to the…
A&M-Commerce Nursing Instructor Inspires Students to Take Flight
Few roles in healthcare are as dynamic and demanding as that of a flight nurse. These dedicated professionals provide quick, specialized care to critical patients during emergency air transport. Brandy Estes worked as a flight nurse for seven years before…
TAMUC Students Advance to State Competition for Future Educators
A&M-Commerce students comprising Texas Educators' Affiliate—the A&M-Commerce chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE)—demonstrated their teaching skills at the TAFE Area 11 regional competition at the University of North Texas at Dallas on Nov. 11.
Pictured from left.…
How to Mindfully Eat During the Holiday Season—A Conversation with TAMUC’s Registered Dietician
The holiday season—that sweet spot from Thanksgiving to Christmas—offers an abundance of mouthwatering dishes. Think turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, rich and cheesy casseroles, and, of course, all of those sweet, sweet pies. Are you drooling yet?
While…
Strokes of Brilliance—10 TAMUC Alumni with Successful Artistic Careers
Did you know that A&M-Commerce has produced several talented and incredibly successful artists? “Successful” as in famous, well known and award-winning! Whether you're studying the arts at A&M-Commerce or simply dabbling in it on the side, you're in a lineage…
TAMUC Alum Tapped as Associate Provost at UT Martin
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Stephanie Kolitsch ('87) is the new associate provost for academic affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin, according to an announcement on the university's news site.
Previously, Kolitsch served as acting provost and senior vice chancellor…
A&M-Commerce Professor Offers Insight on Teacher Retention in Texas
Dr. Kathryn Dixon, professor and head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, was recently featured in a Dallas Morning News article about teacher retention issues in the state of Texas.
The article indicates teacher burnout is at…
TAMUC Professor Discusses University’s Quail Repopulation Efforts in Article
A&M-Commerce associate professor Dr. Kelly Reyna is featured in an article by the Tyler (TX) Morning Telegraph, where he discusses the critical issue of declining quail populations in Texas and across the country. The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for…
TAMUC Alum Gives Perspective of Successful Anime Career
Amanda Gish (left) and a few of the colorful characters she has given voice to
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Amanda Gish was recently featured in a profile published by the Herald Banner to share about her successful voice acting career…
TAMUC Nursing Student Enjoying Second Life After Championship Boxing Career
Former two-time world champion boxer and current A&M-Commerce nursing student Kaliesha West-Hoke was recently inducted into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.
(Kaliesha West-Hoke with A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin. Photo by Tyler Holloway | Texas A&M University-Commerce Office of…
A&M-Commerce Hosts Special Education Mini Field Day for Commerce ISD
Students of all abilities from Commerce ISD (CISD) and A&M-Commerce joined forces to facilitate a day of activities for students with disabilities on Friday, Sept. 29.
In total, more than 50 CISD students attended with several teachers and staff members.…
A&M-Commerce Professors Team to Publish Book on Mental Health
Drs. Dimitra Smith and LaVelle Hendricks have published their latest book “Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving from Denial to Acceptance.”
Published through IGI Global, the book describes the history of mental health in the African…
A&M-Commerce Alum Elected to National Health Center Board
A&M-Commerce alum Stan McKee has been elected to a two-year term serving as a health center board member representative to the board of directors for the National Association of Community Health Centers.
A retired senior manager of customer relations for…
TAMUC Professor and Alum Promoted to Associate Dean of Grad School
Dr. Jennifer Dyer from A&M-Commerce's Department of Curriculum and Instruction has been selected as the associate dean of the Graduate School. Dyer received her Ph.D. in Integrated Teaching and Learning from Ohio State University in 2002. She attended A&M-Commerce as…
A&M-Commerce Faculty Secure $100k College Readiness Grant
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has selected A&M-Commerce to receive a $100,000 College Readiness and Success Models grant. Dr. Pamela Webster, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, and Dr. Gavin Johnson, assistant professor and director of writing in…
A&M-Commerce Professor Selected as Researcher of the Year
The Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) has selected A&M-Commerce faculty Dr. Kriss Kemp-Graham to receive its 2023 Researcher of the Year award. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of educational research and inquiry.
Kemp-Graham's research…
TAMUC College of Science and Engineering Names Associate Dean
Dr. Kent Montgomery has been appointed associate dean for the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at A&M-Commerce. He has served as associate professor and head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at A&M-Commerce since 2018.
Montgomery earned a…
A&M-Commerce Researcher Joins East Texas Conservation Project
A&M-Commerce assistant professor of biology Dr. Bjorn Schmidt secured a grant for $20,240.52 to participate in a collaborative research project between Texas Parks & Wildlife and Stephen F. Austin University.
The joint venture will investigate the distribution of several rare…
A&M-Commerce Alum Joins Tarleton Psychology Faculty
A&M-Commerce alumni Dr. Amanda Stevens accepted a position as assistant professor of psychology at Tarleton State University. Stevens began her position this fall semester.
Stevens earned three psychology degrees from A&M-Commerce. She completed her bachelor's with honors in 2011, her…
TAMUC Alum Selected to Chair Psychonomic Society Finance Committee
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Tom Faulkenberry is tapped to chair the finance committee for the Psychonomic Society, an international scientific organization comprised of over 4,500 scientists and psychologists.
Faulkenberry holds a bachelor's from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a master's degree…
A&M-Commerce Faculty and Students Conduct Elite Athlete Research Abroad
A team of A&M-Commerce researchers recently partnered with USA Track & Field to conduct research at the 2023 Thorpe Cup competition in Germany. The trip was sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Performance, the College of Education and…
TAMUC Alum One of Six Finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year
The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has selected A&M-Commerce alum Genesis Yougas as one of six finalists in its 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year program.
Yougas has spent the past three years of her 10-year education career teaching…