College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts News
TAMUC Student Wins National Percussion Performance Competition
A Texas A&M University-Commerce music student recently took the first-place prize at the 2024 Black Swamp Percussion Solo & Ensemble Showcase. Noah Avelar, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Music degree, won the College Snare Drum division with his…
Showcasing Scholarship: Highlights from TAMUC’s Annual Research Symposium
TAMUC students present innovative research projects to the university community and industry leaders.
Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted its Annual Research Symposium on April 17, 2024, at the university's Rayburn Student Center. The symposium showcased undergraduate and graduate research projects, providing…
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 Music Faculty Releases Video Performance Album
Dr. Daniel Kelly, professor of trumpet at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently released a video album on YouTube. The album, titled “Streets of Scarlet and Shadow,” features five pieces for trumpet and piano that draw inspiration from the aesthetic of film…
A&M-Commerce Awards First Annual Innovations in Writing Pedagogy GAT Award
Four A&M-Commerce doctoral students received the Innovations in Writing Pedagogy GAT Award from the Department of Literature and Languages. The recipients are Dr. Rachel McShane, Dr. Brian McShane, Gouda Taha and Reza Panahi.
The award was established this year to…
Dr. Joseph Romero Selected as Next Dean of TAMUC College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Following a national search, Dr. Joseph Romero has been chosen as the next dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts (CHSSA) at Texas A&M University-Commerce, effective June 1, 2024.
Romero joins the A&M-Commerce family after having served…
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…
TAMUC Music Faculty Publishes Collection of Songs for Performance
Dr. Leanne Scaggs, instructor of voice and opera at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently published a performance edition of a collection of songs by classical composer Nina d’Aubigny von Engelbrunner. The collection, titled “Deutsche, Italienische und Französische Gesänge mit Begleitung des…
A&M-Commerce Professor Receives Prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Dr. Maia Lamarque, a professor in the Department of Literature and Languages at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for the 2024-2025 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.…
A&M-Commerce Flute Ensemble Performing at National Convention this Summer
The Flute Choir at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently announced their invitation to perform a showcase concert at the 2024 National Flute Association (NFA) Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The 52nd annual convention is scheduled for August 1-4. The NFA was…
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…
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 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 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…
Documentary Produced by TAMUC Faculty Member Premiering at SXSW Film Festival
A documentary chronicling the life of Liz Carpenter that is associate produced by Texas A&M University-Commerce Distinguished Professor Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky is set for its screen debut at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, scheduled for March 8-16…
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 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…
A&M-Commerce Elevating Music Education with New School of Music Designation
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Music is elevating its status to become the School of Music, effective September 1, 2024.
Approval to change the department's designation was granted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in January 2024.…
Dr. David Talbot: TAMUC’s Champion for Civil Rights
Part 1: Honoring and Recognizing Impactful Black Figures in the Lion Family
Photo of Dr. David Arlington Talbot, circa 1980 | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Many students at Texas A&M University-Commerce have wandered the halls or taken classes in David Talbot…
Adobe Creative Campus Program Spreads Digital Literacy Across TAMUC
Students, faculty and staff are plugging into the power of Adobe software as digital literacy continues to spread across the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus.
For the past two years, A&M-Commerce has been an official Adobe Creative Campus, a partnership that…
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…
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…
Visual Communication Faculty Featured in Industry Magazine
In the November issue of Graphis Journal magazine, Associate Professor of Visual Communication and Assistant Head of the Department of Art Josh Ege, was interviewed about his teaching philosophy and how he approaches educating the next generation of designers. Graphis…
True Crime Meets Academia—Dr. Charles Woods Shares His Research
Part 4 of the Spooky Stories Series
Content Warning: Although not described in detail, this article does mention topics of murder and sexual assault that may be triggering to some.
For October, we have been exploring scary stories at A&M-Commerce,…
TAMUC History Professor Busts Myths About The Salem Witch Trials
Part 3 of the Spooky Stories Series
When we think about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, we may conjure horrific mental images of women being burned at the stake or bound by ropes and thrown into the water. But our…
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…
World Champion Boxer Roberto Durán Meets with University Community at A&M-Commerce Event
A legend in the world of boxing, Roberto Durán made a special appearance at Texas A&M University-Commerce on Tuesday, October 10. The former World Champion engaged with students, faculty and staff through a series of special events.
Durán, known as…
Whoooooo’s There?: The “Hauntings” of David Talbot Hall
On the farthest east side of campus stands David Talbot Hall. It's a fairly plain-looking building from the outside: red brick, rectangular in shape, uniform windows neatly lined up on all four sides. Inside, however, is a different story. The…
The 2023 Manhattan Short Film Festival at TAMUC—Doctoral Student Ranks the 10 Finalists
On September 29, Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted the annual Manhattan Short Film Festival in David Talbot Hall. The festival is a global event held from September 28 through October 8 in over 500 cities across six continents. A&M-Commerce has hosted…
Scary Stories and Staying Power—TAMUC Professor Shines a Spooky Light on a Children’s Horror Classic
Part 1 of the Spooky Story Series
For many of us, a childhood rite of passage was to get our hands on a book from Alvin Schwartz's “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series. The spine-chilling tales and Stephen…
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…
Community Invited to Art Walk 2023 at Texas A&M University-Commerce
What's more delightful than a leisurely stroll through campus on a crisp October evening, immersing yourself in art galleries and savoring refreshments? Mark your calendars for Art Walk 2023 on Wednesday, October 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Texas…
TAMUC Percussion Alums Land University Appointments
A pair of alums from Texas A&M University-Commerce were recently hired in faculty roles at Texas universities. Dr. Caleb Pickering (B.S., Music Education, 2012) was named assistant professor of percussion at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Dr. Andrew Veit (M.M., Percussion…
TAMUC Distinguished Professor contributes to Houston Chronicle Article
Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, distinguished professor of digital humanities and history at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was recently featured in an article in the Houston Chronicle announcing the naming of a new park in Bexar County, Texas. The park is slated to…
TAMUC Alum Becomes Three-Time ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni Jared Watson was selected to compete on the popular trivia game show “Jeopardy!” and amassed a three-game win streak. Watson’s episodes, which were taped earlier in the year, aired in June 2023. Watson, a Quinlan, Texas…
TAMUC Student Elected President of A&M System Committee
Adriel Terrazas, a Political Science major from Terrell, Texas, was recently elected president of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Committee (CSAC) for the Texas A&M University System. The CSAC was created in 1982 to provide an avenue for all student leaders…
A&M-Commerce Alum Given Computer Science Teaching Honor
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Christopher Evans was named as an honorable mention for the 2023 Computer Science Teachers Association CS Teaching Excellence Award. The honor is given to computer science teachers who demonstrate excellent work inspiring students to explore the…
A&M-Commerce Percussion Ensemble Wins International Competition
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Percussion Ensemble, led by Dr. Brian Zator, was one of three winners chosen in in the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Percussion Ensemble Competition (IPEC) along with Indiana University and Florida State University.
As a result…
A&M-Commerce Faculty Publishes New Book on Southern Metropolitan History
Dr. Andrew Baker, associate professor of History at Texas A&M University-Commerce, recently published a book examining the histories of southern U.S. metropolises Houston and Washington D.C. “Bulldozer Revolutions” uses historical records, oral history and environmental politics to explore the relationship…
A&M-Commerce Graduate is “The Voice of Hunt County”
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Carissa Carter has been singing for as long as she can remember. Her talent and determination were on full display as the inaugural winner of “The Voice of Hunt County,” a singing competition held April 14-15…
A&M-Commerce Invests in Employees with New Professional Development Series
Amid post-pandemic trends in the workplace that focus on improving employee job satisfaction, a new professional development series at Texas A&M University-Commerce promises to empower employees and foster rewarding work experiences.
Dubbed “Investing in US,” the series of for-credit courses…
TAMUC Theatre Faculty Awarded Kennedy Center Medal
Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor of Playwriting and Theatre Pedagogy Dr. Jackie Rosenfeld was recently honored with the Region 6 Kennedy Center Gold Medallion at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Abilene, TX. Region 6 encompasses all of…
A&M-Commerce VisCom Program Brings Home Awards from 2023 Dallas ADDY’s
A pair of awards were handed out to work created by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Visual Communication program at the 2023 Dallas ADDY Awards.
The ADDY’s, officially known as the American Advertising Award, are given each year by the Dallas…
Lion Students Win Awards at Vocal Competition Held at A&M-Commerce
Several music students at Texas A&M University-Commerce received high marks at a recent vocal competition held at the university.
A&M-Commerce hosted the spring competition of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In total, 219…
TAMUC Faculty Win Grant Award for Digital Privacy Lab on Campus
A collective featuring two Texas A&M University-Commerce faculty members is the recipient of a monetary award that will be used to establish a digital rhetorical privacy lab on the university campus.
Dr. Charles Woods and Dr. Gavin Johnson, both assistant…
TAMUC Professor Honored as ‘Star’ Texas Photographer
Chad Smith, professor of photography at Texas A&M University-Commerce, was recently honored as a “Star of Texas” by the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) at their annual winter meeting held at the University of Texas at Arlington.
The award…
Lion Alum has Painting Featured in Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum and artist Lee Herring has one of his paintings on display in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas. The law enforcement agency is commemorating the 200th anniversary of its founding this…
TAMUC Students Showcase Their Work at Annual Juried Art Exhibition
Students majoring in Art at Texas A&M University-Commerce put their work on display to be judged by a guest artist as part of the annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.
The students' submissions were judged by Dr. Elizabeth Ranieri, a visiting…