Honoring Excellence: Meet the 2026 Alumni Ambassador Awardees
The 2026 Alumni Ambassador Forum was held on Wednesday, March 25, in the Rayburn Student Center on the East Texas A&M University campus. As part of the day-long event, the 2026 Alumni Ambassadors were recognized during an award ceremony.
The Alumni Ambassador Award is the highest honor each department may bestow upon its alumni, recognizing exceptional professional achievement, leadership and service. Departments nominate outstanding graduates, who are then invited back to East Texas A&M to engage with current students, faculty and staff during the annual forum.
Amanda Lowe, director of Alumni Engagement, reflected on the importance of this honor:
“Being named an Alumni Ambassador by East Texas A&M is such a special honor. I love that it gives us the opportunity to recognize truly incredible Lions who are doing amazing things in their careers and communities. Each of these individuals represents the heart of our Lion community, and it is incredibly meaningful to welcome them back to campus to share their stories and help our students see what is possible.”
This year, 25 new awardees were recognized from six of East Texas A&M’s colleges.
2026 Alumni Ambassadors
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Tyler Dewey, Bs Agriculture '06
Agricultural Business
Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma
Tyler Dewey serves as Associate Director of Cattle Sales for Merck Animal Health, leading sales strategy and supports cattle operations across the industry. His work focuses on driving performance, innovation, and relationship-based solutions in the animal health and biopharmaceutical sectors.
Dewey earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from East Texas A&M University and later completed a Master of Science in Animal Science from the University of Arizona. As a student, he was a member of the Livestock Judging Team, earning national recognition. That team-based experience shaped his leadership approach and professional network within the agricultural community. His career includes leadership roles in higher education as an instructor and livestock judging coach, followed by progressive positions in animal health organizations. His professional trajectory reflects the long-term value of applied agricultural training and leadership development.
Payton John Swinson, BS Animal Science '19, MS Agricultural Sciences '21
Animal Science
Hometown: Commerce, Texas
Payton John Swinson is a Relationship Manager with Texas Farm Credit, where he works with agricultural producers to develop sustainable financial strategies that support farms and ranches across the region. His role emphasizes relationship-building, lending solutions, and long-term planning within the agricultural industry.
Swinson earned both his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences from East Texas A&M University. During his time as a student, he served as a CASNR Ag Ambassador, competed on the Livestock Judging Team, and was recognized on the President's List. He has continued to support the university through committee service and as a research symposium judge. His career reflects a strong foundation in applied agriculture, leadership, and community-focused service.
College Of Humanities, Social Sciences, And Arts
Debora Schubert Lytle, BFA '87
Art
Hometown: Cumby, Texas
Debora Schubert Lytle is a full-time studio artist and art workshop instructor with a career spanning public education, higher education, and commissioned fine art. She previously served as an art teacher across multiple Texas school districts and as an adjunct instructor at Paris Junior College.
Lytle earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from East Texas A&M University, where she was active in the Art Club and later contributed to the university through portrait commissions, scholarship jury service, and leadership from ‘85–‘89 at the Children's Learning Center. Her professional work includes commissioned portraits for institutional and historical organizations. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to arts education, creative practice and community engagement.
Margo McCutcheon, BA History '16, MA History '19
History & Liberal Studies
Hometown: Bonham, Texas
Margo McCutcheon is an educator and interpreter with the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site, part of the Texas Historical Commission, where she develops programs, leads public events, supervises volunteers, and conducts historical research. Her work focuses on interpreting regional and national history through community engagement and public education. McCutcheon earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from East Texas A&M University.
As a student, she was a member of the Honors College, served as treasurer for Phi Alpha Theta, and participated in the East Texas War and Memory Project. She continues to support students by connecting them with volunteer opportunities and applied learning experiences. Her career reflects the application of historical research, writing and public scholarship in a professional setting.
Shelby Miller, MS '12, PhD '19
Literature & Languages
Hometown: Greenville, Texas
Shelby Miller is an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of Literature and Languages at East Texas A&M University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in linguistics, language, and writing. Her research focuses on humor, accessibility, neurodiversity, and inclusive language learning. Miller earned her Master's degree in Higher Education and doctorate in English with an applied linguistics focus from East Texas A&M University.
Her career includes roles as a program coordinator, instructor, researcher, and conference organizer. She is the founder of Teaching Headquarters for Americans with Disabilities Act (THADA), providing professional development on accessible course design. Her work reflects a commitment to equity, research-informed teaching, and professional mentorship.
Mario Luna, MM '12
School of Music
Hometown: Forney, Texas
Mario Luna serves as Director of Fine Arts for Forney Independent School District, bringing more than two decades of experience in music education and program leadership. He previously led a nationally recognized percussion program at Forney High School, earning numerous awards and high-profile performance opportunities.
Luna earned his Master of Music from East Texas A&M University after completing his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. In addition to his work in education, he hosts the North Texas Percussion Festival and North Texas Drumline Contest and supports a scholarship through the Percussive Arts Society. His career reflects leadership in fine arts education, mentorship, and community-centered service.
Tyler Hicks, BS Criminal Justice '23
Social Sciences
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Texas
Tyler Hicks is a police officer committed to community engagement, public safety, and proactive policing. His work emphasizes relationship-building, trust, and service through daily interactions with the communities he serves. Hicks earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Texas A&M University and was highly involved in campus leadership as a student.
He served as president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., held executive leadership roles on the Orientation Team and Lion Camp, and served as a lead mentor in the African American Male Mentoring Program. His professional path reflects leadership development, civic responsibility, and applied service grounded in criminal justice education.
Micah McBay, MS Theatre ‘20
Theater
Hometown
Micah McBay serves as Community Engagement Director for the City of Greenville, Texas, where he oversees communications, tourism, Main Street initiatives and the Greenville Municipal Auditorium. In 2025, he worked with city leadership to oversee a $5 million upgrade to the auditorium's technical systems. His career includes roles as a church music director, public school teacher, restaurant owner and manager, operations manager and carpenter.
McBay earned his Master of Science in Theatre from East Texas A&M University in 2020. As a graduate student, he served as scene shop foreman and graduate assistant in the Theatre Department and taught Introduction to Theatre. He contributed to productions through acting, sound design, set design, lighting design and directing. He continues to support the university as an adjunct instructor and through community partnerships with ETAMU Athletics.
College Of Innovation And Design
Eddie Moore II, BGS '25
General Studies
Eddie Moore II is an IT Project Manager with Highmark Health, where he supports technology initiatives by coordinating teams, timelines, and organizational goals. His work emphasizes communication, collaboration, and translating complex objectives into actionable outcomes within IT environments. Moore earned his Bachelor of General Studies from East Texas A&M University as a nontraditional student, balancing full-time work and family responsibilities while completing his degree.
His academic experience helped clarify his professional focus, particularly through coursework in global competency and design thinking. In addition to his professional work, he is developing a community-centered urban apiary project in Dallas, reflecting an interest in innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.
Kate Quintanar, BAAS Organizational Leadership '23
Organizational Leadership
Kate Quintanar is an Advanced Reading Language Arts teacher at Herman Furlough Jr. Middle School in Terrell ISD, where she also serves as a UIL Editorial and Creative Writing coach and National Junior Honor Society sponsor. Her work emphasizes literacy development, student leadership, and college readiness.
As a first generation Latina college graduate, Quintanar earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership from East Texas A&M University, graduating magna cum laude while balancing full-time employment as a competency-based online student. She holds Texas teaching certifications in English Language Arts, ESL, and Gifted and Talented education and has been selected to teach in her district's College Preparatory Academy program. Her career reflects persistence, instructional leadership, and student-centered impact.
Sherry S. Winkler, BAAS '25, FSA
Health Service Administration
Sheryl S. Winkler is a registered respiratory therapist with Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center. She works in outpatient services performing pulmonary function testing, home oxygen evaluations and sleep apnea therapy. Winkler also participates in the VA's LEAD program, which promotes civility, respect and engagement in the workplace.
Winkler earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Health Service Administration from East Texas A&M University in 2025 after completing an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy in 2003. One of her proudest accomplishments was being selected to deliver the commencement speech at graduation. She is an active member of the East Texas A&M Alumni Association and plans to continue her education through graduate study at the university.
College of Education And Human Services
Dr. Michelle Perepiczka, PhD '08
Counseling
Dr. Michelle Perepiczka is a counselor educator and licensed mental health counselor who has served in higher education and private practice since 2008. She is currently affiliated with the University of Phoenix and has an extensive record of scholarship, publication, and professional leadership in humanistic counseling.
Perepiczka earned her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from East Texas A&M University and received multiple scholarships and research grants during her studies. She has held national leadership roles within the Association for Humanistic Counseling and serves on multiple editorial boards for professional journals. Her career reflects sustained contributions to counselor education, research and professional development.
Stacy Anderson, BS Nursing '21
Nursing
Stacy Anderson is a full-time ICU charge nurse at Texas Health Resources Rockwall, where she provides critical care leadership during night shifts and supports complex patient care in high-acuity settings. She also serves as a skills lab instructor for junior-level nursing students, contributing to clinical training and simulation-based learning.
Anderson earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Texas A&M University and was actively involved in the Student Nurses Association and the Fellowship of Christian Student Nurses. Since entering the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has advanced from med-tele nursing into intensive care, earning her CCRN certification and recognition as Employee of the Month. Her career reflects resilience, clinical excellence and a commitment to preparing future nurses for practice.
Tammy Finney, BSW '19, MSW '20, LCSW '23
Social Work
Tammy Finney serves as Women and Family Services Program Manager at The Salvation Army in Dallas, where she leads initiatives supporting women and families through education, recovery, and community-based services. Her work focuses on trauma-responsive care, advocacy, and long-term stability for vulnerable populations.
Finney earned both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees from East Texas A&M University and later became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her professional background includes clinical therapy, EMDR training, and leadership in nonprofit service delivery. She continues to engage with the university by speaking to graduate social work students and mentoring future practitioners. Her career path reflects applied leadership, lived experience, and a commitment to service-driven professional practice.
Dr. Jennifer Smith Jones, MEd '99, MS '01, Edd ’07
Educational Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Smith Jones serves as Chief Academic Officer at Region 7 Education Service Center, where she oversees curriculum development, instructional leadership, educator preparation programs, and strategic initiatives supporting school systems across East Texas. Her leadership centers on academic excellence, equity, and organizational improvement.
Jones earned three graduate degrees from East Texas A&M University, including two master's degrees and a doctorate in educational administration. Her career spans roles as counselor, campus administrator, superintendent, university initiative director, and assistant professor. She has received multiple state and regional honors for leadership and innovation and remains deeply engaged in mentoring educators and advancing system-level improvement. Her career reflects sustained leadership in education and public service.
Dr. Kerry Karaffa, BS Criminal Justice '09, MS Psychology ‘12, PhD
Psychology
Dr. Kerry Karaffa is a licensed psychologist with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, where he serves as Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator. His work focuses on counseling, consultation, and research supporting veterinary trainees and professionals.
Karaffa earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from East Texas A&M University before completing his doctorate in counseling psychology. He has contributed to the development of embedded counseling models and serves on advisory boards related to mental health in veterinary medicine. His career reflects interdisciplinary research, clinical practice, and applied psychological services.
Edward James Monroy IV, BS Public Health '19, MPH
Health & Human Performance
Edward “Eddie” Monroy serves as Senior Project Manager at CAN Community Health, where he leads the Project Management Office and oversees a broad portfolio supporting clinical operations across multiple states. His work includes launching new clinical sites and expanding access to care for people living with HIV.
Monroy earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Texas A&M University, graduating with highest honors, and later completed a Master of Public Health from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He has published peer-reviewed research, presented at public health conferences, and continues to serve East Texas A&M as an adjunct instructor in the College of Innovation and Design. His career demonstrates the impact of applied public health leadership and systems-level problem solving.
Dr. Dina Marie Sosa-Hegarty, EdD '19
Higher Education & Learning Technologies
Dr. Dina Sosa-Hegarty is an educational leader with extensive experience in student success, enrollment management, and institutional effectiveness. She most recently served as Dean of Support Programs at Dallas College, where she provided executive leadership for initiatives serving diverse student populations. Sosa-Hegarty earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from East Texas A&M University and holds multiple professional certifications in compliance, mediation, and project management.
A lifelong advocate for access and equity in education, she has been recognized as a HACU Fellow and NCCHC Fellow. Her career reflects servant leadership, data-informed decision-making, and long-term commitment to higher education.
Nekeya Laton Webster, BS Interdisciplinary Studies '08
Curriculum & Instruction
Nekeya Laton Webster is an educator and school leader with more than 15 years of experience across public, charter, and Montessori education. She is the founder of Lion of Judah Montessori Academy, becoming the first Black woman to open a Montessori school in South Dallas.
Webster earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from East Texas A&M University. Her career includes classroom teaching, curriculum innovation, and school leadership, as well as service as an ordained minister and community advocate. Her professional journey reflects the application of educational theory, leadership, and advocacy to expand access and opportunity for students and families.
College of Science and Engineering
Sandy R. Davis, BS Computer Science '86
Computer Science & Information Systems
Sandy R. Davis is a data architect with Amtrak, with a career focused on enterprise data management and systems modernization. His professional experience spans database development, administration, and large-scale architecture design across transportation and technology organizations.
Davis earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from East Texas A&M University and was among the first students to participate in the university's cooperative education program. His career includes more than two decades at BNSF Railway, where he led modernization efforts for enterprise data systems. He is also a co-author of a professional text on data modeling and schema design.
Kaci Rae Flowers, BS Mathematics '13, FSA
Mathematics
Kaci Rae Flowers is a Senior Managing Actuary with Health Care Service Corporation, where her work focuses on actuarial pharmacy strategy and data-driven decision-making within the healthcare industry. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Flowers earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from East Texas A&M University and was actively involved in both the mathematics and music departments. Her background includes participation in Pi Mu Epsilon, a winning calculus bowl team, and multiple university ensembles. She began her actuarial career working with pension plans before transitioning into healthcare-focused actuarial leadership. Her professional path highlights the analytical rigor and adaptability developed through a strong quantitative foundation.
Sheun B. Ojemuyiwa, MS Technology Management '18
Engineering & Technology
Sheun B. Ojemuyiwa is a Senior Consultant with KPMG, specializing in cybersecurity, risk management, and digital transformation for multinational organizations. His work focuses on strengthening enterprise security, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience in complex technology environments.
Ojemuyiwa earned his Master of Science in Technology Management from East Texas A&M University and has worked across multiple industries implementing cybersecurity strategies and governance frameworks. He remains actively engaged with the university through alumni initiatives and mentorship and has established a scholarship endowment to support future students. His career reflects applied technical leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing secure and ethical technology practices.
Jose Luis Ontiveros, Jr., MS '18
Chemistry
Jose Luis Ontiveros, Jr. is an HSE Specialist with GEA Group, where he supports workplace safety by bridging scientific knowledge and operational practice. His work focuses on ensuring safe environments for STEM researchers and skilled trades through risk mitigation and process improvement.
Ontiveros earned his Master of Science in Chemistry from East Texas A&M University, concentrating in organic chemistry. He holds professional certifications including Associate Safety Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. As a first-generation graduate student, his academic and professional journey reflects the application of scientific training to safety leadership and industry operations.
Dr. Brian Craig Rodgers, BS Biological Sciences '06
Biology & Environmental Sciences
Dr. Brian Craig Rodgers is a physician partner at the Dallas Ear Institute, where he provides comprehensive care for pediatric and adult patients with hearing, balance and skull base disorders. He also serves as a board member of the Dallas Hearing Foundation, supporting access to hearing care for at-risk populations.
Rodgers earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from East Texas A&M University, graduating summa cum laude, and later completed medical training leading to a career in otology and neurotology. His professional path reflects the integration of scientific training, clinical expertise, and service-oriented leadership in healthcare.
Justin Walker, BS Physics '11
Physics & Astronomy
Justin Walker is a Senior Quality Assurance Physicist with Varian Oncology Systems, where he supports radiation oncology programs nationwide by improving safety, consistency, and performance in cancer treatment delivery. His work applies advanced physics principles to real-world clinical environments that directly impact patient care.
Walker earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from East Texas A&M University, graduating magna cum laude with a concentration in medical physics and a minor in mathematics. He later completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Medical Physics from the University of Toledo. After more than a decade in clinical practice, he transitioned into a national support role and continues to serve East Texas A&M through advisory board leadership and speaking engagements. His career demonstrates the broad applicability of a physics education in healthcare and technology-driven fields.
College of Business
Barbara Bass, BBA '77, CPA
Accounting, Finance, Economics and Business Law
Barbara Bass is a retired certified public accountant and former partner at Gollob Morgan Peddy PC, an East Texas–based CPA firm she helped grow from eight employees to more than 100 during her more than 40-year career. Her work focused on public accounting, business leadership, and community engagement across the Tyler region.
Bass earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from East Texas A&M University and built a career marked by professional service and civic leadership. She has served as chair of the East Texas Chapter of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Tyler Economic Development Council, and she served as Mayor of Tyler from 2008 to 2014. Her career reflects long-standing leadership in accounting, economic development and public service.
Carlos Rivers, MBA '15
Management, Marketing & Management Science
Carlos Rivers is a Senior Account Executive with Amazon Web Services, where he partners with colleges and universities across Texas to support digital transformation initiatives through cloud technologies and artificial intelligence. His work focuses on innovation, strategy, and improving the student experience through scalable technology solutions.
Rivers earned his Master of Business Administration from East Texas A&M University and has held senior leadership roles in higher education and industry. He previously served as Executive Director for Competency-Based Education at East Texas A&M University and later led market expansion initiatives at Amazon Business in Mexico. He remains actively engaged with the university through alumni leadership and scholarship support. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, mentorship and applied leadership.
Alumni Ambassadors help current students with engaging in impactful conversations and words of encouragement for their career journeys. Discover how ETAMU thrives in Alumni Engagement.
Read more about the 2026 Alumni Ambassador Forum at https://www.etamu.edu/news/alumni-return-to-inspire-mentor-at-east-texas-am-forum/.