Ace Hart

Graduate Community Coordinator of Pride Rock and New Pride

Ace Hart is currently a graduate student at East Texas A&M University and is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in epidemiology (the study of the spread of diseases). Her past projects as an undergraduate focused on the relationship between food insecurity and the development of various chronic illnesses, and the various factors that influence that topic. As a graduate student, Ace wishes to focus on that topic further and use research to inform policy, as well as advocate for the various communities affected by food insecurity and the resulting chronic illnesses those individuals face.

A Conversation with Ace

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?

East Texas A&M University is a wonderful place to find and create community with individuals who come from various backgrounds. This, partnered with how invested professors, faculty, and staff are in student well-being, creates a wonderful environment that allows students the comfort and security needed to blossom and grow. Who you know is a powerful tool in career development, and ETAMU has wonderful resources in that regard.

What do you like most about your career?

The aspect of my job within the Residential Living & Learning department that I have enjoyed the most is my ability to connect on-campus students with the various university resources available to them. Additionally, being able to interact with residents firsthand allows me to deepen my knowledge on topics that are important to East Texas A&M University students and inform my own approach as a Master of Public Health student. It is very rewarding to see the various connections ETAMU campus residents make, and how one positive interaction with a Residential Living & Learning staff member can improve their student experience.

How do you help students at East Texas A&M?

My position as a Graduate Community Coordinator allows me to have a unique position among student staff and on-campus residents. I am able to ensure that student staff have the resources needed to be successful in their positions, develop the skills needed as future professionals, and prioritize their academic well-being and success. My knowledge of various on-campus resources and position within ETAMU's Residential Living & Learning department gives me a way to advocate for various resident and student-staff needs, as well as connect students with various on-campus departments.

How has your role changed since you began working at East Texas A&M?

I started out in the 2023-2024 school year as an undergraduate transfer student and eventually became a Phase II Desk Assistant within that same school year. During the 2024-2025 school year, I worked as a Pride Rock Resident Assistant. Upon getting my bachelor's degree at East Texas A&M University and returning for a Master of Public Health degree, I was hired as a Graduate Community Coordinator at New Pride and Pride Rock. I am very thankful for the opportunities that I have had that have allowed me to grow within East Texas A&M University's Residential Living & Learning department.

Educational

• B.S., Public Health, East Texas A&M University, 2025