News Bites
Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team member Alyssa Lockhart was named a “Scholar American” by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. To qualify each year, students must have earned points at an NIRA sanctioned rodeo, been in college for more than one term, earned a 3.5 cumulative GPA and been nominated by their rodeo coach. Lockhart, a psychology major from Oelrichs, South Dakota, was one of three Lion rodeo team members to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo in June, where she finished 24th in Goat Tying and 21st in Barrel Racing. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce student Caleb Painter received a high honor recently as he was presented with the Assistant Instructor of the Year Award from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Painter, a wildlife and conservation science major from Pattonville, Texas, was named the winner of the 2019 award. The award has not yet been given out due to delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is presented yearly to one recipient. Read the full news story. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce student Brianna Patt is currently receiving first-hand experience in her chosen field as an intern with Dallas Weekly. Patt, a senior majoring in journalism with a news-editorial emphasis, is also the current opinion editor for The East Texan campus newspaper and has served on the staff since 2017. Patt’s scope of work with Dallas Weekly has run the gamut from politics, features, sports and more. Patt will graduate in August of this year and plans to pursue a career in journalism. She says that some of the lessons she has learned as a journalist are to focus on building a strong portfolio of work, cover as many topics as possible, have a strong initiative, and adapt to the fast-moving field of news. The Dallas Weekly was founded in 1954 by Tony Davis. Continuously published for more than 65 years, the Dallas Weekly touts itself as one of the most trusted voices of the African American community in North Texas. Visit the Dallas Weekly website. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce students Dawson Cassidy and Gus McLarry qualified to compete in the Carhartt Bassmaster College National Championship as representatives of the A&M-Commerce Fishing Club. The national fishing tournament is scheduled for August 12-14 on the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, New York. The largest tournament in college fishing, this competition will also be recorded and broadcast on the FS1 network later this year. Participants must qualify for the tournament either by being ranked in the top 20 nationally or by finishing in the top 10 at a sanctioned tournament. Cassidy and McLarry punched their ticket to the event with a ninth place finish at a tournament held in Cullman, Alabama in May 2021. This is the second time both Cassidy and McLarry have qualified for nationals, securing a 27th place finish in last year’s competition. (Pictured from left: Dawson Cassidy and Gus McLarry) 
Red Oak ISD recently named A&M-Commerce graduate student Taylor Morris as the district’s top elementary school teacher. Along with the title, Morris was surprised to receive a $1,000 honorarium from Baylor Scott & White Health in appreciation of her outstanding service to students of Red Oak ISD. Morris is pursuing her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from A&M-Commerce. She has chosen to use the honorarium to take the remainder of her classes this summer to complete her degree program early. 
A current Texas A&M University-Commerce percussion student and two alums took home the top prize in separate competitions this summer. Ashton Carter, a current music education major at A&M-Commerce, was named the winner of the 2021 Black Swamp Snare Drum Competition. Carter won the competition with his recorded performance of “Impressions (Movement 1)” by Nicolas Martynciow. A&M-Commerce alumni Michael Jones and Dr. Andrew Veit, who both graduated with Master of Music degrees in 2012, took home first place in the Southern California Marimba International Artist Competition’s Open Duo Division. The pair’s winning entry included performances of “Departures” by Emmanuel Sejourne, “Passacaglia” by Anna Ignatowica-Glinska and “Scene Romantique (OP 101: No. 5)” by Jean Sibelius. Watch Carter’s winning entry. See Jones’ and Veit’s entries at the following links: Departures, Passacaglia, Scene Romantique. (Pictured are, from left, Ashton Carter, Andrew Veit and Michael Jones) 
A&M-Commerce sophomore Chance Mulligan was paired with former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo at the U.S. Amateur Qualifier in Gladewater, Texas, on June 30. In a Tyler Morning Telegraph article that was published prior to the event, Mulligan said, “I’m not sure how much of a crowd to expect, but being with Tony, I know there will be fans and photographers…Hopefully, I can play well and get my name out there.” Read the full story. 
Three members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team represented their university well at the College National Finals Rodeo held in Casper, Wyoming from June 11 to June 19. Wyatt Muggli, Alyssa Lockhart and Ryan Nettle all qualified for the finals in at least one event. Muggli, a graduate student from Lane, Oklahoma, seeking a degree in agricultural sciences, competed in Calf Roping and Team Roping and finished 38th and 43rd, respectively. Lockhart, a psychology major from Oelrichs, South Dakota, finished 24th nationally in Goat Tying and 21st in Barrel Racing. Nettle, an agribusiness major from Goldthwaite, Texas, placed 14th in the nation in Steer Roping. This comes after he won the third round of the competition outright. (Pictured are: Top left, Alyssa Lockhart | Bottom left, Ryan Nettle | Right, Wyatt Muggli) 
Allen ISD recently named Aimee Cherry as the new principal at Norton Elementary School. Cherry is currently working toward a Doctor of Education in educational leadership at A&M-Commerce. An Allen ISD alum, Cherry earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian University and her master’s degree from Concordia University. Cherry has 14 years of service with the district, having most recently served as assistant principal for Cheatham Elementary School. She previously worked as the school’s campus intervention specialist, and as a teacher for Story Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Allen ISD. 
The Theta Xi chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce recently donated $9,000 to the North Texas Food Bank. The proceeds were raised during the fraternity’s 24th annual Crawfish Festival, held at “Pikeland” off of Highway 224 north of campus. Members of the chapter presented the funds to the food bank earlier this month, which will go toward providing 27,000 meals for people in need. The North Texas Food Bank distributes food across a large area with the help of several partner organizations, including the Commerce Food Pantry. Learn more about the food bank at their website. (Pictured, from left: Charles Berry, Sam Brunsen, Adam Scharf, Zach Erlewein, Jeffery Norlin, Dillon Hubbard and NTFB Major Gift Officer Cody Meyers.) 
The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health recently selected A&M-Commerce graduate student Amanda Gage as a 2021 Ima Hogg Scholarship recipient. Gage will receive a one-time award of $5,000 to support her Master of Social Work studies before launching a career to provide mental health services to underserved, underrepresented individuals and communities in Texas. Established in 1940, the foundation aims to transform how communities promote positive mental health by fostering communities in Texas that support mental health, achieve health equity and promote well-being. Marcella Smith, Ph.D., interim head of the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce, said Gage is an exceptional student. “We’re proud to have Amanda represent the A&M-Commerce School of Social Work,” Smith said. “There’s no doubt that she will continue to advance the social work profession through her contributions in the area of mental health.” 
The student-led robotics team from Texas A&M University-Commerce made a splash recently, reaching the quarterfinals of the Texas VEXU Qualifying Tournament in the team’s first competition. The A&M-Commerce team defeated the team representing Texas A&M University in both the qualifying round and in the first round of elimination matches. Lions Pride Robotics finished with a tournament record of two wins and three losses after being knocked out in the quarterfinal round by the eventual tournament champions from the University of Florida. See the competition results. 
The First Year Leadership Class (FLC) at Texas A&M University-Commerce recently spearheaded a major effort to fundraise money and items for Off the Chain Rescue, an animal rescue organization in nearby Cooper, Texas. FLC students ran an animal supply drive and fundraiser as a service project for the class, and in total raised more than $850 in donated funds as well as supplies topping $1,000 in value. Class instructor Coy Martin said he is extremely proud of the work that the small group of students has accomplished. Over the last year, the 10 FLC students cumulatively amassed over 350 community service hours. Learn more about Off the Chain Rescue. 
The Texas A&M University-Commerce Stock Horse Team was firing on all cylinders at the Stock Horse of Texas competition in Bryan, Texas, earlier this month, taking home the Division 2 Championship and a slew of personal honors for students. Head Coach Nathan Wells stated, “I am so very proud of our team and look forward to the collegiate finals in Lubbock at the end of April.” The team’s individual results are as follows: Chance Clipper won the collegiate LTD non-pro pleasure with a 76, was second in cow work with a 75 and second in trail with a 77. He was also second in the collegiate LTD non-pro all around.Kelsey Jordan was second in collegiate LTD non-pro pleasure with a 74.5, second in reining with a 73 and fifth in collegiate LTD non-pro all around. Mya Rooke tied for first in the collegiate novice pleasure with a 73.5.Chrissy Bodman tied for third in the collegiate novice trail with a 71.5. (Photo: From left is Chance Clipper, Mya Rooke, Savana Wood (Team Manager), Chrissy Bodman, Kelsey Jordan and Nathan Wells) 
Students with the Department of Nursing at A&M-Commerce are helping administer COVID-19 vaccinations at multiple locations across Northeast Texas. More than 20 students have helped inoculate area residents at CHRISTUS Mother Francis Hospital-Sulphur Springs, Hunt Regional Healthcare, Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville and the Garland Health Department. “We are proud of our students and glad to have the ability to partner with our health care community to help get this vaccine out to the public,” said Denise Neill, Ph.D., head of the A&M-Commerce Department of Nursing. 
The A&M-Commerce chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has been chosen as a Distinguished Chapter for the 2019-2020 academic year. The honor marks the sixth consecutive year the group has received the designation. SPS is an organization of the American Institute of Physics. Officers for the 2019-2020 academic year include Keely Scott, president; Madison Smith, vice president; Flint Morgan, secretary; Allan Teer, historian; and Jaden Hart, treasurer. “We, at the SPS national office, want to take this opportunity to commend and applaud you for your tireless efforts to enrich the SPS community,” said Brad R. Conrad, SPS director. “It is because of your dedication and commitment to the SPS mission and vision that we are able to foster such a strong SPS community.” Learn more about the Society of Physics Students. 
Students in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts at Texas A&M University-Commerce teamed up to create a film that took second place in the Broadcast Education Association’s Film 168 Student Film Competition. The students’ film, “Soda Boy,” finished second out of 10 submissions from universities nationwide. Those who worked on the project include: • Producer and Editor: Ashley Fordinal • Director, Editor and Writer: Molly Chavez • Writer: Paisley Jacques • Crew: Aliyah Sabir and Beamer Murphy • Actors: Daryl Brown and Casey Bass • Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tony DeMars See the film. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce doctoral student Pearlie Lubin was recently selected for a fellowship project by the United States Department of State. She will be teaching English in Costa Rica. In a press release, it was announced that Lubin is one of 170 people selected for the 2020-2021 Virtual English Language Fellow Program. Lubin received her graduate certificate as a Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from A&M-Commerce and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education with an emphasis in TESOL from A&M-Commerce. As part of the fellowship, she will teach training courses to improve the communicative language ability of in-service teachers and enhance their teaching practices at Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA). She is also facilitating a virtual English conversation club at INA and enhancement activities at the FundaTec Virtual Access program. Read the official release. 
A&M-Commerce Professor Carlos Bertulani is co-leading a new physics research project. The project is lead by principal investigator Tapia Takaki from the University of Kansas. Bertulani is a co-principal investigator alongside Jean Delayen of Old Dominion University, Christine Aidala from the University of Michigan, and Abhay Deshpande of Stony Brook University. Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) will focus on understanding fundamental questions about nuclear physics. This project will also build an international research exchange and mobility program. Bertulani has co-authored multiple scientific papers in the field of physics. He graduated from Germany’s University of Bonn in 1987 and is now a professor in the physics and astronomy department at A&M-Commerce. Read more at ScienMag. 
WalletHub recently featured A&M-Commerce Professor Jim Hamill in the Ask the Experts section of their “Corporate Tax Rate Report.” Hamill, who serves as the department head of finance and accounting at A&M-Commerce, answered several questions about the corporate tax structure and its implications. Hamill graduated with his doctorate from Arizona State University in 1987. Since then, he has served as a faculty member at multiple universities as well as working at a CPA firm. Hamill has been a faculty member at A&M-Commerce since 2018 and became the department head in 2019. Read the full feature at WalletHub. 
“Citizens At Last,” a documentary based on research and publications by Dr. Jessica Brannon-Wranosky, distinguished professor of digital humanities and history at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has been making its worldwide debut on PBS stations around the globe. The program will air on KERA channel 13 out of Dallas on August 30 at 8 p.m. Co-produced by Nancy Schiesari and Ellen Temple, the film tells the story of women in Texas and their fight for the vote leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1920. Dr. Wranosky has researched the history of women’s suffrage for almost two decades and has a book coming out in the near future on the subject. Most recently she has also served as the founding project director of the Handbook of Texas Women, a special project of the Texas State Historical Association. For those not in the Dallas viewing area, check your local PBS station times for the documentary or log on and stream the video or watch the extended cut from the documentary’s website at the film’s website. 
A recent article in the Texarkana Gazette recalled the late A&M-Commerce professor Fred Tarpley, whose interest in the “magical” Bois d’ Arc tree helped start the annual Bois d’ Arc Bash in the city of Commerce. Tarpley was the author of numerous books, including “Wood Eternal,” which provides an in-depth exploration of the Bois d’ Arc tree and it’s green fruit. According to the book’s description on Amazon, “This book identifies famous Osage orange trees, festivals that celebrate the tree, and famous folk linked to the trees. It answers 10,000 questions about Osage orange.” Tarpley passed away in 2014. He was Professor Emeritus at East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce) where he taught English. Read the full Texarkana Gazette article. 
Dr. Gracie Brownell, assistant professor of social work at A&M-Commerce, is featured in an interview for MSW Online. The site interviewed Brownell for their Ask an Expert series. Brownell discussed factors for choosing a master’s in social work program in Texas, the master’s program at A&M-Commerce and several aspects of becoming a social worker. Read the full interview. 
The A&M-Commerce Faculty Senate and the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education have selected eight outstanding faculty members to receive the 2021 Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award. The award recognizes A&M-Commerce faculty who exhibit professional excellence. Professors are nominated by department heads or deans based on exceptional teaching evaluations, research, publications and more. Recipients of the 2021 award include Gerald Burch, Ph.D., Management and Economics; Mylynka Cardona, Ph.D., History; Kamishia Childs, Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction; Edith Gonzalez, Ph.D., Counseling; Mohamed Komaki, Ph.D., Marketing and Business Analytics; Mimi Li, Ph.D., Literature and Languages; Bahar Modir, Ph.D., Physics and Astronomy; Zachary D. Palmer, Ph.D., Sociology and Criminal Justice. Awardees will be recognized at a banquet on October 5. 
African American News and Issues recently published an article about former East Texas State University professor J. Mason Brewer. Brewer was a renowned poet and folklorist who played an important role in preserving African American folklore in Texas. Throughout his career, he collected stories of everyday life from Texas’ former slaves and their descendants. The stories reflect the “hardship and humor of the ‘coming-up times’ after slavery.” Brewer published many collections of folklore and poetry. Some of his most notable works include The Word on the Brazos (1953), Aunt Dicey Tales (1956), Dog Ghosts and Other Texas Negro Folk Tales (1958), and Worser Days and Better Times (1965). According to the article, “His books serve as a timeless record of Texas storytelling, and powerful proof of what he called ‘folklore as a living force.’” Brewer was the first African American to serve on the council of the American Folklore Society, among many other honors. He has been compared to noted authors Zora Neale Hurston, Joel Chandler Harris, and Alain Locke. Brewer taught at numerous colleges and universities in Texas. He was hired as one of the first black professors at East Texas State University in 1969. University archives report that he taught courses in African American folklore and organized writing, poetry and folklore symposiums on campus. Brewer died in 1975. Read the full African American News and Issues article. 
Dr. Sarah Rodriguez, associate professor of higher education and learning technologies at A&M-Commerce, is teaming up with Miami Dade College and the University of Florida for nearly $1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation for work on the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Implementation and Evaluation Project: Artificial Intelligence for All. The project seeks to develop artificial intelligence courses and an interdisciplinary certificate leading to successful student outcomes in an HSI community college. The researchers also plan to build Miami Dade College’s capacity to develop a four-year degree emphasizing artificial intelligence. In addition, the project will partner with AI4ALL, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in AI education, research, development and policy. The project will also partner with industry advisors IBM, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft. Dr. Antonio Delgado, dean of the School of Engineering, Technology and Design at Miami Dade College, will serve as principal investigator for the project. Rodriguez will share co-principal investigator duties with Joseph A. Weathers from Miami Dade College and Diego Alvarado from the University of Florida. Rodriguez will assist with project administration and lead the qualitative research component of the grant, which focuses on understanding how community college students develop their computing identities. “HSIs have the potential to transform AI and computing,” Rodriguez said. “This project represents an important step in broadening participation by diversifying computing pathways and understanding how students can envision themselves in AI careers.” 
The National Science Foundation recently awarded grant funding to A&M-Commerce faculty members Dr. William Newton, associate professor of physics and astronomy, and Dr. Melanie Fields, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction. William Newton, Ph.D.Melanie Fields, Ph.D. The funding will see the university’s College of Science and Engineering and College of Education and Human Services join forces to conduct research into secondary STEM educator preparation programs in rural areas. The project will span multiple states in collaboration with 14 universities. Newton and Fields report they will address the unique challenges facing rural secondary STEM educators. Their research will identify educator preparation program features that successfully prepare STEM teachers for roles in rural school districts. “Dr. Newton and I are very excited to work on research that could improve secondary STEM teacher retention in our local rural schools,” Fields said. “As institutions share these features among each other, we will identify areas for programmatic adjustment that ensure the needs of rural teachers are met.” 
Associate professor and Department of Liberal Studies head Mark Menaldo, Ph.D., recently published a new book through Routledge Publishing. “Philosophy and Leadership: Three Classical Models and Cases” connects philosophy to leadership by examining three representative texts from the history of philosophy: Plato’s “Republic”, Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” and Niccolò Machiavelli’s “The Prince.” Menaldo has published several works on the topic of leadership, including “Leadership and the Unmasking of Authenticity: The Philosophy of Self-Knowledge and Deception” and “Leadership and Transformative Ambition in International Relations.” See the publisher’s listing for the new book. 
Associate professor Kelly M. Carrero, Ph.D., in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at A&M-Commerce, recently secured funding to research the design and implementation of a community-based program to increase safe interactions between law enforcement and people with exceptionalities who are in crisis. The research funding is provided by a private foundation choosing to remain anonymous. Based in Pennsylvania, the foundation seeks to ensure the safety of vulnerable people, including those with disabilities. The research project includes an interagency team comprised of a local behavioral health system, two police departments and disability service providers. Carrero praised the efforts of research graduate assistant Britta Schwab, a doctoral student in the educational psychology program at A&M-Commerce. “These funds are the result of a lot of hours, meetings and hard work,” Carrero said. “Britta was instrumental in each step of the process and her dissertation research will be funded as a result of this award.” Carrero indicated that the research team submitted several other letters of intent with hopes of securing additional funding for the project. 
Courtney Fields, an A&M-Commerce alum and staff member, was featured in an NBC News story on June 7. The news story shares how Fields, a former Lion basketball player, endured a double mastectomy, followed by blood clots that resulted in a leg amputation. Through her loss, Fields wants to help others gain faith and strength as they face their own hardships. Fields graduated from A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in global e-learning (now higher education and learning technologies) and a Master of Science in higher education. She currently serves as an academic concierge in the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts at A&M-Commerce. View the news story. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Marcella Smith as interim head of the School of Social Work. Smith joined A&M-Commerce in 2015 and began her tenure track a year later. She served as the Master of Social Work program director from 2019-2021. She is currently working on research to assess food insecurity at the A&M-Commerce campus. Prior to joining TAMUC, Smith worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2012-2015. She has served on numerous higher education committees at the department, college and university level. Well-published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, Smith’s research focuses on minority and adolescent health, health disparities, immigration issues, college student issues and social work education. She has presented her research at state, national and international conferences. “I am truly excited for the opportunity to lead the School of Social Work into the future,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with my team to continue growing our program.” 
Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce will present an online workshop called Racial Justice and Social Emotional Learning. The workshop is scheduled for June 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. The session will provide strategies and changing perspectives for faculty to align campus learning environments with practices and beliefs which enhance and speed up positive academic outcomes that empower both the educator and student. The workshop is part of the Anti-Racism Professional Educator Webinar Series hosted by the University of Iowa College of Education. The series seeks to identify psychological, social, physical and emotional aspects of racism present in U.S. schools and how they define current schooling practices. Learn more about the Racial Justice and Social Emotional Learning workshop and the Anti-Racism Professional Educator Webinar Series. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Dean Culpepper as interim head of the Department of Health and Human Performance. Culpepper has 17 years of higher education experience as a faculty member, including more than three years as chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education at Eastern New Mexico University where he served on the University Assessment Committee. He also served on the faculty senate at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Lubbock (TX) Christian University. Culpepper has a strong history of working with administrators to initiate change and growth for programs that support university goals. 
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce recently named Dr. Nate Templeton as interim head of the Department of Educational Leadership. Templeton is an associate professor and director of the Meadows Principal Leadership Institute in the department. Prior to joining the graduate faculty at A&M-Commerce, he served in Texas public schools as a teacher, program administrator and principal. “I am excited to assume leadership of our storied department, and I look forward to continuing the great work of preparing students to be change makers in public education,” Templeton said. “Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce has been a pioneer in our profession and I look forward to adding to this rich tradition through a renewed commitment to professional relevance, innovation and partnerships with K-12 stakeholders.” 
The Texas Education Agency appointed Dr. Tami Morton, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, to the agency’s Reading Specialist Educator Standards Advisory Committee. Limited to 15 members, the committee advises on relevant updates to standards and issues related to the reading specialist certification. Morton is coordinator for the reading specialist certification program at A&M-Commerce. 
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, head and professor in the Department of Counseling at A&M-Commerce is featured in a recent episode of Here & Now on Fox 4 News in Dallas, Texas. The segment discussed a study Hendricks and colleagues performed in 2020 to gain insight into how students of all races feel about social justice activism. Hendricks served as lead researcher in the study, alongside TAMUC colleagues, Dr. Willie Edwards, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice; Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance; and Dr. Stephen Reysen, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education. “Collectively, what we have found in this study is that black, brown and white students are all coming together to address the social ills of society; looking at police brutality, looking at racism, looking at discrimination,” Hendricks said in the interview. “And these three groups are coming together to address those issues.” Watch the interview online. 
Dr. Robert “Bob” Williams, Professor of Agriculture, Food & Family at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the recent recipient of a $30,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to assist in the development of education in the field of urban agriculture. A three-person research team of Williams, Dr. Doug LaVergne, associate professor and associate dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and a graduate research assistant will solicit input from stakeholders regarding the needs and concerns faced by today’s agricultural educators in urban settings. Williams says that once these needs and concerns are identified, they hope to identify potential partners for a large, comprehensive grant proposal that will address the issues and concerns and possibly eliminate or reduce them. The research project is slated to run until May 2023. 
Torrey Rhone, adjunct professor in the competency-based Criminal Justice program at A&M-Commerce, was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Mesquite Police Department (MPD), located in Mesquite, Texas. Rhone becomes the first Black sergeant in the department’s 69-year history. Rhone was quoted in a Dallas Morning News article that he feels “overwhelmed and overjoyed by this promotion.” Rhone has served in the MPD since 2007 and is a recipient of the Mesquite Elks Lodge Police Officer of the Year award, two Certificate of Civic Achievement awards, 49 commendations and three awards for saving lives. Rhone has served as an adjunct faculty member in the A&M-Commerce Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice since August 2020. To read more about Rhone’s promotion, view the Dallas Morning News article. 
A&M-Commerce alum Al Craig Fleming recently published a new book on corporate responsibility. The work discusses the implications of corporate greed for the economy. His book, “Corporations’ Responsibility to Society,” was released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. Fleming earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from A&M-Commerce and has worked as an account and financial analyst for over 30 years. He serves as CEO, accountant and business analyst at his own accounting firm. Read more about Fleming’s recent book at PRLeap. 
Texas State University recently appointed A&M-Commerce alum Martha E. Fraire-Cuellar as university registrar. Fraire-Cuellar began serving as the Texas State University associate registrar in 2006 and has been the interim university registrar since March 2021. Fraire-Cuellar earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from A&M-Commerce in 2001. Originally a music major, Fraire-Cuellar received a scholarship to attend A&M-Commerce. She was part of the marching band for three semesters. Another key part of her student experience included her work in the registrar’s office, which helped equip her for her later career. After graduating from A&M-Commerce, she earned a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M International University. 
A&M-Commerce alum H.T. Sanchez, Ed.D., is one of five Texas finalists for the state’s Superintendent of the Year award. The award, sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), recognizes superintendents across the state for excellence and achievement. With nearly two decades of experience as an administrator, Sanchez has led Plainview ISD—a district with more than 5,000 students—since May 2018. Sanchez earned his doctorate in educational administration from A&M-Commerce in 2006. He also holds a master’s degree from Sul Ross University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Angelo State university. The winner of the award will be named at the Texas Association of School Administrators | TASB convention in Dallas later this month. Read the full TASB announcement and learn more about the Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce. (Photo courtesy of Plainview ISD) 
A&M-Commerce alumna Amanda Ray is the new chief financial officer for Blue Ridge ISD, the district announced recently. Ray previously worked as the director of Business Services, where she led the district’s finances and business department for six years. Ray earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from A&M-Commerce in 2013. She received her Registered Texas School Business Administrator certification earlier this year. (Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge ISD) 
Blue Ridge ISD named A&M-Commerce alum Matthew Todd as assistant superintendent. He previously served as the district’s director of curriculum and instruction and will continue leading the district’s teaching and learning work. He has worked for the district in roles including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director. Todd earned his dual-major Bachelor of Science in health and math, and a Master of Education in educational administration from A&M-Commerce. He also holds a superintendent certification in Texas. (photo courtesy of Blue Ridge ISD) 
A&M-Commerce alumna Sharlotte Johnson was recently named chief operating officer at Avenu PR in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to a company press release, Avenu PR is a boutique public relations and brand development agency. Prior to Avenu PR, Johnson spent the past 10 years as founder and CEO of Opulent PREM®, a public relations and event management agency. She received her Master of Education degree from A&M-Commerce. Read the article. 
A recent article in the Stephenville Empire-Tribune announced that A&M-Commerce alumna Jennifer Dias, Ph.D., recently joined The Journal of Social Media in Society as an associate editor. She previously served as a reviewer for the journal. Dias is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Tarleton State University. She earned her master’s degree in psychology and her doctorate in cognitive psychology, both from A&M-Commerce. According to its website, The Journal of Social Media in Society is an online journal that accepts scholarly articles and book reviews. The journal provides scholarship on social media and its impact on society. The journal’s website states, “The objective of JSMS is to advance the study of social media with current literature based on theory, research and practice from all methodological frameworks.” Read the Empire-Tribune article. 
Dr. Mary L. Thomas was recognized with the Top 100 Leaders in Education award at the second Global Forum for Education and Learning (GFEL) event, held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 23-25. In her 45 years as an educator, Thomas has served as a pre-K-12 teacher and as a campus and central office administrator for Austin Independent School District. She is currently the executive director of State, Federal & Private Accountability for Austin ISD. Thomas earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce). She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University. Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services congratulated Thomas for the accolade. “Dr. Thomas is a distinguished alumna from the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce,” McLeod said. “We are proud that she chose our teachers college as part of her academic preparation, which—along with her leadership experience—is certainly deserving of such an honor.” GFEL is a three-day international education conference that promotes networking and knowledge sharing, and recognizes the industry-leading work of visionary individuals and organizations. Read the full announcement. Learn more about the Global Forum for Education and Learning. 
A TXK Today article announced that TAMUC alumna Patti O’Bannon has been named the new principal of Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas. O’Bannon has served as an educator for 28 years. Most recently, she was principal at Nash Elementary School in Nash, Texas. O’Bannon earned her superintendent certification from A&M-Commerce. 
Dr. Jim Richey, who received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from A&M-Commerce, was honored by the Texas Legislature for over 20 years of teaching excellence in Texas. State Representative Cole Hefner submitted Texas Resolution #1391 to recognize Richey. Richey currently serves as professor and chair of the English Department at Tyler Junior College. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumna Christina Moreland is the recipient of the inaugural “Emerging Creative” award from the Dallas Society of Visual Communications. The award was given as part of the 52nd annual Dallas Show, the leading juried competition and awards show for professionals in the southwest. Moreland is an independent designer and cartoonist currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in visual communication with an emphasis in art direction from A&M-Commerce in 2017. 
A recent press release announced that East Texas State University alumnus Christopher S. Adams, Jr., Retired Major General with the United States Air Force, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who. According to the Who’s Who website, the award recognizes individuals who have achieved greatness and excelled in their field for at least 20 years. General Adams has received numerous awards for his decades-long service in the U.S. Air Force, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. Adams has also written 12 books, including 2018’s “Notable Encounters,” which documents his experiences with military heroes, political figures and others who were impactful in his professional journey. General Adams earned a Bachelor of Science from ETSU, now A&M-Commerce. Read the article. 
A&M-Commerce alumna Nicole Koch was named executive director for strategic initiatives and accountability at Killeen ISD. Koch is a former teacher and, most recently, Killeen ISD’s special projects assistant. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University, and a Master of Educational Administration from A&M-Commerce. Read the Killeen Daily Herald news story. 
The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) recognized recent A&M-Commerce graduates Belinda Sanchez and Mikaela Green in the 2021 AKA National Scholar Awards competition. The awards recognize academic excellence, encourage professional competence, and promote kinesiology and related fields. Pictured left to right: Vipa Bernhardt, associate professor; Belinda Sanchez; Henry Ross, instructor.Pictured left to right: Vipa Bernhardt, associate professor; Mikaela Green; Henry Ross, instructor. Sanchez—who recently graduated with a Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology and Sports Studies with a concentration in exercise science— received honorable mention in the AKA Master’s Scholar Award competition. She recently began as a research associate at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine in Dallas. Green is a recipient of the AKA Undergraduate Scholar Award. She recently graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Studies, concentrating in human performance. Learn more about the AKA National Scholar Awards. 
The International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership named Dr. Jericah Jackson, a graduate of A&M-Commerce, winner of the 2021 Edgar L. Morphet Dissertation of the Year Award. The award recognizes scholarship in the dissertation stage of advanced academic work in the field of educational administration. Dr. Julia Ballenger in the Department of Educational Leadership operated as Jackson’s dissertation chair. Jackson holds a doctorate of education from A&M-Commerce. She is founding principal at Aldine (TX) Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She previously served as assistant principal at Aldine Middle School and assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at the Shotwell Academy in Houston. Photo courtesy of Aldine ISD. 
Two A&M-Commerce alumnae are setting the mark high in the Corsicana Independent School District. The Corsicana ISD Board of Trustees and Corsicana Education Foundation Executive Board named Casey Gordon as Elementary Teacher of the Year at Navarro Elementary School. She also received the Mark Culwell Award for outstanding elementary teacher of the year. Additionally, Raquel Espinoza-Rivera received the Rising Star award at Sam Houston Dual Language Elementary School. Gordon and Espinoza-Rivera both graduated from the A&M-Commerce Navarro Partnership. The partnership provides multiple programs for students to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree without leaving Navarro County. Director Virginia Monk said she’s happy to see graduates of the partnership program being recognized. “The A&M-Commerce Navarro Partnership is a tremendous opportunity for our local students,” Monk said. “I’m proud to see our graduates recognized for their achievements and continued contributions to the Navarro County community.” 
A Texas A&M University-Commerce alum is competing for a national honor as she attempts to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA. Kenda Felker was recently named Ms. Wheelchair for the Southwestern Region and will compete at the national pageant in July. Felker was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at age 15, and lost the use of her legs 12 years ago. The Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant aims to show that all women, despite any disability, can be glamorous and exhibit self-confidence in personal, professional and public life. Felker is currently a teacher at Frank Stone Middle School in Paris, Texas, and she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000 from A&M-Commerce after double-majoring in Economics/Finance and Agricultural Economics. Felker was recently featured in a story by Dallas-Fort Worth TV station WFAA. See the WFAA story. 
TAMUC Alum Paul Zinke, Ph.D., senior lecturer in chemistry at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, was recently named the 2021 Collins Outstanding Professor. The award is provided by the Carr P. Collins Foundation, which presents the annual award to an exceptional Baylor professor. The Baylor senior class selects the recipient by popular vote. According to a Baylor University news story, Zinke has worked as a professor at Baylor since 2014. He is also a principal scientist for Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research/Alcon in Fort Worth, Texas. Zinke graduated from East Texas State University, now A&M-Commerce, with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in chemistry. He received his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Read the entire Baylor University news story. Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently appointed A&M-Commerce alumna Katie Andrade to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners for a term set to expire in 2027. The board regulates the practice of social work in Texas. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Andrade is a licensed master social worker at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant, Texas. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in social work from A&M-Commerce. Read the announcement. 
A&M-Commerce continues to serve community needs during the pandemic. A Greenville Herald Banner article on September 3 said the Hunt County hospital system is facing challenges as they work to meet the demand for COVID-19 testing. Hunt Memorial Hospital District CEO Richard Carter said, “We are currently working with Texas A&M University-Commerce to possibly assist with testing.” Read the full article. 
The Texas A&M University System announced in a statement on August 26 that the Board of Regents had approved funding for capital projects on multiple system campuses, including Texas A&M University-Commerce. This comes after $551.5 million was added to the system operating budget that is earmarked for new projects. Projects that these funds go toward include the construction of a new Student Services Building at TAMUC, as well as an expansion of the Morris Recreation Center. See the full system statement. EducationDegree.com lists A&M-Commerce as one of the top 35 destinations for educator preparation throughout the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas. Schools were selected based on academic excellence, high-caliber faculty, student teaching opportunities, reputation and unique opportunities provided to students. View the full listing. A&M-Commerce will host the 2021 Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 11 Conference this fall. The event will be held at the Rayburn Student Center on November 5. The organization encourages students to learn about careers in education and assists them in exploring the teaching profession. Dr. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, said she expects nearly 700 future educators to attend the conference from across Texas. A&M-Commerce began its local TAFE chapter earlier this year. The chapter was formed under the leadership of Dr. Carol Revelle, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at A&M-Commerce, with support from Dr. Shonda Gibson, vice chancellor for The Texas A&M University System. McLeod gave kudos to everyone involved in securing the event. “Please join me in congratulating Drs. Laura Isbell, Carol Revelle, Juan Araujo and the entire Department of Curriculum and Instruction for this huge win for our college,” McLeod said. “Special thanks to Judy Sackfield, vice president for Student Success and Dean of Students at A&M-Commerce, for helping with the arrangements, and to Provost John Humphreys for standing behind us in institutional support. All of us, together, make it possible for any one of us to do our part for collective success!” Learn more about TAFE at their website. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce and Tarleton State University jointly received nearly $300,000 in research funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funds will support research into plant drought response and insect pollinator studies, also known as Plant DRIPS. A&M-Commerce is the prime recipient of funds with an award of $159,124. Tarleton will receive $140,743. A&M-Commerce professor of horticulture Derald Harp said the project will evaluate perennials commonly used in ornamental landscapes in the area along with their performance under low-input conditions. The project will specifically look at three different irrigation programs related to water loss from evapotranspiration. The project will also examine flower production and nectar quality and quantity. Harp added that one of the main goals of the project is to generate information about the relationship between plants and pollinators, especially during periods of drought stress. Researchers aim to identify ways to design and manage landscapes to benefit pollinators. The project will run until August 31, 2024. Read an NIFA press release regarding the award. 
Two new graduate fellowships will be available next year to students in the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, thanks to the estate of alumna EdWinnie Brown McWhirter. Assistant dean Juan Araujo, Ph.D., said the college will begin accepting applications for the McWhirter Graduate Fellowship in spring 2022. He said he hopes the first recipients will be selected in time to begin taking classes in summer 2022. “We will award two $20,000 scholarships each spring until 2031,” Araujo said. “One will be for education students and one for human services students.” He said the fellowships will adjust in 2031 to $15,000 per student, provided the endowment earns that much per year in interest. Students can apply for the McWhirter Graduate Fellowship by submitting a proposal of work during the spring semester. As a condition of acceptance, recipients agree to complete their degree in either four or five semesters. A lifelong educator, McWhirter earned her bachelor’s degree in education from East Texas State University (now A&M-Commerce) in 1943 and her master’s degree in 1951. Her teaching career crisscrossed the state of Texas with stops in Paducah, Waco and Hondo, where she taught 34 years before retiring. Upon her passing in 2018, she left her estate to A&M-Commerce (with the exception of a few small bequests) to establish graduate fellowships in education. “The McWhirter Graduate Fellowship provides financial support to graduate students through their program of study and enhances their marketability upon graduation,” Araujo said. “In lieu of entry-level experience, McWhirter fellows will gain much-needed mentorship while engaging in real work to facilitate research with faculty who are renowned in their fields.” 
The university flag at A&M-Commerce will fly at half-staff Monday, July 12 in memory of Dr. Chester Robinson, associate professor of counseling, who passed away on the morning of Friday, July 9. Originally from Bluefield, Virginia, Robinson joined the A&M-Commerce faculty in 1995. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Commerce. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial scholarship established by the TAMUC Foundation. Please designate your gift by writing on the memo line, “Dr. Chester Robinson Scholarship.” Gifts can be mailed to: TAMUC Foundation, P.O. Box 3425, Commerce, TX 75429-3425. Read his obituary here. 
A&M-Commerce and Frisco ISD are partnering to provide more student teaching opportunities for the university’s undergraduate education students. Department of Curriculum and Instruction head Laura Isbell, Ph.D., reports that the university is delighted with the partnership and looks forward to additional educational opportunities with Frisco ISD. Associate professor Kathryn Dixon, Ph.D., is coordinator of the Educator Preparation Program at A&M-Commerce. “Our partnership with Frisco ISD is off to a great start through exciting and collaborative conversations with campus principals. We look forward to building relationships with classroom teachers as they welcome our teacher candidates in the fall,” Dixon said. Associate professor Juan Araujo, assistant dean in the College of Education and Human Services, said the partnership will provide career-building experience for the university’s aspiring educators. “Our students will gain valuable experiences with our new clinical teaching partnership with Frisco ISD,” Araujo said. “This is just the start of many great things to come between our teacher preparation program and Frisco ISD.” TAMUC will begin placing teacher candidates into elementary schools within Frisco ISD this fall. 
A recent Greenville Herald Banner article discussed A&M-Commerce’s new North Dallas location. The site is set to fully open in Spring 2022. As the article explains, the university’s College of Business and College of Education and Human Services will spread their operations to North Dallas. The move will open new opportunities for students in the metroplex. Read the Herald Banner article. Kimberly McLeod, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce, recently joined Keturi DeLong, vice president for Philanthropy and Engagement at A&M-Commerce, for an episode of “Let’s Talk it Over,” a TAMUC web series on YouTube. McLeod discussed the state of educator training in Texas and the university’s role in providing career-ready teachers for rural and urban communities throughout the state. Watch the episode on YouTube. 
A recent article in the Calgary Herald introduced a new competency-based education (CBE) program at Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In the article, Carlos Rivers, executive director for the Institute of Competency-Based Education at A&M-Commerce, affirmed that CBE programs at A&M-Commerce effectively reduce time and cost for adult learners who return to college to complete their degrees. Read the full article. Photo: Executive Director Carlos Rivers 
A May 12 article in The Dallas Morning News summarized a “fireside chat” led by Harrison Keller, Texas’ commissioner of higher education. The chat included Mark Rudin, president of A&M-Commerce; Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College; and Neal Smatresk, president of the University of North Texas. Their discussion centered on the role of universities and the needs of students in Texas’ post-pandemic recovery. According to the article, the commissioner and presidents called for restored state funding, sustained flexible scheduling (on-line and face-to-face), additional support for students of color and immigrant students, and mental health services following the trauma of the past year. Read the full Dallas Morning News article. 
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce hosted a guest lecture by Sandra Duncan, Ed.D., via Zoom on April 10. The virtual event drew a large international attendance with 179 registrants from across the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. A noted author, Duncan presented The Honeycomb Hypothesis: A New Perspective on Children’s Acquisition of Knowledge. Likening a honeybee’s acquisition of pollen to a child’s acquisition of knowledge, the presentation gave insight into how children learn. Duncan also discussed ideas for designing classroom environments that encourage freedom of flight. Josh Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor of early childhood education at A&M-Commerce, said the lecture challenged teachers to rethink patterns of play in childhood. Duncan is set to publish a book on her research later this year through publisher Gryphon House. View the lecture on YouTube. 
Public health students in the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce recently planned and executed the 2021 TAMUC Student Healthfest, which was hosted virtually on YouTube. The event aimed to promote wellness amongst A&M-Commerce students and the campus community by increasing awareness and access to available university resources. Elizabeth Wachira, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the public health program, said event feedback revealed that participants found the presentation to be valuable and engaging. Many reported they would attend such an event each semester. “As we mobilize to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, access to accurate and easy-to-understand information is crucial,” Wachira said. “Our campus community offers numerous resources to support the health and wellbeing of our students. The Healthfest, similar to the four-week COVID-19 talk series hosted by public health students last fall, adds to this wealth of knowledge and increases access to these resources.” View the 2021 TAMUC Student Healthfest on YouTube. 
The A&M-Commerce Department of Chemistry is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant for continued funding of the department’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The grant will fund REU summer programs through 2024 for community college students interested in chemistry. “Our REU program has supported community college students in North Texas since 2006,” said Professor Ben Jang, D.Sc., who serves as director of the program. “It’s a great tradition that continues to build the university’s reputation for research and mentorship among community college faculty in the region.” The 10-week summer REU program hosts students from community colleges in the North Texas region. Participants learn lab skills, instrumentation techniques, technical writing and presentation skills, and research ethics. They’ll also apply teamwork and network-building skills while gaining an appreciation for what it takes to be a successful professional in the fields of chemistry and science. REU research results are often published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at American Chemical Society conferences. Read more about the chemistry summer REU program. 
Staff members from Clarksville and Rivercrest ISDs visited A&M-Commerce for lunch and a Planetarium show on Wednesday, March 31. The visit kick-started a partnership between Red River County schools and the A&M-Commerce Planetarium. The partnership enables children in grades K-8 from Red River County to receive free transportation and entrance fees to the university’s planetarium. As a result, schools may bring students to campus without incurring transportation costs and other field trip-related expenses. The provision is made possible by an endowment from the late A&M-Commerce alumna Georgia M. Dorrough. Mrs. Dorrough and her husband, Mr. Rudy Dorrrough, shared the view that the study of science is crucial to future generations. They were particularly interested in supporting the Planetarium because of the opportunities for outreach to small rural schools in Northeast Texas where many students have not been exposed to this type of learning. During Wednesday’s visit, guests met with A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin before eating lunch in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. After lunch, the group enjoyed a Planetarium show hosted by Dr. Cheri Davis, Planetarium director. Read the Dorrough Endowment article. 
The A&M-Commerce Department of Chemistry is the recent recipient of a grant from The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest private funding sources for chemical research at universities, colleges and other educational institutions in Texas. The foundation supports degree programs in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering. The foundation’s departmental grant program will award A&M-Commerce with $40,000 per year over a three-year period. The funds support a number of functions within the department, including chemistry research by faculty members Ben Jang, D.Sc.; Allan Headley, Ph.D.; Laurence Angel, Ph.D.; Stephen Starnes, Ph.D.; Bukuo Ni, Ph.D.; and Thomas West, Ph.D. The goal of the departmental grant is to provide students with research experiences that encourage eventual careers in chemistry. The grant will support graduate student fellowships and undergraduate scholarships; funding to purchase chemicals and supplies; and travel support for faculty and students to attend conferences. West, who serves as department head, said faculty and students have benefitted greatly over the years through grants from The Welch Foundation. He reports that many students who have received support from the departmental grant program are now pursuing graduate degrees in chemistry at major universities or attending professional schools dedicated to biomedical sciences. Learn more about the Department of Chemistry at A&M-Commerce. 
On Monday, March 22, Metropolitan Opera rising star mezzo-soprano Sarah Mesko will present a virtual vocal masterclass on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce. Three students will perform live in Finney Concert Hall while Mesko works with them virtually through the Zoom video conferencing platform. In a statement earlier this week, Mesko said, “I’m really looking forward to hearing the students, and offering any ideas I can to support them in their singing!” The event will be held on Monday, March 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. Mesko will work with each student as they sing through one piece, focusing on vocal technique, dramatic interpretation, and stage presence. Feedback from such a highly trained, professional, classical singer is invaluable to young musicians, and will benefit anyone wishing to learn more about the craft of singing. Student performers include Vanessa Carrasco, Brittany Morrison and Erica Carranza, all accompanied by Laura Maxwell, staff accompanist and adjunct instructor of piano. The masterclass is free of charge and open to the public via the Zoom link. For more information about Sarah Mesko, please visit her website. For more information about the masterclass, contact Dr. Randy Hooper, director of Vocal Activities at 903.886.5284. (Photo by Dario Acosta – All Rights Reserved) 
The A&M-Commerce Department of Physics and Astronomy is the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant intended to fund a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) for community college students interested in physics and astronomy. The 10-week REU program—which runs from June 6 through August 12—will host six students from community colleges in the mid-south region near Northeast Texas, which borders the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The grant will provide each participant with a $6,000 stipend, housing and travel support to and from Commerce, as well as an observing run at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas. Selected participants will work directly with a faculty mentor on a collaborative research project matching the student’s specific interests. Additionally, students will attend several social events and field trips to research and industrial institutions in North and East Texas. Learn more about the summer 2021 physics and astronomy REU. Application deadline is March 31. 
Dallas Regional Chamber recently published an article that examines how area universities have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights A&M-Commerce, Austin College, Dallas Baptist University, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of North Texas. According to the article, “Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) was one of the few institutions that didn’t miss a beat, beginning online instruction immediately following the university’s regularly scheduled spring break, largely thanks to the school’s robust catalog of online classes and widespread use of learning management systems in traditional courses.” The article notes that A&M-Commerce has recorded growth in graduate enrollment, partly due to a slower job market. Additionally, the article points out that the pandemic has accelerated innovation in higher education, including online programming. “…TAMUC is nationally recognized for its non-traditional, competency-based education programs, which grant credit for an individual’s prior work experience,” the article states. “Presently, TAMUC offers the program in criminal justice and organizational leadership, but is preparing tracks in health services administration, safety and health, and other fields to respond to emergent workforce needs stemming from COVID-19.” Read the Dallas Regional Chamber article. 
