Academic Success CenterAcademic Success Center Celebrates 10 Years, Offers Tutoring at New Location
Lion CommunityTAMUC Lions Receive Free Access to Adobe Creative Cloud Apps
A&M-Commerce at FriscoFirst Social Work Cohort Graduates from A&M-Commerce at Frisco
Awards and AchievementsTAMUC Faculty Matt Wood Named A&M System Regents Professor
News Bites
Students in the Texas A&M University-Commerce Percussion Studio performed well at the Tierras South Texas Percussion Competition in December. This first-annual competition saw high schoolers and university students perform their works on either keyboard or snare drum. A&M-Commerce students finished as follows: Ashton Carter – 1st place in the Collegiate Snare Drum CategoryGenevieve Trant – 3rd place in the Collegiate Snare Drum CategoryConnor Trant – 2nd place in the Collegiate Keyboard CategoryCameron Schreiber – 5th place in the Collegiate Keyboard Category The TAMUC students represented four of the eight finalist spots for the competition, while no other school at the competition featured more than 1 finalist. 
The A&M-Commerce chapter of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) has won an Outstanding Chapter Award from the organization’s national office. The designation is the highest level of distinction, with less than 15% of the organization’s chapters receiving the title. The local chapter has been a Distinguished Chapter for the past six years consecutively. The A&M-Commerce chapter is advised by Bahar Modir, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Officers for the 2020-2021 academic year include Keely Scott, president; Madison Smith, vice president; Zorayda Martinez, secretary; and James Hiron, treasurer. “I’m extremely impressed with the SPS officers and advisor this past year,” said Kent Montgomery, Ph.D., who serves as head of the department. “Throughout the pandemic and mostly online learning, this group kept the organization going when many other student organizations ceased to function. They held meetings and social functions, produced recruitment videos for the department and helped with Physics Day each semester.” Operating within the American Institute of Physics, SPS is a professional association designed for students and membership is open to anyone interested in physics and related fields. Learn more about the Society of Physics Students. 
The Mathematical Association of America has selected a research project video by A&M-Commerce students Victor Ezem and Ashlee Story to be featured on its website. Ezem is a mathematics and computer science major, and Story is a computer science major. They submitted a video presentation of their research, “Properties and Parameters of Codes from Unit Graphs of Zn,” in conjunction with the university’s Summer 2021 National Research Experience for Undergraduates. The video was also selected to be presented at the Young Mathematicians Conference at Ohio State University earlier this year. The video’s selection earned a $600 stipend, with $100 earmarked for the team’s faculty advisor and the remaining $500 split between Ezem and Story. Padmapani Seneviratne, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, served as the students’ faculty research advisor. View the research video on the Mathematical Association of America website. 
Current Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate student Erayne Gee Hill was recently named vice president of Glint Advertising. Hill takes this position after serving for the past 3 years as the director of marketing and communications for the Texas A&M University School of Law. She has more than 25 years of experience in the field of public relations and marketing. Hill received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000 and is currently pursuing her MBA at A&M-Commerce. Hill is also the niece of A&M-Commerce Professor of Educational Leadership Julia Ballenger, Ph.D., who was named a Regent’s Professor by the Texas A&M University System in 2020. Read more about Hill’s hiring. 
A&M-Commerce chemistry student Shea Garland received recognition for Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation in Organic Chemistry at the American Chemical Society’s recent 2021 Southwest Regional Meeting in Austin, Texas. Garland is an Honors College student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Dr. Stephen Starnes, associate professor of chemistry at A&M-Commerce, said he is proud of Garland’s accomplishment, describing her as a skilled researcher. “Shea’s research is focused on developing sensors for environmental pollutants. She has been working on her honors thesis in my research group since Spring 2020, and I rely on her to help train new students in the group” Starnes said. “Witnessing her capabilities first-hand, I’m not the least bit surprised to see her win this award.” Garland is set to graduate in Spring 2022 and plans to continue studying chemistry at the graduate level. Learn more about the Department of Chemistry at A&M-Commerce and the American Chemical Society. 
A current Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate student was recently the recipient of a renowned fellowship from a Dallas-Fort Worth area art gallery. Alex Ordóñez, currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts degree in Art with a Studio Art emphasis, was named a 2021 Equity in Arts Fellow by the Talley Dunn Gallery. The fellowship provides recipients with a $1,000 stipend, monthly cohort meetings with the entire gallery team focusing on different areas of career development, access to gallery resources and connections throughout the year, and more. Ordóñez, a native of Ecuador, navigates issues of cultural identity and social justice through natural materials including clay, papier-mâché, fabric and paper. He also teaches at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas. Learn more about the fellowship. 
The Texas Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (TACSM) has selected A&M-Commerce student Taryn Cast to receive an undergraduate Student Research Development Award. The university will receive a $1,000 grant to support Cast’s research project, “Physical Fitness of Texas Law Enforcement Cadets.” Principal investigators for the study are A&M-Commerce faculty members Michael Oldham, Ph.D., Vipa Bernhardt, Ph.D., and Hussien Jabai, MS. According to Bernhardt, the study’s objective is to assess fitness levels of law enforcement academy cadets before and after a six-month training program. The study seeks to establish a baseline of standardized fitness assessments and training intended to better prepare law enforcement officers for their line of work while decreasing injuries, lost time and costs related to medical bills and workers’ compensation. Cast, who is an honors student and member of the A&M-Commerce volleyball team, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Studies with a concentration in human performance. Learn more about TACSM at their website. 
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas A&M University-Commerce is the recipient of the University Growth Initiative grant from Agriculture Future of America, a group aimed at fostering professionalism, intellectualism and entrepreneurialism through experiential opportunities for agriculture students. The University Growth Initiative was created in 2007 and provides funding for students to attend the AFA Leaders Conference, among other benefits. This is the first year for A&M-Commerce to receive the grant. Other recipients this year were Delta State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Lincoln Land Community College and Delaware State University. Three A&M-Commerce students will attend the conference with the help of these grant funds. The students are: • Emily Jennings, an Agricultural Leadership and Communications major from Maud, Texas • Jessica Stephens, an Agricultural Leadership and Communications major from Canton, Texas • Alyssa Chapman, an Agricultural Education major from Emory, Texas A&M-Commerce Assistant Professor Maggie Salem, Ed.D, applied for this grant and will be traveling with the students to the conference. Learn more about the grant at the AFA website. 
By Lion Athletics The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s basketball team outscored the Southern Methodist Mustangs in two quarters and the two teams tied one quarters, but the Mustangs held on for a 66-58 win at the Moody Coliseum on Monday night. The narrow loss marks the second of three tune-ups for the Lions before its last season in NCAA Division II begins on November 12. A&M-Commerce takes on Houston on Friday night at 6 p.m. in the final exhibition of the preseason. The regular season begins next week against Colorado State-Pueblo. Read the full story. 
A&M-Commerce student Jerry Valladarez was recently sworn in as the Terrell ISD Chief of Police. Valladarez has been with Terrell ISD since 2013 as a campus police officer. For the 26 years prior, he worked in the Wilmer Police Department, the Dallas County Police Department and the Mesquite Police Department. Additionally, he served in the Army Reserves. Valladarez looks forward to continuing to serve Terrell ISD and the community. Valladarez is a student in the competency-based criminal justice program at A&M-Commerce and will graduate in 2022. The competency-based criminal justice program is an online, accelerated degree plan. The self-paced courses allow students to work according to their own schedules as they develop critical skills for careers as first responders. Learn more about Valladarez’s accomplishment at Terrell Tiger News. Photo source: Terrell ISD 
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.) 
Allure, a national women’s magazine, recently published an article highlighting research from A&M-Commerce assistant professor Toni Sturdivant. The article explores how dolls affect children’s self-esteem, identity and sense of belonging. It also discusses the power of dolls to shape perceptions of beauty, and fuel gender and racial stereotypes. Read the Allure article. 
Columbia Law School’s blog recently published research by Regents Professor Srinivas Nippani from A&M-Commerce, and Associate Professor Nizan Geslevich Packin from Baruch College, City University of New York. Their research discusses efforts by the U.S. government to end discrimination by banks against minority families. Examples of these efforts include the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010. Nippani and Packin argue that banks need to do more to end discrimination. They offer an analysis of issues with the current system and conclude by suggesting a rating system for banks based on diversity, equity and inclusion. Read the full story at the Columbia Law School blog. 
Dr. Eman Hammad, a Texas A&M University-Commerce assistant professor working at the A&M System’s RELLIS Campus, recently received a pair of accolades signifying her accomplishments in the field of cybersecurity. Hammad was named one of the “Top Women in Cybersecurity” by the website ITWorld Canada. Hammad joins 19 other women on the list. In addition, she received the North America Exceptional Service Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Communications Society. Through partnerships with Texas A&M University System, Blinn College, workforce training organizations and the private sector, RELLIS is the first integrated education, research and testing institution in the state of Texas. The educational programs at RELLIS focus on collaboration beyond institutional affiliation, and the campus will serve as a model for the future of higher education by cultivating powerful opportunities for students. Learn more about the RELLIS campus. 
Professor Tracy B. Henley in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at A&M-Commerce and Matt J. Rossano, professor of psychology at Southeastern Louisiana University, are co-editors of a new book, “Psychology and Cognitive Archaeology: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Study of the Human Mind.” According to the publisher, the edited volume explores archaeological data concerning specific themes such as the use of tools, child-rearing practices, expressions of gender and sexuality, sleep patterns, the nature of warfare, cultural practices and the origins of religion. Learn more at the publisher’s website. (Photo courtesy of Routledge.com) 
Belinda Rudinger, Ed.D., a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Special Education at A&M-Commerce, has been elected to the board of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Visual Impairments and Deaf-Blindness (DVIDB). DVIDB seeks to advance the education of individuals with visual impairments while promoting related educational, scientific and charitable purposes. Rudinger will serve a two-year term ending in 2024. “Given the nationwide shortage of vision professionals, serving on the DVIDB board offers a unique opportunity to impact the field,” Rudinger said. “My specific areas of interest include promotion of digital accessibility, braille and assistive technology.” Learn more about DVIDB at their website. 
Toni Sturdivant, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, has been selected as a candidate for the governing board of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC is the world’s largest organization of early childhood professionals and is considered a thought-leader in the field of early childhood education. Sturdivant was encouraged to apply by a previous board member. After a rigorous screening process, four candidates were selected to fill two open member-at-large positions on the board. NAEYC members will vote for candidates from January 10, 2022, through March 2, 2022. Sturdivant said she’s excited about the opportunity. “I look forward to having the opportunity to work collaboratively with professionals across the nation while helping to ensure that our youngest Texans receive the best early learning experiences by working with NAEYC to advocate for high-quality early childhood practices,” she said. Those interested in joining NAEYC and voting for candidates may visit the organization’s website. 
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) has selected Dr. Karyn E. Miller, assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, for the fourth cohort of the AERA-Fellowship Program on the Study of Deeper Learning (AERA-SDL). Supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the AERA-SDL fellowship includes professional development and training activities, and collaboration opportunities with researchers from AERA and the American Institutes for Research. Miller will also receive funding to support her research, “Not Just a Face in a Sea of People: An Exploration of Caring School Culture in Deeper Learning Network Schools.” Learn more about AERA at their website. 
A&M-Commerce professors Karyn E. Miller and Jacqueline Riley recently published new research about academic mothers. Their paper “Changed Landscape, Unchanged Norms: Work-Family Conflict and the Persistence of the Academic Mother Ideal” was featured in the “Innovative Higher Education” journal. Miller and Riley’s work focused on mothering expectations and the roles of academic mothers in the changing educational landscape. Despite the changes brought about by COVID-19, they found that academic and mothering norms remained the same. Miller and Riley concluded their article by discussing the implications of this research and offering suggestions for practices that support academic mothers. Miller and Riley are assistant professors in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Read the full article at Springer Link. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce Assistant Professor of Political Science Ayal Feinberg is slated to give a virtual lecture on antisemitism in the digital space later this month. The lecture, titled “Online Antisemitism: The New Hate Frontier,” will discuss how the internet became the new frontier for proliferating hate, what researchers know about this growing phenomenon, and what organizations are doing about it. Feinberg will deliver the presentation along with Dr. Jordan Kraemer, a media anthropologist and recently appointed director of policy and research at the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Technology and Society. This talk is sponsored by Southern Methodist University’s Jewish Studies Program. The lecture is scheduled to take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on November 17. Register to receive the stream link. 
A faculty member at Texas A&M University-Commerce was recently tapped to provide insight in an “Ask the Expert” article hosted on personal finance website WalletHub.com. Vicki Stewart, an instructor of accounting at A&M-Commerce, was featured in an article discussing credit cards that do not require a social security number to obtain. Stewart offered tips on the pros and cons of these types of products. Stewart has taught at A&M-Commerce since 2016 and has experience in higher education as well as with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Stewart is also a Certified Public Accountant. See the WalletHub article. 
As told by the Forest Lake Times in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Professor Barret Radziun is on a journey through Claire Saffitz’s cookbook “Dessert Person.” He’s currently in his third year at A&M-Commerce as an assistant voice professor. After watching the 2009 movie “Julie & Julia,” Radizun came up with an idea for his New Year’s resolution: Bake every recipe in “Dessert Person.” Radizun has baked 80 of the 105 recipes so far. To date, his favorite recipe has been the oat and pecan brittle cookies. An alum of Cambridge-Isanti High School in Cambridge, Minnesota, Radizun first began baking during his graduate studies at the Bard College Conservatory of Music. Read the full story at the Forest Lake Times. 
Brian Brumley, director of field education for the School of Social Work at A&M-Commerce, recently participated in an online “Ask an Expert” series aimed at students aspiring to gain a master’s degree in social work. In the article, Brumley answers questions about the process of selecting a social work program and finding success as a graduate student. Read the article at mastersinsocialworkonline.org. 
Josh Thompson, Ph.D., professor of early childhood education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is co-author of a newly published article on the Phi Delta Kappan website. Co-author Zlata Stanković-Ramirez, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of early childhood at Coastal Carolina University. The article, “What early childhood educators know about developmentally appropriate practice,” discusses changes in understanding child development and learning as waves and cycles, rather than ages and stages. Read the article. 
Becky Sinclair, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at A&M-Commerce, is co-author of a research article published online in July, titled, “Preservice teachers’ perceptions of learning environments before and after pandemic-related course disruption.” The research explores changes in student perceptions of learning environments before and after switching to remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-authors include Chris Long, assistant professor at the University of North Texas; Barry Fraser, professor at Curtin University; Tiffany Larson, professor at the University of North Texas; and Pamela E. Harrell, professor at the University of North Texas. Read the full article. 
Eight faculty members at A&M-Commerce will be awarded the 2021 Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Dean Kimberly McLeod in the College of Education and Human Services will serve as keynote speaker for the event. The award recognizes A&M-Commerce junior faculty who exhibit professional excellence. Candidates are nominated by department heads or deans based on exceptional teaching evaluations, research, publications and more. Recipients of the 2021 award, selected by the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education and the A&M-Commerce Faculty Senate, include: Gerald Burch, Ph.D., Management and EconomicsMylynka Cardona, Ph.D., HistoryKamshia Childs, Ed.D., Curriculum and InstructionEdith Gonzalez, Ph.D., CounselingMohamed Komaki, Ph.D., Marketing and Business AnalyticsMimi Li, Ph.D., Literature and LanguagesBahar Modir, Ph.D., Physics and AstronomyZachary D. Palmer, Ph.D., Sociology and Criminal Justice The event will be broadcast live on Zoom at 6 p.m. 
Leigh Merrill, associate art professor at A&M-Commerce, will be featured in an upcoming art exhibit at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. The school’s Visual and Performing Arts department is hosting her work, entitled “Blue Crush,” from October 4 through October 28. Merrill’s work has been featured across the United States and Europe in art galleries and publications. Her art is part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Texas Tech University, the University of North Texas Library Print Study Collection, the city of Phoenix, the California Institute of Integral Studies and various private collections. Read more at the Lufkin Daily News. 
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. Brannon-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. 
Several Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni represented their alma mater well at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. The Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest instrumental music education conference, annually drawing approximately 17,000 attendees to Chicago from all fifty states and as many as forty countries. In this year’s clinic, four A&M-Commerce percussion alumni performed or led a group during the conference. Jim Gist – Director of the North Forney High School Percussion EnsembleColin Crouch – Performed with the North Forney ensemble as a substitute playerAndrew Lynge – Guest soloist as part of the Epoch Percussion Quartet, performing on the Dallas Winds showcase concertDan Moore – Guest artist performing with the Wakeland High School Percussion Ensemble from Frisco, TX Gist said this of their performance, “It was a tremendous honor and an incredible experience to be one of three percussion ensembles in the world selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic. Our mission as a percussion ensemble is ‘a relentless pursuit of excellence,’ so accomplishing this goal was reflective of that drive and determination we have as a group. I could not be more proud of our students. It is my hope that the success they have experienced in percussion will inspire them to achieve great things in the next phase of their lives.” (Pictured, the North Forney HS Percussion Ensemble under the direction of A&M-Commerce alum Jim Gist.) 
Texas A&M University-Commerce alumnus C. Collin Sutt was recently announced as the chair of the 2022 Advancing Construction Operational Excellence Conference to be held from March 7-9 in Denver, Colo. The conference bills itself as the only event in North America focused on achieving operational excellence in construction. The conference is organized by Hanson Wade, a company that specializes in hosting business and trade conferences. Sutt graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2009 with a B.S. in Construction Science and a minor in Business, and currently serves as a performance excellence and quality consultant with American Contractors Insurance Group. Learn more about the conference. 
A recent article in the Greenville Herald Banner tells the story of A&M-Commerce alum J.B. McNatt. McNatt was 17 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Over 80 years later, he still remembers hearing the news for the first time. As a high school student, he recalls asking his mother, “What and where is Pearl Harbor?” After graduating from high school, he worked in Greenville, Texas, and attended East Texas State Teachers College, now A&M-Commerce. It wasn’t long before McNatt enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. “I never went overseas after I enlisted, but I worked in Colorado, North Dakota, New Mexico, and eventually ended up in Utah…Still, I’m honored to have been able to serve my country,” McNatt recalled. McNatt recently participated in the 2021 Veterans Day program at Greenville High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from East Texas State Teachers College in 1947. Read the full story at the Greenville Herald Banner. Photo: J.B. McNatt (second from left) attended the Veterans Day program at Greenville High School. By Travis Hairgrove | Herald-Banner Staff 
A&M-Commerce alum Chris Biggerstaff has been selected as the new fire chief for the city of Plano, Texas. Biggerstaff began his career by joining the Garland Fire Department in 1991. Shortly after, he joined the Plano Fire Department, earning Rookie of the Year in 1993. Biggerstaff was awarded Officer of the Year in 2013. The Plano City Council was schedule to ratify the appointment on December 13, and Biggerstaff will assume the duties of fire chief on December 20. Biggerstaff earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from A&M-Commerce. Read the full story. Photo credit: City of Plano 
A graduate of old ET has recently been named to the Hall of Honor of a state association for high school athletic directors, in recognition of her service and passion for high school athletics. Debbie Decker, a 1990 graduate of East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce), was named to the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association’s Hall of Honor late last month. Decker currently serves as executive director of athletics for Katy ISD in Katy, Texas. Her time as both a teacher and an athletics administrator totals nearly three decades. During her tenure at Katy ISD, Katy High School sports teams have amassed more than 10 state championships across multiple sports. Read more about Decker’s achievement at the THSADA website. 
For more than 15 years, Roslyn Thibodeaux Goodall has been raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. She serves as the co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Association/African Methodist Episcopal Church National Partnership Steering Committee and was recently featured in the Alzheimer’s Association’s ALZ Magazine. Goodall has also served as chairperson for a nationwide African Methodist Episcopal Connectional Purple Sunday event. She continues to be passionate about facilitating conversations about Alzheimer’s in the Black community. Goodall has experienced the loss of eight family members to dementia and describes her work as a “personal ministry.” In 1972, Goodall graduated from A&M-Commerce (then East Texas State University) with her master’s degree in marketing research. Read the full feature at ALZ Magazine. 
An A&M-Commerce alum, Dr. H.T. Sanchez, has been nominated for The School Superintendents’ Association (AASA) 2022 National Superintendent of the Year award. The award winner will be announced and the nominees will be honored at AASA’s National Conference on Education in February 2022. In September 2021, Sanchez received the 2021 Texas Superintendent of the Year award from the Texas Association of School Boards. Superintendent of the Plainview ISD since 2018, Sanchez has been involved with education for more than 23 years. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from A&M-Commerce in 2006. Read more at TASA. 
A&M-Commerce alum Eric Hale recently received the 2021 National University Teacher Award for the southwest region. This award highlights teachers across the nation who have engaged their students and supported their educational journeys in exceptional ways. The 2021 National University Teacher of the Year will be chosen from among the regional winners in early 2022. Hale was also honored by an invitation to the White House on October 18 where he met with the President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at an event honoring state and national teachers of the year. Hale, who teaches first and second grades, said, “I empower my students educationally, emotionally and socially so they can thrive at the highest levels of global society. I am an advocate for all children, but especially those growing up in poverty and trauma.” Hale was named Texas Teacher of the Year in 2020. He teaches at David G. Burnet Elementary in Dallas. Hale graduated from A&M-Commerce with a master’s degree in education. Read the full story at the National University Teacher Award website. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Dan Moore is scheduled to return to campus on November 15 to give a music clinic to A&M-Commerce percussion students. Moore is a 1982 graduate of then-East Texas State University, where he studied under Robert Houston. Moore has served as the Director of Percussion at the University of Iowa since 1996, and was honored by A&M-Commerce as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2005. He is scheduled to give a percussion clinic and work closely with all percussion majors throughout the day. 
A gathering of Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni is planned for the Dallas-Fort Worth area in support of the Lion Women’s Basketball team. All alums are welcome to a gathering at the Ozona Grill & Bar, located at 4615 Greenville Ave. in Dallas from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 1. The gathering is being held as a pre-game reception before the women’s basketball team’s exhibition contest against Southern Methodist University at Moody Coliseum in Dallas. Light refreshments and A&M-Commerce swag will be available at the event, and the game will tip off at 7 p.m. interested parties should contact Stephanie Fiorisi for more information. 
Texas A&M University-Commerce alum Barbara Kelley recently received the honor of being elected Secretary of the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members (TCBSBM). Kelley is a 2006 graduate of A&M-Commerce and currently serves as the Police Lead Telecommunicator for Dallas Area Rapid Transit. In addition to her 30-plus years in the field of public safety, Kelley also serves on the Board of Trustees for Corsicana ISD, an elected position she has held since 2009. She is a 1984 graduate of CISD and also devotes her time to the Advisory Board for the Navarro County Boys & Girls Club. The TCBSBM is a non-profit organization that speaks on behalf of quality education for African Americans in the state of Texas. 
Lion graduate Earl Nottingham was recently named a Distinguished Alumni by the Temple Education Foundation at a ceremony on October 21. Nottingham graduated from East Texas State University (now-Texas A&M University-Commerce) in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Photography. He achieved success for almost two decades as a freelance photographer, running his own business before taking the position of chief photographer with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1996. He recently retired from this position. The Temple Education Foundation develops community support to expand financial resources that enrich teaching and inspire learning to maximize opportunities for all students in the Temple Independent School District in Temple, Texas. Nottingham is a 1972 graduate of Temple High School. (Photo: Nottingham is pictured on the right) 
A&M-Commerce alum Shyulanda Randle-Filer was recently named 2021-2022 middle school principal of the year for Region 5 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Randle-Filer received her doctorate in educational leadership and administration from A&M-Commerce in 2015. She now serves as the principal at Vincent Middle School in Beaumont ISD. A&M-Commerce alum H.T. Sanchez, Ed.D., has been named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The presentation was made in September at the annual conference hosted by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The award recognizes superintendents across the state for excellence and achievement. According to a TASB press release, “Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education.” The release said that the winner is selected through a nine-month process that includes a school board nomination and interviews by regional and state selection committees. 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. In a statement to A&M-Commerce, Sanchez said, “I couldn’t have won this without the great education from TAMUC.” Sanchez earned his doctorate in educational administration from A&M-Commerce in 2006. Read the full TASB release. (Photo courtesy of Plainview ISD) 
A recent feature in the Denton Record Chronicle tells the story of Louise Tobin, a jazz legend who donated her jazz collection to A&M-Commerce in 2008. The jazz collection is available in the Velma K. Waters Library Special Collections. Mary Louise Tobin was born in Aubrey, Texas, in 1918. She loved to sing from a young age and used her talent for churches, university bands, and even Borden Dairy. She became a professional singer at 15 years old and soon married Harry James. The couple moved to New York and Tobin joined Benny Goodman’s jazz band as vocalist. She quickly became a huge hit. She sang for a few years but announced her retirement in 1939. After giving birth to two sons in 1941 and 1942, Tobin divorced Harry James in 1943. Nearly 20 years later, she left retirement to take the stage again at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1962. It was there that she met Peanuts Hucko. They became a musical team and married in 1967. From then on, they performed together all over the world. In the 1990s, Tobin and Hucko moved to Denton, Texas. In 2008, Tobin donated her jazz collection to A&M-Commerce to create the Louise Tobin and Peanuts Hucko Jazz Collection. Three years later, Tobin received an honorary doctorate from A&M-Commerce. In 2018, she celebrated her 100th birthday and currently lives near Dallas. Read the full story at Denton Record Chronicle. Photo Credit: LouiseTobin.com 
Mesquite News recently highlighted A&M-Commerce alumna Kristy Davis in a “Community Profile” article. The article reports that Davis was named the director of counseling for Mesquite ISD. She previously served as the at-risk coordinator for the district. Since she assumed the role, several schools in Mesquite ISD have won Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas awards. Davis is also a Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocate. Prior to joining Mesquite ISD staff, Davis worked at Mesquite Poteet High School as a school counselor. She graduated from A&M-Commerce with a Master of Science in Counseling. Read more at Mesquite News. 
A recent article in the Longview News Journal highlights A&M-Commerce alum Colleen Hoover, a #1 New York Times bestselling author. The popular “New Adult” romance and thriller writer self-published her first book, “Slammed,” in 2012. Within a few months, it had reached the New York Times bestseller list. Her 2016 novel, “It Ends With Us,” has recently gained traction on TikTok and currently sits at number three on the New York Times bestseller list for combined print and e-book fiction, ahead of Stephen King’s “Billy Summers.” Hoover, whose childhood dream was to become a writer, began writing at the age of 31. She has since published more than 20 novels and novellas and continues to appear on top bestseller lists. She graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2004 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Read the full feature at the Longview News Journal. 
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) 
Texas A&M University-Commerce and the city of Commerce were featured in the January 2022 edition of Business View Magazine. The article, titled “Commerce, Texas: Where Innovation Thrives,” interviewed Commerce city manager Howdy Lisenbee. Lisenbee discussed the expected growth of Commerce over the next two to three years and how the city is preparing. The article also highlights A&M-Commerce and how the university helps meet the needs of the community. It describes the university as “a valued partner to both Commerce and Hunt County.” Business View Magazine describes itself as a “source of news for executives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, franchisees, and anyone else interested in current industry trends and best practices.” The publication has 840,000 subscribers. Read the full Business View article. 
Representatives from the Department of Engineering and Technology at A&M-Commerce attended a Dec. 15 luncheon at Paris Regional Medical Center (PRMC), where the department was recognized for providing personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. A&M-Commerce attendees included Brent Donham, Ed.D., dean of the College of Science and Engineering; Perry Moler, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Jimmy and Sherroll Shirley Makerspace; and student Tamara Susa, who assisted with the project. Moler led a team of students who utilized 3D printers and laser cutters in the on-campus Jimmy and Sherroll Shirley Makerspace to produce more than 1,000 face shields, most of which were designated for PRMC. The department also reverse-engineered an accompanying component to ensure the face shields fit healthcare providers and properly protected them from the virus. Donham reported that PRMC representatives were greatly appreciative, stating that their nursing staff preferred the superior-quality face shields produced by A&M-Commerce. The hospital presented plaques to Moler and the department. (Photo courtesy of Paris Regional Medical Center. Pictured left to right: Tamara Susa, Dr. Brent Donham and Dr. Perry Moler with Doug Holzbog, A&M-Commerce alum and executive director of network development for Paris Regional Medical Center.) 
Faculty and students representing the A&M-Commerce Department of Health and Human Performance recently attended the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) annual conference in Arlington, Texas. The group made several presentations and brought home one award. Graduate student Omar Ramirez (pictured) and Associate Professor Vipa Bernhardt earned a first-place finish for their poster design in the Graduate Research Poster presentation. Sandy Kimbrough, Ph.D., accepted the leadership gavel for a one-year term as the organization’s new president. She also presented “TAHPERD Race on Foot Expedition (TRoFE) is 22,” and “Kardio with Juli and Sandy.” Faculty members Dean Culpepper, Ph.D., and Steve Prewitt, Ph.D., presented “Esports: A Sport and a Degree,” co-authored with Samantha Roberts, Ph.D., in memorium. Retired A&M-Commerce instructor Henry Ross, Ed.D., presented “Leadership You-Niversity.” Learn more about TAHPERD and the Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce. The College of Education and Human Services and the Office of Campus Life and Student Success recently hosted a Real Talk Workshop event to assist students with academic holds or other issues that might prevent them from registering for the upcoming semester. Kimberly McLeod, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said more than 270 students were registered at the event. She reported that faculty and staff supporting the event eventually lost count of the number of students they were able to assist, as a large group of students remained well past the workshop’s scheduled end time. She emphasized, however, that registration is only the first step toward student success. “The next step is for students to successfully navigate and thrive in the higher education landscape,” McLeod said. “We are so happy to help guide our students in their academic journey.” The next Real Talk Workshop is planned for April 20, 2022. 
A&M-Commerce was named a 2021 Star Award recipient by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Star Award recipients were honored at a special reception on December 1, at the beginning of the annual Higher Education Leadership Conference in Austin. Dr. John Humphreys, A&M-Commerce provost, and Derek Preas, A&M-Commerce director of Emergency Management and Safety, traveled to Austin to receive the award on behalf of the university. Read more about A&M-Commerce’s Star Award. 
The A&M-Commerce College of Education and Human Services and the Office of Campus Life and Student Success will host a “Real Talk Workshop” on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 12 p.m. in the Nursing and Health Sciences Building. Students will have the opportunity to engage with college faculty and administrators, and other university staff to discuss opportunities to improve student engagement and retention. Attendees will also be able to register for the spring semester and apply for student-worker positions available on-campus. La TacoTrona will be on-site providing free lunch for attendees. 
A strong contingent of students, faculty and alumni of Texas A&M University-Commerce had a stellar outing at the 2021 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). The convention ran from November 10 through 13 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Featuring concerts, clinics, panels and presentations given by the finest artists from all over the world, PASIC 2021 showcased all areas of percussion — drum set, marching, keyboard, symphonic, world, recreational, education, music technology, new music, and health and wellness. Some highlights from PASIC include:Student: The A&M-Commerce Percussion Ensemble I, consisting of Genevieve Hilburn, Nestor Mercado-Garcia, Makena Mailer, Connor Trant, Jesse Vela, and Adam Whoolery, tied for third place in the College Small Chamber Ensemble Competition.Makena Mailer earned 3rd place in the College Keyboard Competition. Faculty: Dr. Brian Zator led the PAS Leadership Academy MeetingSandi Rennick and Lauren Teel performed as part of the International Marimba Orchestra Alumni: Dr. Andrew Lynge, Director of Percussion at the University of Alabama, led his percussion ensemble to a win in the International Percussion Ensemble Competition and was able to conduct this group on their PASIC Showcase Concert.Alum Colin Crouch is a Graduate Student at the University of Alabama and on their PASIC Showcase Concert.The University of Alabama Percussion Ensemble performed the World Premiere of a new work, “Her Eyes”, composed by alum Samuel Peruzzolo-Vieria. Kaylie Hardeman was a featured guest performer on Matt Penland’s clinic. (Pictured in photo, from left: Adam Whoolery, Genevieve Hilburn, Connor Trant, Dr. Brian Zator, Jesse Vela, Nestor Mercado-Garcia and Makena Mailer.) 
A&M-Commerce students in the Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., along with members of the Texas National Guard, provided a COVID-19 vaccination event on October 30. The sorority’s community engagement project took place during the Big Game Tailgate event hosted by the College of Education and Human Services prior to the Lions football game against the University of Texas Permian Basin. The event was well-attended, with several members of the A&M-Commerce community receiving their first, second or booster vaccination dose. 
The Counseling Center at A&M-Commerce will host American actor, motivational speaker and former U.S. Army soldier, Jose Rene (J.R.) Martinez, as a guest speaker on Nov. 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium. In 2003, just one year after joining the Army, Martinez was in Iraq driving a Humvee filled with explosives when the vehicle hit a roadside bomb. The other three inhabitants of the vehicle were ejected, with Martinez trapped inside fearing for his life. He is now author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit,” a memoir about how he took his own personal tragedy and turned it into inspiration for others. As keynote speaker for Mental Health Matters Week, Martinez will present, “Illuminating the Journey from Trauma to Hope.” The event is open to everyone, with the first 300 students receiving a copy of Martinez’s book. Learn more about J.R. Martinez at his website. 
Students, employees and the general public have a new location to get their fill of coffee, tea and other items with the grand opening of a full-service Starbucks location inside the Waters Library at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Following an extended renovation and remodeling of the east side of the library’s first floor, the location officially opened for business on Oct. 18. The location is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Founded in 1971, Starbucks Corporation operates more than 32,000 locations worldwide. 
The Department of Health and Human Performance at A&M-Commerce, along with Campus Recreation, will sponsor two events next week to celebrate Exercise is Medicine on Campus, a program that calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health. The department will recognize Exercise is Medicine Day on Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. through 12 p.m. Six table stations will be set up on campus for activities including fitness challenges and testing, exercise tips, prizes and more. Additionally, on Thursday, Oct. 21, guest speaker Matt Green, Ph.D., will present “Exercise and Perceptual Responses: Mediating Factors and Novel Applications.” Green is a professor of exercise science and associate dean in the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama. The presentation will be in the foyer of the A&M-Commerce Nursing and Health Sciences Building from 9:30-11 a.m. Learn more about the Department of Health and Human Performance, Campus Recreation and Exercise is Medicine on Campus. 
The College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce will host a “State of the College” luncheon in Dallas on October 14. The event will provide updates on the many partnerships that A&M-Commerce has fostered with DFW-area school districts and the innovative initiatives being undertaken by the college. Also discussed will be the impending opening of A&M-Commerce’s new Dallas site, located at 8750 North Central Expressway in Dallas. “We are pursuing several unique partnerships and initiatives that will impact students in DFW and beyond. We look forward to sharing our progress at Thursday’s luncheon,” said Mark Rudin, Ph.D., president of A&M-Commerce. The State of the College luncheon is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 14 at the Crescent Hotel in Dallas. Speakers will include President Rudin, Provost John Humphreys and Commerce Mayor Wyman Williams. The Commerce High School “Jazz Cats” will provide live music during the lunch portion of the event. Learn more about CoEHS at A&M-Commerce 
The North Texas Renewable Energy Group and the Texas Solar Energy Society are partnering to host a diversity internship program. A 2019 study by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council found that 88% of solar company executives are white and another 80% are men. Rosa Orenstein, chair of the North Texas Renewable Energy Group, hopes that this internship program will help change that statistic. This 10-week program will aim at introducing underrepresented students to clean energy and will include up to six different companies. This program is seeking six interns for Spring 2022. Each intern will receive mentorship from an industry professional. The program is currently focused on recruiting students from Dallas College (Mountain View Campus), the University of Texas at Arlington, A&M-Commerce and Tarrant County College. Read the full story at Green Source DFW. 
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. 
