TAMUC Well-Represented at Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Annual Conference

A&M-Commerce had a strong showing at the 51st annual Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education conference held Feb. 11-14 in Frisco, Texas.

Numerous faculty and staff presented at the conference, with two receiving some of TABPHE's highest awards. Additionally, A&M-Commerce student Forrest Coleman received the Ivory Moore Undergraduate Scholarship.

Nine students stand holding plaques and swag bags.
A&M-Commerce student Forrest Coleman, second from left, received the Ivory Moore Undergraduate Scholarship at the 2024 Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education annual conference. Photo by Randall McHenry.

Dr. Julia Ballenger, Regents Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, received the Erma Johnson Hadley Academic Award. The award recognizes faculty members who have achieved academic success via curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Two women stand holding an award between them.
A&M-Commerce faculty Dr. Julia Ballenger, right, received the Erma Johnson Hadley Academic Award at the 2024 Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education annual conference. Photo by Randall McHenry.

Dr. Dimitra Smith, professor and head of the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies, received the Ivory Moore Service Award, recognizing individuals whose lives model service to humanity.

Two women stand holding an award between them.
A&M-Commerce faculty Dr. Dimitra Smith, right, received the Ivory Moore Service Award at the 2024 Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education annual conference. Photo by Randall McHenry.

A&M-Commerce professor and TABPHE President Dr. LaVelle Hendricks said the occasion marked the first time in TABPHE history that two faculty from the same university were honored.

“It speaks well to the academic excellence which exists at A&M-Commerce,” he said. “Many thanks to Dr. Ray Green, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, and Dr. Tammi Vacha-Haase, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, for supporting these faculty nominations!”