A Conversation with Dr. Kimberly McLeod

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

Stop thinking … apply! There’s a popular proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is today.”

Plant your seed now and let those roots begin to grow. A&M-Commerce has a great alumni network, top-of-the-line professors, innovative and flexible programs, and an urban and rural experience. What else do you need? Of course, I’d love for you to enroll in the College of Education and Human Services, but whatever major you choose, enroll now. You won’t regret it!

What draws you to your discipline?

Teaching is a profession where one drop in the ocean has the potential to create ripples that turn into waves. When I see people taking courageous steps outside of their comfort zone to better their lives, it’s like food for my soul! We can do so much more than our minds can even imagine. My research helps to maximize the unlimited potential of students and the educators who teach them.

Tell us about an academic project you are working on or recently completed.

I’m particularly proud of my volunteer work as president of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Along with a passionate group of educators, we built relationships representing the demographic segments in Texas and formed the Texas Educational Policy Institute. We instructed public educators about policy and governance as it relates to public education. As a result, several of our fellows took their education to the next level, two were elected to public office and one worked with city officials to empower those in public education. I was amazed at the number of state officials supporting our project.