Alumni Association

Events, Programs & Awards

2012 DISTINGUISHED HONOREES

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

TRUMAN BELL ' 71

Truman T. Bell, a native of Coleman and resident of Keller, is Senior Program Officer for Education and Diversity at Exxon Mobil. Bell graduated from Tarleton with a BS degree in mathematics in 1971 and a M.Ed. in 1975. Bell was hired as Director of Student Financial Aid and Placement at Tarleton at the age of 22, the youngest person in the nation at that time to hold a college administrative position. While at Tarleton, Bell was very active on campus and in the community. He has remained a loyal supporter of Tarleton, as a member of the President’s Club, the TAA, and the board of directors of the Tarleton Development Foundation, and he has established the Truman T. Bell Scholarship fund.

TOMMY HAILEY '55

Tommy L. Hailey, who was born and raised in the Breckenridge area, attended Tarleton in 1953 where he studied wildlife management. He transferred to Texas A&M University and received a biology degree. Hailey’s career as a wildlife biologist spans more than half century, with 38 years as a staff member for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and 13 years as a wildlife consulting biologist. Hailey, who has authored or contributed to numerous wildlife publications, was instrumental in establishing the Bighorn Sheep population in the Big Bend Country. Hailey has been a tireless worker for the TAA and continues to be very involved with numerous boards and organizations in Stephens County.

VERNON NEWSOM '71

Vernon N. Newsom, who was recognized posthumously, played football at Tarleton from 1967-1971, receiving both his bachelors and masters degrees in education. Newsom was a career educator, serving as superintendent of Wimberly ISD for 8 years and Mansfield ISD for 13 years until his retirement in June 2009. Under his leadership, both of these school districts experienced tremendous growth. As a tribute to Newsom, Mansfield ISD named their new football facility in his honor. Newsom served on dozens of boards and community service organizations, receiving numerous awards of recognition. He remained loyal and involved with his alma mater as a lifetime member of the TAA and a 2009 recipient of the TAA Forum.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS

LANCE CROSBY '88

Lance Crosby, a 1988 graduate of Stephenville High School, was recognized as the 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus. Crosby, who received a bachelors and masters degree from Tarleton, went on to gain a law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. In 2005, Crosby started SoftLayer Technologies, Inc. As the innovation leader in Cloud, Dedicated, and Managed Hosting, this company has experienced incredible success and nationwide recognition.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

JONATHAN HOOPER

Mr. Jonathan Hooper was named the 2012 Distinguished Faculty. Hooper began his career at Tarleton in 1983 as assistant band director under Milton Fox. In 1986, Hooper became director of the band program and within three years had tripled the size of the band. Under his tutelage, the Tarleton band program flourished, achieving numerous milestone accomplishments, both nationally and internationally.

DISTINGUISHED STAFF

ANNIE BARNES

Annie Barnes was honored as this year’s Distinguished Staff.  What began as a “practice interview” with Dr. Johnny Dunn turned into a 39 year career, serving Tarleton in the Physical Education Department, President’s office, Office of Development and the TSU Foundation.  For the last 21 years, Ms. Barnes worked in the Division of Environmental Services until her retirement in June 2011. 

DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS

CHARLES AND DOMINIQUE INGE

Charles and Dominique Inge, who reside in Granbury, were recognized as the 2012 Distinguished Friends. Charles, a native of Dallas and graduate of SMU began a very successful real estate company in 1960. Dominique received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State and her masters from SMU, where she met Charles.  With a common passion for the arts, the Inges have been involved over the last 30 years in many charitable and philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Inge Foundation which has provided some 500 grants to various organizations.  Since 1995, the Inges have been key supporters of Tarleton, particularly with the Langdon Center in Granbury.