Tarleton State University

Regents approve transfer of Langdon Center to Granbury

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, February 10, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted Feb. 9 to approve the transfer of Tarleton State University’s Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center to the City of Granbury.

The Granbury City Council already voted Nov. 1 to accept the center, which is located adjacent to the city’s historic downtown area, and continue to operate it as a public arts, culture and educational venue.

“We are certainly pleased the board of regents approved it,” said Granbury City Manager Wayne McKethan. “It will be a great asset to the city and we look forward to the continuation of the arts and cultural events that are the heritage of that property.”

Tarleton officials cited budgetary considerations as the primary factor in the donation of the center to the City of Granbury.

“The Langdon Center has served as a wonderful venue for a variety of cultural, educational and social interactions between the university and the Granbury community, and only after profound consideration of the limitations that come from our reduced budget in these economic times have we considered this option,” said Dr. Rick Richardson, vice president for institutional advancement at Tarleton. “The fact that the City of Granbury will use the center to expand its own vision for growth as a cultural destination for the state of Texas means this well-loved asset has found the perfect new home.”

Richardson credited Granbury writers and arts enthusiasts Charles and Dominique Inge, Tarleton Foundation board member Sam McGowan and Granbury Chamber of Commerce President Mike Scott with serving as special advisers to the university in preparing the terms of the donation and guiding the approach to the City of Granbury.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton faculty receive teaching excellence awards

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas A&M University System recognized outstanding faculty throughout the system, including 25 members of the Tarleton faculty, for the fall 2011 Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence.

The awards are based on student evaluation of instruction results, applications from faculty members listing teaching initiatives for the semester, and review by college review committees. Individuals of all teaching levels are eligible for awards based on criteria from The Texas A&M University System with input for 2011-2012 Tarleton awards from the Tarleton State University Faculty Senate.

“Congratulations to our faculty members on their selection as a 2012 recipient of the Texas A&M University System Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence. It is a high honor to be recognized in this manner by Tarleton’s students and a clear indication that our faculty members are making a difference in the Tarleton community,” said university President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio. “I appreciate their dedication and service to the university and our students.”

Each of the recipients received a $1,000 award. The Tarleton State University faculty award recipients include:

College of Educationâ€¨
Ms. Jennifer McGregor, instructor of curriculum and instruction
Dr. Laurie McAdams, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction
Dr. Melissa Becker, associate professor of curriculum and instruction
Dr. Wendell Sadler, professor of kinesiology
Ms. Misti Reisman, instructor of kinesiologyâ€¨â€¨

College of Business Administrationâ€¨
Mr. Edward Ferrero, adjunct instructor of management, marketing and administrative systems
Mr. Reggie Hall, assistant professor of management, marketing and administrative systems
Dr. Joseph Schuessler, assistant professor of computer information systems
Dr. Jason Sharp, assistant professor of computer information systems
Ms. Karen Varnell, assistant professor of accounting, finance and economics

College of Science and Technologyâ€¨
Dr. Javier Garza, associate professor of mathematics
Dr. Bowen Brawner, associate professor of mathematics
Dr. Christopher Higgins, assistant professor of biological sciences
Dr. Sudarshan Kurwadkar, assistant professor of engineering and physics
Ms. Dokagari Woods, assistant professor of nursing

College of Liberal and Fine Artsâ€¨
Dr. Jason LaTouche, assistant professor of sociology, social work and criminal justice
Dr. Jennifer Edwards, assistant professor of communication studies
Dr. Ivelisse Urban, assistant professor of English
Dr. Dean Minix, professor of social sciences
Mr. Mark Holtorf, associate professor of fine artsâ€¨â€¨

College of Agricultural and Environmental Scienceâ€¨
Dr. Wayne Atchley, assistant professor of agricultural and consumer sciences
Mr. Dan Hunter, adjunct instructor of agricultural and consumer sciences
Dr. Kyle McGregor, associate professor of agricultural and consumer sciences
Ms. Paula McKeehan, assistant professor of agricultural and consumer sciences
Ms. Manon Shockey, instructor of environmental and agricultural management

The awards, previously known as the Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards, began as a pilot program at Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville in fall 2008. In the spring 2009 semester, the program expanded to all A&M System campuses. Spring 2012 will be the last semester for awards under this program.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

U.S. Rep. Conaway, Combest plan ag summit at Tarleton

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Midland) and Larry Combest, a former congressman from Lubbock, will host an agriculture summit at Tarleton State University on Saturday, Feb. 11. The forum, free and open to the public, is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms.

Conaway and Combest will offer the public an update on current agriculture issues and legislation and will take questions from the audience.

Conaway represents the 11^th Congressional District, a sprawling 36 county area in West and Central Texas that includes Odessa, Midland and San Angelo. He is the chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management and a member of the subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry.

Combest, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1985-2003, was chairman of the House Agriculture Committee from 1999-2003.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Jones Street closing to vehicular traffic

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, February 3, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—A portion of Jones Street on the Tarleton State University campus will be closed permanently to vehicular traffic beginning Monday as part of a project to convert the roadway into a pedestrian mall.

Construction is scheduled to start Monday, Feb. 6, and will result in Jones Street being barricaded between Rome and Lillian streets. The contractor is expected to complete the project within five months, university administrators said.

Temporary fencing will be erected around the construction area to ensure the safety of students and prevent pedestrians from entering the work zone. Access will be limited to the north entrances of the three adjacent residential halls, and residents of Centennial, Legends and Legacy halls are encouraged to develop alternate routes for accessing their housing complex during the ongoing construction.

The pedestrian mall project is the final step in completing Tarleton’s recent student housing expansion after last semester’s opening of Legacy Hall.

Once the project is completed, bollards will be installed at each end of Jones Street preventing vehicles from entering the new pedestrian mall.

The latest construction follows the completion of Tarleton’s newest parking lot, which opened to campus residents on Dec. 5. Designated as Red Zone P-36, the new parking area north of the Barry B. Thompson Student Center at the intersection of Lillian and Jones streets serves as a residential student parking lot. The lot created an additional 206 parking spaces, expanding the lot’s overall capacity to 323 vehicles.

Upon completion of the pedestrian mall, contractors will begin working on the Rome Street improvement project, which is scheduled to start in May.

A detailed map of the fenced-off construction area can be viewed here: http://www.tarleton.edu/documents/JonesStreetClosure.pdf

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council to host exhibit by Tarleton artists

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, February 3, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—“Accumulated Visions,” the Tarleton Art Society’s first-ever off-campus exhibit, will be featured at the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council’s gallery, located at 204 River North Blvd., from Feb 4-25.

The exhibition of artwork by Tarleton students includes paintings, drawings, photography, digital prints, mixed media collages and sculptures.

Chris Ireland, assistant professor of art and faculty advisor to the Tarleton Art Society, said “Accumulated Visions” is the first of many off-campus exhibits the student organization plans to host in the coming months.

“Aside from providing our student artists a social venue, it also invites them to more professional opportunities. In our department, we have a small gallery but this off-campus exhibit gives students practice in preparing and setting up for an exhibit,” Ireland said. “The more exhibition opportunities for Tarleton’s art students, the better.”

Works for the upcoming exhibit were produced by a range of students, including freshmen and upper-classmen, said Ireland. Although some pieces are part of students’ private collections, many works of art will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the exhibit.

Tyler Siegrist, president of the student organization, said the Tarleton Art Society fosters positive personal development through educational relationships for its members. “Our goal is to be a more cohesive group of student artists and to provide opportunities for the students to discuss trends in the visual and contemporary arts,” said Siegrist, adding that the Tarleton Art Society also helps to promote the artistic development of students while giving back to the community and university.

“I like seeing the young artists and their artwork each year. It’s always a fresh exhibit and there are many talented students at Tarleton,” said Julie Crouch, the fine arts council executive director. “We enjoy partnering with Tarleton to showcase their art to the community.”

The fine arts council will host an artist’s reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30- 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

To learn more about Tarleton’s art program visit: http://www.tarleton.edu/art/index.html

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Social media institute to host Valentine's Pinterest Party

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State Universityâ€¨â€¨

â€¨â€¨
Thursday, February 2, 2012â€¨â€¨

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI) will host a Pinterest Party at noon Thursday, Feb. 9, with Valentine’s Day in mind. Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) is a social media site where participants “pin” pictures, recipes, ideas, crafts, etc., to virtual bulletin boards.

What is a Pinterest Party? People already on Pinterest bring a food item or craft project made from a Pinterest “pin.” Those not yet on Pinterest can learn about the social media site and pinning, while tasting treats from new recipes and perusing craft and gift ideas.

The Pinterest Party is sponsored by Texas Social Media Research Institute, Dick Smith Library, the Center for Instructional Innovation and the Communication Studies Department. It will be held in the Dick Smith Library Instructional Classroom. Pinterest users are asked to bring a food item or craft made from a “pin.” Non-Pinterest users are encouraged to attend to learn more about how the site can be used.

“It is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make something sweet for your Valentine while learning about social media and all of the creative ideas Pinterest holds,” said head intern Nicole Sonnier.

This is the second program offered by TSMRI this semester. During January, TSMRI presented a free webinar about online reputation management. TSMRI’s mission is to provide research and training focused on communication technology and social media for K-12 education, higher education, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The cross-discipline research collaboration was the brainchild of Dr. Jennifer Edwards, an assistant professor in the department of communication studies. Student interns work with board members to fulfill the mission and present an annual conference. The second annual conference is slated for Nov. 30, 2012.

More information about TSMRI or upcoming training sessions can be found at www.tarleton.edu/tsmri.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Former congressman to lead seminar on D.C. politics

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, February 2, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Former U.S. congressman and distinguished visiting professor Charlie Stenholm will lead a seminar for Tarleton faculty and staff to discuss Washington, D.C. politics and current issues.

The seminar is scheduled for 3 to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20, in the Dick Smith Library multipurpose room. Stenholm is teaching a course on agriculture policies this semester at Tarleton.

Faculty and staff who would like to learn more about D.C. politics, current issues and political processes can submit topics and questions ahead of the seminar, along with their registration. Dr. Don Cawthon, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, will moderate the session.

To register for the event, please visit: http://www.cvent.com/events/faculty-staff-seminar-with-congressman-charlie-stenholm/event-summary-6261bedc523c4141a67dc8de8d9552d4.aspx.

An alumnus of John Tarleton Agricultural College, Stenholm received an appointment as a distinguished visiting professor in August 2011 and instructs graduate and undergraduate students in a new special topics course‚ “Formulation of Agricultural and Food Policy, From 1776-2011.”

Stenholm served on the House Agriculture Committee throughout his time in Congress, including eight years as ranking Democrat. He focused on expanding agricultural world trade, streamlining the agricultural bureaucracy, boosting agricultural research and promoting the needs of agriculture producers and consumers.

Stenholm graduated in 1959 from the two-year John Tarleton College and went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University. He credits former Tarleton professor Joe Autry with his decision to pursue a career beyond the farm. Upon graduating from Texas Tech, Stenholm served as a vocational agriculture teacher, from 1962-65, in Avoca, Texas.

He is currently senior policy adviser at OFW Law in Washington, D.C.

The former congressman has been a supporter of Tarleton, pledging $110,000 to initiate a campaign that will fund an endowed chair in environmental agriculture. Stenholm also donated his collection of congressional papers to Tarleton’s Dick Smith Library and contributed memorabilia to create the Stenholm Gallery, a replica of his Washington office located in the Tarleton Center.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Annual Ranch Rodeo this Saturday at TSU Equine Center

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, February 2, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Tarleton State University Horsemen’s Association and Stock Horse Team will host their second annual Ranch Rodeo at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Tarleton College Farm’s Equine Center.

Ranch rodeos promote the Western heritage and lifestyle by featuring a fast-paced competition between area cowboys. Twenty teams, made up of Cross Timbers area cowboys and Tarleton students, will go head-to-head in four events, including penning, doctoring, loading and mugging. The team with the fastest time—usually under seven minutes—will be declared the winner.

Saturday’s ranch rodeo will also feature several sessions of intense ranch bronc riding, said Dr. Don Henneke, associate professor of equine science and director of Tarleton’s Equine Center.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the TSU Horsemen’s Association and Stock Horse Team. Proceeds help offset expenses for the student organization that competes in the American Stock Horse Association’s intercollegiate program.

Tarleton’s Equine Center arena is covered, so the scheduled ranch rodeo will take place rain or shine. The rodeo is open to the public, and concessions will be available. Admission is $5.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Dorris receives 'Dissertation of the Year' award

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, February 2, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Dr. Denae Dorris was awarded the inaugural Dissertation of the Year Award from the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) for her doctoral dissertation, entitled A Validation of the Effective Learning Environments Assessment.

The award was announced Jan. 30 during the TCPEA’s mid-winter meeting in Austin. Dr. Mark Littleton, professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Tarleton, presented Dorris with the award, as he served as chairperson of her TSU dissertation committee.

“This award is further recognition of Dr. Dorris’ outstanding work,” said Littleton. “She is very deserving. I congratulate her on receiving this award, and I am not surprised that she has been honored. Those who work with Dr. Dorris have come to expect the best.”

Dr. Russ Higham, associate professor at Tarleton and current president of TCPEA, also congratulated Dorris on her achievement. “We are duly impressed regarding the pertinent content and complexity of Dr. Dorris’ work, as well as the professionalism in which she presented the information, regarding the presentation of her dissertation topic and key findings and implications at the 2012 mid-winter meeting,” said Higham. “I congratulate Dr. Dorris on these outstanding accomplishments by completing a quality dissertation involving a professionally pertinent topic in the field, and then having her work being honored as an outstanding product by a quality review team of EDAD professors throughout Texas.”

Dorris is an adjunct faculty member at Tarleton State University where she also serves as project manager for the American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities (ACEF) and manages the Texas Center for Educational Facilities.

“I would like to thank TCPEA for honoring me and my research with this prestigious award,” Dorris said. “Words can’t really express how it feels to have your research recognized by others. However, while I spent many hours on this research, so did my committee members who guided me through this process. Their hard work and guidance should be recognized as well.”

Dorris has worked in the public education sector for 13 years and formerly served as a public school teacher. One of her research interests is the physical environment in which students learn.

The purpose of Dorris’ dissertation was to investigate the validity of the Effective Learning Environments Assessment (ELEA), an educational facilities assessment instrument designed to assess educators’ perceptions of educational facility condition. In order to examine the validity of the ELEA, practicing K-12 school administrators from Texas public school districts were selected to participate.

Results confirmed that the ELEA possesses adequate validity for assessing educational facility condition. As long as the ELEA is administered within the parameters of this study, Dorris said, educators and educational facility planners can have confidence in the ELEA as a measure of educators’ perceptions of educational facility condition.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Student journalists create local crime maps

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

â€¨
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Information about campus and city crimes is just a click away with the publication of two maps created by student journalists from the Department of Communication Studies.

The maps are part of the Light of Day Project sponsored by the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.

The project aims to help students learn how to access government records. Amber Ward and Monica Pierce, editors for Texan News Service, filed requests under the Texas Public Information Act with Tarleton and the Stephenville police departments for crime reports from 2009-2010.

Students in media writing courses helped catalog each police report into databases that are now interactive maps on the Texan News Service website (http://www.tarleton.edu/texannews). About 60 students helped with the project.

“Sinking their teeth into this kind of real journalism teaches students about the role journalists play in our communities,” Texan News Service adviser Dan Malone said. “A lot of reporting is filing requests and culling through tons of data to make sense of it for the public. These student journalists are shining the light of day on crimes on and around campus as a public service.”

The online crime map shows reported crimes on the Tarleton campus between 2009-2010 and Stephenville for 2010. Each dot on the maps represents the location of a crime reported to police. Clicking on the dots provides details about the crime.

“I feel like we are providing a wonderful community service with having Tarleton and Stephenville crimes mapped in an easy-to-use format,” said editor in chief Ward. “People have the right to know what is happening on their campus and in their neighborhood. I'm very proud of our work and I hope that we can continue to provide for the Tarleton and Stephenville community."

For managing editor Pierce, "The Light of Day Project has been a time-consuming project but I am very excited for the end results.” She said she hopes the data will help people in Stephenville, whether they are looking for real estate or just want to be more aware of their surroundings.

Six other universities participated in the project, including Abilene Christian University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech, and the University of Texas at Arlington.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Counseling Center opens to students attending Waco MCC campus

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, January 27, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—A new resource is now available to students attending McLennan Community College’s (MCC) University Center, including Tarleton students, with the debut of the Counseling Center in Waco.

Tarleton and MCC officials announced the opening of the Counseling Center on Jan. 23. The agreement between the two institutions provides students with free personal counseling needs and offers intern experiences for Tarleton graduate students.

“The new Counseling Center is something that Dr. Lewis Snell, director of the University Center at MCC, and I have dreamt about for a very long time,” said Dr. Kimberly Rynearson, assistant vice president for outreach and off campus programs at Tarleton. “It is a huge step forward in terms of extending our reach, in a new way with a community college partner.”

Clinic director Dr. Allison Stewart, who will oversee the daily operations of the Counseling Center, said counseling services will be available to students attending Tarleton or MCC, as well as those enrolled with other University Center partners who are taking courses in Waco.

“This is a much needed service,” Stewart said. “There are over 10,000 students taking classes through the MCC campus. Many of them do not have the means to pay for personal counseling, but they have significant personal needs and stressors that interfere with their academics and quality of life. Tarleton is very excited to help fulfill that need by providing access to such services through our graduate programs in psychology and counseling.”

MCC is currently refurbishing office space at the University Center with the new Counseling Center’s expected completion to be in March 2012. A grand opening celebration has been scheduled for April.

Tarleton students and faculty will also have the opportunity to teach and learn at the center. Counselors will work with students who present a wide variety of issues, ranging from adjustment disorders, substance abuse, stress management, family crisis, academic concerns, and relationship and developmental problems.

Referrals to community resources will be available for students needing services beyond what the Counseling Center can provide. Counseling will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Supervisors at the new Counseling Center will include MCC and Tarleton professionally licensed staff and faculty, said Stewart. She added that the practicum program at the center will provide training in individual and group counseling for Tarleton students, who typically will be in their second or third year of their master’s program in counseling or counseling psychology.

Students with personal counseling needs may contact the Counseling Center at 254-299-8210. Students with immediate counseling needs may also be referred directly to the MCC Student Services Center, room 313, although calling for an appointment is preferred.

For more information about Tarleton’s Student Counseling Center, located on the Stephenville campus, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/counseling/index.html.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Communication studies instructor wins national award

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, January 26, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton instructor Prairie Endres-Parnell has won the National Communication Association’s Theatre Division Mid-Career Achievement Award.

Endres-Parnell, who teaches speech courses in the communication studies department, said she was excited to be recognized.

“I’m not sure I’ve hit the mid-career mark yet,” she joked, “but the award was a nice surprise.”

Endres-Parnell received her award in November at the 97^th annual NCA conference, which was held in New Orleans.

“We are very proud of Professor Parnell and what she does for our department,” said Dr. Charles Howard, head of the communication studies department. “Prairie brings a wealth of innovation and energy to the classroom and to her students.”

Endres-Parnell has served on the theater board since 2008 and has been a secretary for the group since 2009. She presents research annually at NCA; her focus is on equine therapy and autism as well as TV portrayals of transgendered individuals. She began teaching at Tarleton in 2009.

The Department of Communication Studies includes programs in journalism and broadcasting, public relations and event management, speech communication and teacher certification. Students learn in real-world situations producing daily TV and radio broadcasts, publishing a magazine and daily news online, managing events, representing clients in public relations efforts, running a social media research enterprise, creating films and handling professional speaking and training.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Tarleton vocalists selected for ACDA Honor Choir

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Eight Tarleton State University students have been selected to join the Southwest Division of the American Choral Directors Association’s Collegiate Honor Choir.

The Tarleton singers, chosen after a nominating process, will participate in a public performance at noon on Saturday, March 3, at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the downtown Dallas arts district.

“These eight students will represent Tarleton, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, and the Fine Arts Department in an outstanding manner,” said Dr. Chuck Rives, professor of music and director of choirs at Tarleton. “To be selected as a part of the Division College Honor Choir is an outstanding accomplishment, one that we can be proud of.”

Representing Tarleton in the 100-member honor choir are: sophomore soprano Ashley Morrison of Mansfield; senior soprano Whitney Warren of Seminole; junior alto Jaylan Moore of Stephenville; senior alto Lauren Frazier of Granbury; senior tenor Jake Kassen of Midlothian; senior bass Paul Norris of Flower Mound; sophomore bass Camden Langford of Crowley; and senior tenor Nicholas Creed of Saginaw.

Geoffrey Boers, director of choral activities at the University of Washington in Seattle and conductor of the Tacoma Symphony Chorus, will serve as guest conductor of the Collegiate Honor Choir.

In addition to the selection of students for the honor choir, Tarleton choir alumnus Dr. Gary Gerber was recently appointed repertoire and standards chairman of the College and Chair, University Choirs division for the ACDA’s Southwest Division. Gerber is chair, Division of Music and associate professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Gerber graduated with a bachelor of music degree (choral emphasis) from Tarleton in 1987.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Renowned pianist Cecile Licad to perform at Tarleton

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Internationally acclaimed classical pianist Cecile Licad will perform a guest recital at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center theatre as part of the Department of Fine Arts' annual piano festival.

A native of the Philippines, Licad has been hailed as the “pianist’s pianist” by The New Yorker. She will perform Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor and 12 Etudes, Opus 25 by Frederic Chopin.

The concert will be presented through funding by the ULTRA Club and the President’s Circle.

“As far as I know, this music has never been performed in Texas in a live concert by a woman, so it will be an historic event,” said Dr. Leslie Spotz, associate professor of piano at Tarleton. “Ms. Licad’s repertoire for this concert is as fiendishly difficult as it gets.”

A virtuoso classical pianist, Licad’s natural talent was honed at the Curtis Institute of Music by performers such as Rudolf Serkin, Seymour Lipkin and Mieczyslaw Horszowski. She has appeared with major symphonies in the United States, Europe and Asia, and has performed under the baton of Zubin Mehta, Michael Tilson-Thomas, and Pinchas Zukerman, among others.

Recent highlights include performances with Seattle Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, Tucson Symphony and at the La Jolla Chamber Music and Eastern Music Festivals. In 2010-11, she joined the Wynton Marsalis Septet performing the music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk for the feature film Louis, a silent film homage to Louis Armstrong.

Licad’s large repertoire as an orchestral soloist ranges from acclaimed interpretations of the classical works of Mozart and Beethoven to the Romantic literature of Brahms and Tchaikovsky to 20th century compositions.

Licad began playing piano at age 3, and debuted as a soloist at age 7 with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. She achieved international recognition as one of the youngest musicians to be awarded the prestigious Leventritt Gold Medal for pianists and violinists in 1981.

The Tarleton Piano Festival will continue on Saturday, Feb. 4 with piano classes for Tarleton and area high school piano students.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for Tarleton students who present a valid ID, and may be purchased one hour prior to the performance at the Fine Arts Center box office. For more information, call (254) 968-9291.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Reisman notches 500th win at helm of Texan basketball team

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Since Lonn Reisman became men’s basketball coach at Tarleton State University in 1988, the shorts may have gotten longer and the school’s athletic affiliation changed, but winning has been a constant.

Reisman, who is in his 24th season at the helm of the Texans, notched win No. 500 at Tarleton Saturday night, Jan. 21 in front of a home crowd, as the purple and white defeated Texas A&M-Commerce, 78-53.

“I think it’s the top milestone I’ve had here just because it’s a sign of my dedication to the university for so many years, and of the university’s commitment and the community’s commitment to our basketball program,” Reisman said of win No. 500. “So many people have taken part in this, I can’t even begin to thank them because I wouldn’t know where to start. This is truly a humbling moment for me.”

As a tribute to all the previous victories at Tarleton under Reisman, the Texans wore their throwback uniforms which read either “team,” “family,” or “believe” on the back.

As the Texans and their fans celebrated after the milestone victory, Reisman reminisced about his first win at Tarleton, when the school was still a member of the NAIA and had recorded just two winning seasons in 27 years as a senior college.

“Twenty-four years ago I called a timeout with 10 seconds to go ... we were down two points and Tracy Guy hits a shot at the top of the key here and we beat Mary-Hardin Baylor, 72-71,” an emotional Reisman told fans at Wisdom Gymnasium after the No. 4 Texans recorded their 13-straight victory and improved to 17-1 on the season. “I’ve given my life to this university, and I’m trying to do it the right way. I want to thank you. You’ve been the best fans for 24 years that anyone could ever hope for. God bless you.”

That was the first of many memorable wins by the Texans, who have become a national basketball powerhouse under the guidance of Reisman, who also serves as Tarleton’s director of athletics.

More than 2,500 fans turned out to take part in the win, which allowed the Texans to remain atop the Lone Star Conference (LSC) standings with a perfect, 9-0 record.

During the 1988-89 season, Tarleton went on to win the Texas Intercollegiate Athletics Association title in Reisman’s first season, and repeated that feat the next two seasons before being NAIA District 8 champions twice and NAIA Southwest Region Champions once. Tarleton then made the jump to NCAA Division II as a member of the LSC in 1994-95.

Since adding scholarships in 1994, Reisman has led the Texans to 10 winning seasons and eight LSC tournament appearances, including five trips to the conference championship game. Reisman, who has coached 13 All-America selections and 15 first team All-LSC picks while at Tarleton, came here with 13 years of experience from high school to NCAA Division I level.

The first two seasons in Division II were Reisman’s only losing campaigns. The Texans reached their first NCAA Championship in 2001-02 and hosted their first South Central Region Championship after sharing the LSC North title in 2002-03.

Tarleton won the LSC North outright in 2003-04 and again hosted the regional. The Texans reached the pinnacle of Division II basketball—the Final Four—in 2004-05. They returned to the Elite Eight the next year, and hosted a regional again in 2007-08.

Tarleton won its fourth LSC Divisional title last year, claiming the South championship outright in the league’s final year of divisional play.

Since his arrival at Tarleton, Reisman has been named “Coach of the Year” 10 times, including being named LSC South Division Coach of the Year in 2011. Prior to the LSC North Division honors in 2004, he was South Division Coach of the Year in 2002, he was TIAA Coach of the Year on three occasions, NAIA District 8 Coach of the Year twice and NAIA Southwest Region Coach of the Year in 1994.

Reisman also received the inaugural Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Small College Coach of the Year Award in 2004. The Texan head coach received the TABC award again in 2006.

“When I first started at Tarleton, I never thought about things like winning 500 games. I wasn’t even thinking about winning 100,” said Reisman. “The program had been down for so long, I just wanted to win one. Well we got one, then we got some more, then I found myself falling in love with this community and with this university. Now, it’s 24 years later and I’m still here, so I guess I must love this place a whole lot, and they must like me OK, too.”

After the game, the Texans donned commemorative 500-win t-shirts and unveiled a banner to congratulate their head coach at center court as fans gave a standing ovation. The Tarleton basketball band, Foul Play, also continued tradition with the playing of the school song as Lonn stood by his son Chris Reisman and grandson, Rush, proudly holding one finger high in the air.

The alma mater wasn’t the only tradition protected last Saturday night at Wisdom Gym. The tradition of winning under Reisman was boldly defended, and carried to new heights.

It’s something Tarleton has done time and again. Five-hundred times over.

Coach Reisman’s Career
1981-1987, assistant coach at Soutehastern Oklahoma State University
1987-1988, head coach at Connors State (Okla.) Junior College (21-10)
1988-2012, head coach at Tarleton State University (500-211)

Overall career wins: 537
Overall college record: 521-221
Record at Tarleton: 500-211

Notable wins at Tarleton:
100^th: Nov. 27, 1992 vs. Arkansas Baptist, 73-61
150^th: Dec. 2, 1995 vs. Panhandle State, 83-63
200^th: Dec. 28, 1998 vs. Delta State, 75-72
250^th: Dec. 31, 2002 vs. Southwestern Oklahoma, 87-77
300^th: Dec. 19, 2003 vs. Western Washington, 95-90
350^th: Nov. 19, 2006 at Texas Christian, 68-59
400^th: Dec. 29, 2007 at St. Edward’s, 72-58
450^th: Jan. 23, 2010 at West Texas A&M, 69-56
500^th: Jan. 21, 2012 vs. Texas A&M-Commerce, 78-53

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Soprano Grissom to appear in guest recital

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Saturday, January 21, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Soprano Jan Grissom, accompanied by Steve Chambers, will give a guest artist recital in Tarleton’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center theater at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 26. The recital is free and open to the public.

Grissom has been a guest of leading opera companies and orchestras throughout North America and in Europe. She performed the role of Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera in her debut with the Metropolitan Opera and also has returned as Musetta in La Boheme. She has been a frequent guest with the Houston Grand Opera.

Grissom began her career as a member of the Houston Opera Studio and Merola Opera Program of the San Francisco Opera. She currently has a vocal studio in the Atlanta area and teaches voice at North Metro School of Music.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Lori LaRue
254-968-9639
larue@tarleton.edu

TMEA awards two music scholarships to Tarleton students

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, January 19, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Two Tarleton students, Lauren Frazier and Jake Kassen, have been awarded undergraduate scholarships by the Texas Music Educators Association—the first-ever financial awards presented to students attending the university.

The $2,500 music scholarships are supported by contributions from the statewide membership of the association, and may be applied towards the two students’ tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year. The association announced a total of 10 undergraduate scholarships statewide and will formally present the awards at its annual convention, Feb. 8-11, in San Antonio.

“This is a significant honor and reflects very positively on our department, college and the university,” said Dr. Chuck Rives, professor of music and Director of Choirs at Tarleton. “This is the first time students from Tarleton have been selected for this prestigious honor, and to get two awards for one university is especially noteworthy.”

Frazier and Kassen are pursuing degrees in music education and expect to receive their bachelor’s degrees in May 2013. Per TMEA scholarship eligibility, the students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in a degree program leading to a Texas teacher certification with music as the primary teaching field.

Frazier, a native of Granbury, is an alto member of Tarleton’s chamber choir and women’s choir, and holds membership with the TMEA and National Association for Music Education.

Kassen, a native of Midlothian, performs as a tenor with the Tarleton chamber choir, University Singers and men’s chorus, and serves as interim leader of the children’s choir at Stephenville’s First United Methodist Church where he also performs with the congregation’s chancel choir and handbell choir. He also holds membership with the TMEA, Texas Choral Directors Association and American Choral Directors Association.

Begun in 1920 as the Texas Band Teachers Association, the TMEA is an organization of more than 10,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting excellence in music education. TMEA is comprised of five divisions: band, orchestra, vocal, elementary and college.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Trumpet recital set for Jan. 23

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Department of Fine Arts will present a guest trumpet recital featuring Dr. Bryan Appleby-Wineberg in the theater of the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center theater at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23. Admission is free.

Featured will be works by Eric Ewazen, Johann Friedrich Fasch, John Turrin and Philip Sparke. Appleby-Wineberg will be accompanied by pianist Dr. Leslie Spotz, associate professor of piano at Tarleton.

Appleby-Wineberg is associate professor of trumpet and head of brass at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., where he is also coordinator of the Graduate Program in Music. He holds degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Mason Gross School of The Arts at Rutgers University, where he studied with Peter Bond of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Lori LaRue
254-968-9639
larue@tarleton.edu

Art exhibit to feature digital technologies

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, January 13, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—A new exhibit at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center will feature contemporary artists whose work is created with, or presented through, digital technologies.

The show, titled “Re: Thinking Digital Art,” will be on display in the Fine Arts Center gallery from Jan. 17 to Feb. 17. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tarleton State University Assistant Professor of Art Chris Ireland curated the show. Eight American artists from across the country are participating. They include Douglas Gast (Washington), Colby Jennings (Missouri), Heather Mcgeachy (Michigan), Jana Perez (Texas), Reza Safavi (Washington), Barry Underwood (Ohio), Joseph Von Stengel (New York) and Jamie Marie Waelchli (Oregon).

The variety of media in the work includes digital painting, photography, interactive work, installation, video and sculpture. Jana Perez, assistant professor of art at Texas Woman’s University, will present a brown bag lecture on her art and design work at noon on Feb. 1 in the gallery.

“I put together the show to give the Tarleton community a taste of the variety of art that can be created through digital media,” Ireland said. “The content of the works in the show runs the gamut from the personal to the political, from the classical landscape to the completely abstract. Much of the work also is conceptually directed at exploring the media itself and how it can redefine our notions of what art can be. I sincerely hope our students, and the local community, are inspired by the works and will have broadened their creative vision.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Upward Bound selects new students

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, January 9, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton’s Upward Bound Project has selected 22 new students from 10 target schools served by the program after a two-month application and screening process.

With their admission, these high school students will begin attending Upward Bound meetings twice a month on Saturday mornings where they will receive academic instruction and college preparatory advisement. In addition, they will be eligible for Upward Bound’s Summer Component in which participants stay on the Tarleton campus for the entire Summer I semester and receive additional academic instruction while being immersed in a college environment.

The students and their hometowns are junior Tennessee McConathy (Santo), sophomores Adriana Escobar (Gustine); Jennifer Garcia (Dublin); Lindsey Musick (Iredell); Ricardo Pina (Comanche); and Jesus Velasco (Dublin); and freshmen Armando Aguilar (Gustine); Stefani Carranza (Dublin); Maria Isabel Escamilla (Gustine); Dalia Felipe (Dublin); Gavin Fuentes (Huckabay) Summer Glover (De Leon); Morgan Hathcock (De Leon); Jose Lopez (De Leon); Conner MacLean (Iredell); Moises Martinez (Comanche); Montana McConathy (Santo); Kestlynde Moesch (Iredell); Valeria Munoz (Dublin); Juan Noguez (Comanche); Aylin Olvera (Dublin); and Lindsey Sams (Santo).

For more information on Upward Bound, contact Frank Chamberlain, Upward Bound counselor, at 254-968-9965, or chamberlain@tarleton.edu.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

TSU vice president for finance, administration to retire

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, January 9, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—After a 42-year career at Tarleton, Jerry Graham, vice president for finance and administration, has announced his plans to retire May 31, 2012.

Graham has served the university’s division of finance and administration in various capacities since joining the Tarleton staff in 1970. His office provides management and oversight of the operating functions of the university, including budgets and payroll, physical facilities, human resources, risk management and safety, and police and security, business services, purchasing, and certain auxiliary operations.

“It is with mixed emotions that I have made this decision, but I believe it is now time to move into this next chapter of my life,” Graham wrote in a campus-wide email announcing his decision. “I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to attend Tarleton as a student and later spend, almost, my entire working career in support of this great institution.”

Graham first joined Tarleton as the assistant business manager and subsequently held positions under university presidents William O. Trogdon, Barry B. Thompson, Dennis P. McCabe, and F. Dominic Dottavio as business manager, director of business operations, vice president for business affairs, and vice president for finance and administration.

“Mr. Graham has had a profound and lasting impact on the university through his insightful leadership on the design of our buildings and the care and beauty of the campus during a period of rapid and sustained growth,” said Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, president of Tarleton. “He has helped guide Tarleton through incredible technological changes over the past four decades and brought new and innovative practices to the finance, business and human resources areas.”

Dottavio said Graham’s leadership of the budget process “always began with an understanding of the importance of each individual at the university and the need to provide a safe, secure and respectful environment where students could receive a quality education at an affordable price.”

In his email, Graham said that, most importantly, “I am appreciative of the students who have entered Tarleton, who have met their goals of obtaining a quality, affordable education from Tarleton, and most, like me, have a great appreciation for and respect of Tarleton."

He went on to thank his finance and administration leadership team and support staff “who are so committed and dedicated to making Tarleton the best it can be. I have been blessed, and to each of them, I am grateful.” He further expressed appreciation for all of Tarleton’s employees, by stating, “Tarleton is truly fortunate to have so many employees who are dedicated and prideful in carrying out their responsibilities to ensure a positive and enriching environment conducive to learning.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

TexAnns coach Hearne earns 1,000th career victory

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, January 5, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—While it is said that one is the loneliest number, 1,000 has proven to be isolated territory when it comes to wins on the basketball court.

Tarleton TexAnns head coach Ronnie Hearne joined an elite club by earning his 1,000^th career victory Wednesday night over the Eastern New Mexico University Zias in Lone Star Conference action.

“As I look back on the last 40 years, there have been a lot of special players and a lot of special teams,” said Hearne. “I’m blessed to have been a part of those teams, I’m blessed to be at Tarleton, and I’m blessed to have a really great job.”

The TexAnns head coach, now in his ninth season at the helm of Tarleton’s women’s basketball program, reached the milestone with a 78-70 win at Greyhound Arena in Portales, N.M. The victory—the TexAnns sixth-straight this season, and Hearne’s 156^th victory since taking over at Tarleton—was certainly not the easiest or most relaxing of his 42-year coaching career, but it will be one that is remembered for years.

“Looking back, I’ve just been blessed to coach a lot of special ladies,” said Hearne, who has witnessed long win streaks and great players at Millsap and Jacksboro high schools, Cisco Junior College and Tarleton.

“The basketball program at Tarleton has a long tradition of athletic and academic excellence. Coach Hearne’s achievement is a testament to his many years of dedication to his student-athletes both on and off the court,” said university President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio. “Congratulations to a true gentleman and mentor, and to our student-athletes for their dedication and commitment to TexAnn basketball.”

Hearne, 64, took over the TexAnns basketball program in 2003-04. Prior to joining the Tarleton athletics staff, he won 419 games while leading the Cisco Junior College women to 18 regional tournament appearances in 21 years, and serving all or part of seven seasons coaching Cisco’s men’s team.

The legendary coach’s previous 425 victories were earned while coaching boys and girls at Millsap High School—his alma mater—and girls at Jacksboro High School.

Born in Mineral Wells, Hearne grew up on the hardwood spending much of his time shooting hoops, so much that as a child he was given the keys to Millsap’s gymnasium. It was there he honed his skills and later earned a spot on Abilene Christian University’s team.

Hearne’s superb shooting skills and knowledge of the game made him a star at ACU. He led the Wildcats in scoring his final three seasons, and graduated as the second-leading scorer in school history. He was inducted into ACU’s athletics hall of fame in 2001.

Not only did Hearne command a sweet shot, he had the ability to teach it to others and develop players’ abilities on the court.

Hearne’s success at Cisco made him a perfect fit for Tarleton, and the TexAnns began a steady turnaround immediately upon his arrival.

Tarleton suffered eight losing seasons and just one .500 campaign in its nine years as a member of NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference prior to Hearne’s arrival. The TexAnns finished an even 14-14 in his first year, and have since had eight-straight winning seasons, leading up to last year’s 25-5 campaign.

The 2010-11 season included the program’s first NCAA playoff victory in their third South Central Region Championship appearance, all under Hearne. That year’s team also won the program’s first-ever LSC South Division championship in the league’s final year of divisional play.

Hearne says he always planned to retire when he was 60, but he’s four years past that point and still going strong. “If I stayed at Cisco I would have retired by now, but this is just such a good situation here at Tarleton,” he says. “It’s hard to leave because it’s so good.”

For Hearne, the names and faces of the players have changed through the years, but one thing remains the same—the presence of his wife Darleen.

“I’ve seen hundreds of them, but Darleen is the very best coach’s wife there is,” he said. “She’s traveled with our teams, cooked meals for them, really been there every step of the way. A coach needs to have a good wife or husband. When you win you have someone to share it with, and when you lose you have someone to comfort you.”

And after Wednesday night’s victory, Hearne was not alone in celebrating his milestone victory. The TexAnns donned commemorative T-shirts and unfurled a banner to mark the occasion.

Looking back on his career in coaching, savoring the victories is just icing on the cake.

“There’s no better moment for a coach than when you walk into the locker room after a big win and see the looks of joy on the players’ faces and you get to share that moment with them,” Hearne says. “Other than time with my wife and grandkids, I can’t imagine anything better than that.”

That is a moment he has enjoyed 1,000 times—and one that is sure to occur again and again.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Guerra certified as professional fundraiser

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Sabra Guerra, Tarleton’s assistant vice president for development, has received her certification as a fundraising professional from CFRE International.

“I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride to receive the CFRE credential,” Guerra said. “I don’t think I fully appreciated the wide range of knowledge and competency required to fulfill my role in professional fundraising until the journey toward certification began. It was well worth the trip.”

CFRE, which stands for Certified Fund Raising Executive, was founded in 1981. Its mission is to set high ethical standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process, according to its website. The process involves a written exam that covers areas such as donor research, relationship building, and ethics and accountability.

A graduate of Tarleton with a degree in communications, Guerra has worked for the university since 1989. She worked in what was then the College of Education and Fine Arts, in placement and school relations and in the president’s office before joining institutional advancement in 1992, during the infancy of the division. Guerra became the division’s director of development in 2006 and assistant vice president of development in 2011.

“Earning the CFRE credential is a wonderful career accomplishment for Sabra,” said Dr. Rick Richardson, vice president for institutional advancement. “The designation is highly sought after by fundraising professionals and is difficult to achieve. It evidences the fact those of us who have the privilege of working with her on a daily basis already knew—Tarleton is blessed with an outstanding leader of its development department.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton to host State Guard training exercise

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University will host approximately 75 members of the Texas State Guard when they conduct a training mission on campus the weekend of Jan. 13-15.

The three-day drill, involving the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment of the Guard, based in Arlington, will prepare members of the unit for natural disaster response efforts. Students from Arlington Heights High School’s Naval JROTC unit are also expected to participate in a portion of the exercise.

“We drill once per month in Arlington at the National Guard Armory, but to kick off the new year we have a great opportunity to conduct the drill here in Stephenville,” said Maj. Wendell Sadler, officer in charge and professor of kinesiology at Tarleton. “The benefit to the state guard is that we’re at a different location and have access to facilities that can provide us with unique training opportunities. I am also very grateful to Dr. Dominic Dottavio and his enthusiasm to help.”

Troops will arrive on campus Friday evening and be briefed at Wisdom Gymnasium before utilizing the ropes course at Tarleton Challenge and the university’s swimming pool on Saturday. The unit will conduct low and high elements at the ropes course as part of a team building exercise prior to attending a water safety and survival exercise at the pool. Members of the Tarleton Texan Battalion ROTC unit will help facilitate the water training exercise and serve as instructors along with Lt. Col. Ron Henry, department head and professor of military science.

On Sunday, troops will conduct shelter operations training in conjunction with a wide area damage assessment on campus as well as at sites within the city of Stephenville, including the city’s recreation center.

Troops will be sweeping campus from 9 a.m. to noon as part of the exercise to further their training in using GPS devices after a natural disaster. JROTC cadets from Arlington Heights are scheduled to deploy during the mission and serve as shelter guests.

Members of the Texas State Guard work in conjunction with state authorities on natural disaster response preparation as well as anything related to homeland security within Texas, said Sadler. “Our mission is to provide defense support to civilian authorities and to provide updates and training to our troops.”

For more about the Texas State Guard, visit www.txsg.state.tx.us.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Higher Education Coordinating Board OK's additional degrees

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, January 2, 2012

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently approved Tarleton State University’s request to offer additional bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at its outreach campuses located in Fort Worth and Waco.

Dr. MacGregor M. Stephenson, assistant commissioner of the THECB, notified Tarleton on Dec. 21, 2011, that the university’s request met the criteria for approval of additional degree programs.

“We are extremely pleased to have these programs officially added to our inventory of programs approved for delivery at our Southwest Metroplex Center in Fort Worth and the McLennan Community College-University Center in Waco,” said Dr. Karen Murray, Tarleton’s provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “This level of approval provides a mechanism for a long-term commitment for delivery of these programs.

“A larger inventory of programs provides Tarleton students taking classes at these locations with more choices and enables them to choose programs that match their specific career interests,” Murray added.

Degrees approved for the Southwest Metroplex Center include: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sciences (B.A.A.S.) with major in criminal justice administration; B.A.A.S. with major in manufacturing and industrial management; B.A.A.S. with major in information technology; Bachelor of Applied Technology with major in health professions technology; Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with major in accounting; Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with major in accounting, B.B.A. with major in computer information systems; B.B.A. with major in management; B.S. with major in family and consumer sciences; Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) with major in social work; Master of Criminal Justice (M.C.J.) with major in criminal justice; and Master of Science with major in medical laboratory sciences.

Among the degree programs approved at the McLennan Community College-University Center are: B.B.A. with major in accounting; B.B.A. with major in computer information systems; B.B.A. with major in management; B.S. with major in agricultural services and development; B.S. with major in interdisciplinary studies; B.S. with major in family and consumer sciences; B.S.W. with major in social work; Master of Education with major in curriculum and instruction; and M.C.J. with major in criminal justice.

The Texas A&M University System board of regents approved Tarleton’s request to offer additional degree programs at the two campuses during its July 2011 meeting.

The additional 11 degree programs offered to students in Fort Worth brings the total to 37 available programs, while the nine new programs of study at the MCC-University Center brings the total to 29 degrees available in Waco.

Students enrolling at the outreach campuses may choose courses and entire programs offered via a variety of delivery modes, including face-to-face, blended or online. Some programs are offered in a wholly online format, some blended and some face-to-face, while others are offered in a cohort model.

“Tarleton’s off-campus outreach initiatives reflect the university’s goal to extend our reach to communities and students,” said Dr. Kimberly Rynearson, assistant vice president for outreach and off-campus programs. “The degree programs Tarleton offers at its outreach sites are a response to requests from students, our community college partners, and demand in the labor market, as well as from findings from our ongoing program needs analysis.”

For more information about Tarleton’s outreach campuses and degree offerings, please visit http://www.tarleton.edu/waco/ or http://www.tarleton.edu/fortworth/.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Ten Tarleton stories of 2011

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A look back at stories from Tarleton State University in 2011.

Jan. 8

Death of Dr. W.O. Trogdon, 12^th president of Tarleton

STEPHENVILLE, Texas - Dr. W.O. Trogdon, 12th president of Tarleton State University and namesake of the historic Trogdon House, died early today at a Stephenville nursing home, his family said. He was 90. Read more.

March 3

Tarleton’s new Nursing Building opens

Tarleton's nursing program marked another milestone in its evolution Thursday with the grand opening celebration of a $23.4 million new Nursing Building. â€¨Read more.

May 5

Tarleton celebrates grand opening of Southwest Regional Dairy Center

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples, Rep. Sid Miller, Texas A&M University System Chancellor Dr. Mike McKinney and Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio welcomed several hundred visitors to the grand opening of the university's $11.2 million Southwest Regional Dairy Center today, held in conjunction with the annual Southwest Dairy Day. Read more.

Aug. 12

Tarleton students honored with first-ever Good Samaritan Award

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Three Tarleton students and one aspiring student were awarded the university’s first-ever Good Samaritan Award for Extraordinary Humanitarian Service for “heroic” actions at the scene of a fatal, four-vehicle accident north of San Antonio in July. Read more.

Oct. 12

A&M Chancellor Sharp visits Tarleton

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University welcomed John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, for his inaugural visit to the campus since being appointed leader of the 19-member system on Aug. 15. Read more.

Nov. 10

New Military Veterans Services Center opens

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University will open a Military Veterans Services Center for its student veterans on the Stephenville campus on Nov. 15. Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, Dr. James Vardalis, the director of the new center, and other officials will gather at an 11 a.m. ceremony for the grand opening in the Tarleton Center. Guests will include state Rep. Sid Miller of Stephenville. Read more.

Nov. 11

Tarleton receives largest gift ever

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—President F. Dominic Dottavio today announced a $6 million gift from Mrs. W.K. Gordon Jr. and the W.K. Gordon Jr. Foundation, the largest single donation to the university in Tarleton’s 112-year history.â€¨â€¨The gift includes $1 million for general scholarships and $5 million for continued funding of the W.K. Gordon Center for the Industrial History of Texas. Read more.

Dec. 6

Tarleton hosts first social media conference

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University welcomed more than 200 attendees for the inaugural Social Media Conference, an event hosted by the Texas Social Media Research Institute that allowed students, faculty and professionals from across the U.S. to share information on the transformative phenomenon taking place online. Read more.

Dec. 7

Tarleton’s J-Tac moves to digital format

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The J-TAC, the student news organization of Tarleton State University, will officially launch its new online edition Wednesday, Dec. 7.â€¨â€¨MyJTAC.com will serve as a constantly updated news source for students, faculty, staff and friends of the Tarleton community. Read more.

Dec. 16

Degrees awarded to students in injured in accident

FORT WORTH—It was a traditional commencement ceremony, and then it was not. As usual, there were a few tears and sniffles, much smiling and applause. But most of all, there was a sense that life was being celebrated. In the trauma unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital here on Friday, Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio awarded bachelor’s degrees to Shelby Thiebaud and Colt Price, Tarleton students who were severely injured in a Dec. 4 automobile accident on U.S. 377 and remain hospitalized. Read more.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Media Relations
254-968-9076

Degrees awarded to students injured in accident

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, December 16, 2011

FORT WORTH—It was a traditional commencement ceremony, and then it was not. As usual, there were a few tears and sniffles, much smiling and applause. But most of all, there was a sense that life was being celebrated.

In the trauma unit at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital here on Friday, Tarleton President F. Dominic Dottavio awarded bachelor’s degrees to Shelby Thiebaud and Colt Price, Tarleton students who were severely injured in a Dec. 4 automobile accident on U.S. 377 and remain hospitalized.

The two had been scheduled to graduate Dec. 17.

Also injured in the wreck was Shelby’s brother, Tarleton student Kody Thiebaud, who also remains hospitalized. Shelby and Kody’s father is Lt. Col. Daniel Thiebaud, executive officer of Tarleton’s ROTC program.

With dozens of family and friends filling the hospital room and spilling into the hallway, Shelby sat in a wheelchair beside Colt, in a hospital bed. Both wore the traditional graduation cap and gown. A purple Tarleton Texans blanket covered Colt.

“It’s my distinct honor and privilege to award these degrees,” said Dottavio, dressed in full academic regalia. “Both students have distinguished themselves academically as well as outside the classroom,” he said, citing Shelby’s work with TREAT, a Tarleton program that uses horseback riding as a form of therapy, and Colt’s leadership in intramural sports.

As with other graduation ceremonies, professors from the colleges from which the two graduated presented the candidates to the president. Dr. George Mollick and Dr. David Snyder represented the College of Science and Technology and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, respectively.

Shelby, from Dublin, Texas, received her B.S. in animal industries while Colt, from Santo, Texas, received a B.S. in industrial technology.

“Be bold, be courageous, be determined even as you move forward in your recovery, wear purple, be proud of Tarleton,” Dottavio told Shelby and Colt. He reminded the new graduates of the Tarleton saying, “The Gates Are Always Open,” and said he looked forward to seeing them walk through those gates again.

Rusty Jergins, vice president of student life, presented Thiebaud and Price with the traditional block T Tarleton lapel pins.

“Commencement is the most important event in the life of a university,” Dottavio said before the ceremony. “I’m honored to be part of their life’s history.”

Shelby Thiebaud, who suffered a fractured pelvis among other injuries, smiled, giggled and told stories before and after the ceremony. With a missing front tooth, she laughingly told a photographer, “You’re going to put teeth in the picture, right?”

“They told me not to wiggle but I’m just so excited right now,” she added.

Shelby, 20, graduated after only two-and-a-half years at Tarleton. She and Colt have been dating for two years, and her family said she pushed herself academically so that she and Colt could graduate at the same time. Friday’s ceremony was only the second time they’d seen each other since the accident.

Colt, 22, who suffered a spinal cord injury, endured two surgeries and breathes through a tracheal tube, whispered to his mother, Carol, that the day was “pretty special, pretty awesome.”

“These fine surgeons put him back together, but God is the true healer,” said Colt’s father, Rod Price.

Having the graduation ceremony at the hospital, said Lt. Col. Thiebaud, “exemplifies what the Tarleton spirit really is, and Dr. Dottavio’s leadership in building the sense of family we have at Tarleton. It’s really more than just words.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton's J-TAC to debut new digital format

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The J-TAC, the student news organization of Tarleton State University, will officially launch its new online edition Wednesday, Dec. 7.

MyJTAC.com will serve as a constantly updated news source for students, faculty, staff and friends of the Tarleton community.

“The student-led staff at The J-TAC are excited about this new opportunity and the challenges it will bring,” said Caleb Chapman, director of student publications. “Our goal is to maintain a website that not only provides current news, but also serves as a multimedia outlet for photos and videos covering campus activities and events.”

The new digital format replaces the 92-year-old weekly newspaper, which published its final print edition at the end of the spring 2011 semester. “We are now moving forward and have created a comprehensive website that will provide our readers with instantaneous updates on news that is relevant to the Tarleton community,” said Chapman.

“Our main goal is to make the publication more student-focused and the website more user-friendly, and to include more photos and videos of campus happenings,” said Kristin Clark, editor in chief of The J-TAC. “We also hope to expand our readership by reaching students at Tarleton’s satellite campuses, as well as our alumni. The student news organization continues to seek input from students to provide their story ideas, photos and suggestions as we transition from a print edition to a digital news organization.”

Clark said among the new features beginning this semester will be the weekly “Student Spotlight,” which will highlight a student and their involvement on the Tarleton campus. Popular features will remain, such as “Sidewalk Talk” as well as sports coverage and fine arts reviews.

“We live in a world where more and more people are getting their news online instead of from a printed paper,” Chapman said. “Not only is it important that our students learn to produce an online newspaper, but J-TAC readers can get campus news the same way they get the world news—online.”

The news organization, currently comprised of eight students, including staff writers, photographers and editors, hopes to create an interactive and reader-friendly online edition allowing the campus community with opportunities to provide feedback and post comments.

First published in the fall of 1919 and originally called The Tarletonite, The J-TAC served as Tarleton’s official newspaper for nearly a century. In 2006, the newspaper launched its first online edition.

“During the past decade or so, Tarleton has grown exponentially and now offers classes in Fort Worth, Weatherford, Waco and Midlothian. Tarleton also has a growing online student population,” said Chapman. “By switching to a new web-based format, The J-TAC and the Office of Student Publications will be achieving Tarleton State University’s strategic goals by ‘expanding our horizons’ and ‘extending our reach.’ The information provided by our nearly century-old news organization will no longer be exclusive to those associated with the Stephenville campus.”

Past print editions of The J-TAC, from 1919 to 2007, may be viewed online at: http://texashistory.unt.edu/explore/collections/JTAC/. Additional volumes of the former print edition newspaper will be archived in the coming months.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Thacker receives prestigious Robert H. Elliott Award

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, December 9, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The College of Education at Tarleton State University honored one of its student teachers for his outstanding efforts in the classroom during the fall 2011 practicum.

Stephen M. Thacker, a native of Cleburne, was presented with the Robert H. Elliott Memorial Award during the college’s “Reflections” ceremony, held Friday, Dec. 9 at Tarleton’s Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium. The ceremony is designed to honor Tarleton’s student teachers, highlight their most memorable moments throughout the school year and recognize student teachers who demonstrate outstanding qualities in the classroom.

Thacker, who will graduate from Tarleton on Dec. 17 with a bachelor of music degree with an all-level music certification, recently completed his student teaching assignments with the Fort Worth and Aledo ISDs under the guidance of Dr. Gary Westbrook, assistant professor of music and director of Tarleton’s athletic bands.

As part of Thacker’s practicum, he student-taught fifth-grade music at Aledo ISD’s Stuard Elementary School under the supervision of cooperating educator, Vickie Mason, and secondary music at Fort Worth ISD’s Paschal High School with mentor teacher Bryan Wright, director of bands.

“Stephen teaches with much confidence and authority, and teaches beyond his years,” said Westbrook. “He is an effective teacher and knows how to plan effective lessons with specific strategies geared for student achievement. During his student teaching, Stephen has definitely developed an outstanding rapport with his students and has helped motivate them to learn.”

During his academic career at Tarleton, Thacker has participated as a percussionist and led the percussion section as caption head for “The Sound and The Fury,” the university’s marching band. He also was a member of Tarleton’s wind ensemble, jazz band and “Foul Play,” a group of student musicians who perform during the men’s and women’s basketball games.

This fall, Thacker was admitted as a percussionist for the U.S. Army Bands and is scheduled to report Jan. 17, 2012, for Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, S.C. He will then attend the Army School of Music’s 10-week program in Norfolk, Va.

The Robert H. Elliott Memorial Award is presented annually by the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction to teacher certification majors who demonstrate the potential for excellence in the classroom.

The award was developed by Elliott’s friends and colleagues in memory of his enthusiasm for education and his devotion to students. The veteran educator and administrator served public schools for many years in Colorado before joining the faculty at Tarleton in 1981. He was a professor in the Department of Education & Psychology and supervisor of the student teacher program at the time of his death in 1990.

Through a long and distinguished career, Elliott never forgot that the primary purpose of the school was to serve the learning and developmental needs of children and adolescents. â€¨â€¨The award bearing his name is presented after each student teaching session to recognize students who exemplify Elliott’s beliefs and dedication. He shared a keen interest in the accomplishments of student teachers, recognizing practicum in teaching as the most important event in the professional development of young teachers.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Fall commencement to include three ceremonies

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, December 8, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Fall commencement exercises at Tarleton State University will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17. Approximately 780 graduates will receive diplomas.

The Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and Science and Technology will conduct their graduation ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. The Colleges of Education, and Liberal and Fine Arts will conduct their graduation ceremonies at 1 p.m., followed by the Colleges of Business Administration, and Student Success during a 4 p.m. ceremony.

All three programs will be held in Wisdom Gymnasium in the Health and Physical Education Complex. The proceedings will be video-streamed live online on the Tarleton website, http://www.tarleton.edu/. Specific link information will be posted prior to the event.

Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio will preside over the three ceremonies as 630 bachelors and 150 masters degrees will be awarded to the university’s newest graduates.

â€¨â€¨Dr. Frank B. Ashley III, vice chancellor of recruitment and diversity, and acting vice chancellor of academic affairs for The Texas A&M University System, will offer greetings from the System office at each of the three commencement exercises.

The presentation of Departmental Outstanding Graduates will precede each college’s processional. The graduates, selected by the administration and faculty in the student’s major department, are chosen for excelling in leadership as well as academics.

The honorees include: Maggie Sears of Bridgeport, Agricultural and Consumer Sciences; Jennifer Garrett of Houston, Animal Sciences and Wildlife Management; TraeAnn Schlemmer of Riesel, Environmental and Agricultural Management; Andrew Wartes of Lipan, Computer Information Systems; Joseph Warner of Dublin, Management, Marketing and Administrative Systems; and Ethan Chesnut of Santo, Accounting, Finance and Economics.

Additional Departmental Outstanding Graduates include: Chelsea Dawn Weaver of Abilene, Curriculum and Instruction; Jeff Dillard of Burleson, Kinesiology; Angela Reppa of Granbury, Psychology and Counseling; Melissa Rose of Arlington, English and Languages; Danae Sparkman-Nelson of Madisonville, Fine Arts; William Heat of Gustine, Social Work, Sociology and Criminal Justice; Justin Highland of Arlington, Engineering Physics; Travis Bullock of Comanche, Medical Laboratory Sciences; and Kimberely Byford of Stephenville, Nursing.

Master’s Hooding ceremonies for all graduate degree candidates have also been scheduled. A 9 a.m. ceremony will be held for students participating in the 10:30 and 1 p.m. commencement exercises, while those participating in the 4 p.m. graduating ceremony will be hooded at a 2:30 event.

Locations for the 9 a.m. Master’s Hooding Ceremonies include: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences – Joe W. Autry Agriculture Building, Room 113; College of Education – Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms; and the Colleges of Science and Technology and the College of Liberal and Fine Arts (combined) – Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center theater.

The 2:30 p.m. Master’s Hooding Ceremonies, combined for the College of Business Administration and the College of Graduate Studies, will be held in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center theater.

For directions to Wisdom Gymnasium and maps of the Stephenville campus, visit www.tarleton.edu/campus. More information about Tarleton’s upcoming commencement ceremonies can be found online at: http://www.tarleton.edu/graduation/â€¨â€¨.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Planetarium presents 'Seasons of Lights' now through Dec. 17

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, December 8, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The spirit of the holiday season and the magic of the Planetarium on the campus of Tarleton State University combine for a special presentation of shows now through Dec. 17.

“Seasons of Light,” the annual holiday show, will be presented at 4 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9, and again on Dec. 15 and 16, and at 3 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 17. Admission is free.

“Our holiday show, ‘Seasons of Light’, is about the coldest and darkest of seasons—a season which holds some of the warmest and brightest celebrations of the year,” said Larry D. Barr, Planetarium Manager.

Narrated by National Public Radio’s Noah Adams, it traces the development of many of the world’s endearing holiday customs, and how they involve lighting up the winter season. Whether it’s the burning of the Yule log, the sparkling Christmas tree lights or the lighting of the Menorah and luminaries, each brings a spark of brightness into the dark and cold environment.

The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice—not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Pagan, Nordic, Roman, Egyptian and Hopi. It also takes a look at some of our more light-hearted seasonal traditions—from gift-giving and kissing under the mistletoe to songs about lords a-leaping and ladies dancing; and the custom of decking the halls with greenery and candles. St. Nicholas, Sinterklaas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and Santa Claus all drop by as well.

“The show has been very well-attended in the past and has developed into something of a Christmas tradition like the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with folks coming back every year,” Barr said. “Since our seating is limited to 56 people, and we don’t make reservations, they know to come early.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton hosts first social media conference

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University welcomed more than 200 attendees for the inaugural Social Media Conference, an event hosted by the Texas Social Media Research Institute that allowed students, faculty and professionals from across the U.S. to share information on the transformative phenomenon taking place online.

Conference participants, including graduate and undergraduate students from Tarleton, Howard Payne University, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Minnesota, Southern University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, presented research and training focused on communication technology and social media for use in K-12 and higher education, business, and nonprofit organizations.

“With more than 200 attendees and volunteers, we’re delighted with the turnout for this first year and will continue to raise the bar next year,” said Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, assistant professor of communications studies and director of the research institute. “Our keynote speaker, attorney Lynn Rossi Scott, really made people think. Participants examined issues they might not normally think of, but really need to in terms of future and current jobs.”

Among the research missions of the institute is to investigate generational perceptions of social media in various contexts; to determine the best practices of using social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to reach potential customers; investigate how social media can be used to facilitate communication with organizations; and to examine current organizational policies focused on social media in the workplace.

Sixty-five Tarleton students presented findings from their surveys and research, with topics ranging from “How Different Relationships on Facebook Affect Posts” to “College Students’ Perceptions of Emotional Exchanges on Social Networking Websites.” Other topics included “Cleaning Up Your Digital ‘Dirt’”, “Social Media and Family History/Genealogy”, and “Examining Student Reflective Use of Twitter.”

“I’m most proud of the hard work put forth by our 10 student interns to successfully plan and implement a conference of this size and scope. It was truly a collaborative effort, and the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive,” said Dr. Credence Baker, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, and co-director of the institute.

The conference was the first of its kind at Tarleton, and over the next year, the institute plans to continue trainings, launch research partnerships and begin plans for the second annual conference slated for Nov. 30, 2012.

In the future, institute interns and student researchers hope to explore privacy issues related to social media, and determine innovative methods to facilitate training and the best practices of using social media in a classroom environment.

For more information about the Texas Social Media Research Institute, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/TSMRI/.

Follow TSMRI online at:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TSMRI
Twitter: @TSMRI
Blog: http://tsmri.blogspot.com/

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

New residential parking lot to open Monday

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, December 1, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Construction has been completed on Tarleton State University’s newest parking lot, which is set to open to campus residents on Monday, Dec. 5.

Designated as Red Zone P-36, the new parking area located north of the Barry B. Thompson Student Center at the intersection of Lillian and Jones streets will serve as a residential student parking lot. P-36 will create an additional 206 parking spaces, expanding the lot’s overall capacity to 323 vehicles.

During the design phase university officials and contractors, along with the assistance of a licensed arborist, made an effort to save several stands of mature oak trees, which provide a park-like appearance and abundant shade. The new parking area also incorporates several green spaces and was designed to include two picnic areas, complete with picnic tables and trash receptacles just steps away from the university’s dining hall.

SpawGlass served as general contractor on the project and will remain on campus in the coming weeks to complete a separate project to rehabilitate Jones Street into a pedestrian mall ahead of its proposed closure to vehicular traffic.

Additional information regarding the Jones Street project and street closure will be released in the coming weeks.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton's University Band, Wind Ensemble to perform final fall concert

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Tarleton Wind Ensemble and University Band will present their final concert of the fall semester at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Auditorium.

The student musicians will perform under the direction of Dr. Anthony Pursell, director of bands and assistant professor of music at Tarleton. General admission is $5 or free with a Tarleton ID.

Featuring a multimedia experience for concertgoers, “What If They Are Right?” will include a light show and projected video and imagery. The concert explores some of humanity’s greatest questions and fears, including the existence of alien life and angels to the prophecies depicting the end of the world. Due to some images and video, this concert has been voluntarily rated PG, Pursell said.

“The video and images are influenced by the music itself making this a very unique concert experience,” said Pursell.

Two new selections composed by Pursell and Butler University’s composer-in-residence Dr. Michael Schelle will be premiered during the concert. Adjunct instructor of trombone, Justin Cook, will serve as trombone soloist in Pursell’s arrangement, “A Song For Japan.” Additional music to be featured includes Michael Sweeney’s “Earthdance,” Gustav Holst’s “Mars” and Stephen Melillo’s “The Speech of Angels” and “Godspeed.”

Tickets go on sale one hour before the performance and will be available at the Fine Arts Auditorium box office. A reception will also be held in the Fine Arts Gallery immediately after the concert.

For more information contact Dayle Cox at 254-968-9291.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Holiday Showcase this Friday at Tarleton

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, November 28, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton’s 18th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Showcase will be held Friday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the university’s Barry B. Thompson Student Center ballrooms.

The showcase, an annual project of the Tarleton Staff Council, has grown over the years and now includes more than 45 vendors.

Types of items for sale will include Tarleton-themed crafts, gift baskets, handmade jewelry, candles, cosmetics, purses, baby items, accessories, gourmet food, handmade woodcrafts, picture frames, kitchenware, ornaments, pottery, handmade wall décor, children’s clothing, paintings, gift wrapping and more.

Proceeds from the sale of vendor booths supports the university’s Staff Council employee scholarship and grant program.

Parking will be available in the large lots on the corner of Lillian and Jones streets. For more information email Susan Gordon at sgordon@tarleton.edu.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Santa Claus bank robbery focus of talk

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, November 21, 2011

THURBER, Texas— Kick off your holiday season with a classic Texas true crime story as Tarleton historian T. Lindsay Baker relates the gripping tale of the Santa Claus bank robbery. The free presentation at the W. K. Gordon Center will be Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m.

Baker’s new book, Gangster Tour of Texas, offers the stories of legendary criminals such as Bonnie and Clyde, Machine Gun Kelly and the Newton Boys, and shares how to visit their best preserved crime scenes.

The famous Santa Claus bank robbery took place in Cisco, Texas, two days before Christmas 1927. Four men, one dressed as Santa Claus to keep from being recognized, robbed the First National Bank. The subsequent shootouts, high-speed chases, kidnappings and final captures of these gangsters makes for a harrowing story with a macabre ending that still haunts the people of Eastland County.

Dr. Baker, who holds the W. K. Gordon Endowed Chair in Texas History at Tarleton, has produced numerous books on Texas and Southwestern history, including Adobe Walls, Ghost Towns of Texas, and Lighthouses of Texas. In addition to teaching, he also directs the W. K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas.

The W. K. Gordon Center, a museum and research facility of Tarleton State University, is located at exit 367 on Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene. Its hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, closed on Monday. For more information call the center at 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Information technology students take honors in regional competition

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, November 18, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Ten students in the Association of Information Technology Professionals chapter tied for second place with the University of Houston in the overall team competition at the Region 3 Student Conference and Collegiate Technology Competition in Huntsville, Texas, in October. The contest was sponsored by USAA.

Among individual winners, Andrew Kolemba took first place in mobile applications, Greg Donham and Jonathan Crow won third place in network design, and Greg Donham and Andrew Kolemba won first place in security.

Tarleton teams have placed regionally and nationally in all but two AITP events since 1995.

The competition was sanctioned by AITP Region 3 and hosted by the AITP student chapter at Sam Houston State University. There were 175 student competitors representing 18 different schools from the region. The nine Texas schools included the University of Houston, Sam Houston State, the University of Texas at Dallas and Texas State University-San Marcos. The contingent of out-of-state schools included Arkansas State, the University of Mississippi, New Mexico State, the University of Louisiana and Oklahoma State.

The Tarleton chapter is preparing for the national collegiate competition March 29 to April 1, 2012, hosted by Texas State University-San Marcos and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. The chapter will be holding several fund-raising events for travel to San Antonio.

For more information or to join AITP, contact Assistant Professor Art Dearing, the faculty advisor, at dearing@tarleton.edu, or call 254-968-9340.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Kinesiology grad students to present research at annual symposium

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, November 18, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Thirty-two Tarleton State University graduate students who have conducted scholarly research will present their findings Dec. 6 at Wisdom Gymnasium as part of the 4^th Annual Kinesiology Research Symposium.

The symposium, to be held from 6-8 p.m., will showcase students’ research posters, some of which were presented at the recent A&M University System Pathways Student Research Symposium in College Station. The College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology is sponsoring the symposium and welcomes the public to hear students’ presentations.

“This event allows our students to become engaged in professional scholarship,” said Dr. Kayla Peak, assistant professor of kinesiology. “Some will use this experience as a jumping-off point to get involved or to go on to other conferences to present their research, while others will pursue a full investigation of their research and consider a thesis option as part of their master’s degree.”

Peak said the symposium also “provides an opportunity, as an academic department, to celebrate the scholarly efforts of our undergraduate and graduate students.”

Among the topics at this year’s symposium: “A Comparison of Linear Periodization and Non-Periodization Strength Training Programs,” “Growing Up: An Evaluation of the Rivals.com Top 100 and Draft Opportunities in the NFL,” “Longevity in Coaching: Do Stress Factors Play a Role?” and “Squeezing Out the Miles: A Survey of Distance Runners’ Attitudes Regarding Compression Socks.”

Posters at this year’s symposium will also be judged and scored by the department’s full-time faculty.

“Past experience has proven that active student engagement in these types of presentations to student peers and or respected faculty members, is a powerful tool in helping to promote a culture of professional scholarship,” said Peak.

For more information about Tarleton’s Department of Kinesiology and related degree offerings, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/kinesiology/.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Choirs to present holiday music

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, November 17, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton choirs will present two concerts of holiday music.

The Holiday Choir Concert, to be held Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Auditorium, will feature the Tarleton Chamber Choir and the Tarleton Select Women’s Ensemble, directed by Dr. Charles Rives and accompanied by Steve Chambers. The choirs will perform traditional carols, including a candlelight procession based on the hymn “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.”

All proceeds from this concert will go toward helping Tarleton choir students pay their expenses for the Ireland choir tour, May 28-June 4, 2012. Admission is $5 or free with a Tarleton ID.

And on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Tarleton Choirs, the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale and performers from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, all conducted by Dr. Rives, will present the annual production of Handel’s “Messiah” in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Tickets cost $12 and are all reserved seating. Call the box office at 254-968-9634 or Dayle Cox at 254-968-9291.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Lori LaRue
254-968-9639
larue@tarleton.edu

Students earn 'Distinguished' honors at Pathways Symposium

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, November 17, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Student researchers from Tarleton State University earned awards at the 9th Annual Texas A&M University System Pathways Student Research Symposium, held at Texas A&M University Nov. 11. Eight TSU students earned Distinguished Research Recognition.

Twelve A&M System universities participated, with 470 total student poster entries and 62 oral presentations. Tarleton students represented 43 of the entries and returned to campus with several “Distinguished Scholar” awards after receiving scores in the top five percent of all presenters. Fourteen members of the Tarleton faculty also attended the symposium.

Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students competed against each other in 10 different fields of study: agriculture, business and computer information systems, computer science, education, engineering, environmental science, life science, physical science, social sciences and humanities, and mathematics. Research topics varied from “Growth Rate in the Cutting Type Horse” to “Assessing Micronutrient Availability in a North Central Texas Vineyard”.

Many of these Tarleton students prepared for the Pathways Student Research Symposium by participating in the Sigma Xi Symposium, held Oct. 22. Faculty provided feedback to students allowing them an opportunity to improve their presentations before last weekend’s event in College Station. Funding for travel and research expenses were provided by the Office of Student Research and Creative Activities and the College of Graduate Studies.

“The posters were professionally prepared. I am very proud of our students and the manner in which they represented Tarleton and their academic disciplines,” said Dr. Linda Jones, dean of the university’s College of Graduate Studies. “With these events, we hope to encourage and support the research conducted by our undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students and their mentors. Our goal is to retain the brightest students in Texas and within the A&M System universities.”

In addition to the student research presentations the symposium included lectures, college open houses, and tours of A&M campus landmarks including the Bonfire Memorial. The symposium concluded with a dinner and awards ceremony at the Zone at Kyle Field, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Mark Holtzapple of A&M’s Department of Chemical Engineering.

The symposium also allowed Tarleton students to interact with students from other system institutions, said Jones. “The networking component is alive and well, and our students took advantage of the chance to visit with and talk with others at the symposium. By the time we left we had a student who was offered a fellowship at A&M to continue her research. Other planned collaborations are in the works. That is exciting,” she said.

Tarleton students placing in the top five percent earning “Distinguished Research” honors include:

Undergraduate Level
Court Sullivan - Physical Sciences, College of Science & Technology
“Asteroid Detection Using Tarleton’s 0.8m Research Telescope”
Advisor: Dr. Michael Hibbs, associate professor of physics, astronomy and engineering

Remington Wheat – Engineering, College of Science & Technology
“Mobility of Selected Neonicotinoids in Vineyard Soils”
Advisor: Dr. Sudarshan Kurwadkar, assistant professor of Engineering and Phsyics

Graduate Level
Arthur Buckingham (lead), Ryan Craven, Karissa Kroll and Julia Reynolds – Kinesiology, College of Education
“Longevity in Coaching: Do Stress Factors Play a Role?”
Advisor: Dr. Kayla Peak, assistant professor of Kinesiology

Ray Molina – Agriculture, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
“The Affects of Wildflower Seeding Rates for Establishment in Ryegrass as a Cover Crop”
Advisor: Dr. Hennen Cummings, associate professor of Environmental and Agricultural Management

Chris Niebuhr – Wildlife Mangement, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
“Detecting Spinose Ear Tick Presence Using Host and Habitat Characteristics”
Advisor: Dr. David Kattes, professor of Entomology, and Dr. Jeff Breeden, assistant professor of wildlife management

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton musicians attend masterclass with flutist Galway

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Two Tarleton students, flutist Caitlin Rose and pianist Jeremy Bowen, participated in a masterclass Nov. 12 with internationally acclaimed flutist Sir James Galway.

The masterclass took place at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Galway, nicknamed “The Man With the Golden Flute,” has sold more than 30 million albums, made numerous television appearances and is considered to be the finest flutist in the world.

The audition for the Sir James Galway masterclass was open to all flutists in the state of Texas and was highly competitive. Rose is one of only two participants chosen at the undergraduate level.

Rose, a freshman music major from Weatherford, Texas, is a graduate of Weatherford High School where she held the position of first chair flute in the band and participated in UIL All-Region Band all four years. In UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, she advanced to the state level all four years. Rose currently holds the first chair position for flute in the Tarleton Wind Ensemble and plays in the Tarleton Flute Choir. She is a student of Ronda Winter-Eldridge, adjunct professor of flute.

Bowen graduated in 2008 from Granbury High School and is currently a senior at Tarleton, working on his bachelor of music with teacher certification. He is a student of Dr. Leslie Spotz, associate professor of piano. He won the Center Stage Award in Piano in both spring 2010 and 2011. Bowen serves as pianist at First Christian Church of Granbury, accompanist for Tarleton’s Select Women’s Ensemble, Tarleton’s Men’s Chorus and Granbury’s Crossland 9th grade center’s choirs. He also has performed piano with the Tarleton Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble I.

“This is a huge honor for our students. Sir James Galway is the most renowned flutist in the world today,” said Spotz. “We are so proud of Caitlin and Jeremy and their achievement. To be able to represent Tarleton State University in a cultural event of such artistic magnitude is tremendously exciting.”

The masterclass was sponsored by the Texas Flute Society, Texas Christian University and Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Fort Worth lawyer to keynote social media conference

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas— Fort Worth lawyer Lynn Rossi Scott will be the keynote speaker at the Dec. 2 Social Media Conference sponsored by the Texas Social Media Research Institute.

Scott will tackle the legal aspects of social media such as Facebook defamation and digital dirt.

A partner at Brackett & Ellis, Scott has been recognized by Texas Monthly as a “Texas Super Lawyer” and by Fort Worth Magazine as “Top Attorney” in school and education law. Her practice includes applying social media in different aspects of school law and public law.

Scott has also been recognized by Texas Lawyer as one of 30 “Extraordinary Women in Texas Law” and is listed in “Best Lawyers in America.”

“She is engaging and factual,” said Dana Moore, assistant dean of student judicial affairs. “She presents the dreary facts in such a way that you are left wanting to learn more.”

Scott has spoken at numerous national, state, regional and local conferences and workshops. She will be speaking at noon on the Tarleton State University campus in the Nursing Building auditorium.

For more information about the conference and to register, visit www.tarleton.edu/TSMRI.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton student radio rounds up area voices

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State Unviersity’s KTRL 90.5 FM public radio is rounding up a new show featuring voices from the Cross Timbers region.

“Cross Timbers Roundup” is a new twice weekly radio show produced by students in Tarleton’s radio and TV announcing course within the Department of Communications Studies. The show, which airs Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., will focus on issues and events taking place at the university and around the Cross Timbers.

“It’s a new voice for the area and a great opportunity for Tarleton students to get involved with local issues and be on the radio,” said senior communications major Amber Ward. “It’s a great show for the community and provides good experience for the students working on it. Students learn radio and TV skills and they get to interview some fascinating people.”

Each half-hour show includes two interviews with local guests, along with local sports and news features. The show has already had a number of guests, including Dr. David Snyder, with the TREAT equine-assisted therapy program; Dr. T. Lindsay Baker, author of the new book Gangster Tour of Texas; Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, director of the new Texas Social Media Research Institute; Dr. Annette C. Albrecht, who was recently named Outstanding Counselor Educator of the Year; and Mike Stanley, lead singer of a local Texas country band.

Broadcasting local voices to area residents has long been a priority for KTRL, according to the station’s general manager and class instructor Eric Truax, but they haven’t had the staff to produce a local interview program. Students host, produce and engineer the show as part of their course requirements. “There are a lot of interesting people in the Cross Timbers with stories to tell, and having students produce this show really makes it happen,” said Truax.

Visit KTRL’s website for show times and a complete schedule: www.tarleton.edu/KTRL.

Producers of the new show are always looking for guests and events to spotlight. Contact the “Cross Timbers Roundup” via email at KTRL@tarleton.edu.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton's Standridge receives CEFP credential

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Joe D. Standridge Jr., associate vice president of physical facilities, has received the Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) credential from the APPA, which is the association dedicated to leadership in educational facilities.

The CEFP program is designed to validate the unique knowledge and competence required of an accomplished professional in the educational facilities field and illustrates a superior understanding of what it takes to create and maintain safe, functional and inspiring learning environments.

The exam for the CEFP credential covers APPA’s four core competency areas for facilities professionals: general administration and management, operations and maintenance, energy and utilities, and planning, design and construction.

“The CEFP credential is an exciting new standard for educational stewardship. It represents core knowledge, talent and skill, underscoring accountability and commitment to growth and mastery,” said Lander Medlin, APPA executive vice president. “By earning the CEFP designation, Joe shows his superior mastery and commitment to his work, his institution and his colleagues.”

Standridge joined the Tarleton staff in 1990 and has been associated with numerous projects at the university’s campuses, including new construction and renovations to existing facilities. He also helped bring Tarleton’s Fort Worth campus online, oversaw the construction of the W.K. Gordon Center in Thurber, the expansion of the Shaffer Building in Fort Worth and helped with the transition of the former Tarleton-Central Texas campus.

Formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators, APPA is an association of 5,200 educational facilities professionals at more than 1,500 learning institutions throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. For more information, visit www.certification.appa.org.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Mrs. W.K. Gordon Jr., W.K. Gordon Jr. Foundation give $6 million to Tarleton

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, November 11, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—President F. Dominic Dottavio today announced a $6 million gift from Mrs. W.K. Gordon Jr. and the W.K. Gordon Jr. Foundation, the largest single donation to the university in Tarleton’s 112-year history.

The gift includes $1 million for general scholarships and $5 million for continued funding of the W.K. Gordon Center for the Industrial History of Texas, a Tarleton facility that combines historical research, a museum and special collections library. The center, on Interstate 20 in the ghost town of Thurber, is named after Mrs. Gordon’s father-in-law, William Knox Gordon, an engineer, businessman and central figure in Thurber’s history.

“This tremendous and extremely generous gift will have a positive impact on the lives of generations of Tarleton students,” Dottavio said. “In many cases, the scholarships generated by the new endowment will mean dreams of obtaining a college degree will actually come true. And the continued funding of the center will allow an outstanding facility to not only operate, but thrive. I’m humbled and grateful to Mrs. Gordon for her vision, her belief in education and her faith in Tarleton.”

Mrs. Gordon and the Gordon Foundation have been instrumental in helping found and fund the Gordon Center since 2000. The center opened in November 2002. It tells the story of the birth and death of Thurber, a company-owned mining town that was once the largest city between Fort Worth and El Paso.

Under the terms of the agreement, in addition to the $6 million gift, the Tarleton State University Foundation will contribute the remainder of funds, now about $1.6 million, previously given by Mrs. Gordon and the Gordon Foundation, to the new center operations and maintenance fund held by the university.

“The academic division in general and the College of Liberal and Fine Arts in particular are extremely pleased with this gift,” said Dr. Karen Murray, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, under whose purview the center fund will be administered. “It will allow us to continue our community education programs at the Gordon Center even in the face of curtailed operating dollars.”

Dr. T. Lindsay Baker, director of the W.K. Gordon Center, said the gift would enable the center “to continue to tell the story of Thurber and its industries, as well as the stories of the many diverse groups from around the world that comprised its population.”

W.K. Gordon Jr. was born in 1910 and raised in Thurber. He later went on to a successful career as an oil and gas producer, rancher, businessman and Fort Worth civic leader. In 1934 he married Anna Melissa Hogsett. Her family had deep roots in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Since his death in 1996, Mrs. Gordon and the Gordon Foundation have funded numerous philanthropic causes in North Texas. Historical preservation and history are among her deepest interests.

“We are very grateful to Mrs. Gordon and the W. K. Gordon Jr. Foundation for their generous gift,” said Dr. Rick Richardson, vice president for institutional advancement. “We are also sincerely grateful to all those who worked diligently to make this gift a reality, including President Dominic Dottavio and the president’s staff, Dr. Lisette Dottavio, Dr. T. Lindsay Baker and the staff of the Gordon Center, Dr. Karen Murray, Mr. Jerry Graham, Mr. Mike Tate, Dr. Cynthia Carter, Dr. Koy Floyd, Dr. Gary Peer, Mrs. Nancy Allen, who serves as president of the Tarleton State University Foundation, Scott Allen and all the other members of the foundation board, Mr. Greg Anderson, our Texas A&M University System Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, along with Maria Robinson and Elaine Welch, Mr. Tim Coffey of the System’s Office of General Counsel, along with Eddie Gose and Melody Meyer, Tarleton’s Division of Institutional Advancement and of course, many others. It was truly a team effort.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

New Military Veterans Services Center to open at Tarleton

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, November 10, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University will open a Military Veterans Services Center for its student veterans on the Stephenville campus on Nov. 15. Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, Dr. James Vardalis, the director of the new center, and other officials will gather at an 11 a.m. ceremony for the grand opening in the Tarleton Center. Guests will include state Rep. Sid Miller of Stephenville.

“We pledge that Tarleton will treat those men and women who have served and protected our nation with dignity and respect, and will provide the support and services they need to be successful at Tarleton and in their life beyond the university,” said Vardalis. “The center is a place where the military student community can obtain reliable, straight-forward and complete answers and solutions to the many issues facing veterans and the families seeking a university education.”

Vardalis added that the services center will work closely with other campus departments, including, Military Science and Enrollment Services, to help veterans achieve their educational goals and go on to gainful employment. A mentor program involving veterans on the Tarleton faculty will also be established to provide student veterans with academic advising.

“Having been in the Marine Corps and serving in combat in Vietnam, I understand a lot of the military issues when veterans step onto a college campus,” Vardalis said. “I experienced the same thing and understand what new veterans are experiencing today.”

The center, located in Room 121 of the Tarleton Center, will also develop projects to unite university veterans with the local community and promote student involvement in the newly established Student Veterans Association, said Elizabeth Johnson, the center coordinator.

There are currently 360 veterans attending Tarleton, plus another 270 dependents of veterans, Johnson said, and the numbers are expected to increase in coming years.

As part of the Military Service Center’s opening, a “Tarleton Wall of Honor” will be created to recognize faculty and staff who are military veterans. Members of the Military Veteran Student Association are soliciting 3x5 photographs along with a description of the veteran’s rank and branch of service to include in the display. To submit a photo, stop by the center or call Johnson for more information.

For more information about the new Military Services Center at Tarleton State University, call (254) 968-1805 or visit http://www.tarleton.edu/veterans/.

Week of Events Marks Veterans Day Observance at TSU

In observance of Veterans Day, the Tarleton community has hosted several events on campus to allow students, faculty and staff to honor past service members.

During halftime ceremonies at Texan football team’s Military Appreciation Game Nov. 5, U.S. Army Spc. Conner Elms, a 2009 graduate of Tarleton, was presented his Purple Heart Award by Lt. Col. Daniel Thiebaud, assistant professor of military science. Elms, an infantryman with the 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 10^th Mountain Division, was wounded while on combat patrol in Afghanistan in July 2011.

Members of Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society, tied yellow ribbons around trees across campus in honor of Veterans Day and to remind the Tarleton community to remember and thank those veterans who have served our country.

Three Vietnam War veterans, including Douglas Eberhart of Bluff Dale, and Tom Smith and Jerry Weatherby of Stephenville, who served in the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy, spoke to more than 100 students attending a Nov. 9 forum as well as countless listeners who tuned into KURT 100.7 FM Tarleton Student Radio during the live broadcast. The event was a collaboration among the Department of Social Sciences, the W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas, the Department of Military Science and the university’s student radio station.

Members of SWAT (School-Wide Activities Team) hosted a Pre-Veterans Day Appreciation luncheon on Nov. 10. During the event, SWAT provided students and the Tarleton community with hot dogs, lemonade and patriotic music near the Barry B. Thompson Student Center.

A luncheon for student veterans and faculty members who served, hosted by the Military Veteran Student Association, was slated for Friday, Nov. 11. Members of the Texan Battalion, Tarleton’s ROTC unit, were also scheduled to participate in Veterans Day ceremonies at the Erath County courthouse and Huckabay ISD school.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

U.S. Rep. Conaway visits Tarleton

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Midland, paid a brief visit to Tarleton on Nov. 8. The congressman, who represents the 11^th Congressional District, attended the Texan Club luncheon at the Barry B. Thompson Student Center.

His district, 36 counties in West and Central Texas, includes Odessa, Midland and San Angelo.

During his appearance at Tarleton’s Texan Club, the congressmen visited with university administrators, supporters of the athletic programs and student athletes. Conaway also briefly addressed the crowd and wished the Tarleton basketball teams best of luck as they begin their 2011-2012 campaign.

“The loss of individual identity and the importance of being on a team are lessons you learn only in an athletic endeavor,” Conaway said while addressing members of the club and basketball teams. “But I also received an education as a result of participating in athletics. Please take advantage of the education you receive here at Tarleton because it will serve you well long after your athletic career.”

Conaway serves on the House Agriculture, Intelligence, Armed Services, and Ethics Committees. On the Agriculture Committee, he is Subcommittee Chairman of General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

A native Texan, Conaway grew up in Odessa and later earned a B.B.A. degree in accounting from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1970.

After serving in the Army at Fort Hood, Conaway resumed his career with Price Waterhouse & Co., settling in Midland where he later worked with George W. Bush as the chief financial officer for Bush Exploration.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Dean's bike ride to raise scholarship funds

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Dr. Adolfo Benavides, dean of the College of Business Administration, is combining his love of the sport of cycling and his belief in education on a 160-mile bicycle ride on Nov. 19. Benavides will be joined on the ride along Erath County roads by adjunct professor Cary Winsett.

Benavides has pledged a total of $400, or $4 per mile for the first 100 miles of the ride. The College of Business Administration is seeking sponsorships for the last 60 miles of the ride.

All proceeds will go toward student scholarships, including study abroad and textbook scholarships, support for student participation in regional and national academic conferences and support for faculty research initiatives.

To learn more about sponsorships, visit www.tarleton.edu/giving, select “Make a Gift Online” and follow the prompts.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Young named Regents Professor

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, November 4, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University professor of English and languages Dr. Mallory Young has been named one of 13 statewide recipients of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents’ 2010-2011 Regents Professor Service Awards.

Dr. Young’s award was announced at this week’s Board of Regents meeting in College Station.

The Regents Professor Service Award, one of the highest honors given by the A&M System Board of Regents, was established in 1996. It is designed to honor professors and senior-level researchers who have provided exemplary service not only to their university or agency, but also to the community, the state, the nation and the world.

“It’s a distinct privilege to announce that Dr. Young has been selected a Regents Professor for 2010-11 by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. Only the System’s most prestigious faculty are honored with this award,” said Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, president of Tarleton. “The selection of Dr. Young is a high honor both for her personally and for the entire Tarleton community.

“Dr. Young has distinguished herself as a nationally recognized author in the field of women’s literature. Her students’ success, dedication and professionalism are a testament to the tradition of faculty excellence at Tarleton State University,” Dottavio added.

“An award generated through the recommendations of colleagues always is the most meaningful. It is even more gratifying when their recognition is supported by the leadership of Tarleton, the chancellor and the regents,” said Young, the seventh Tarleton professor to receive the award.

Recipients receive a $9,000 award paid over a three-year period, an A&M System medallion for academic regalia and a commemorative plaque and certificate.

Young, a member of the university’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts faculty since 1983, holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a B.A. in French from the University of Texas at Austin.

Teaching has been the primary focus of Young’s more than 30-year career. She obtained a position as assistant professor at Tarleton, where she has remained, teaching both English and French to hundreds of students, for the past 28 years. She received tenure in 1990 and was awarded a full professorship in 1999. Even as a senior faculty member, Young continues to teach a four-course load nearly every semester. A generalist by inclination and choice, she teaches a diverse range of classes on every level from freshman to graduate.

Her teaching was formally recognized through Tarleton’s university-wide teaching award, the Jack and Louise Arthur Distinguished Award for Excellence in Teaching, in 1990.

Young’s scholarly work has, in recent years, focused primarily on the area of young women’s popular literature and media known as “chick culture.” This research has contributed significantly to her teaching, both by inspiring new courses and by giving her further insight into her students’ generation.

In 2005 she co-authored a collection of scholarly essays titled Chick Lit: The New Woman’s Fiction. It was favorably reviewed by numerous scholarly journals, and led to scores of interviews, quotations, and references in such publications as The Chicago Sun-Times, The Washington Post and The New York Times Book Review. It has since become a foundational text in the field and is frequently cited in books and articles by established scholars as well as in theses and dissertations.

Young has filled several administrative roles, serving as director of the Honors Program, assistant to the president, and head of the Department of English and Languages. As director of the Honors Program from 1988-1992, Young initiated and developed Tarleton’s honors degree program, providing the first honors courses in the university’s history. She had the distinct honor of teaching the first of these courses, an honors class in freshman English 112.

In addition to work in administration, Young has contributed a significant amount of time and effort to university committees, chairing several major committees and serving as a member of over 50 committees and subcommittees. She has held numerous offices in statewide organizations.

Members of the Tarleton faculty who are past recipients of the Regents Professor Service Award include: Dr. Russell Jack (1996-97), Dr. Tom Pilkington (1999-2000), Dr. Brad Chilton Jr. (2000-01), Dr. James Kirby (2003-04), Dr. Don Beach (2007-08) and Dr. Pamela Littleton (2008-09).

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

First 'Tarleton Apprentice' to be named Nov. 8

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, November 3, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Three Tarleton State University students have been working hard this month competing in the first-ever Tarleton Apprentice. The program will conclude Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. in the Thompson Student Center ballrooms when the contestants will present their projects to a panel of judges and a winner is named.

Tarleton Apprentice is a service-oriented program sponsored by Career Services and Student Leadership Programs in cooperation with Omicron Delta Kappa and Delta Epsilon Iota.

“Tarleton Apprentice was developed to offer a unique real-world experience where students could apply their skills and knowledge in an outside-the-classroom environment,” said Johnny Robinson, director of Student Leadership Programs. “We are excited for our students to showcase these service projects they have been working on the last six weeks and to crown our first Tarleton Apprentice.”

The students chosen to compete in this year’s competition are Andy Vazquez, Drew Isom and Heather Wright.

Vazquez, a junior management major from Austin, is working to raise money for 3-year-old Orion Miner who was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, a condition that affects the nervous system. Orion can only walk with the help of braces and a walker and his speech is limited. Orion’s father, Londyn Miner, is a Tarleton student. Vazquez hopes this fundraiser will afford the family the opportunity to get the surgeries necessary to help Orion live a normal life. Vazquez will be hosting a fundraising event Saturday, Nov. 5, at Stephenville City Park.

“I’ve decided to set such high standards for myself in this competition, hoping that our community could come together and become the change (Orion’s) life has been waiting for,” Vazquez said.

Isom, a sophomore international business major from Granbury, is collecting clothes for Fort Worth-based Beautiful Feet Ministries. The ministry offers a church for the homeless that also provides shelter, food, clothing and medical services. Isom has placed collection boxes across campus as well as inside Beans and Franks on Washington Street. He collected more than 200 pieces of clothing during the first week of the project and is waiting until Nov. 8 to announce the final tally.

“I wanted to do something that would bring the campus together and reveal to the community how much of a family Tarleton is,” Isom said. “The amount of clothes I’ve been collecting keeps getting greater and greater; so keep it up Tarleton.”

Wright, an undeclared freshman from Glen Rose, has partnered with Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels in Clifton for her project. Wright is collecting donations for the no-kill shelter such as food, treats, paper towels and bleach. She has also formed a new student organization called the TSU Animal Care Association. Wright continues to collect donated items and money, and so far has made two trips to the shelter.

“I am very excited about this project, and I have gotten a much better response than I expected” Wright said. “People are really excited to help these animals.”

These students will present their projects and outcomes to a panel of three judges and will be rated on factors such as depth, community need and self-impact. Helping to pick the winner will be Kyle McGregor, chief of staff to the president and College of Agricultural and Human Sciences faculty member; Kelsey Timmerman, author of “Where am I Wearing,” which is currently Tarleton’s First Year Reading Experience book; and Nancy Hunter, mayor of Stephenville.

The winner will be named the Tarleton Apprentice and will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 LeaderShape Institute National Session.

Tuesday’s program will also feature keynote speaker Matthew Labhart, a 1998 Tarleton graduate who received a degree in computer information systems. Labhart has held positions within the Tier Corporation and currently Vitech Systems Group Inc., as a project manager and consultant. His responsibilities have included managing contracts worldwide such as implementation of software systems for federal, state and local governments, as well as Fortune 500 corporation pension funds. Currently, he is working with the largest retirement board in the nation, CalPERS and helps manage the systems utilized by the Boston Retiring Board, New Mexico Educational Retirement Board and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.

For more information about Tarleton Apprentice, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/STULIFE/careerservices/tarletonapprentice/index.html.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University Systemâ€¨â€¨

Contact: Caleb Chapman
254-968-9056
cchapman@tarleton.edu

Granbury votes to accept Langdon Center

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, November 3, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Granbury City Council voted Nov. 1 to approve a potential transfer of Tarleton State University’s Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center to the city.

Tarleton and Granbury officials are negotiating the details of the proposed transfer.

The action requires approval of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, which is expected to consider the issue during its February 2012 meeting.

Tarleton officials cited budgetary considerations as the primary factor in the transfer of the center, which is located adjacent to the city's historic downtown area. But they added any arrangement would ensure a continuing and vital role for the property as a cultural asset to the city.

“The Langdon Center has served as a wonderful venue for a variety of cultural, educational and social interactions between the university and the Granbury community, and only after profound consideration of the limitations that come from our reduced budget in these economic times have we considered this option,” said Dr. Rick Richardson, vice president for institutional advancement at Tarleton.

“The fact that the City of Granbury will use the Center to expand its own vision for growth as a cultural destination for the state of Texas means, if approved by the Board of Regents, this well-loved asset has found the perfect new home,” Richardson added.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Businessman Stallworth to speak at Tarleton's University Forum

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, October 28, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s inaugural University Forum will take place Tuesday, Nov. 1. The featured guest for the day is Tarleton Distinguished Alumnus and respected businessman Bill E. Stallworth.

The forum will bring outstanding business professionals to campus to share real world experiences, practices and possibilities with Tarleton students through lecture, question and answer sessions and one-on-one time.

Stallworth, a 1951 graduate of Tarleton, is the retired executive vice president of Brown & Root. He spent decades working on engineering and construction projects in the United States, England, the Middle East and South America, and served in a number of capacities for Brown & Root and as a consultant.

In addition to speaking to various classes, Stallworth will present a lecture to the university and the community at 11 a.m. in the Thompson Student Center ballrooms. The lecture is free and open to the public.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
jfeist@tarleton.edu
254-968-9076

Tarleton prof elected vice president of TACUSPA

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, October 27, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, assistant professor of communication studies at Tarleton State University, has been elected vice president for education and professional development for the Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (TACUSPA).

Edwards was elected by TACUSPA’s membership and will serve a one-year term ending October 2012. She has been a member of the association since 2004 when she joined the association as a graduate student.

“I would like to thank TACUSPA and the Tarleton community for all of the support that I have received while serving in this role,” said Edwards. “Through this association, I am able to work with outstanding graduate students, administrators and faculty from institutions across the state of Texas to make a difference in the higher education environment.”

Joining the Tarleton faculty in 2007, Edwards teaches undergraduate courses in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts’ Department of Communication Studies. She currently serves as director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute at Tarleton and was a 2011 fellow with the Society of New Communication Research. Edwards is also a councilor for the Council on Undergraduate Research with a term expiring in 2013.

Last fall, Edwards was named recipient of the Barry B. Thompson Faculty Service Award and she later received the 2011 Texas A&M University System Teaching Excellence Award.

TACUSPA serves as an association of administrators, staff, students and others interested in the professional administration of student affairs programs in higher education, and is dedicated to the development of the student affairs profession in the state of Texas.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton to offer new BBA degree in Waco

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

WACO, Texas—Tarleton State University will begin offering a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) in the spring 2012 semester at the University Center at McLennan Community College (MCC) in Waco.

“Based on student demand, both the MCC and Tarleton administrators felt the new degree would be a good fit for MCC students prepared to transfer into a Tarleton business program,” said Dr. Lewis Snell, director of The University Center. “It will be a welcome addition.”

Tarleton’s bachelor’s degree in human resource management is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management as meeting its nationally recognized standards in the field. This program prepares students for national certifications offered through the Human Resource Certification Institute, an internationally recognized certifying organization for human resource professionals.

“Human resource professionals are involved in much areas of today’s global business environment,” said Dr. Rusty Freed, head of the Department of Management, Marketing and Administrative Systems at Tarleton. “There are successful career opportunities for students in various areas, including staffing and employee recruitment, compensation administration, training and development, employee and labor relations, and monitoring the legal aspects of human resources,” said Freed.

“The addition of the BBA in Human Resource Management allows Tarleton to extend our reach further to students in the McLennan County area by providing an additional degree essential to building a strong local workforce,” said Dr. Kim Rynearson, Interim Associate Vice President for Outreach and Off-Campus Programs. “Not only does this new program benefit the students, it will also impact the community as graduates enter the workforce.”

The U.S. Department of Labor projects employment in the field of human resource management to grow 22 percent by 2018.

Tarleton began offering undergraduate business programs at the University Center at MCC in 2002. Since the beginning of the partnership, Tarleton has expanded programs in Waco to include degree programs in business, psychology, criminal justice, educational administration, counseling, agricultural services and development, social work, family and consumer science, and several teacher certification options.

For additional information about Tarleton’s Waco programs and the BBA in HRM, visit www.tarleton.edu/waco or call 254-299-8322.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Alexandra Holloway, Outreach Specialist
aholloway@tarleton.edu
817-732-7300

Guest artist recital to feature bassoonist, flutist from Angelo State

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, October 24, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas— Bassoonist Jeff Womack will be the featured guest artist at a recital sponsored by Tarleton’s Department of Fine Arts on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Auditorium.

Joining Dr. Womack will be Dr. Leslie Spotz, pianist and associate professor of piano at Tarleton, and Dr. Constance Kelley, flutist and assistant professor of music at Angelo State University. The event is free and open to the public.

Featured works from the established bassoon repertoire will include “Interférences I” by Roger Boutry, “Bacchanale” by Mathieu Lussier, “Concert Piece” by Burrill Phillips and “Sonata Op. 9” by Gustav Schreck.

Womack is assistant professor of music at Angelo State specializing in double reeds and music history. Prior to ASU, he was the director of woodwind studies at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N. D., where he also taught music history and music theory. Additionally, he has served on the faculty at Northern Arizona University. Womack maintains an active performance schedule as bassoonist in The Mesquite Trio, principal bassoon of the San Angelo Symphony, where he has been called upon to play principal oboe as well, and substitute bassoon with the San Antonio Symphony.

Kelley serves as assistant director of bands at Angelo State. Her primary duties include teaching the flute studio and directing the basketball pep band and symphonic band. She is also founder and director of the Concho Valley Community Flute Choir, a member of The Mesquite Trio, and a member of the 36th Infantry Division Band, Texas National Guard, based in Austin. Kelley has been a featured soloist with the Angelo State University Wind Ensemble, the San Angelo Community Band, the 312^th Army Band and the 62^nd Army Band.

For more information about this and other upcoming performances at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, visit www.tarleton.edu/finearts/.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Author, daughter of Frito founder to speak

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

THURBER, Texas— Kaleta Doolin, author and daughter of Frito company founder C.E. Doolin, will speak about the history of the company and her personal remembrances of her father at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, at the W. K. Gordon Center.

Doolin is the author of “Fritos® Pie,” which contains personal anecdotes, over 150 vintage and newly created recipes, and stories. This book recounts the company’s early days, the 1961 merger that created Frito-Lay Inc., and more. This presentation and book signing is free to the public. Ever-popular Frito pies will be served.

In 1932 C. E. Doolin purchased for $100 the recipe for a fried corn chip product and the simple device used to make it, along with a list of 19 customer accounts. From this humble beginning sprang Fritos®, a product that would become one of the best known brands in America. Doolin’s book discusses how many of the vintage recipes developed by her grandmother, her father and company employees became vital to the company’s marketing success. She draws upon hours of interviews with her family and many of her father's closest business associates, as well as research in Frito-Lay corporate archives, to illustrate that her father was not only an innovator in food marketing but also a visionary inventor, a forward-thinking agriculturalist and an entrepreneur.

Doolin is a writer and artist dedicated to exploring and interpreting the creative process through the written word, sculpture and cutting-edge technologies applied to photography and video installation. She lives in Dallas.

The W. K. Gordon Center, a museum and research facility of Tarleton State University, is located at exit 367 on Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene. Its hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, closed on Monday. For more information, call the center at 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

15th annual North Texas Skywatch Star Party set for Oct. 29

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The fifteenth annual North Texas Skywatch Star Party has been set for Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Star Party activities begin at 7 p.m. and stargazers and astronomy fans can continue to search the skies throughout the evening.

Hosted by Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Tarleton State University, the annual event has become a popular activity for families from the Metroplex seeking a good viewing spot away from city lights. Activities are designed to entertain everyone from the veteran stargazers to the novice and just plain curious.

“We get two types of visitors for this event each year,” said Dr. Michael Hibbs, director of the Program for Astronomy Education and Research at Tarleton. “There are those who want to know more about ‘backyard astronomy’ and are looking for a great place to set up their telescopes; and there are those who never get to see the night’s sky without the interference of artificial lighting.”

Weather permitting, the star watching is expected to get under way at 7:15 p.m. Door prizes will also be awarded. Keeping a good thought for clear skies, skywatch party visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescopes if they have them and share their sightings with those who don’t.

The Skywatch Star Party was the creation of Hibbs and Lake Mineral Wells State Park Director David Owens. They have been working together on the project since hosting the first one 15 years ago in Johnson County at the Cleburne State Park.

This year’s attendance is expected to be 200 or more depending on the weather. “We have had as many as several hundred take part in this event or only a handful. It all depends on the weather,” said Hibbs. “The intent is to give the residents of the north Texas area a nearby meeting place and dark sky location to get together. I hope that all of those with telescopes can stay and share views through their telescopes, or knowledge of astronomy, to those wanting a chance to learn and see for the first time.”

Admission to the Skywatch Star Party is the price of admission to the Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Campers who bring their telescopes can stay overnight if they wish. Contact the Lake Mineral Wells State Park for more information and reservations by calling 940-328-1171. The park is located off Highway 180, 50 miles west of Fort Worth.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton's bonfire tradition to continue in Stephenville City Park

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s longstanding Homecoming tradition of holding a Friday night bonfire will continue this year. However, due to extreme drought conditions the celebration has found a new, temporary home in Stephenville City Park.

Students, alumni and friends of the university are invited to attend the L.V. Risinger Celebration on Friday, Oct. 28, which will feature a modified bonfire and live music by two bands at Birdsong Amphitheater located in the city park.

Representatives from Tarleton’s Student Government Association (SGA) will kick off the festivities at 7:45 p.m. with a welcome address before introducing the 2011 Homecoming Queen court. The SGA is also expected to provide a brief history of the annual bonfire, which began as a tradition at Tarleton during the 1920s.

The Plowboys Organization will once again be responsible for constructing this year’s bonfire—one that will be much smaller compared to previous years when the event is held at Tarleton’s College Farm. Because of the prolonged drought and safety concerns, the Plowboys have decided to alter their efforts this year but also carry out one of the university’s most cherished traditions.

“We’re aware bonfire is a big tradition at Tarleton that is enjoyed by many, but because of the extreme fire danger this year we approached the celebration planning with safety being our main concern,” said Taylor Groves, president of the TSU Plowboys. “Initially, we didn’t know how we would alter our bonfire celebration but in planning with SGA and other organizations we feel that we’ll be able to continue our homecoming tradition while providing a fun evening for all. We invite everyone, including students and alumni to come out and enjoy the L.V. Risinger Celebration.”

At 8 p.m., the Brison Bursey Band will take the stage for an hour-long performance before the SGA introduces this year’s bonfire lighters who will set the stack ablaze at approximately 9 p.m. At 10, the Kyle Bennett Band is scheduled to perform and close out the celebration at 11 p.m.

All activities will take place near the Birdsong Amphitheater, which is accessible by entering the eastside of Stephenville City Park from Graham Street. Parking lots are located near the amphitheater with additional parking located near McCluskey Field which can also be accessed from the entrance off of Graham Street to the Splashville city swimming pool.

City officials remind visitors to not park on grassy areas, but only on paved surfaces within the park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and quilts, and insect repellent to enjoy the live music and bonfire from the grassy knoll near the amphitheater.

Named for L.V. Risinger, a Tarleton student who hurled a 2x4 into the air to disable an airplane piloted by students from then-rival North Texas Agriculture College on Nov. 29, 1939, the Homecoming event has been an annual tradition honoring the defender of the bonfire from premature lighting in the aerial attack.

For a complete schedule of 2011 Tarleton Homecoming festivities, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/IAWEB/externalrelations/ext_rel_pdf/HomecomingSchedule2011.pdf.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton homecoming parade route altered

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, October 24, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The annual Homecoming parade at Tarleton State University will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, with more than 50 entries to be featured in this year’s procession, including floats, marching bands, mounted horseback riders and vintage vehicles.

Due to recent street closures on campus, this year’s parade route has been changed. The parade will begin at the Harbin Drive exit of the Memorial Stadium parking lot and follows a route turning left on Washington Street and continuing east past the front of the campus. The parade then turns left on McIlhaney Street, left again on Vanderbilt and right onto Cain Street before continuing west along Jones Street and ending at Memorial Stadium.

The announcer’s stand will be located on McIlhaney Street in front of the Tarleton Alumni Association headquarters across from Heritage Park and the east rock gates.

Tarleton’s marching band, The Sound and The Fury, and the combined marching units from Morgan Mill and Three-Way schools will provide musical entertainment. Among the dignitaries riding in the parade will be honorees selected as distinguished guests by the Tarleton Alumni Association, and members of the 2011 Homecoming court. This year’s distinguished alumni appearing in the parade include Truman Bell and Tommy Hailey, as well as distinguished faculty member Jonathan Hooper.

“This is one of the more special events at homecoming each year because it provides the Tarleton family a chance to share with others in the community,” said Donna Strohmeyer, director of Student Activities at Tarleton and Parade Chair. “We are expecting some very nice weather and we hope there will be a good crowd gathered to watch the parade.”

Spectators are encouraged to view the parade anywhere along the route from Harbin Drive to Vanderbilt Street. Due to construction, there is limited curbside accessibility along Jones Street.

To view a complete 2011 Tarleton Homecoming schedule visit http://www.tarleton.edu/IAWEB/externalrelations/ext_rel_pdf/HomecomingSchedule2011.pdf.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

TREAT to host rodeo for children with special needs

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, October 20, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s Equine Assisted Therapy (TREAT) is hosting its bi-annual rodeo for children with special needs on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The rodeo will be held at the Tarleton Equine Center, located on College Farm Road off of Lingleville Road in Stephenville.

Rodeo participants will compete in events such as pole bending, stick horse barrel racing, dummy roping and enjoy a farm animal petting zoo. There will also be horseback riding, face painting, pumpkin painting, mock rodeo events and refreshments for the participants.

TREAT is a therapeutic riding program that allows children with special needs to challenge themselves both physically and emotionally. The program also provides training for Tarleton students studying animal sciences, nursing, physical education and special education.

“The changes we see in some participants are phenomenal, ranging from improvements in mobility to improvement in social interactions at home and at school,” said Dr. David Snyder, director of TREAT. “The changes brought about in the college students who work with TREAT participants are equally impressive.”

When Snyder came to Tarleton in 1993, the university didn’t offer any equine-assisted activities. Now, of the 55 therapeutic riding programs in Texas, TREAT is one of the 17 considered by the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship to be a Premier Accredited Center.

“TREAT’s Special Kids Rodeos provide the opportunity for many more kids and college students to experience the benefits of therapeutic riding,” Snyder said.

TREAT is seeking volunteers to assist with this rodeo and other events throughout the year. To be a TREAT rodeo volunteer or to inquire about other opportunities, contact Snyder at (254) 968-9656, or email snyder@tarleton.edu or tarletontreat@gmail.com.

Tarleton’s TREAT also offers rides from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Equine Center. For more information about the equine assisted therapy program, visit www.tarleton.edu/treat/. A video featuring TREAT can also be viewed online at http://system.tamus.edu/video/dimensions/tarleton/.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton professor named Counselor Educator of the Year

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, October 20, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Dr. Annette C. Albrecht, professor of counseling at Tarleton State University, has been named the Rhosine Fleming Outstanding Counselor Educator of the Year by the Texas School Counseling Association.

Each year, the TSCA recognizes outstanding school counselors and contributors to the profession. Nominated by their peers or supervisors and selected by a panel, these individuals are truly a “Who’s Who” among counseling professionals and educators in the state of Texas.

Albrecht, a faculty member at Tarleton since 1992, will be recognized and honored at the TSCA luncheon, to be held at the Texas Counseling Association’s Growth Conference in Fort Worth, on Nov. 10.

During her years of service, Albrecht has mentored numerous students as they sought school counseling and LPC certification. She teaches a variety of courses for both counseling and psychology students at Tarleton, and is well-known for being available for her students, both during and after their formal education at the university.

Albrecht works with her husband, Dr. Dennis Jones, dean of Student Success, showing the connection between counseling education and the use of technology, and has authored many journal articles and book chapters contributing to counselor education. She also enthusiastically supports her community, her students, the university and her colleagues across campus.

“Dr. Albrecht has helped to educate hundreds, if not thousands of professional counselors since her appointment to a faculty position at Tarleton,” said Dr. David Weissenburger, professor and head of the psychology and counseling department. “As a counselor educator, Dr. Albrecht is consistently ranked among the best by her students and is listed as one of the most influential instructors in the department because of her knowledge, constructive feedback, adherence to ethics, client-centered approach and enforcement of the standards of the profession.

“She is clearly one of the reasons why students at Tarleton’s main campus achieve extremely high pass rates on professional licensure and certification examinations. Her impact and contributions to the profession extend well beyond the classroom,” Weissenburger added. “Beyond her numerous publications and conference presentations at the local, state, national and international level, many of the students she has taught have been recognized in their own professional careers and gone on to make significant contributions. She serves as a mentor to junior faculty in the department and a resource to those working in the profession. As a counselor supervisor, Dr. Albrecht expects excellence because she cares.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Vietnam War vets to speak at Tarleton

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Three military veterans of the Vietnam War will share their memories with the public at Tarleton State University at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The event will take place in room 119 of the O.A. Grant Humanities Building on the Stephenville campus.

The three veterans scheduled to speak are Douglas Eberhart of Bluff Dale, and Tom Smith and Jerry Weatherby of Stephenville. They served in the United States Army, Air Force and Navy.

Part of the Cold War, the conflict in Vietnam began for Americans when the first U.S. advisers reached South Vietnam in 1950. Over the next decade the number of American military forces increased to thousands of troops. The U.S. government sought to prevent a takeover of South Vietnam as part of the American strategy of containing communism. The conflict continued until the capture of the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon by the North Vietnamese army in 1975. More than 58,220 Americans lost their lives, while estimates of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians killed vary from under a million to more than 3 million.

This event will give students and the public the opportunity to hear first-hand remembrances of American involvement in Vietnam.

This event is a collaboration among the Department of Social Sciences, the W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas, the Department of Military Science and KURT 100.7 Tarleton Student Radio. It will be broadcast live for local audiences on KURT.

For more information contact the event organizer, Dr. T. Lindsay Baker, at 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton undergrad among 10 selected for NSF-REU at Virginia Tech

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, October 14, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Many college students have to wait for graduate school to experience the thrill of discovery that comes with conducting hands-on research. But for Tarleton’s Victoria Sicking, opportunities came sooner when she participated in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program, a highly selective initiative that enables students to participate in advanced educational programming at select universities each summer.

Sicking, a senior from Gainesville, Texas, majoring in environmental engineering, spent 10 weeks in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment at Virginia Tech University while nourishing her analytical skills and creativity as she prepares for a future career as a water scientist and engineer.

Each summer, the National Science Foundation sponsors a REU and Sicking was among 10 undergraduates nationwide selected for the program hosted by Virginia Tech, May 29-Aug. 8, 2011. Sicking competed for admission to the REU based on essays, transcripts, proposed research projects and letters of recommendation.

“This is a great way to find out if graduate study is right for you and an opportunity to learn more about the broad range of interdisciplinary research being conducted,” said Dr. Sudarshan Kurwadkar, assistant professor of environmental engineering. “For many, the experience confirms the student’s commitment to pursue a research career.”

The grant-awarded program provided Sicking unique access to university expertise and facilities to perform cutting edge research among a community of peers, graduate and post-doc mentors, and distinguished professors. She assisted a doctoral student with characterizing the effects of macropores in the hyporheic zone—the larger voids of space in the area beneath riverbeds—specifically in Tom’s Creek at Heritage Park, located in Virginia’s Blacksburg Floodplain.

“It was a great opportunity for getting a taste of what graduate school would be like,” said Sicking. “The REU was a great learning experience because I would eventually like to carry out research related to water quality and purification, preferably overseas through a nonprofit organization.”

Sicking plans on joining the Peace Corps after graduation and work in the areas of environmental education and awareness, and then continue on to graduate work.

“Ms. Sicking is an incredibly talented student who distinguished herself from her peers by engaging in research activities in the field of environmental engineering,” said Kurwadkar, who nominated the Tarleton undergrad for the NSF-REU. “She is very much focused and a detail-oriented person. She is someone you can certainly rely on conducting state of the research experiments.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton professor authors book on Texas gangsters

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, October 14, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas— Tarleton State University history professor T. Lindsay Baker is the author of “Gangster Tour of Texas,” recently released by the Texas A&M University Press. The volume chronicles 16 illegal enterprises and serves as a heritage tourist’s guide to the crime scenes where the deeds took place.

The book covers the “gangster era” in Texas from the start of alcohol prohibition in 1918 and continuing through the closure of the illegal casinos in Galveston by Texas Rangers in 1957. It begins with a chapter on the Barrow gang—Clyde Barrow, Bonnie Parker and others who joined and left them between 1932 and their deaths in1934. It proceeds to discuss such criminals as the bank- and express-car-robbing four Newton Brothers of Uvalde; the 1920s college coed “Flapper Bandit” named Becky Rogers; and robber and kidnapper George “Machine Gun” Kelly, who held the richest man in Oklahoma ransom on a sandy-land Texas cotton farm.

Author Baker holds the W.K. Gordon Endowed Chair in Texas Industrial History at Tarleton State University. In addition to teaching history classes, he directs the school’s W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas Museum at the Thurber ghost town. He also edits the Tarleton State University book series at the Texas A&M University Press.

“This is not the typical true crime book,” said Baker. “Its goal is to get the readers out of their easy chairs and onto the road in order to see the actual places where the events took place.”

For more information, contact the W.K. Gordon Center at 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

A&M chancellor Sharp visits Tarleton

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, October 13, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University welcomed John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, for his inaugural visit to the campus since being appointed leader of the 19-member system on Aug. 15.

Tarleton’s faculty, staff and students gave Sharp a warm Texan welcome on Wednesday, Oct. 12, and treated his official visit as an opportunity to showcase many of the university’s ongoing research efforts, new state-of-the-art facilities and cross-agency initiatives. The chancellor also expressed his excitement for the future of the A&M System and how he expects Tarleton and other sister institutions to continue their roles in educating students and solving problems through research.

“I am very fortunate to be called chancellor of this great system,” said Sharp. “One of my principle jobs is to work with our state’s leaders to make sure you have access to the resources you all need to produce the results the people of Texas expect of our public universities.”

Sharp, a public servant since age 27 when he was elected a state representative, said his visit to Tarleton was to help him gain a better understanding of the university in order to become a strong advocate for the institution.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of the A&M System and to be here at Tarleton, the third-oldest member of the system,” he said. “Tarleton’s role in the system has always been one of the finest educational institutions in the state of Texas, particularly in regards to agricultural research and innovation.”

Sharp was greeted by faculty, staff and local dignitaries at the Southwest Regional Dairy Center. Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, president of Tarleton, introduced Sharp to the crowd before the chancellor toured the facility with Dr. Don Cawthon, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

The chancellor also visited the university’s Welcome Center and Office of School Relations, and was provided a personal tour of the campus which included stops at the Center for Agribusiness Excellence (CAE), the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER), the Recreational Sports Complex and the university’s newest residential hall, as well as the Barry B. Thompson Student Center where he visited with representatives of several spirit organizations.

Sharp also met with Dr. Mark Littleton and the staff of the American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities before having lunch at the Trogdon House with student government representatives and administrators from the Division of Student Life.

Dottavio again introduced Sharp during a general assembly held in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center that included a performance by the university’s chamber choir.

“It is a testament of his character that he has made a point very early on in his tenure as chancellor of the system to find out what it is that the A&M System is about and to learn more about all of these great institutions and agencies,” Dottvaio said when introducing Sharp. “We’ve shown him why so many people ‘bleed purple’ and have so much pride for Tarleton, and we’re pleased to have him as a special guest on campus today.

“Mr. Sharp has been a public servant for decades, making a difference in the lives of Texans,” Dottavio said. “He has set a goal of making the A&M System and its institutions the very best educational system in the nation, and I have no doubt that he is a leader who can make it happen.”

Sharp then held discussions with members of Tarleton’s Staff Council, Faculty Senate, Academic Council and the president’s Executive Cabinet before touring the Nursing Building where he had the opportunity to visit with nursing students before attending a reception in his honor. Guests included elected officials, directors of the Tarleton Foundation, alumni and friends of the university.

Dr. David Snyder and student volunteers with Tarleton’s Equine Assisted Therapy (TREAT) program concluded the chancellor’s visit, explaining the benefits children and adults with physical or mental disabilities receive from horseback riding.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton to host social media conference

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas Social Media Research Institute will hold its first social media conference at Tarleton State University on Dec. 2, 2011.

More than 100 participants are expected to attend the conference that will provide research and training on social media technology for schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals.

The conference consists of two tracks: a research presentation track and a training and development track.

The institute is calling for proposals for research papers, presentations and panel discussions on any topic pertaining to social media and communication technology. The deadline for papers is Oct. 14.

"This year, we have been pleased to receive workshop proposals and research papers from across the nation that are focused on social media," said Dr. Jennifer Edwards, assistant professor of speech communications and director of the institute. "In addition, we have a graduate student and undergraduate student research track that highlights the social media research that we are exploring at Tarleton."

Texas Social Media Research Institute was founded by Edwards. The institute committee consists of 10 students in addition to five faculty and staff from a variety of academic fields on campus who are working together to help the social media institute achieve its mission and goals.

For more information, visit the conference webpage and Facebook page at: http://www.tarleton.edu/tsmri/SocialMediaConference.html or http://www.facebook.com/TSMRI.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9075
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Student selected for Army Bands to guest conduct Masterworks Concert

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, October 6, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University Bands will host a Masterworks Concert featuring the Wind Ensemble and University Band, Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. and will feature guest clinician and conductor Dr. James R. Saker, director of bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, along with Stephen Thacker, a senior music education major at Tarleton who was recently admitted as a percussionist for the U.S. Army Bands.

Thacker, a native of Cleburne, Texas, is completing his student teaching in the Fort Worth ISD. He will lead the Tarleton ensembles during the performance of their final selection at Sunday’s concert—John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” He has played piano and percussion for 14 years and is a member of Tarleton’s marching band, wind, percussion and steel drum ensembles, and the university’s jazz band.

“Being selected for the Army Bands is a big honor because the pool of applicants begins with several hundred individuals,” said Dr. Anthony Pursell, assistant professor of music and director of bands at Tarleton. “Stephen is one of the most versatile and accomplished percussionists I have had in my 16 years of teaching, and he is to be congratulated upon his acceptance into the Army’s School of Music.”

Thacker will report Jan. 17 for Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., before attending the Army School of Music’s 10-week program in Norfolk, Va. After the initial training he will report to his first duty station, according to a U.S. Army public affairs officer.

“Throughout all of the Army Bands I will get the opportunity to play classical band literature, jazz, rock, pop and plenty of military style music,” said Thacker. “My ultimate goal with the Army Bands will be to make it into Pershing’s Own, which is located in Washington, D.C., or the West Point Band. Not only will I become a better and more disciplined musician, but I will have the opportunity to serve our great nation, see the world, and become a better human being.”

Tickets for the Masterworks Concert will go on sale one hour prior to the concert. General admission is $5 or free with a Tarleton ID card.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Parents Association completes funding for endowment

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State Universityâ€¨
â€¨â€¨

Wednesday, October 5, 2011â€¨â€¨

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Tarleton Parents Association presented funds Oct. 3 to the Tarleton State University Foundation Inc. to complete a $10,000 scholarship endowment. Future recipients of the scholarship must be children of association members.

In addition to the endowment, the association notified the university of an increase in the association scholarship program with an additional $500 scholarship and two $250 scholarships. The association now awards a total of three $500 and eight $250 scholarships that are presented in the spring to selected students of association members.

The purpose of the parents association is to increase communication among parents, administration, faculty and students, support campus programs and encourage financial support from individuals, corporations and foundations. Among other activities, the association sponsors an annual kickoff for Tarleton students in various cities prior to the college year.

The parents association has more than 450 members.

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Tarleton State Universityâ€¨
A member of The Texas A&M University Systemâ€¨â€¨

Contact: Joe Michael Feistâ€¨
254-968-9076â€¨
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton, Fort Worth Police Department to announce partnership

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The rapidly expanding Department of Criminal Justice at Tarleton State University will formally announce a partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department, Saturday, Oct. 8, paving the way for additional educational opportunities for students seeking both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead, in an agreement with Tarleton, has opened the doors to the agency’s Police Academy to both police officers and community members who wish to broaden their education. The alliance demonstrates the commitment to education on behalf of the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Police Department, said the agency’s police chief.

“I’m a firm believer that education is the key element in building successful leaders for our future,” said Halstead. “I am very excited about this program for community members and for the law enforcement profession.”

The formal announcement will be made during a 10 a.m. reception at the Fort Worth Police Academy.

Dr. James Vardalis, department head and associate professor of criminal justice, says the partnership with Fort Worth Police Department will benefit current peace officers in obtaining their degrees while working towards promotion, as well as students pursuing a career in law enforcement.

“The police academy’s convenient location combined with networking opportunities for students while interacting with police officers from area agencies is advantageous for both Tarleton and the Forth Worth Police Department,” said Vardalis. “In addition, the academy provides high-tech classroom space and access to other professionals in the criminal justice field. We believe the Fort Worth Police Department is one of the most professional agencies in the metroplex, and we’re proud to partner with them in providing the education component along with their excellent training agenda.”

Tarleton offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice with courses at the Southwest Metroplex Center and Police Academy in Fort Worth. Vardalis said the university plans to expand its course offerings for the spring 2012 semester due to increased enrollment.

For more information about Tarleton’s criminal justice degree programs, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/criminaljustice/.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Purple Poo featured on A&M System website

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, October 3, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s beloved Purple Poo spirit organization is featured this week online by The Texas A&M University System.

A three-minute video depicting the oldest spirit organization in Texas was released Monday, Oct. 3, and can be viewed by visiting the A&M System’s homepage: http://www.tamus.edu/.

The Purple Poo dates back to 1921 with the founding of the Ten Tarleton Peppers and the Ten Tarleton Sisters in 1923. Today, the Poo continue to carry on the tradition of raising the spirit of Oscar P and creating signs for display on campus each Tuesday.

The video featuring the Purple Poo highlights the history of the organization and was produced by the staff of Tarleton’s Marketing and Communications Department and the External Relations Office with the help of student workers at the university’s KTRL radio station.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Engineering technology students receive NAPM scholarships

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Two engineering technology students at Tarleton were recently selected by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) to receive a $2,000 academic scholarship.

The students, Kristy Zanella and Josh Tull are both pursuing bachelor of science degrees in industrial technology. The scholarship recipients were selected by faculty and peers. Beth Chandler, former director of purchasing for Tarleton and chairwoman of the NAPM, was instrumental in making this scholarship possible.

Zanella, a sophomore minoring in mathematics, said the engineering technology classes and faculty are outstanding. She sad she’d like to become a high school math teacher and eventually teach robotics. Zanella is also involved in TSET (Tarleton Society of Engineering Technology) and serves as reporter for the club for the 2011-2012 school year.

Tull, a first-term freshman, said what appeals to him most about the Engineering Technology program is its hands-on focus. He said he’s looking forward to learning more about mechanical design and modeling. Tull said the scholarship will go a long way in helping him pay for school expenses so he can concentrate on his studies.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Program to address care of stressed plants

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, September 26, 2011

THURBER, Texas—With the hottest summer in recorded Texas history combined with ongoing drought and water restriction issues, yards and gardens have taken a beating. At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, Manon Shockey will explain how to assess the damage and care for these stressed plants while heading into the fall season. This presentation at the W. K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas is free to the public.

Manon L. Shockey joined the Tarleton State University family as an instructor and the horticulture center manager in August 2008. As a horticulture instructor, she teaches greenhouse crop production, retail horticulture, floriculture, plant propagation, and greenhouse and nursery management. As manager of the Tarleton Horticulture Center, she and her student workers maintain all center facilities, greenhouses and landscapes of the university.

She previously taught at Texas State Technical College in Waco, and received her B.S. in agronomy from Tarleton State University in 1999 and her M.S. in 2004.

The W. K. Gordon Center, a museum and research facility of Tarleton State University, is located at exit 367 on Interstate 20 midway between Fort Worth and Abilene. Its hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, closed on Monday. For more information call the center at 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Engineering students enjoy summer partnership with FMC Technologies

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, September 23, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Four students at Tarleton majoring in industrial technology and manufacturing engineering technology recently completed a three-month project as part of a partnership with local manufacturer, FMC Technologies.

The students participated in the design and creation of technical drawings for various components of a well service pump currently being built at FMC in Stephenville. Overseeing the students was Dr. Thomas Bradley, assistant professor in the College of Business Administration’s Department of Management, Marketing and Administrative Systems.

The summer long internship allowed Tarleton students the opportunity to apply their skills and problem solving abilities to design and create 3D unigraphics models needed for the new pump, which will be used in the natural gas industry, said Dr. George Mollick, assistant professor and head of the Department of Engineering Technology.

Students were selected for the internship on the basis of their mechanical design backgrounds, along with their knowledge of manufacturing production, control systems and automated systems.

“The project is an ideal example of how engineering technology graduates are prepared to move into key manufacturing positions because of the program’s integrated approach to its degrees,” said Mollick.

The completed project will help FMC meet its production demands by making employees more efficient and safe when assembling the well service pumps.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton named 'Military Friendly School' for third consecutive year

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, September 22, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University has been named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine for the third consecutive year.

The annual list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s service members and veterans as students.

The list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through research and a data-driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. The 1,518 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list prioritize the recruitment of students with military experience.

“I am extremely pleased that Tarleton has again been named a Military Friendly School and will appear in the 2012 Guide to Military Friendly Schools,” said Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio. “As a nation that’s been at war for the past 10 years, it is imperative that we provide services for military veterans, active duty military personnel and their dependents.

“Tarleton State University has a long tradition of supporting the U.S. military and our veterans,” he said. “This designation provides recognition that we are supportive of our military, not only as they apply to continue their education, but once they are on campus, attending classes and participating in the many aspects of student life that make Tarleton so special.”

Tarleton currently enrolls 360 veterans and another 270 dependents of veterans.

“We’re very excited to have earned this designation in recognition of our work with military and veteran students,” said Denise Groves, dean of enrollment management. “The military and our veterans are an important part of our community, and we want to ensure that Tarleton is a first-choice university for them to attain an education.”

“Being designated as a military friendly school is a true honor. It tells us that people recognize our respect for and commitment to the men and women of our armed forces and their families,” said Elizabeth Johnson, veterans’ affairs coordinator for Tarleton. “We feel it is essential that we help lead the way in recognizing the sacrifices made by and for these individuals, and we consider it a privilege to count them as our students.”

According to G.I. Jobs, the schools on the list made the grade by offering scholarships and discounts, veterans’ clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other services to those who served.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Campus news outlet names editor

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, September 22, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton senior Amber Ward, from Kingsland, Texas, has been named editor of Texan News Service, a student-produced news portal.

The communication studies major and English minor is excited about developments for fall, such as expanded news coverage, a Texan TV News smartphone app, more live interviews and coordination with KTRL 90.5, Tarleton’s public radio station.

“This year we have joined the Associated Press,” Ward said. “So students will be pulling national stories from one of the best news sources in the world.”

Ward also serves as a senior producer for Texan TV News, a live news broadcast, and as news director for KTRL.

She said she’s excited about the smartphone app because Tarleton and Stephenville can “stay on the go and in the know.”

The first Texan TV News broadcast of the semester aired Sept. 7. Regular weekday broadcasts are continuing. Fans can follow the video news streams at www.ustream.tv/user/texannewsservice or video and text at www.tarleton.edu/texannews.

“Texan News Service and Texan TV News are a major source of news as a whole, and the students get to learn important journalism and broadcast skills,” Ward said.

Ward said providing news for the campus is important, but she also appreciates how students can use hands-on approaches to learn.

“Students get experience in going into the field and getting the facts themselves,” Ward said. “They get so much out of it in terms of skills for their careers, but they also have a lot of fun and that’s what makes it so enjoyable to be a part of. I love it.”

Ward said she hopes campus and community members will give the student journalists feedback and support by following them on Facebook (Texan TV News), through the new mobile app (www.tarleton.edu/texannews) or by email to texannews@tarleton.edu.

Adviser Dan Malone said Ward does it all. “She leads an exceptional team of student journalists who will keep the campus and surrounding communities informed on the Internet, in video streams, podcasts and radio.”

Rounding out the leadership team are assistant producers Winston Dawson, Rebecca Downes, Monica Pierce and Laura Procter. A complete list of the news staff is posted at www.tarleton.edu/texannews/staff.html.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

McGregor named chief of staff to Tarleton President Dottavio

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, September 21, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Dr. Kyle McGregor, associate professor of agricultural and consumer sciences, has been appointed chief of staff to Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, Tarleton president.

The position is a multi-year, faculty development appointment that replaces and repurposes the position of executive assistant to the president.

As chief of staff, McGregor will provide overall management for the Office of the President, coordinate legal, legislative and policy issues with the Texas A&M University System and all levels of government, act as liaison with faculty, staff and students, and work with the University’s divisions on planning, compiling and analyzing data, establishing reporting procedures and preparing reports for various agencies.

He will also serve as a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet.

“I’m extremely pleased to have someone of Dr. McGregor’s talent and experience serve in my office,” Dottavio said. “His scholarly pursuits, teaching achievements and breadth of knowledge about the university make him an ideal faculty member to help propel Tarleton to new levels of academic excellence and to make greater contributions to the region and the state.”

“I am overwhelmed at the opportunity to serve Tarleton in the Office of the President as chief of staff," McGregor said. “As an alumnus and faculty member, I feel a deep sense of dedication to the institution and pride for the purple and white. I look forward to making a committed contribution to the students, faculty, staff and administration of Tarleton State University.”

McGregor earned his bachelor of science degree in agricultural education from Tarleton in 1996. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in 1997 and a doctorate in agricultural education in 2002, both from Texas Tech University. He was appointed to the Tarleton faculty in 2002.

He has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles for scholarly organizations, including the American Association of Agricultural Educators, the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists, the National Agricultural Education Research Conference and others.

McGregor has gathered more than $760,000 in external funding since 2002, has brought national programs such as the Delta Conference to Tarleton and has lead projects for the Texas Education Agency and the national FFA organization.

At Tarleton, McGregor has received numerous awards and honors for teaching, including the Jack and Louise Arthur Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, the O.A. Grant Excellence In Teaching Award and the Outstanding Teacher Award, American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources.

In 2004, McGregor was named as one of the best faculty to take classes with at Tarleton State University by Texas Monthly magazine.

“Transforming the former executive assistant to the president role into the chief of staff position, which will be filled by a faculty member on a multi-year basis, will provide an excellent opportunity for ongoing leadership development and facilitate an appreciation for the rising complexity of university administration,” said Dr. Karen Murray, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Free Ride Project gets rolling with a dozen donated bicycles

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, September 19, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University kicked off its “Free Ride Project,” mimicking the communal bicycle usage seen at many colleges around the world, by providing a dozen refurbished bikes to a group of international students last Friday.

The Tarleton loaned bicycle program, established by the “Tarleton Embassy,” got its start last spring when a student from China was provided with a bike and returned it six months later upon her graduation, said Dr. Roger Wittie, one of the founder’s of the Free Ride Project.

“The project is intended to make bicycling on the Tarleton campus free for all students with a need for dependable transportation,” said Wittie. “International students are the initial target group since they seldom have access to transportation when they arrive on campus.”

Wittie said the bikes can be borrowed for up to 12 months or longer, depending on the number of requests and availability.

Last week, 11 international students were presented with bicycles—all of which were donated and refurbished with volunteer labor.

“We just want to make your stay at Tarleton much easier and enjoyable,” Wittie told the students as the bicycles were assigned.

“The bicycle provided by the Free Ride Project will help me get to local businesses and around campus, plus it will save me a lot of time,” said Arthur Chen, a graduate student from Taiwan. “Thanks to the organization for helping me and others in getting a loaner bike!”

Dishank Sadana, a graduate student from India, said he no longer has to rely on the limited services of City and Rural Rides (CARR), Erath County’s public transit provider, in order to travel to the grocery store each week. Javier Rivera, a senior from Spain majoring in engineering physics, agreed. “Back home we can get to the university by tram, subway and bus, but there is much less public transportation in the United States and it usually only consists of walking,” he said.

Wittie said he hopes to expand the Free Ride Project and welcomes any donations of used bicycles and spare parts. “We kindly ask area residents to donate bicycles they no longer use,” he said. “We will even accept them if the tires are flat and the chains are rusty, because we will certainly refurbish them.”

To donate a bicycle, stop by the Texas AgriLife Extension Center, located at the corner of U.S. 281 and FM 8. For more information about the Free Ride Project or the Texan Embassy, call the Office of International Programs at (254) 968-9632.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

International exchange program with Ansal Institute of Technology renewed

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, September 16, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—An international exchange program that will allow Tarleton’s faculty and students to collaborate with their counterparts in India was renewed this week following the signing of an agreement with Ansal Institute of Technology (AIT).

Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, president of Tarleton, signed the formal agreement on Wednesday, which continues the university’s exchange program with AIT that dates back to 2004. On hand for the signing, representing AIT, were Dr. C. S. Nagpal, Dr. Puja Chhabra Sharma and Prahbat Gupta, dean of AIT’s International Twining Program.

“Tarleton is pleased to renew its relationship with Ansal Institute of Technology and we look forward to continued faculty exchanges and new opportunities that will allow students from both institutions to participate in study abroad programming,” said Dottavio.

AIT, a private college located in Gurgaon, National Capital Region, India, is affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and was established in August 2000 under the Chiranjiv Charitable Trust. The college offers various degrees in business, electronics engineering, information technology, and computer science.

“The renewed relationship for mutually beneficial educational exchanges will help us to create more research and study abroad opportunities, and ensure the continued success of international programming with India,” said Marilyn Robitaille, director of Tarleton’s Office of International Programs. “We’ve enjoyed our relationship with AIT and through the years they have sent close to 300 students to Tarleton, predominantly for our degree programs within the College of Business Administration.”

With India becoming a major player in global economics, Robitaille says AIT and Tarleton’s partnership will help students become more aware of cultural differences between the two nations. “If we’re sending students out into a global marketplace, they need to be aware of international business and cultural practices,” she added.

“We’re looking forward to expanding faculty exchanges because their academic calendar is very compatible with Tarleton’s, which will allow for our faculty to instruct courses at AIT,” said Robitaille. “The Office of International Programs is constantly looking for programs abroad, so when one does become available to create a bridge we certainly make an effort to expand our reach.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton professor speaks in Denmark

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University professor T. Lindsay Baker recently spoke on historic wind power in America at the 13th International Symposium on Molinology in Aalborg, Denmark. His formal paper was on historic “Homemade Wind Engines in North America.”

The European-based International Molinological Society has organized its quadrennial symposia since 1965. The purpose of the worldwide organization is to study the natural forces of power—muscle, wind and water—as they are applied to human work. Meeting participants gathered in Aalborg from such diverse locations as Japan, Estonia, France and Australia.

Baker discussed the homemade windmills that farmers, ranchers and others in the United States and Canada have built for themselves since the 18th century. He then explained the typology of these vernacular machines that University of Nebraska geologist Erwin Hinckley Barbour developed in the 1890s and that students of wind power have applied to them since that time. The Texan concluded his presentation by exploring how Americans building wind machines innovatively have used construction materials that have become available since Barbour’s pioneering research over a century ago.

Baker teaches history at Tarleton and directs its W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas at Thurber, Texas. For more information call 254-968-1886.

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Tarleton receives Marketing-Recruitment Excellence Award

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University recently received the 2011 Marketing-Recruitment Excellence Award at the National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing and Retention.

Representatives from Noel-Levitz, a higher education consulting firm specializing in recruitment, financial aid, retention, market research and Web development, presented the award to Tarleton during the annual conference held in July in Denver. The awards recognize exemplary programs, services and strategies that have made an impact on campus student enrollment.

Institutions were nominated for the awards by Noel-Levitz consultants and were selected based on institutional outcomes and execution of strategies that promote student awareness, inquiry, application, admission, deposit and enrollment.

The Marketing-Recruitment Excellence Award is a result of Tarleton’s strategic planning project that serves to re-energize and reorganize the university’s division of enrollment management, led by Dean of Enrollment Management Denise Groves, in an effort to sustain institutional growth and student success.

“Ms. Groves and her team, as well as others in departments across our campus, have proven to be among the best in the nation, and we are proud of their work and our partnership with Noel-Levitz,” said Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio.

In 2009, Tarleton implemented a new customer relationship management (CRM) strategy—the first of many initiatives that began building momentum and collaboration among campus departments. Initially focusing on recruitment efforts, departments including academic affairs, student life, admissions, and finance and administration worked together to design a more effective recruitment plan.

“The admissions office’s participation in the Noel-Levitz project gave us insight on how to better communicate and develop relationships with applicants and admitted students,” said Cindy Hess, director of undergraduate admissions. “We feel that each student is receiving more personalized attention which has resulted in an increased and enriched student body.”

Bringing the departments together led to improved utilization of the university’s CRM by integrating electronic and publication pieces to create a comprehensive communication plan which has created opportunities for more efficient and effective interactions with students.

“The Welcome Center/School Relations office partnership with Noel-Levitz has given us the ability to communicate with our prospective students earlier in their university selection process, which has resulted in an increase in our freshman class for the past two years,” said Laurie Gaiser, director of School Relations and Tarleton’s Welcome Center. “We have improved our communication plan and implemented enhanced recruitment strategies which made us more effective and efficient in our recruiter’s travel across the state.”

Tarleton’s freshmen class increased by 19 percent in fall 2010 and 7 percent in fall 2011 resulting in a 26 percent increase in two years, added Gaiser.

“Currently, more than 700 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada are collaborating with Noel-Levitz, so it is extremely exciting to be one of three universities selected for the award,” said Gaiser.

Since 1973, more than 2,700 colleges and universities in the United States, Canada and beyond have partnered with Noel-Levitz. The company specializes in enrollment management consulting, financial aid management, website development, market research and more.

For information about Tarleton admissions, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/becomeatexan/index.html.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Vendors sought for holiday arts and crafts show

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University
â€¨

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas— It may be hot, but preparations are well under way for Tarleton State University's 18th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Showcase. The showcase is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in Tarleton's Thompson Student Center ballrooms.

The university is seeking local craftsmen and vendors to sell their wares to students, faculty, staff and the community. Vendors may expect 2,000 to 3,000 shoppers to pass by their booths. The cost is $40 per table, with a limit of two tables per vendor. Proceeds from the sale of tables supports the university's Staff Council Employee Scholarship program.

Deadline for registration is Nov. 4. For more information about participating in the showcase, contact Susan Gordon at sgordon@tarleton.edu or (254) 968-9168.

Tarleton professor among Sigma Xi's 125 'Fresh Faces'

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, September 12, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton faculty member Dr. Sudarshan Kurwadkar, assistant professor of environmental engineering, has been named one of 125 “Fresh Faces” by the scientific research society Sigma Xi upon the organization’s celebration of its 125^th anniversary.

Sigma Xi recently announced its “Fresh Faces” to recognize 125 students and early career members from across the United States who have demonstrated significant promise in their respective fields of study and dedication to the research society.

Kurwadkar, a two-year faculty member in Tarleton’s Department of Engineering and Physics, was nominated for the award by Dr. Forrest L. Mitchell, professor of entomology at Texas A&M University and project leader for Texas AgriLife Research.

“As a young scientist, Dr. Kurwadkar has demonstrated his support and commitment to the mission of Sigma Xi through his dissemination of environmental problems and potential human health and ecological consequences thereof,” said Mitchell.

Kurwadkar’s research interests span the physical and chemical processes in environmental engineering, including the fate and transport of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals in the environment; water quality investigations, particularly water quality impacts due to intensive agriculture operations and environmental regulatory issues pertaining to treatment; and the storage and disposal of hazardous wastes.

Kurwadkar said, “I would like to thank Texas AgriLife Research and Extension for providing analytical laboratory support and access to the research facility and resources, as well as my departmental colleagues and Dr. Forrest Mitchell for securing funding and intellectual insights in performing this research."

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

ExxonMobil employee federation donates scholarship funding

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Monday, September 12, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—ExxonMobil Production Company’s New Orleans Employees’ Federation presented Tarleton State University with funds to support the institution’s general scholarship program.

The $4,000 gift, presented by Janice Esthay, is the first donation to Tarleton by ExxonMobil’s New Orleans production facility’s employee federation. Accepting the gift on Sept. 7 was university President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio.

“ExxonMobil has a long legacy of supporting education through financial assistance and we are grateful for the generous support of ExxonMobil’s employees who are committed to supporting and investing in the educational futures of our students,” said Dottavio.

“We are very pleased to present this donation in recognition of the many contributions made by Tarleton State University’s faculty and students in the community,” said Kirsteen Butler, human resources manager for ExxonMobil Production Company.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Friends of Library to celebrate 20th anniversary with 'Dinner in the Stacks'

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, September 9, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University’s Friends of the Dick Smith Library will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their formation with its popular “Dinner in the Stacks” on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The dinner, held in the library, begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a program by Sherri Knight and James Pylant, authors of “The Oldest Profession in Texas, Waco’s Legal Red Light District.”

Tarleton President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio and Dr. Lisette Dottavio, and former board members, including some charter members, will be part of the celebration. In addition to the program, Knight and Pylant will have autographed copies of their book available for purchase.

Tickets are $15 for members and $17.50 for non-members. For reservations, call 254-968-9871 or 254-968-9474.

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New home planned for Tarleton's Welcome Center

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, September 8, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton’s Welcome Center, currently housed in the south wing of the Tarleton Center, will move to a newly renovated space early next year after remodeling is completed on the old nursing building at the corner of Washington and McIlhaney streets. Work is scheduled to begin in the upcoming weeks.

“This is a huge advantage for us,” said Laurie Gaiser, Welcome Center director. “Group and individual tours are up 97 percent. The new space will accommodate the increased volume and provide a very positive first impression of Tarleton for prospective students and their families.”

No street closures are anticipated, but pedestrians and drivers should be aware of the possibility of increased construction-related traffic on McIlhaney Street, said Joe Standridge, Tarleton’s associate vice president for Physical Facilities.

The old nursing building was originally the University Health Center, then became home to Tarleton’s Nursing Program at its inception in 1978. Earlier this year, the Nursing Program moved to a new state-of-the-art building at the northwest end of the campus.

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Tarleton State University
A member of the Texas A&M University System

Contact: James Lehr
254-968-9553
lehr@tarleton.edu

Ten Tarleton faculty members recognized for excellence in teaching

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Ten Tarleton faculty members were named recipients of the Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence for spring 2011. Each winner received a check for $2,500, and is among 307 faculty receiving awards totaling $767,500 from across The Texas A&M University System.

The awards are based on student-administered evaluations that rank faculty according to a uniform set of criteria, with weighting for factors such as class size. The Texas A&M University System’s new voluntary, student-selected Teaching Excellence Award Program was created to recognize excellence in classroom teaching.

Individuals of all teaching levels are eligible for awards based on students’ responses from the faculty evaluation form in eligible courses. The form consists of 16 questions with input from the presidents and provosts of system institutions, faculty senates of system institutions, the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board, and the Chancellor’s office.

The Tarleton faculty recipients, many of whom received their checks in person in their offices from President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, and were later honored at a reception, are:

College of Agricultural and Environmental Science
Dr. Sandra Graham, professor of agricultural and consumer science

College of Education
Dr. Melissa Becker, associate professor of curriculum and instruction
Dr. Joe Gillespie, professor of health and physical education
Ms. Jennifer McGregor, instructor of curriculum and instruction
Ms. Amy McKay, instructor of health and physical education
Dr. Kayla Peak, assistant professor in health and physical education

College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Dr. Teresa Davidian, associate professor of fine arts
Dr. Jennifer Edwards, assistant professor of communication
Ms. Misty Smith, instructor of social work, sociology and criminal justice

College of Science and Technology
Dr. Elisabeth Riggs, associate professor of mathematics

The awards, previously known as the Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards, began as a pilot program at Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville in fall 2008. In the spring 2009 semester, the program expanded to all A&M System campuses.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Visiting scholars to discuss post-9/11 era

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

September 6, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Department of Social Science within Tarleton’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts is hosting a seminar featuring four distinguished scholars on Friday, Sept. 9, titled “September 11: Ten Years After.”

Speakers will include Dr. Benjamin Ginsberg, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University; Dr. Peter Trubowitz, professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Ahmed al-Raim, assistant professor of Islamic studies at the University of Virginia; and Dr. Bartholomew Sparrow, professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin.

The speakers will address various topics in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, including the use of presidential powers and 9/11 in the Muslim world.

The daylong seminar will begin at 10 a.m. in the Barry B. Thompson Student Center Ballroom with remarks by Dr. Karen Murray, Tarleton’s provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Joe Michael Feist
254-968-9076
jfeist@tarleton.edu

Tarleton to host 8th annual Langdon Review Weekend

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University welcomes the public to the 8^th annual Langdon Review Weekend on the Stephenville campus and at Tarleton’s Langdon Center in Granbury, Sept. 7-10.

The festival celebrates the publication of the “Langdon Review of the Arts in Texas” and features authors and artists from across the state. Special events are coordinated with appearances by journal contributors whose creative endeavors include poetry, fiction, essays, film, photography, art and music. Other writers, music and arts lovers gather in general sessions to share their work and enthusiasm for the Texas arts scene.

Events begin Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. with “Langdon Launch Party” on the Tarleton campus in Stephenville and an appearance by performance artists SceneShop.

On Thursday, events move to the Langdon Center and Gallery 206 in Granbury with an afternoon publication reception planned at the gallery. A special evening presentation will be held at the Langdon Center Concert Hall of “Buffalo Altar,” a work about the Texas frontier by author Steven Harrigan, narrated by actor Tommy Townsend with musical accompaniment by pianist Marc Sanders. Todd Frazier, composer of the original score, will introduce the piece.

In keeping with Langdon Review tradition, the program features a reading by Dave Parsons, the current Texas Poet Laureate. “Picnic with the Poet Laureate” will take place on Friday, Sept. 9 at noon at Brazos House Gardens in Granbury.

Friday evening’s movie screening features “Uncertain, TX,” a film by Texas filmmaker Eric Steele, followed by a Q & A session with Steele and members of the cast and crew.

A Saturday morning brunch rounds out the celebration with a performance by popular Dallas musician Salim Nourallah, which will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the Langdon Center lawn.

All evening events are free; one-day registration is $60; full weekend registration is $90 (includes a copy of Langdon Review). Brunch, picnic and movie screening tickets are sold separately. Go to www.tarleton.edu/langdonreview for registration and the complete schedule. Evening events do not require registration.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

TIAER receives $300K USDA grant to track conservation practices in Mississippi

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, September 1, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—The Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research (TIAER) has been awarded a $300,000 conservation innovation grant to apply and enhance the Nutrient Tracking Tool (NTT), a web-based conservation assessment application developed through a collaborative effort of USDA-NRCS and Tarleton State University scientists.

The federal grant matching funds, awarded to TIAER and partner World Resources Institute from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, will be used to implement the NTT in Mississippi as a field-level assessment tool to improve the cost-effectiveness of conservation practices. This grant is the most recent of several USDA-NRCS awards to TIAER to enhance and apply NTT throughout the United States. Recently TIAER scientists applied NTT to Maryland, Ohio, and Oregon.

According to the USDA, the project team will train agricultural producers in the use of NTT in order to enhance their ability to make resource conservation decisions. In addition, TIAER and the World Resources Institute will link NTT to the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and the Farm Economic Model (FEM), an economic model developed by TIAER, to evaluate field-level and watershed-level environmental benefits and costs of conservation projects in Mississippi, as well as assess the ability of the tool to improve the cost-effectiveness of federal and state conservation cost-share funding.

“This grant puts us on the cutting-edge of development of new technologies in environmental trading, specifically water quality trading,” said Dan Hunter, director of TIAER. “The funding allows us to enhance the tools we’ve developed here at Tarleton and shows they can be applied anywhere in the United States, and essentially anywhere in the world.”

Dr. Ali Saleh, associate director of TIAER and lead developer of NTT, said the tool has been in development for approximately three years and has allowed for rapid assessment of conservation practices by farm managers to help improve water quality and quantity as well as promote sustainability. The web-based software application was designed to provide a simple to use but comprehensive nitrogen leaching evaluation and reporting tool.

The NTT, using satellite imagery and data input by producers, compares agricultural management systems to calculate a change in nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment loss potential and crop yield. Agricultural producers and land managers can enter a baseline management system and an alternative conservation management system and produce a report showing the difference between the two systems, said Saleh.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Campus Corner demolished to pave way for expansion of Alumni Center

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—In a matter of minutes the Campus Corner, a popular hangout for Tarleton students in the 1930s and 40s, became a pile of rubble Aug. 22 when a crew demolished the structure as part of an expansion of the Tarleton Alumni Center.

Located adjacent to the Alumni House on the corner of McIlhaney and Tarleton streets, the Campus Corner was purchased by the Tarleton Alumni Association (TAA) in 2006 ahead of the association’s plans to develop the property as part of the “Coming Home Campaign.”

“During the past few years, the TAA board of directors has investigated numerous options with regard to the Campus Corner and a multipurpose facility,” said Todd Searcy, president of the association. “With the initial intent for the Campus Corner to be renovated in Phase 2 of the campaign, a large effort has been undertaken to understand all options for that facility.”

On July 30, TAA directors voted to tear down the Campus Corner after analyzing costs associated with renovating the structure. “In the end due to the overall instability of the structure, restoration to a useful facility turned out to be extremely expensive,” said Searcy.

The TAA board of directors opted for a plan to replace the structure with a courtyard plaza.

Plans call for an 18-inch wall of field limestone, similar to the rock wall around the Tarleton campus, to be built around the plaza. Wrought iron gates and four green lampposts, all reminiscent of the university’s campus, are also planned. Searcy said the plaza will include textured concrete with a large purple “T.”

“I believe this plaza will provide an area that all alumni will be proud of and, not only enhance the look of the TAA property, but also add to the beauty of the Tarleton campus,” Searcy added.

He said the plaza should be completed by the 2011 Homecoming. Planning is also under way for a multipurpose facility that will serve as a site for reunions, receptions, parties and seminars which will be paid for from private gifts.

To learn more about the Coming Home Campaign, donation opportunities or other ways to contribute to the project, contact the Tarleton Alumni Association at (254) 968-9682 or visit www.tarletonalumni.org.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Former Rep. Stenholm joins faculty as distinguished visiting professor

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University students will soon be able to explore the historical and economic foundations of agriculture and food policy with one of the nation’s top agriculture advocates—former U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, who represented Texas’ 17^th District from 1979-2005.

Stenholm, an alumnus of John Tarleton Agricultural College, has received an appointment to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a distinguished visiting professor‚ where he will instruct graduate and undergraduate students in a new special topics course‚ “Formulation of Agricultural and Food Policy, From 1776-2011.”

“Mr. Stenholm’s vast agricultural experience allowed him to become a key individual in Congress who helped set and devise U.S. ag and food policies, and he will bring a tremendous wealth of knowledge to the classroom,” said Dr. Don Cawthon, dean of the college. “Our students will not only gain a historical perspective of U.S. agricultural policy, but develop a sense of where it will likely go in the future.”

The new course offering, cross-listed as AGSD 486 and ACR 586, will also be available for political science majors (POLS 486 and POLS 586) seeking credit towards their majors. Stenholm will begin teaching this semester.

Stenholm served on the House Agriculture Committee throughout his time in Congress, including eight years as ranking Democrat. He focused on expanding agricultural world trade, streamlining the agricultural bureaucracy, boosting agricultural research and promoting the needs of agriculture producers and consumers.

“I’m honored to be joining the Tarleton faculty and look forward to sharing some of my experiences as a member of Congress‚” Stenholm said. “Teaching students about the importance of agriculture policy in a historical and economic context, and the processes involved in bringing a concept forward to Congress is a critical matter of public policy‚ particularly for rural America. I believe the course will benefit students in both their studies and professional careers.”

Stenholm graduated in 1959 from the two-year John Tarleton College and went on to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University. He credits former Tarleton professor Joe Autry with his decision to pursue a career beyond the farm. Upon graduating from Texas Tech, Stenholm served as a vocational agriculture teacher, from 1962-65, in Avoca, Texas.

He is currently senior policy adviser at OFW Law in Washington, D.C.

The former congressman has been a strong supporter of Tarleton, pledging $110,000 to initiate a campaign that will fund an endowed chair in environmental agriculture. Stenholm also donated his collection of congressional papers to Tarleton’s Dick Smith Library and contributed memorabilia to create the Stenholm Gallery, a replica of his Washington office located in the Tarleton Center.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton math student wins award at national conference

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Thursday, August 18, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Tarleton student James D. Peiskee was presented with the 2011 Janet L. Andersen Award during the National MathFest hosted by the Mathematical Association of America, Aug. 4-6.

Peiskee, a Presidential Honors Program member and senior from New London, Texas majoring in mathematics, received the award for best student research presentation in the area of mathematical or computational biology. During the conference Peiskee presented his research paper titled “Optimal Control of the Spread of Cholera,” which was rated by a panel of judges to be the best at the 2011 MathFest. He also received a cash prize for his award-winning presentation.

Dr. Javier Garza, associate professor of mathematics, served as Peiskee’s faculty researcher. Fellow Presidential Honors Program student Amber Dayhare, a sophomore majoring in mathematics, also assisted Peiskee on the research project.

“I’m very proud of the work that James and Amber have done on the project to this point. The investigation into the spread and control of cholera is a priority in the world health community,” said Garza.

The Janet L. Andersen Award for Undergraduate Research in Mathematical or Computational Biology was established by the BIO SIGMAA special interest group in honor of the Hope College (Mich.) math professor who succumbed to cancer in November 2005.

After graduation this December, Peiskee plans to attend graduate school for pure mathematics.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

A&M System regents approve Tarleton's 2012 budget

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Tarleton State University’s operating budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year was approved Aug. 15 at a special called meeting of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. The approved budget for the upcoming fiscal year totals $126.9 million, which reflects a 9.6 percent increase over the 2010-11 budget.

University officials say the 2012 budget—which rose by approximately $12.2 million—will cover slight increases in personnel costs, scholarship funding and utility costs, as well as the establishment of the Midlothian Higher Education Center. The operational budget approved by regents this week represents the largest in Tarleton’s 112-year history.

“Tarleton is making incredible moves forward while facing difficult budgetary challenges and opportunities presented by state budget reductions and enrollment growth,” said Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, president of Tarleton. “What we’re accomplishing with less is quite remarkable, thanks to careful planning by faculty and staff across the entire campus. Through their hard work, we were able to economize Tarleton’s operations and more closely align the budget with our mission and strategic goals.”

The new budget includes an increase in revenues for Tarleton of just over 8 percent, or $11.9 million, from $123.7 million in 2011 to $135.6 million in 2012. The university’s 2011-12 budget includes approximately $36 million appropriated by the 82^nd Texas Legislature, representing a 9 percent decrease in state funding compared to the previous year.

University officials say reductions in state appropriations have been offset by increases in other revenues, primarily through tuition and fees. As a result of Tarleton’s enrollment growth, the budget reflects an increase of approximately $6.7 million generated from tuition and fees compared to 2011.

Revenues outlined in the budget include: $55.4 million generated from student tuition and fees, $33.6 million from contracts, grants and gifts, $20.6 million from sales and services and an additional $2.7 million from investment income.

The 2011-12 budget also reflects an approximate $3.5 million increase in revenues from sales and services, largely due to activity associated with two new residential living and learning complexes, including Legacy Hall and Bosque Crossing Apartments. Contract and grant revenues also increased by $7.8 million, primarily due to increases in estimated Pell grant awards.

The 2011-12 budget outlines a total of $135.5 million in expenditures and transfers, as well as funding to service the university’s debt during the upcoming fiscal year, an overall 8.9 percent increase, which includes $66.3 million for personnel costs, $37 million for maintenance and operations, $30 million for scholarships and grants, and approximately $4.7 million for utilities.

In addition to approval of the budget, regents also granted Tarleton’s request to exceed its limitation on state employment levels, allowing the university to increase its cap of 692 full-time equivalents (FTE) to 710.5. Tarleton continues to expand its presence and course offerings at its Southwest Metroplex Center in Fort Worth and the University Center at McLennan Community College in Waco. With this expansion came the need for additional faculty and support staff.

Tarleton, in partnership with Navarro College and Texas A&M University-Commerce, plans to establish the Midlothian Higher Education Center satellite campus following the Legislature’s $3 million appropriation for the upcoming biennium. Approximately $1.5 million has been allocated for each of the next two fiscal years for the operation of the multi-institution teaching center.

Recently, university administrators also announced a plan to achieve competitive compensation levels for all Tarleton faculty and staff—a proposal that was included during the 2011-12 budget review. The recommendation for salary increases was approved by the regents and will take effect Sept. 1, 2011.

As a result of these changes, employees will receive either the greater of the new position minimum or a compression adjustment of $75 per month (based on the term of their budgeted position). In addition to position pay minimums, a 1 percent merit pool will be established to reward meritorious employees who have been in their current position for at least six months.

Beginning last year, Tarleton’s president requested each vice president to engage in discussions within their respective divisions as to how best to achieve specific budget reduction amounts. A Budget Advisory Council (BAC), made up of representatives from across campus, was also formed to help identify budget reductions.

Under the guidance of the BAC, recommendations were provided on ways to maximize efficiency university-wide. Those recommendations were given consideration by the President’s Cabinet and efforts were made to focus on the university’s core mission of instructional delivery.

Overall, the board of regents approved a $3.3 billion budget on Monday to fund the operations of its 11 universities, seven state agencies, health science center and central administrative offices for the fiscal year 2011-12. The A&M System educates more than 120,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in more than $772 million each year and helps drive the state’s economy.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Sharp named next chancellor of A&M System

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Aug. 15 named veteran state official John Sharp as the sole finalist for chancellor of the 19-member system, affirming the recommendation of the advisory group charged with the candidate search. Sharp will be eligible to become chancellor of the A&M System after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.

Sharp, a 1972 graduate of the system’s flagship institution—Texas A&M University—has more than three decades of experience in state public office, including terms with the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, as a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, and as the 35th Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. He is a native of Placedo, Texas.

“John’s years of combined service to our state and to Texas A&M make him an ideal choice for this role,” said Richard A. Box, chairman of the A&M System’s Board of Regents. “Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to ensuring the A&M System’s success, and as a board, we believe he can provide the steadfast commitment it will take to achieve our ongoing preeminence in teaching, research and service as one of the country’s leading university systems.

“During his many years in state government, he has become acutely aware of the many challenges that our universities, state agencies and health science center face,” Box added, “but he also understands the tremendous opportunity that lies within the A&M System.”

While a student at Texas A&M, Sharp was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Corps staff, and served as student body president. Following graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Sharp, 61, served as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts from 1991 to 1998, where he received numerous accolades for his focus on government efficiencies. He is a former legislator, serving in the Texas House between 1979 and 1983 and the Texas Senate from 1983 to 1987. He was elected Texas Railroad Commissioner in 1987, where he championed reforms to the state’s trucking regulations and the development of new natural gas markets. Sharp and his wife, Charlotte, have two children, Victoria and Spencer. He and his family are members of St. John Newman Catholic Church in Austin.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Health clinic for needy opens in Stephenville

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

August 15, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Cross Timbers Health Clinic celebrated its grand opening Aug. 9 with a ribbon cutting held by the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce. The new facility, located at 135 River North Blvd., will offer medical, dental and mental health services.

Tarleton State University funded research by Dr. Marilyn Duran, assistant professor in Tarleton’s Department of Nursing, who spent more than three years studying the need for affordable healthcare services for low-income residents of Erath County. Her findings were instrumental in the establishment of the clinic.

Cross Timbers will oversee daily operations of the clinic and Tarleton’s nursing program and its students will be involved in projects, research and training.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: James Lehr
254-968-9553
lehr@tarleton.edu

Tarleton to debut new homepage

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, August 12, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—On Saturday, Aug. 13, Web Services will debut a newly designed Tarleton homepage.

The University Web Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from across the university, assisted Web Services in developing the new look and feel of the homepage.

The goals of the redesign included providing pertinent and appropriately placed information for prospective students, while correcting several concerns mentioned by the Noel-Levitz E-Recruitment web site study, said Daphne Hunt, University Web Administrator. The new look will also allow Tarleton to remain competitive with other universities in the area through its web presence.

Throughout this process, Web Services conducted research and user testing to ensure the changes being made are beneficial to Tarleton and all of its web site users. Information was collected from in-person user testing, online surveys, site analytics software, and other sources.

New features include a more prominent Quick Links location, added interactivity, larger images and streamlined content. Tarleton’s new homepage will provide much of the same content as before, but is organized in a way that is more user-friendly, said Hunt.

“We included the Tarleton community and prospective students along the way to be certain that the changes we are making will indeed be beneficial to the community as a whole,” Hunt said. "This new version of the homepage has been researched, tested and analyzed to the best of our abilities and will provide a much improved platform for recruiting online.”

To view the university’s new homepage, visit www.tarleton.edu beginning Saturday, Aug. 13.

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

TSU students, faculty attend quantum science, engineering workshop

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, August 12, 2011

JACKSON, Wyo.—The opportunity to meet not one, but two Nobel laureates was provided to a group of Tarleton undergraduate students during the second annual Summer School on Quantum Science and Engineering, held July 25-29.

The conference, co-hosted by the Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering (IQSE) at Texas A&M University, Princeton University, and Tarleton’s Department of Engineering and Physics, was attended by 20 students from across the United States. Among the attendees were eight undergraduates and two faculty members from Tarleton.

“It is rare for an undergrad to meet a Nobel prize winner, let alone two, then to spend a week with and to be able to have one-on-one conversations with them is a once in a lifetime experience,” said Dr. Bryan Wyatt, head of Tarleton’s Department of Mathematics.

Featured lecturers at the conference included Dr. David Lee, the 1996 winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, and Dr. Dudley Herschbach, who was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Also attending were renowned physicists from across the world who discussed the latest advances in quantum physics and nanotechnology.

“The purpose of the conference is to bring together students from across the various disciplines of science and allow them an opportunity to learn more about quantum mechanics and to take advantage of the knowledge accomplished researchers have to share,” said Dr. Daniel Marble, associate professor and head of Tarleton’s Department of Engineering and Physics.

At the conference, Marble gave a presentation titled, “Nuclear Reaction Analysis for Depth Profiling of Light Elements in Materials”—one of many research areas he conducts at Tarleton. Jordan Hernandez, a junior studying physics at Tarleton, gave a poster presentation on the topic of “Computing Fourier Coefficients of Light Curves of Eclipsing Binary Stars with IDL.”

“This is one of 10 major initiatives by the A&M System to build synergy between the various science disciplines,” said Marble. “The IQSE partnership with Tarleton and Princeton also allows us to invite researchers and visiting chairs to a conference where our students are able to visit extensively with them.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Tarleton students honored with first-ever Good Samaritan Award

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University

Friday, August 12, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Three Tarleton students and one aspiring student were awarded the university’s first-ever Good Samaritan Award for Extraordinary Humanitarian Service for “heroic” actions at the scene of a fatal, four-vehicle accident north of San Antonio in July.

Tarleton students Heston McBride III of Burnet, Austin Evans of Cedar Hill and Jerrod Spillers of Midlothian, and aspiring student Bruce Decker of Cedar Hill, were recognized by university administrators during an Aug. 12 luncheon hosted by university President Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio.

Also on hand to honor the four were Scotty Bolleter, director of education for the Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS, and the paramedic at the scene of the accident, Kathleen Karczewski.

“This is truly an extraordinary day in the life of the university,” Dottavio said. He added that the Good Samaritan Award for Extraordinary Humanitarian Service was established as a direct result of actions by the four young men. He cited their “compassion, good deeds and caring service.”

On July 17, the four were returning to Stephenville from the Texas Trophy Hunter’s Association trade show in San Antonio and came upon a four-vehicle accident on U.S 281 near Bulverde. The students called 911 to report the wreck and tended to the victims, one of whom was ejected from his truck and sustained serious injuries. One person died at the scene.

When Karczewski arrived, the young men offered to assist the paramedic and she accepted. The students, none of whom had formal first aid training, helped Karczewski stabilize the victims and place the injured on stretchers into transport vehicles.

At the Aug. 12 ceremony, Bolleter praised the four for their “character and compassion.”

“You took a moment to stop and make a difference, when you didn’t have to. That’s why you’re heroes,” Bolleter said.

Karczewski told the gathering that the assistance was crucial, as EMS and fire department officers were stretched thin that day. In fact, she said, one of the victims “would not have made it without you. Someone is alive today because of what you did.”

Evans earlier said that the decision to stop and provide aid came naturally.

“I’d like to give credit to (Karczewski) because had she not been there to do what she did, it could have turned out worse for the victims. We did as much as we could. She just coordinated the rescue effort,” he said. “We didn’t see it any other way. We saw the wreck and pulled over immediately. None of us had a second thought about it after we saw how bad it was.”

McBride said stopping to check on the victims “didn’t seem like a big deal” at the time. “We simply saw people who needed help.”

During Friday’s reception, Dottavio presented the four young men with certificates and plaques on behalf of the university. Certificates of Honor from the Bulverde-Spring Branch EMS were also given to the honorees.

“I’m still blown away by what the paramedic did because we just helped as much as we could, but there are people like her who do that every day and they never receive the credit,” said Evans. “We never expected any recognition or for anyone else to know what we did except for our parents.”

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Tarleton State University
A member of The Texas A&M University System

Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

Reception honoring Col. Will L. Tate planned at Tarleton

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tarleton State University—

Thursday, August 11, 2011

STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Tarleton State University will host a reception honoring longtime supporter and alumnus Col. Will L. Tate on Thursday, Aug. 11, in the foyer of Wisdom Gymnasium.

The informal, come-and-go reception will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. A special program honoring Col. Tate will begin at 4 p.m. and light refreshments will be served during the reception. Col. Tate has announced that he will soon take up residency in Lubbock to be closer to family after calling Stephenville his home for many years.

Col. Tate has long been associated with Tarleton, from his days as a student-athlete to generous benefactor. Among many achievements and contributions, Col. Tate served on the alumni association’s board of directors; was a board member of the Tarleton State University Foundation Inc., and was president in 1998-99; was instrumental in the establishment of the Tarleton Alumni Association Military Memorial; was inducted into the Tarleton Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982, and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1988; has established three endowed scholarships among many other philanthropic gifts; and was the university’s first recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

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