Texan Talks
As an expansion of the Community of Scholars Colloquium Series previously hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation, the Center for Educational Excellence is hosting a series of Texan Talks throughout the year with a focus on research, teaching, service, and leadership. Texan Talks will be delivered by university award recipients who will engage with students, faculty, and staff via livestream.
Please note that the Texan Talks will be accessible via the button below only at the time of the event. Recordings will be posted after each talk if available.
Spring 2021 Texan Talks
Each event will take place via livestream from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the dates outlined below. The CEE team looks forward your participation as we celebrate the work of these outstanding faculty members.Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Outstanding Junior Faculty Panel
Featuring Dr. Jensen Branscombe, Dr. Victoria Chraibi, Dr. Kelsey McEntyre, and Dr. Brandon Smith
The Outstanding Junior Faculty Award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarly or creative activities, and service by a faculty member beginning an academic career. During this panel, four of the 2019-2020 Outstanding Junior Faculty Award recipients will discuss tips and strategies for success as new faculty for the first Outstanding Junior Faculty Texan Talk.
Let us know you plan to attend and add the event to your calendar today!
- About Dr. Branscombe
Assistant Professor of History - College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Dr. Branscombe researches United States immigration history and women's history. She uses active learning in her classes to help her students hone skills and develop a deeper understanding of American history. She has served as a member of the Faculty Senate and works to ensure Tarleton students are prepared for successful and fulfilling careers in her role as advisor to History majors and students in the Gender and Sexuality minor.
- About Dr. Chraibi
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences - College of Science and Technology
Dr. Chraibi joined the Tarleton faculty in 2016 to teach courses in aquatic ecology. Since then, she has mentored nine graduate students and more than two dozen undergraduates in research. On campus, she is active as the PI of the NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Timberlake Biological Field Station, an Experiential Learning Fellow in the CEE, and a faculty advisor for Beta Beta Beta national biological honor society. She is also the Region 6 director of the North American Lake Management Society and the south-central chair of the Paleontological Society.
- About Dr. McEntyre
Assistant Professor of Sport Science - College of Education
Dr. Kelsey McEntyre has been at Tarleton for 3 years. During this time she has authored 14 publications, worked with the Texas Education Agency to revise the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for physical education, serves as a Community Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) Fellow in the CEE, and incorporates a variety of service-learning projects within her courses.
- About Dr. Smith
Assistant Professor of Animal Science - College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Dr. Smith, commonly known as Doc Bowtie, joined the faculty at Tarleton State University in 2017 and has taught over 900 undergraduate students and nearly 100 graduate students in that time. He has also accounted for 11 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 18 scientific abstracts since his arrival. Dr. Smith is active in the American Society of Animal Science, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Excellence in Teaching
Featuring Dr. David Fraizer
The Jack and Louise Arthur Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes an influential and committed faculty member who showcases excellence in university teaching. The 2019-20 recipient, Dr. David Fraizer, will deliver the first Excellence in Teaching Texan Talk.
Let us know you plan to attend and add the event to your calendar today!
- About Dr. Fraizer
Assistant Professor of Animal Science - College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Dr. David Frazier, plays a vital role his student success. He has worked diligently with the University and his students to ensure Tarleton State provides a renowned agricultural education program. Additionally, Dr. Frazier is active in the National FFA organization, COAES graduate committees, and incorporates applied learning experiences in the classroom.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Outstanding Faculty Engagement
Featuring Dr. Scott Cook
The Engaged Faculty Award is given in recognition of exemplary engaged scholarship and leadership in the areas of reciprocal community partnerships, service learning and civic engagement, community-based research, and contributions to the public good. The 2019-20 recipient, Dr. Scott Cook will deliver the first Outanding Faculty Engagement Texan Talk.
Let us know you plan to attend and add the event to your calendar today!
- About Dr. Cook
Assistant Professor of Mathematics - College of Science and Technology
Dr. Scott Cook, is an associate professor of mathematics dedicated to transforming his students and their community by engaging them in original research. In 5 years at Tarleton, he has mentored 38 undergraduate and graduate students in mathematical research who have given 81 conference presentations and won 16 awards. They write peer-reviewed articles, win grants, and host workshops training faculty across Texas. Dr. Cook's "Math v Gerrymandering" team collaborates with world-leaders at MIT and Tufts using mathematics to improve the fairness of our electoral system. These experiences transform Dr. Cook's students by proving that they can do much more than they realize and that they must use their abilities to improve their community.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Excellence in Student Success
Featuring Dr. Bryant Wyatt
The Faculty Excellence in Student Success Award recognizes a faculty member and their extraordinary efforts to increase student success by enhancing opportunities for students to engage meaningfully in the academic experience. The 2019-20 recipient, Dr. Bryant Wyatt will deliver the first Excellence in Student Success Texan Talk.
Let us know you plan to attend and add the event to your calendar today!
- About Dr. Wyatt
Professor of Mathematics - College of Science and Technology
Dr. Bryant Wyatt is recognized for his commitment to increase student success. In his 20 years at Tarleton, Wyatt has reformed college algebra classes, took part in creating training modules with the Texas Educational Agency, and showcased supercomputing software. In 2010 he became the head of the Mathematics department and established Tarleton’s high performance computing lab. Since then, him and his students have given over 180 presentations on particle modeling all over the United States.
