Faculty Spotlight Series
The College of Liberal and Fine Arts is committed to advancing scholarship, creative work, and professional growth. Leading this effort is Dr. Tara Shelley, Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Excellence, who provides guidance and resources to help faculty succeed.
As part of her Faculty Excellence role, Dr. Shelley has launched a new Faculty Spotlight Series to highlight the scholarship and creative activities of COLFA faculty. One faculty spotlight will be featured each month throughout the academic year.
In her Research role, Dr. Shelley assists faculty in identifying funding opportunities, preparing proposals and fellowship applications, and serves as a liaison with Tarleton’s Research Innovation and Economic Development (RIED) office. Through the combined efforts of faculty and Dr. Shelley, COLFA has seen growth in research activity—marked by an increase in submissions, wider faculty engagement, and greater funding secured for scholarly and creative work.
December Spotlight, Dr. Kevin Wang
Dr. Shun-Yung Kevin Wang earned his doctoral and master’s degrees from the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University (FSU) at Tallahassee. In addition to his academic education, he has about a decade long full-time working experience in the field of juvenile justice, program evaluation, and data analysis in Florida. His publications can be found in Police Quarterly, International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, International Criminal Justice Review, International Journal of Cyber Criminology, and other referred sources. His recent book “Digital Robbery” focusing on a case of organized crimes targeting ATMs.
Dr. Wang is an advocate of education abroad, and he has witnessed students’ dramatic growth from prior experience. His students have explored the world through different avenues (e.g., college study abroad, teaching English in Japan/South Korea/China, military training/deployment), and he truly hopes students can take advantage of such program to explore their horizons. Dr. Wang completed his Fulbright US Scholarship during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21), and he found the aims of the Fulbright Program inspirational – “A world with a little more knowledge and a little less conflict.”
Past Faculty Spotlight Features
October 2025: Drs. Heather Hawk and Carolyn Keyes, Department of Performing Arts
November 2025: Dr. Yan Su, Department of Communication Studies
December 2025: Dr. Kevin Wang, Department of Criminal Justice
2025 Faculty Awards
The College of Liberal and Fine Arts is lead by a group of exemplary, award-winning, published and experienced faculty members. Our team is here to support you in every step of your journey at Tarleton State University. Join us in recognizing the recipients of Tarleton’s 2025 Faculty Awards for their dedicated service and accomplishments.
O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Katherine Brown
Barry B. Thompson Service Award
Dr. Kelli Styron
Outstanding Early Career Faculty
Dr. Stan Korotchenko
Faculty Excellence in Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activities
Dr. Tara Shelley
Faculty Excellence in Student Success
Mr. Austin Lewter
Engaged Faculty
Mr. Dan Stone
