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.
January Spotlight, Dr. Jacob Brewer
Jacob Brewer is an assistant professor in the Department of English & Languages. He holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MFA from Oklahoma State University, and a PhD from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. While primarily a speculative fiction writer, his scholarly research focuses on how speculative fiction interacts with historical literary genres and the relationship between the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. He is an active pro member in both the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writer’s Association (SFWA) and the Horror Writer’s Association (HWA). You can find his fiction at jmjbrewer.com.
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
January 2026: Dr. Jacob Brewer, Department of English and Languages
2026 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 the Tarleton State 2026 COLFA Faculty Awards, for their dedicated service and accomplishments.
O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching
Mr. Kirk Wise
Barry B. Thompson Faculty Excellence in Service
Dr. Karley Goen
Outstanding Early Career Faculty
Dr. Preston Waltrip
Faculty Excellence in Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activities
Dr. J. Rhett Forman
Faculty Excellence in Student Success
Dr. Yolanda Tsang
Engaged Faculty
Dr. Galia Cohen
