Dear Colleagues,
The pandemic that caused many universities to slam on the brakes now seems increasingly in our rearview mirror, as noted by Chancellor John Sharp and the A&M System regents, who applauded our extraordinary efforts again at today’s board meeting. While many universities closed their doors, we created new instructional paradigms and reimagined health and safety protocols to keep the gates open. I remain profoundly grateful to each of you.
Thanks to your dedication and innovation and the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, our students can expect a traditional college experience this fall.
In other business:
The regents approved the naming of our Office of Diversity, Inclusion and International Programs in honor of Dr. Joe R. and Dr. Teresa Lozano Long. Deeply committed to Tarleton, the Longs have donated $2 million to provide scholarships to our under-represented students and to support study aboard research that will enrich their education.
My sincerest appreciation to the Longs for their generosity and their love for Tarleton. Their gift will have a lasting impact, creating opportunities for those who otherwise might not have the chance to earn a university degree.
Dr. Joe R. Long, a 1949 Tarleton graduate, and Dr. Teresa Lozano Long truly bleed purple. The Dr. Joe R. and Dr. Teresa Lozano Long Office of Diversity, Inclusion and International Programs will leave a legacy of leadership for generations of Tarleton Texans.
Chancellor Sharp and the regents like our new mission statement — as outlined in Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan — and authorized us to notify the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of the amendment. Our determination to “transform generations by inspiring discovery, leadership and inclusion through educational excellence” advances System priorities to prepare all qualified students for successful careers and respond to the needs of the people of Texas.
We may now seek coordinating board endorsement for a new Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in public administration. The degree prepares nontraditional students who have completed military, technical or vocational education degrees, certifications or courses for employment in human resources, urban planning, community and economic development, and city management.
The regents honored Cahlen Cheatham with the title Student Regent Emeritus for his service as the 2020-21 A&M System Student Regent — a tribute well deserved. A first-generation student, he has done us all very proud!
I am pleased to announce the approval of Tarleton’s recommendations for faculty tenure and promotion. Also, Dr. Bryant Wyatt and Dr. Kristin Herrmann were granted development leave to advance their knowledge and research in mathematics and biological sciences, respectively.
Please join me in congratulating these Tarleton scholars:
Tenure and Promotion
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Dr. Heather Mathewson, Associate Professor of Wildlife, Sustainability and Ecosystem Sciences
College of Business
- Dr. Triss Ashton, Associate Professor of Management
- Dr. Yi-Chia Wu, Associate Professor of Marketing and Computer Information Systems
College of Education and Human Development
- Dr. Sharon Tiffany Bowers, Associate Professor of Sports Sciences
- Dr. Anna Fox, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
- Dr. Amber Harris-Bozer, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
- Dr. Kristina Higgins, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
- Dr. Charles Laurent, Professor of Health and Human Performance
- Dr. Rebecca Putman, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
- Dr. Stephanie Robertson, Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences
- Dr. Christopher Sloan, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
- Dr. Pedro Blanco, Associate Professor of Counseling
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
- Dr. Jensen Branscombe, Associate Professor of History
- Dr. Steven Glassner, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
- Dr. Christopher Hickman, Associate Professor of History
- Dr. Katrina Hinson, Associate Professor of English and Languages
- Dr. Cristi Horton, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
- Dr. Sarah Maben, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
College of Science and Technology
- Dr. Haitham Abu Ghazaleh, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
- Dr. Orlando Bagcal, Associate Professor of Engineering Technology
- Dr. Jeffrey Cunion, Associate Professor of Engineering Technology
- Dr. Rajesh Vuddandam, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Tenure
College of Business
- Dr. Stephen Blythe, Associate Professor of Accounting, Finance and Economics
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
- Dr. Christopher Morrow, Professor of English and Languages
College of Science and Technology
- Dr. Rupa Iyer, Professor of Biological Sciences
Promotion
College of Business
- Dr. David Notgrass, Professor of Management
- Dr. Joseph Schuessler, Professor of Marketing and Computer Information Systems
College of Education
- Dr. Credence Baker, Professor of Educational Leadership and Technology
- Dr. Kyle Eichas, Professor of Psychological Sciences
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
- Dr. Melody Loya, Professor of Social Work
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
- Christopher Ireland, Professor of Fine Arts
College of Science and Technology
- Dr. Beth Riggs, Professor of Mathematics
Thank you for your incredible efforts this academic year. Have a great summer.
Forever bleed purple and roll, Texans!
Dr. James Hurley
President
Tarleton State University
Box T-0001
Stephenville, TX 76402
Office 254-968-9100