News and Notes from the College of Arts & Sciences 2016.pdf · The College of Arts & Sciences held its 2015 Faculty & Staff Award Reception on April 30, 2015 at the John E. Conner

Spring 2016

Volume 4, Issue 1

The College of Arts & Sciences held its 2015 Faculty & Staff Award Reception on

April 30, 2015 at the John E. Conner Museum. The following honorees were rec-

ognized for their outstanding contributions to their departments, the college and

the University.

William J. Hall Faculty Award—

Dr. Jacqueline Thomas, Language & Literature

William J. Hall Faculty Award—

Dr. Christine Reiser-Robbins, Psychology & Soci-

ology

Olan Kruse Science Faculty Award—

Dr. Brent Hedquist, Physics & Geosciences

Dean’s Award for Outstanding

Teaching—Dr. Mark Ford, Physics & Geoscienc-

es

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarly &

Creative Production—Dr. Brenda Hannon,

Psychology & Sociology

Dean’s Award for

Outstanding

Service—Dr. Nirmal

Goswami, History, Po-

litical Science & Philos-

ophy

Dean’s Award for

Outstanding Leader-

ship—Dr. Paul Hage-

man, Music

Dean’s Staff Excellence Award— Wanda Badger, Mathematics

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CSDO & MUSIC PROGRAMS

PARTNER ...................................... 2

FACULTY AWARDED TENURE...

........................................................ 3

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT................. 4

HELPING HANDS RETIRE ......... 7

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS ....... 8

COLLEGE NIGHT OUT ................ 12

WE HIT A HIGH NOTE ................ 13

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

Message from the Dean, Dr.

Dolores Guerrero

Undergraduate Writing Center

enjoys success

Become a Javelina for Life and

support your favorite programs

in Arts & Sciences

College welcomes ten new ten-

ure-track faculty

A&S CONNECTIONS News and Notes from the College of Arts & Sciences

ARTS & SCIENCES HONORS FACULTY & STAFF

“ This was an opportunity for the CSDO clients to engage in a music lab designed to stimulate cognitive growth, communication and socializa-tion.”

Thanks to an incredible staff of undergraduate and graduate Writing Consultants, the Undergraduate Writing Center has enjoyed tremendous success since its opening in Fall 2014. In Fall 2015, the UWC conducted a total of 1,426 appointments with 781 clients; that is a 104% increase over the UWC's usage in Spring 2015, just one semester! The UWC serves students across campus, in all disci-plines. In Spring 2016, Writing Consultants will also be available to assist graduate stu-dents for the first time, marking a transition from the "Undergraduate Writing Center" to, simply, the Writing Center. The Writing Cen-ter is located in Jernigan Library Room 217. A limited number of fully-online appoint-ments are available, although the majority of students still prefer to visit the Writing Cen-ter in person, where they can enjoy a free cup of coffee, find a quiet corner in which to write, and maybe even enjoy a visit from Moolan, the Writing Center's (semi)famous dancing cow.

CSDO & MUSIC PROGRAMS PARTNER

UNDERGRADUATE WRITING CENTER

The Communication Sciences & Disorders

(CSDO) Clinic entered in a partnership with the

Music Department in a project designed to exam-

ine music education with elementary students

with special needs. This was an opportunity for

the CSDO clients to engage in a music lab de-

signed to stimulate cognitive growth, communi-

cation and socialization. The leaders / teachers

were undergraduate music education majors un-

der the direction of Dr. Catherine Tu and CSDO

Clinic Director Odette Gonzalez. Music and com-

munication areas covered involved the use of

mini teaching, singing games, classical music and

creative movement, body percussion, and Orff

instruments.

Dr. Sunny Hawkins, Writing

Center Director is also a

member of the Department

of Language & Literature.

Dr. Hawkins joined Texas

A&M University-Kingsville

in January 2015.

2

The Writing Center is located in Jernigan Library, Room 217

You can schedule an appointment in 3 easy ways:

Online at www.tamuk.mywconline.com

In person at the Writing Center

Call 361-593-2744

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

The College of Arts and Sciences is excited to highlight the outstanding

works and achievements of our students, faculty, and staff in this issue

of A&S Connections. This year has been filled with lots of new opportu-

nities and exciting happenings, and we continue to grow and expand

with new programs, new faculty, and a new music building.

A theme for the year has been building community across the college

and a continued commitment to our motto that “diversity is our

strength”. From recognizing and honoring our faculty and staff, to bid-

ing a heartfelt farewell and thank you to our retiring colleagues, welcom-

ing new faculty, and celebrating our students achievements, our year

was filled with lots of exciting happenings, all of which demonstrate our

faculty, students, and staff commitment to enriching our university and

community. I am very proud and privileged to be part of such a vibrant

and energetic community of scholars, students, and staff.

Hope you enjoy our news and notes!

FACULTY

AWARDED

TENURE

The College of Arts & Sciences

would like to congratulate the

following faculty who were

approved for tenure effective

Fall 2015 by the Texas A&M

Board of Regents:

Dr. Aden Ahmed,

Department of Mathemat-

ics

Dr. Jody Briones,

Department of Language

& Literature

Dr. Brenda Hannon,

Department of Psychology

& Sociology

Dr. Melinda Brou,

Department of Music

Dr. Anders Greenspan,

Department of History,

Political Science & Philos-

ophy

Dr. Michael Muzheve,


ics

Mr. Corey Ranson,

Department of Art, Com-

munications & Theater

Dr. Sarjinder Singh,


ics

Congratulations and best wish-

es for continued success at

Texas A&M University-

Kingsville!

Dr. Dolores Guerrero, Interim Dean & Dr. Paul Hageman, Chair, Music Department celebrate the ap-

proval of funding for a new music building.

3

Dr. Dolores Guerrero was appointed Interim Dean of the College of

Arts & Sciences in June 2014. Dr. Guerrero previously held the posi-

tion of the Founding Dean of the Honors College at Texas A&M Uni-

versity-Kingsville. She is also an Associate Professor of Social Work in

the Department of Clinical Health Sciences.

FACU

LTY S

PO

TLIG

HT

WEIMIN XI, BIOLOGICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES

Dr. Richard Laughlin, Assistant Professor of Biology

is investigating the role of membrane vesicles from

the foodborne bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium in

altering host resistance to infection and immune

response. Pathogenic bacteria employ numerous

strategies and weapons against the host immune

system to survive and establish an infection. One

such mechanism employed by this bacteria is small

membrane vesicles released from the outer mem-

brane.

In December 2015, Dr. Weimin Xi, Assis-

tant Professor of Biology, received the

Because You Care award from the City of

Kingsville’s Keep Kingsville Beautiful

program. This award was based on three

completed Student Service Learning

projects that aim to develop a stronger

bond between the university, its stu-

dents, and the surrounding community.

During the past two years, three of Dr.

Xi’s classes have worked with the Kings-

ville Recycling Center and the Depart-

ment of Parks and Recreation.

GLENN PERRIGO, BIOLOGICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES

RICHARD LAUGHLIN, BIOLOGICAL & HEALTH SCIENCES

Dr. Glenn Perrigo, Interim

Chair and Professor of Biology

uses game cameras to study

population dynamics on Biolo-

gy’s 140-acre research station

(Site 55) on Baffin Bay. There

is no fresh water on the site so

survival was especially chal-

lenging during the 2013-2014

drought. White-tailed Deer,

Nilgai, Javelinas, Bobcats and

Coyotes are the most frequent-

ly recorded animals.

4 Footage from game camera at Site 55.

“Teaching is one of his primary joys, but Goswami said his overall enjoyment with being a faculty

member comes from being able to do a variety of things, such as mentoring students and developing

student-centered programs.”

Dr. Nirmal Goswami , Professor of Political Science, was named a “Bringer of Light” by the

campus group Servants of Las Luminarias, an anonymous collection of campus community

members,. The Servants of Las Luminarias select those that they feel are “bringers of the

light of the knowledge of goodness to the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus commu-

nity.”

As an honoree, Goswami received a ceramic “luminaria”, or large ornamental candle holder,

plant and a framed certificate of recognition. The certificate states that Goswami has,

through word and deed, “selflessly and consistently shone the light of goodness into our

midst”.

Goswami joined the faculty of Texas A&M University-Kingsville twenty five plus years ago. It

was the first full-time job he ever had—and it has been the only full-time job he has ever had.

Teaching is one of his primary joys, but Goswami said his overall enjoyment with being a

faculty member comes from being able to do a variety of things, such as mentoring students

and developing student-centered programs.

Goswami has said after his time in the classroom comes to an end, he plans to volunteer

with non-governmental organizations, with a focus on wildlife conservation, sustainable

development and sports.

NIRMAL GOSWAMI, HISTORY, POLITICAL SCIENCE &

PHILOSOPHY

CHRISTINE REISER-ROBBINS, PSYCHOLOGY &

SOCIOLOGY

5

Dr. Christine Robbins, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, along with her husband Dr.

Mark Robbins received a grant from the Texas Historical Commission to research and com-

pose a state

historical

marker for

the Robstown

Migrant La-

bor Camp site

as part of

their Under-

told Markers

Program.

They spent a

year conduct-

ing oral histo-

ries

with people

associated

with the labor

camp and

researching the camp at the National Archives in Washington D.C. and Dallas. Through

collaboration with community members, county and city officials, and Congressman Solo-

mon Ortiz they crafted a historical narrative and historical marker for the site.

Looking for a way to support your

favorite programs in the

College of Arts & Sciences?

As a Javelina for Life, your gift to the

University demonstrates your

commitment and Javelina Pride.

You will have the opportunity to

designate your gift to your program

of choice.

Contact Dean Dolores Guerrero to

find out how you can be a part of the

exciting things going on in

Arts & Sciences.

Dr. Dolores Guerrero

361.593.2717

[email protected]

Annually, the City of Kingsville celebrates the Ranch Hand Weekend, which takes place the weekend before

Thanksgiving. The Ranch Hand Festival was started four years ago, and honors the city’s rich cultural heritage as

one of the mainstays of the Texas ranching industry. The festival features food, live music, cooking demonstra-

tions, art, storytelling, book signings by local authors, and more. The University and several departments within

the College of Arts & Sciences have partnered with local businesses, community organizations and vendors to

make Ranch Hand Weekend a time of food, fun, family and community.

The 2015 Ranch Hand Weekend, featured the following Arts & Sciences involved events:

Senior Art Student Exhibition & Reception at the Henrietta Memorial Center

Inaugural Kingsville History Walk—The RJK History Club helped to run this event which was sponsored by

the First United Methodist Church

John E. Conner Museum Chuck Wagon Pan de Campo and Kid’s

Corral

Javelinas Create—Steam Roller printmaking

ARTS & SCIENCES PARTICIPATES IN RANCH HAND WEEKEND

The College of Arts & Sciences is proud to introduce

and welcome the following new tenure-track faculty:

Dr. Hisham Al-bataineh

Department of Physics & Geosciences

Assistant Professor, Physics

Dr. So’Nia Gilkey

Department of Clinical Health Sciences

Assistant Professor, Social Work

Dr. Kun Gou

Department of Mathematics

Assistant Professor, Mathematics

Dr. Khairul Islam



Dr. Michael Johnson

Department of History, Political Science & Philosophy

Assistant Professor, History

Dr. Richard Laughlin

Department of Biological & Health Sciences

Assistant Professor, Biology

Dr. Veronica Sanchez


Assistant Professor, Geosciences

Dr. Maria Velez-Hernandez



Dr. Pamela Wright

Department of Language & Literature

Assistant Professor, English

Dr. Subbarao Yelisetti


Assistant Professor, Petrophysics 6

Criminal Justice Program

Graduates First Student

Gabe Gonzalez became the first TAMUK

student to graduate from the Criminal Jus-

tice program. Gabe received his Bachelor of

Arts in Criminal Justice at the December

2015 Commencement.

Pictured from Left to Right: Dr. Dolores Guerrero, Interim Dean;

Dr. Barbara Cooke, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice;

Gabe Gonzalez; Aleyda Cantu, Academic Advisor

COLLEGE WELCOMES NEW TENURE-TRACK FACULTY

The College of Arts & Sciences is proud to introduce

and welcome the following new tenure-track faculty:

Dr. Hisham Al-bataineh


Assistant Professor, Physics

Dr. So’Nia Gilkey

Department of Clinical Health Sciences

Assistant Professor, Social Work

Dr. Kun Gou



Dr. Khairul Islam



Dr. Michael Johnson

Department of History, Political Science & Philosophy

Assistant Professor, History

Dr. Richard Laughlin



Dr. Veronica Sanchez


Assistant Professor, Geosciences

Dr. Maria Velez-Hernandez



Dr. Pamela Wright

Department of Language & Literature

Assistant Professor, English

Dr. Subbarao Yelisetti


Assistant Professor, Petrophysics

HELPING HANDS RETIRE

Arts & Sciences prides itself on excellence, which is demonstrated on a

daily basis by the phenomenal faculty and staff who make up the college.

In 2015, Arts & Sciences said farewell to two helping hands who devoted

their careers at TAMUK to excellence.

Janis Bryant, Executive Assistant, Office of the Dean—Janis retired at

the end of August 2015 after 14 years of service in the College of Arts &

Sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Ilda Ruiz, Administrative Assistant, Department of Art, Communica-

tions & Theatre—Ilda retired at the end of December 2015 after 36 years

of service in the Art, Communication & Theatre Department at Texas

A&M University-Kingsville.

We thank these

wonderful wom-

en for their faith-

ful service to the

faculty, staff &

students of the

College of Arts &

Sciences.

Happy Retire-

ment!

7

Dr. Jackie Thomas, Professor of French,

led students (and Porky!) to Brussels

and Paris as part of the International

Study Abroad Program.

STUD

ENT A

CHIE

VEM

ENTS THEATRE STUDENTS WIN BIG

The TAMUK Theatre cast and crew of The CLEAN HOUSE attended the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Tour (KCACTF) at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas in November 2015. The following awards were brought home: Excellence in Sound Design—Luis Aguilar

Irene Ryan Acting Award—Vanessa Valdez, Michaelina Gonzalez, and Aaron Salinas Representatives from KCACTF also attended the TAMUK production of The PILLOWMAN here on campus in November 2015. The follow-ing awards were received: Excellence in Makeup— Jesse Cadena Irene Ryan Acting Award—Larry Savoy and Robin Machuca Congratulations to the entire TAMUK Theatre cast and crew on a job well done!

8

TROMBONE CHOIR HEADS TO SPAIN

The TAMUK Trombone Choir, conducted by Dr. Oscar Diaz, Professor of Music,

was invited to perform at the International Trombone Festival in Valencia, Spain

in July 2015.

JAVELINAS ABROAD!

From Paris with Love, Porky

Writer's Bloc is the only literary magazine at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Published once a year, it accepts poet-ry, short fiction, flash fiction, one-act plays, interviews, and essays from the student body, faculty, and staff of TAMUK, and from writers around the nation and the world.

Christopher Martinez, Clarissa Alvarez, and Brittany Hernandez, Political Science

majors, received competitively awarded fellowships to attend the Public Service

Institute at the Bush School of Public Service at Texas A&M University-College Sta-

tion. Over the course of a weekend, Fellows had an opportunity to examine what

graduate school is all about. They met Bush School staff, faculty, and current stu-

dents while also networking with those who share similar interests in service. They

participated in two leadership activities, a faculty-led exercise, a career workshop,

an admissions

overview, and a

GRE prep semi-

nar, and general-

ly learn more

about opportuni-

ties in the fields

of public and

international

affairs.

POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS RECEIVE

FELLOWSHIPS

TROMBONE CHOIR HEADS TO SPAIN

9

The TAMUK Trombone Choir, conducted by Dr. Oscar Diaz, Professor of Music,

was invited to perform at the International Trombone Festival in Valencia, Spain

in July 2015.

FOCUS ON BIOLOGY

STUDENT

RESEARCHERS

Alexander Rahmlow,

Graduate Biology student,

presented a poster in the

Texas A&M University

System Pathways Re-

search Symposium. Alex-

ander was the recipient of

two first place awards: 1st

Place—Master’s Level –

Life Science, and 1st

Place—Master’s Level—

Distinguished Poster

Presentation in Research.

Texas A&M-Kingsville stu-

dent researchers, along

with Assistant Biology

Professor Dr. Rudolf

Bohm, and Lecturer Dr.

Richard Patrock , are

joined by Jose Pereida,

District Director in the

Office of Congressman

Filemon Vela, to raise

awareness during Interna-

tional Ataxia Awareness

Day. Ataxia is the loss of

full control of bodily

movement. Bohm and his

fellow researchers study

several degenerative dis-

eases that cause Ataxia .

STUDENT PUBLICATION & PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY

Students in the Department of Psychology & Sociology have been extremely productive over the last

year. Their work resulted in two publications, thirty presentations and four awards.

Publications

Gonzales, C.,* McKinley, S.,* Streeter, G.,* Collette, T.* (2016). Making Mortality Salient: An Interview

with Tom Pyszczynski. Journal of Psychological Inquiry, 22(1). (Rick Miller, faculty mentor).

Anderson, Monica, Church, Victoria, Haave, Alexa, Marino, Nathaniel. (2015).Charting Students’ Road

to Success: An Interview with R. Eric Landrum. Journal of Psychological Inquiry, 20(2) 95-

103. (Rick Miller, faculty mentor).

Presentations

Students combined for a total of 30 presentations at various con-

ferences and symposia, including the 19th Annual American Asso-

ciation of Behavioral and Social Sciences (AABSS) Conference, the

Society for Personality and Social Psychology Teaching Pre-

Conference, STP Annual Conference on Teaching, the Women and

Gender Studies 2015 Student Symposium, the TAMUS 12th Annual

Pathways Student Research Symposium, and the 3rd Mediterrane-

an Interdisciplinary Forum on Social Sciences and Humanities.

Honors & Awards

The following students were recipients of the following honors and awards:

Gonzales, Cassandra (2015, October). Exploring The Bilingual Advantage On Selective Inhibition: EEG

And Behavioral Indices. Paper presented at the Texas A&M University System 12th Annual

Pathways Student Research Symposium, (Dr. Byrd, faculty mentor). Received the 3rd Place

Award for Distinguished Oral Presentation.

Marino, Nathaniel. (2015, October). Why Do We Believe? Locus Of Control As A Predictor Of Religious

Belief. Poster presented at the Texas A&M Uni-

versity System 12th Annual Pathways Student

Research Symposium, (Dr. Miller, faculty men-

tor). Received the 2nd Place Award for So-

cial Sciences Research.

Madera, Margarita, & Flores, Christina (2015, April). Self

-Concept Clarity: The Effects of Multicultural-

ism. Poster presented at the Rocky Mountain Psy-

chological Association convention, Boise, ID.

(Richard Miller, Faculty mentor). Received the

Council for Undergraduate Research

(CUR) Undergraduate Paper Award.

10

THE PRIDE OF SOUTH TEXAS PERFORMS

“THE MUSIC OF SELENA”

Members of the Pre-Dental and Pre-Med Student Organizations joined with other

community volunteers to help clean up Baffin Bay beaches.

11

STUD

ENT A

CHIEV

EMENT

S

HO

GG

IE

S

The Texas A&M Kingsville Javelina Marching Band - The Pride of South Texas—channeled an unforgettable voice on the football field this past fall.

The band performed multiple songs made famous by Selena y Los Dinos in its 2015 exhibi-tion show "The Music of Selena," during halftime of Javelina football games and through-out University Interscholastic League marching contest season.

Jason Kihle, associate director of bands, said the show was the brain child of student drum major Ruby Guajardo.

Word of this unique show spread throughout the nation via social media and the various media out-lets.

Photo Credit: sa.current.com

THE PRIDE OF SOUTH TEXAS PERFORMS

“THE MUSIC OF SELENA”

Arts & Sciences held its annual College Night Out on Tuesday, September 22, 2015. This year’s event featured the Jav-An-

Amazing Race, Faculty vs. Student Water Balloon Wars, student organization information booths, moon bounce, photo

booth, music by DJ Dakster, door prizes, pizza and drinks. It was evening full of fun, laughter and good times.

#asnightout15

The Conner Museum celebrated Javelina

Homecoming 2015 with an exhibit enti-

tled, ‘1968-1978...A Groovy Time to be a

Javelina’. The exhibit was open during

Homecoming weekend to all faculty, staff,

students, alumni, family and friends.

12

New Music Building

Approved

JOHN E. CONNER MUSEUM CELEBRATES HOMECOMING

The Conner Museum celebrated Javelina

Homecoming 2015 with an exhibit enti-

tled, ‘1968-1978...A Groovy Time to be a

Javelina’. The exhibit was open during

Homecoming weekend to all faculty, staff,

students, alumni, family and friends.

June 19, 2015 was a day long awaited by members

of Javelina Nation, especially for those in

the Music Department.

Texas A&M Unviersity-Kingsville received

$60 million in capital improvement funds

from the Texas Legistature to help fund the reno-

vation and expansion of the Bellamah Music Build-

ing, as well as the construction of a new general

classroom building.

WE HIT A HIGH NOTE!

13

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-KINGSVILLE

PLEASE

PLACE

STAMP

HERE

College of

Arts & Sciences

Texas A&M University-

Kingsville

Physical Address

975 W. Ave B Kleberg Hall 130

Kingsville, TX 78363

Mailing Address

700 University Blvd. MSC 117

Kingsville, TX 78363

Phone: 361.593.2761

E-mail: [email protected]

/tamukartsandsciences

tamuk_artsci

tamuk_artsci

The College of Arts & Sciences at Texas A&M

University-Kingsville is a vibrant academic

community that spans the visual and perform-

ing arts, the sciences and mathematics, and the

humanities and social sciences.

Our diversity is our strength. Collectively, we

encourage our undergraduate and graduate

students to think beyond traditional bounda-

ries and to consider the world through multiple

modes of inquiry. A strong liberal arts founda-

tion, we believe, is the best possible prepara-

tion for a wide range of careers and for gradu-

ate study across the disciplines and in law and

the health professions.

In our classes, across all disciplines, we seek to

inspire, challenge, and equip students to solve

21st-century problems and to be active global

citizens. This approach works, as our many

successful alumni can attest.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND DEADLINES

WGST Conversation Series

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

3:30PM—4:30PM Sam Fore Hall Blue Room

For more information: 361.593.2012

Arts & Sciences Dean’s Colloquium 2016

Professor Minori Yuda , University of Tokyo, Japan

Friday, April 15, 2016 11:30AM– 1:00PM Sam Fore Hall Blue Room

For more information: 361.593.3506

Arts & Sciences 2015-2016 Faculty & Staff Award Reception

Thursday, April 28, 2016

John E. Conner Museum

4:30PM—5:30PM

Spring 2016 Commencement Exercises

May 13, 2016

10:00AM 1:00PM 4:00PM

Steinke Physical Education Center

Summer Session 2016

First Session: June 6—July 6, 2016

Second Session: July 7—August 4, 2016

Documents

News and Notes from the College of Arts & Sciences 2016.pdf · The College of Arts & Sciences held its 2015 Faculty & Staff Award Reception on April 30, 2015 at the John E. Conner