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JANUARY 2024
NEWS & UPDATES
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Texas College Celebrates 130 Years | |
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January 9, 2024, signified a momentous occasion in the life of Texas College – the 130th Anniversary of the College's founding. Founded in 1894 by a group of ministers from the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, now the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, to educate a disenfranchised population, Texas College has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the East Texas region and beyond, providing educational opportunities for the past 130 years. As the College embraces the 130th year, it does so with determination and commitment to continuing its mission for the next 130 years, ensuring that Texas College remains to serve the generations to come.
As this historic milestone is celebrated, we are reminded of the countless lives that have been touched by Texas College and the many more that will benefit from our continued efforts. In this regard, the College invites you to take part in this significant occasion and celebrate the 130th Anniversary of Texas College with your meaningful gift of $130 to help support and fulfill the College's mission. Selfless financial contributions as such are undoubtedly paramount in sustaining the College and further helps to ensure 130 more years of providing educational opportunities to all. Your support will not only make a difference in the lives of our students, but congruently in the future of our community. Contributions may be made online by clicking the purple button below or by visiting: www.texascollege.edu/give
To commemorate this historic occasion, please see below for A Brief Historical Overview of Texas College, as well as a "Happy Birthday" video. Thank you for your continued generosity and support; may God continue to bless Texas College and each of you richly! Happy 130th Anniversary, Texas College!
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A Brief Historical Overview | |
Happy Birthday, Texas College! | |
Future Texas College Steers | |
Summer Transition Enrichment Program | |
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Marques Jones, Texas College student
Texas College is pleased to introduce Marques Jones as the latest Student Spotlight. Jones, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, is a senior Business Administration major with involvement campus organizations that include the Library Club and the Men of Valor and Excellence (M.O.V.E.). Throughout his tenure at Texas College, Jones has earned a multitude of accolades for his academic achievements, inclusive of recognitions such as Presidential Scholar, LEGACY Scholar, and the Dean's List, as well as a Rotary Young Citizens Club selection, presented by the Rotary Club of Tyler.
With expectations to graduate this May, Jones has transitioned from a face-to-face student on campus to a now distance learner, finishing his final courses virtually. This shift is derivative of his successful securement of employment prior to graduation. Currently, he resides in Columbus, Ohio, and serves as a Human Resources Assistant for the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS). NCUS is a diversified social enterprise with an interdisciplinary approach to solving the needs of urban and underrepresented communities in health, workforce, and education, which has notably garnered national recognition from the White House, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In his role, Jones supports a multitude of human resource functions, inclusive of recruitment, onboarding, personnel record maintenance, candidate interviews, and more.
Jones credits his success to Texas College and the relationships that he built here. "My experience was priceless at Texas College," noted Jones. "Dr. Ali has been my mentor since I first enrolled as a student at Texas College. "When I initially came to Texas College, I was admittedly unpolished. However, Dr. Ali never gave up on me; despite plenty of time he could have, he was always there to mentor and guide me. He instilled humility, confidence, and wisdom within me, as well taught me how to harness and utilize my knowledge and skills; for that, I cannot thank him enough." He continued by expressing that other faculty and staff likewise were invested in his success, purchasing suits and other necessities to ensure successful interviews and professional experiences.
Jones extended this sentiment to the campus at-large, "The environment at Texas College is perfect for anyone looking to be successful. Because the campus is small, it is close knit, which makes it easy to connect with students, faculty, and staff. Every resource I ever needed was available and close by."
"Texas College gave me the confidence to compete against anyone. Having attended Texas College, I feel empowered and ready to compete in any situation. I know that I have been given all the skills and knowledge to be able to succeed. I know that I am prepared for whatever may come."
"I feel like I've discovered new land and have to tell the world about it." Jones noted, feeling compelled to share the benefits that he received from Texas College with others. "Texas College has genuinely changed my life. So, every year I try to bring one to two student from my hometown to join us. And, once I graduate, I plan to help build a pipeline from Youngstown and Columbus, Ohio, to Texas College because I know that this opportunity to leave their environment and enter one like Texas College's is truly life-changing."
In addition to his aforementioned experiences at Texas College, Jones affectionately cited Homecoming, Fried Chicken Wednesday after Chapel, playing pick-up basketball on the outdoor courts, and studying in the D.R. Glass Library as a few of his fondest memories of the College. Jones has aspirations to become a vice president for talent acquisition, eventually. In the interim, he excitedly embraces his current role and looks forward to gaining as much experience as possible within the realm of human resources.
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Texas College Provides Free Textbooks &
Innovative Course Materials
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A Texas College student utilizes their laptop to access course materials from RedShelf during class
Texas College has implemented new technology in an effort to foster student success by providing innovative and high-quality course materials to all students, free of charge. In this regard, textbook and supplemental course material access has exponentially expanded through an agreement with RedShelf, an electronic textbook provider experienced in the swift and effortless transition from traditional print to more affordable, efficient, and engaging digital course materials. The new platform provides e-textbooks, or eBooks, seamlessly on the JICS Portal at no cost to students for the 2023-2024 academic year. This platform provides equity to students through the following features:
- Highlight, take notes, and share with classmates;
- Define unfamiliar words;
- Create Flashcards;
- Build study guides for individual review and test preparation;
- Generate citations in APA, MLA and Chicago for research writing;
- Have text read aloud;
- Provide a select section of pages to be printed; and
- Availability on any device.
Collectively, the aforementioned features provide students the ability to access their textbooks and high-quality innovative course materials anywhere for free throughout this academic year. This new digital landscape affords flexible mobility to meet students, no matter where they are, to help them succeed.
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Texas College to Establish Teaching STEM Center
to Attract Students Into STEM Professions
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Texas College has been awarded funding through a Special Projects Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) grant through the U.S. Department of Education in order to establish the Teaching STEM Center, an online MSEIP Training Center, e-Journal and Resource Center for improving methods of teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to underserved students. In this regard, Texas College will collect, review, extract from, train, monitor, and mentor STEM professors, Teacher Education professors, and Teacher Education students, on successful instructional strategies for serving underserved students. In addition, the Center will train faculty from other open admission institutions, as well as minority and female-serving institutions of higher education to increase STEM enrollment, achievement, and post-graduation outcomes.
The Center will be beneficial as all of Texas College’s STEM and non-STEM faculty, as well as faculty from other institutions of higher education who will be able to access the Center. The program has the commitment of at least 20 Texas College and/or other open admission institution's faculty to participate in the Center as a result of Texas College's outreach efforts. Participating faculty will be trained, coached, and provided technical assistance through the Center. The funding will provide an enhancement to populate and operationalize an e-training and testing center on the Teaching STEM website.
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Dr. Bassey Akpan, Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Bassey Akpan, Professor of Computer Science, will be leading the project. Dr. Akpan expressed that the grant project will be beneficial in providing opportunities and increasing knowledge in the STEM areas.
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Dr. Mamta Gupta Named Division Chair | |
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Dr. Mamta Gupta, Division Chair for Natural & Computational Sciences
Texas College is pleased to announce the appointment of Mamta Gupta, Ph.D. as the new Division Chair for Natural and Computational Sciences. Dr. Gupta has served the College as a valued member of the faculty for over two decades, with service in roles inclusive of Professor of Biology and Area Coordinator for Biology. Congruently, she also serves as a co-advisor for the Texas College - University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine Early Assurance Pathway, a collaborative program designed to engage Texas College students in high-caliber preparation for medical school, as well as the admission process. Dr. Gupta brings a wealth of experience in research, publication, and grantsmanship.
Dr. Gupta received the Bachelor of Science degree from Maharshi Dayanand University in India. She then pursued and successfully earned the Master of Science degree in Zoology and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Zoology from Kurukshetra University in India. Following the completion of her Ph.D, Dr. Gupta embraced her passion for teaching and entered the realm of higher education. Carrying international experience as a faculty member, Dr. Gupta has authored numerous research papers and been honored with a multitude of awards for her service within the field.
Dr. Gupta is excited to assume the role of Division Chair for Natural and Computational Sciences. "Give the people light and they will find their way," noted Dr. Gupta, nonchalantly quoting the Texas College motto. In this sentiment, Dr. Gupta expressed her unwavering commitment to fostering a stimulating learning environment and the enhanced development of critical thinking skills to empower students to achieve academic excellence. Summarily, she eagerly looks forward to further elevating the sciences and education of students.
Dr. Gupta is married with two sons. Outside of academia, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and biking with friends. Texas College excitedly welcomes Rev. Sorrells Mamta Gupta as Division Chair for Natural and Computational Sciences!
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Rev. Josef Sorrells Joins Texas College to
Enhance Spiritual Environment
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Rev. Josef Sorrells, Visiting Lecturer
Texas College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Josef Sorrells as Visiting Lecturer. In this role, Rev. Sorrells will oversee and conduct College Assembly, commonly referred to as Chapel, as well as provide oversight to Texas College's Campus Ministry. With his leadership, Texas College will further enhance both the spiritual involvement and spiritual environment on campus. Rev. Sorrells brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, expertise, and servant leadership to the Texas College campus.
Rev. Sorrells was licensed to preach in 2020, under the leadership of Rev. Trever Barnett of North Park CME Church in Dallas, Texas, and was ordained both rites of deacon and elder in 2022 by Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III at the Northwest Texas/Dallas-Fort Worth Annual Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Currently, Rev. Sorrells serves as pastor for the Greater Miles Chapel CME Church in Tyler, Texas.
Rev. Sorrells received the Associate of Arts degree from Mountain View College in Dallas, Texas. He then successfully pursued the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Following his successful baccalaureate pursuits, he enrolled in Howard University's School of Divinity in Washington D.C., where he earned the Master of Divinity degree. Throughout his tenure as a student, Rev. Sorrells amassed a multitude of awards and accolades for his academic achievements. As an avid scholar dedicated to continuous learning, he has notable experience conducting research and collaborating on grants.
In addition to his ministerial duties, Rev. Sorrells continues to assist in countless projects and initiatives that address childhood hunger and at-risk youth, as well as social, cultural, and economic injustices that impact marginalized and Black communities in America. Rev. Sorrells has served in leadership roles for numerous community and civic organizations, which has garnered multiple awards and recognitions for his work.
Rev. Sorrells is revered as a motivational pastor with the gift of developing and uplifting intergenerational faith communities. Sorrells emphasizes that he, above all, remains devoutly committed to the work, mission, and advocacy of Christ. Texas College excitedly welcomes Rev. Josef Sorrells as Visiting Lecturer!
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Kaleb Parks Earns Red River Athletic Conference
Men's Basketball Player of the Week
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Kaleb Parks (#22), Texas College Basketball Student-Athlete, defends an opposing player during a game
Texas College's Kaleb Parks was recognized as the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Men's Basketball Player of the Week for his play over the dates of January 8-14, 2024. Parks guided the Steers to a pair of conference victories during this period.
The junior forward from Center, Texas, accounted for 16 points and seven rebounds in a 66-51 win over Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and he scored 20 points with seven boards in a 92-73 defeat of NAIA No. 4 LSU Shreveport. Parks was 16-of-22 from the field for the week of January 8-14 with a pair of three-pointers.
Led by Head Coach Matt Cross, Texas College is now 10-3 in conference play and 14-5 overall. Their recent win over Huston-Tillotson University is their seventh win in a row, collecting two wins over Top 25 teams this season. With conference play winding down, Texas College Men’s Basketball is inching toward the playoffs. The top eight teams punch their ticket; the Steers currently remain in the mix for a playoff berth.
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Coach Andrew Bates Selected for Dream Bowl | |
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Coach Andrew Bates, Offensive Line Coach
Coach Andrew Bates, Steer Football Offensive Line Coach, was recently selected to serve as the offensive line coach for the 2024 Dream Bowl held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Little Elm, Texas.
The Dream Bowl is an annual college football all-star showcase game featuring standout players from across the country. The game, along with a schedule of events and activities throughout the weekend, are a celebration of the excellence, commitment, and sacrifice made by the players and their families. Moreover, the Dream Bowl hosts a multitude of scouts from the National Football League (NFL), seeking potential talent to fill their rosters.
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The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program is back for 2024 and Texas College needs your help to win! This year's competition will award 30 different campus improvement grants, 10 awards per cluster (cluster based on enrollment size), ranging between $40,000 - $150,000; awards will be based on online consumer voting.
Voting will begin Sunday, February 25, at 11:00 P.M. (CT) and will end Sunday, March 24, at 10:59 P.M. (CT). Voting has changed for the 2024 competition, whereas votes may only be cast online via the Retool Your School website (retoolyourschool.com/vote); social media votes with hashtags through Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) will not count as votes. Voting is unlimited. The cumulative number of votes received through the voting website will determine the College's ranking.
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Strategically working in close collaboration with the Texas College National Alumni Association (TCNAA), the College and TCNAA both are committed to winning 2024's competition. To do so, Texas College needs everyone's vote to ensure success! Given that voting is unlimited, Texas College charges each individual to vote 250 times per day to secure first place and the grand prize of a $150,000 Campus Improvement Grant. To date, Texas College has won five Home Depot Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grants, consecutively winning three grants from 2021-2023. Help ensure Texas College's sixth grant this year by voting in 2024 Retool Your School!
HOW TO VOTE ONLINE:
1. Visit retoolyourschool.com/vote;
2. Select Cluster 3;
3. Vote for Texas College!
To learn more about The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program, please visit retoolyourschool.com. Should you have any questions regarding the Retool Your School competition, contact:
Jake Martin, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
(903) 593-8311, ext. 2327 │ jmartin@texascollege.edu
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JANUARY 2024 FEATURED PHOTO | |
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Texas College's D. R. Glass Library at dusk during January 2024
Submitted by Jake Martin, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer | Alumnus (2013)
The monthly featured photo is a new initiative utilized to visually highlight the campus from an aesthetically pleasing perspective, as well as showcase campus life and activities. To submit a photograph, send via email to:
jmartin@texascollege.edu
The submission must include one's name and a brief caption describing the photo. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to submit photographs for feature consideration. Featured photographs will be credited to the photographer and may be posted on social media outlets.
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