News Archive
Summer 2022
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Life After Retirement: How a Retired Texas State University Instructor, Programmer, and Student Adviser Pursues an Equally Fulfilling Role as an Artist
Dr. Gary J. Springer, a retired OWLS Instructor, has been keeping bust during retirement through his artwork.
Read the piece on his artwork from Digital Journal: Life After Retirement: How a Retired Texas State University Instructor, Programmer, and Student Adviser Pursues an Equally Fulfilling Role as an Artist - Digital Journal
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Dr. Catherine A. Cherrstrom honored with Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Cherrstrom for being recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2022.
The award is presented to faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding performance in scholarship, outstanding performance in teaching, or outstanding performance in service.
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"Bring Bobcats Back helps Texas State Students Return and Finish Degrees"
Source: Hillviews Magazine Article-By. Julie Cooper
The Bring Bobcats Back program was established at Texas State University in 2018 for students who had “stopped out” to return and finish their degrees. Bring Bobcats Back has expanded thanks to federal and state grant funding born out of the pandemic.
Dr. Todd Sherron, assistant professor of practice, from the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS), College of Applied Arts, was responsible for obtaining and overseeing the first $1.5 million reskilling grant from the THECB. OWLS primarily serves working adults, student veterans, and service members and is designed to accelerate degree completion by credentialling work-life learning and training into college credit and offering eight-week online courses. Sherron says many of the students finish their degree in two to three semesters.
Picture Above: Dr. Todd Sherron
Check out the below article to read more about how we are helping bobcats finish their degrees.
Spring 2022
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OWLS Chair,Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, is one of nine awardees of the 'Community and Student Engagement Research Grant'
The American Council of Learned Societies recently awarded funding for a Texas State University project called the “Engaged Humanities Research Accelerator”. The Department of OWLS recognizes our Chair, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, and her outstanding work in research. She is one of the nine awardees who will be collaborating together to partner with communities hardest hit by the pandemic. They will help create knowledge and increase in community, cultural and educational engagement.
"The grant revives projects focused on advancing engaged humanities research slowed or stopped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant funding enables faculty and students to partner with communities hardest hit by the pandemic to create knowledge and increase community, cultural, and educational engagement. The projects address pressing social challenges through dialogue, insights, and humanities inquiry regarding racial equality, US-global relations, public health and pandemic recovery, and America’s diverse history. "
"Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, chair of the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS), will empower community members through counter-life storytelling to help them explore their experiences closing the racial wealth gap in low-income communities. The project will use a human-centered approach to understand economic and cultural issues of national importance from the community’s perspective."
"The grant advances applied research at Texas State and promotes community engagement between Liberal Arts faculty, Texas State students, and community organizations in Central Texas. "
CONGRATULATIONS DR. ASHFORD-HANSERD!
Source: TXST NewsRoom
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Winner of the OWLS Graduate Research Forum- Enixe Castro
The Department of OWLS recognizes Enixe Castro for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research for her study examining why Hispanic high school graduates opt out of attending college. Enixe, congratulations on this recognition!
Have you ever wondered the impact Hispanic high school graduates have on themselves and the community when they opt out of attending college? This research video will give you insight on why Hispanic high school graduates opt out of attending college, the benefits they are missing out on, and how they impact society. Follow me as we dive into the life of several Hispanic research participants who have endured discrimination, challenging life circumstances, and limited support forcing them to opt out of attending college.
To see video summaries click here.
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Faculty Research Spotlight - Dr. Omar Lopez
Dr. Omar López was recently spotlighted for his involvement with STEM in the university’s e-newsletter. He encourages others to get involved with STEM to result in more voices being heard, especially those in the Hispanic community. Read more here
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Happy Retirement, Dr. Biggs!
This week in the OWLs department, we celebrated Dr. Mary Jo Biggs' hard work and accomplishments during her 17 years at Texas State University! Happy Retirement!
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OWLS Virtual Meet and Greet!
The OWLS Department will be hosting a Virtual Meet & Greet on Thursday, March 31st at 6:00 PM! Join using the following Zoom link and come to learn about upcoming events and meet our faculty!
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Spring 2022 Department Awards!
The OWLS Department is honored to name award recipients and nominees for the 2022 Spring semester. Congratulations to all of our amazing students and faculty!
View the Award Presentation here.
Summer 2021
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Dr. Shailen Singh published in The Conversation
Read the article: What is child care insecurity? 2 social scientists explain
written by Cassandra M. Johnson, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Foods, & Shailen Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Organization, Workforce, & Leadership Studies | July 14, 2021
Child care insecurity is a term we’ve come up with to describe limited or uncertain access to adequate child care.
It factors into many Americans’ decisions whether to even have a child. Parents – mothers especially – often weigh the cost of child care in their decision to return to work. And when a kid has a disability, there may not even be child care options that meet the family’s needs.
As researchers who study how policies and systems affect well-being and health, we argue that child care insecurity is a public health issue similar to food insecurity.
And just as with food insecurity, increasing access is necessary. However, access alone will not address the problem.
About The Conversation
The Conversation (https://theconversation.com/us) is an independent, nonprofit publisher of commentary and analysis, authored by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. The Conversation publishes short articles (800-1000 words) by academics on timely topics related to their research.
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BAAS Coordinator, Ms. Portia Gottschall, selected to serve on the Nontenure Line Faculty Committee
Senior Lecturer and BAAS Coordinator, Ms. Portia Gottschall, has been selected to represent the department and college on the Nontenure Line Faculty Committee. Faculty Senate committees ensure faculty input on important issues across the university.
Ms. Gottschall also serves on the Environment and Sustainability Committee.
Congratulations!
Spring 2021
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Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd & ACCEYSS Network opens its university-community resource center
The ACCEYSS Network opens its university-community resource center in San Marcos, TX, on January 21, 2021.
San Marcos, TX - On January 21st, the ACCEYSS Network hosted a grand opening of the ACCEYSS University-Community Resource Center (U-CRC) located at 174 S Guadalupe St. Suite 105, San Marcos, TX 78666. The event began with an invocation by Lauren Lowry, San Marcos native and Senior Pastor of Sozo Church at 10:30 am, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 to 11:30 am, and a grand opening celebration with lunch catered by Soulful Creations of San Marcos, Texas. During the event, official greetings were read from Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and proclamations were acknowledged from the State of Texas (sponsored by State Representative Erin Zwiener), Hays County (sponsored by Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe), and the City of San Marcos. The City of San Marcos has declared January 21, 2021 as the ACCEYSS Network Day.
The P2P Movement doing business as ACCEYSS Network, is a 501c3 nonprofit that serves as a coalition with a mission of providing underrepresented and underserved youth and families with access to STEM and Agriculture pathways through Entrepreneurship and the Arts (i.e., STEEAAM pathways). Board members of the ACCEYSS Network include: Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd - Founder and President (Texas State University – Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies), Dr. Dana M. García – Secretary (Texas State University – Department of Biology), Pastor Lauren Lowry (Sozo Church), Dr. Cara DiMattina Ryan (Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area), and Algie Thompson. Lydia Dobbins serves as the Program Manager.
ACCEYSS (Association of Collaborative Communities Equipping Youth for STEEAAM Success) was founded by Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd as one of 70 two-year design and development launch pilots funded by the National Science Foundation’s INCLUDES program. The outcomes of the ACCEYSS project yielded creation of the ACCEYSS Model (i.e., informal K-12 STEM curriculum framework) and initiation of the ACCEYSS Network with inaugural partners from the Greater San Marcos region. Additionally, she founded the STEEAM pathways project in rural communities with partners in Luling, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She has consolidated her efforts under the umbrella of the ACCEYSS Network to strengthen the STEEAAM workforce ecosystem in the Greater San Marcos region. As a “social edupreneur”, and an assistant professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at Texas State University, she is transforming her research into action while creating a platform for other community-engaged STEM and agriculture researchers to offer valuable resources to the local community through the launch of the ACCEYSS U-CRC.
(continued on next page)
The primary goal of the ACCEYSS U-CRC is to provide connections, funding, and resources for faith-based and community organizations with a shared vision of closing the STEM equity and racial wealth gap in Hays and Caldwell counties. The ACCEYSS Network invites researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers, faith leaders, industry partners, and supporters to utilize the U-CRC’s shared resources; whether it’s a training space or meeting room for their employees, a quiet office space without a long-term lease, or a place to connect with like-minded individuals striving to make a powerful impact in their community.
The ACCEYSS Network Community Resource Center is available to both members and non-members alike. To learn more about memberships, networking opportunities or to become a community member, you may visit the ACCEYSS Network website at www.acceyss.org.
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KXAN recognizes Grant achievements!
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From the Hill-Highlight: Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd
President Denise M. Trauth provides updates to the university in her newsletter, From the Hill. In the Spring III 2021 Issue, the OWLS faculty member, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd was highlighted!
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Dr. Todd Sherron receives $1.5 million grant aims to help former students return to college
Texas State University has been awarded a $1.5 million reskilling grant to help up to 1,000 former students with some college credit return to school and complete their degrees.
Texas State received the pass-through grant from the United States Department of Education's Education Stabilization Fund Program via the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
Reskilling grants to institutions will support displaced Texas workers who need to reskill or upskill to get back into the workforce and Texas students who have previously stopped out of higher education institutions without completing a postsecondary credential.
Texas State's grant is part of the Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program, a $46.5 million fund established to provide essential emergency educational support to students that have been most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and aid in the continuation of their education and economic recovery. It will directly support Bring Bobcats Back, a program created in 2018 to encourage students to return to Texas State and finish their degrees.
"This is a great opportunity for those who want to finish their degree," explained Todd Sherron, assistant professor of practice with the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies (OWLS), who oversaw Texas State's grant application. "If a student has 90 hours of course credit and meets the criteria, we will provide financial assistance to them to finish their education."
More than 36 million Americans – including more than 2 million in the state of Texas – have some college experience but have not completed their degree. This challenge has significant implications for students’ financial well-being, particularly during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic: a college degree translates to an average of $1 million additional earnings over a lifetime, and college graduates are half as likely to be unemployed as those with a high school degree.
Enrollment Management at Texas State, which manages Bring Bobcats Back, has developed a list of prospective candidates by reviewing academic records to identify formerly enrolled students who completed several years of study but stopped short of earning their degree. Those prospects will be contacted and provided information about the new opportunity.
The financial aid is not just limited to those who initially attended Texas State. Those who began, but did not complete, their coursework at other universities are also eligible if they meet the program's criteria.
"I'm biased, but OWLS was really built to serve this kind of need," Sherron said. "We have accelerated pathways in the OWLS program for this type of degree completion, but all of the colleges at Texas State will be participating.
"I've seen people graduate within two to four semesters on average," he said. "That's a pretty quick degree completion timeline."
The grant strengthens Texas State's ongoing efforts to identify and reach out to former students who left the university before obtaining their degree. In 2020, the university entered into a partnership with ReUp Education to identify, engage and support the re-entry of students who have stopped out of college.
To qualify for the reskilling program, prospective returning students must be Texas residents eligible for in-state tuition as determined by the institution; have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); have financial need and are eligible for federal Title IV aid; have affirmed they were affected by COVID-19. Institutions may establish their own processes for determining COVID-19 impact; are enrolled in an eligible undergraduate or short-term workforce credential program on either a full time or part time basis; have not been enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution in the previous academic (long) semester or previous six months; and are within twelve months or 75% or more of completing their credential program.
SEE ARTICLE HIGHLIGHT HERE
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TXST-OWLS wins award at CAEL's 2020 Conference
The ‘Real Winners’ of CAEL’s 2020 Conference
CAEL just wrapped up its 46th annual conference and its first-ever virtual one. With the sudden pivot to online learning that swept the postsecondary space, you’re probably familiar with just how “real” the challenges of switching quickly to virtual engagement can be. Meeting them was more than worth it. Thanks to the generous support of Strada Education Network and our other sponsors, we were able to offer live access free to all CAEL members. That helped us set a new attendance record and gain several hundred new CAEL members. But despite the unprecedented circumstances of our conference this year, a longstanding tradition remained among its brightest moments: our award winners.
Adult Learner Impact Award
Finally, our Adult Learner Impact Award recognizes excellence in adult learning on an institutional level. This year, the honor went to Texas State University (TXST). Being mindful of the needs of adult learners is nothing new for TXST, a Hispanic Serving Institution. It has devoted specialized efforts to support their success since the 1970s. It’s been building on that momentum ever since.
For example, faculty recently completed enhancements to the institution’s bachelor of applied arts and sciences program outcomes, curriculum, and PLA processes. These updates are saving students thousands of dollars in textbook, tuition, and other expenses while supporting retention and greater credit hour production. These achievements were recognized by the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE), which presented TXST’s bachelor of applied arts and sciences program with the Malcolm Knowles Award for Outstanding Program Leadership.
Further distinguishing TXST is its department of organization, workforce, and leadership studies. The department earned two Texas Workforce Commission awards that provide additional support for PLA through the new College Credit for Heroes program. The program bridges workforce gaps faced by military students by connecting military experience, education, and training with the requirements of high-demand civilian occupations in Texas. Given our just-released research confirming the substantial, wide-ranging benefits recognizing prior learning can create for adult learners from diverse backgrounds, it’s clear that TXST’s latest enhancements can make a difference in many meaningful ways. View TXST’s acceptance video here.
Each of these award winners’ stories helps paint a picture that illustrates the vital nature of the work of the CAEL membership community. I hope you are as inspired by them as I am. Thank you for all that you do to enable the countless similar stories that are unfolding as a result of our work together.
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Dr. Carrie Boden wins AHEA Exceptional Research/Service in the Field Award
The Exceptional Research/Service in the Field Award
The first annual Exceptional Research/Service in the Field Award will be awarded to Carrie Boden of Texas State University-San Marcos, in honor of her work on the IAP book series Adult Learning in Professional, Organizational, and Community Settings, which AHEA is pleased to sponsor, providing a publication outlet for many in the field.Dr. Carrie Boden Professor and former Chair of the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at Texas State University. Before joining Texas State University, Dr. Boden worked extensively with undergraduate and graduate adult students in her roles as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master of Adult Education Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Associate Professor and and Director of the Program for Adult College Education at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Boden ’s research is primarily focused in the areas of adult learning theory and practice, including prior learning assessment, program administration, teaching and learning strategies, mentoring, and transformative learning. She has produced over 50 articles, book chapters and conference proceedings, 100 conference presentations, 18 grants and funded projects, and 15 academic books. Her work has been disseminated nationally and internationally. Dr. Boden has designed and taught courses in traditional, hybrid, and online formats, and she has developed and overseen the implementation of several online program initiatives. Dr. Boden has been recognized for her work with awards such as the Distinguished Teaching Fellowship from the Academy of Teaching and Learning Excellence at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Alpha Chi Favorite Professor, Award for Excellence in Online Teaching, and Veteran’s Alliance Above and Beyond Award from Texas State University, The Malcolm Knowles Award for Outstanding Program Leadership from the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, and the Adult Learner Impact Award from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, and the Sister Cities International Award for Technology and Innovation. In service to the profession, Dr. Boden served as Director on the Board for the Adult Higher Education Alliance for a decade, a Member-at-Large on the Board of the Commission of Professors of Adult Education, and as the series editor for Adult Learning in Professional, Organizational, and Community Settings. In her spare time, Dr. Boden practices yoga, enjoys outdoor activities, live music, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
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Local artwork featuring JCK by Dr. Gary Springer
OWLS Per Course Faculty Member, Dr. Gary Springer, is having his two works included in the "Restore Our Earth" exhibit at the Price Center Gallery. (222 W San Antonio St, San Marcos, TX 78666)
This exhibit includes his works- "Duck Family at Texas State University" and "Blue Heron over Water". See them up close! along with other wonderful creations by local artists.
Exhibit Period: April 3rd - May 22nd.
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OWLS Alumnus, Raul Trevino, live on LinkedIn
After completing both the BAAS degree and Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, OWLS Alumnus, Raul Trevino, shares his experience of his academic journey while he faced many challenges and obstacles!
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University Star Highlights Reskilling Grant Program with Dr. Todd Sherron
The university will use the award money to support Bring Bobcats Back, a program created in 2018 to encourage students to return to Texas State and complete their degrees.
Dr. Todd Sherron, an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies (OWLS) and writer of the grant application, says Bring Bobcats Back is a university-wide incentive available to all former students, from any college at the university, who meet the criteria.
“Students may be eligible to receive up to $2,500 per semester for tuition and fees until they graduate,” Sherron says. “This is [an] amazing opportunity for students to complete their degree."
READ MORE HERE!
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Promotion! Dr. Shetay N. Ashford-Hanserd
It is our honor to highlight Dr. Shetay N. Ashford-Hanserd on her recent promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor starting Fall 2021! Congratulations!!
Visit her Faculty Profile to see her journey and work!
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Promotion! Dr. Catherine A. Cherrstrom
It is our honor to highlight Dr. Catherine A. Cherrstrom on her recent promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor starting Fall 2021! Congratulations!!
Visit her Faculty Profile to see her journey and work!
Fall 2021
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Dr. Sherron's Texas Reskilling grant- KVUE story
Texas State University grant brings students back to finish degrees
The Texas Reskilling grant is set up to give up to 1,000 students funds to come back and finish their degrees.
Watch the Full Story Here
"The Texas Reskilling Grant, a grant that was appropriated because of the CARES Act, it's an amazing opportunity. It really is," said Todd Sherron, the assistant professor who helped get the grant for the school.
The original grant was intended to help 1,000 students with up to $2,500 to get them back to school and finish their degree. Now they're allowing students to get the funding for more than just one semester.
"We're really trying to reach out to those who are almost finished, 50% or more, and say, 'Hey, we have some funds for you to come back to school,' and that's just a great opportunity," said Sherron.
"It was just a blessing, really. I didn't really ask too many more questions. It's just going to help me finish," said Butler.
It's helped more students like him reach that exciting day of graduation.
"I just appreciate it. I really do," he said.
For those who qualify, Sherron said the best thing to do is get readmitted and file the FAFSA. The financial aid office will then select the qualified students.
2020
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Dr. Lie Xie accepted into Grant Writing Program
The OWLS department would like to congratulate our newest faculty member, Dr. Lie Xie, for his acceptance into the Grant Writing Program (Series). Dr. Xie will have the opportunity to work on his proposal titled: Faculty-Student Engagement for Future Engineering Workforce.
In addition to the workshop series Dr, Xie will have one on one meetings to help learn more strategic advice regarding his targeted opportunities.
Congratulations Dr. Xie!
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Dr. Lopez nomination for the 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching
We want to congratulate Dr. Lopez on his nomination for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching!
"These presidential awards are intended to recognize and reward superior accomplishments, to provide models of excellence for fellow faculty, and to encourage all faculty to continue to perform, improve, and advance their teaching, scholarly/creative activity, and service."
AA/PPS No. 02.04.20 (6.11)
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HACU 16th Annual Southwest Airline ¡Lánzate! Travel Program
HACU will open applications for 16th Annual Southwest Airlines ¡Lánzate! Travel Program on March 16
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Southwest Airlines will begin accepting applications for the 16th Annual ¡Lánzate! / Take Off! Travel Program on March 16, 2020. Online applications will be accepted from eligible college students from March 16 through April 30, 2020, for the opportunity to receive travel awards.
HACU and Southwest Airlines will award roundtrip e-pass(es) to undergraduate and graduate students across the country who travel at least 200 miles from home to pursue a higher education and meet the eligibility criteria. An essay is required. Students selected receive e-pass(es) for use to travel between home and college or university.
A selection committee consisting of national education advocates and community leaders will select the award recipients. Recipients may be awarded 1-4 roundtrip e-pass(es) for the student to use when traveling to/from the college/university. The complimentary e-pass(es) can be used for travel to any of the Southwest Airlines destinations in the continental United States as listed on www.southwest.com.
Deadline to submit applications is April 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Help spread the word, download a PDF poster here and post on your campus. To read detailed guidelines and eligibility requirements click here.
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Congratulations to OWLS student award winners!
Congratulations to the following award winners from the OWLS department! We know you all will continue to succeed in everything you all do.
This year's award banquet was cancelled due to COVID-19. Each student exemplified the example of an outstanding Undergraduate or Graduate student. While they could not receive their award in-person, students received their award certificate through the mail.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Shannon Paz
Outstanding Graduate Research Assistant – Luis Benavides
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Dean Atkinson
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Andrea Laina
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Racheal James
Outstanding Undergraduate Student – Phillip Taylor
Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research – Alyssa Ellis
Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research – Linda Rogers
Outstanding Graduate Student – James Chesnut
Outstanding Graduate Student – Mary Williams
Outstanding Graduate Student – Kellie Price
CONGRATULATIONS!
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Recent publication from the results of ACCEYSS
You can check out the latest results from ACCEYSS by downloading the PDF below. You will be able to learn more about the "Factors that influence persistence of Biology Majors at a Hispanic-Serving Institution". With the help of Dr. Ashford-Hanserd and her research team, they are able to continue their efforts in STEM education research.
Publication: "Factors that influence persistence of Biology Majors at a Hispanic-Serving Institution"
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OWLS Student Jim Chestnut Leaves a Legacy
YouTube has featured Jim Chesnut's 50 years of his music legacy in a Top Tracks playlist titled 'Top Tracks-Jim Chesnut'. It is a collection of 56 of his recordings that play back to back.The last one in the sequence is "I Just Can't Get Enough of You." It has risen to top-10 status in Wayne Hodge's IndieWorld Country Record Reports at #6 last week. You can check out any updates at his website chesnutproductions.com.
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Dr. Boden co-hosted first ever "Lets Do Lunch!"
Our very own Dr. Carrie Boden hosted this years first ever “Let’s Do Lunch!”
faculty learning community, sponsored by Faculty Development during the Spring of 2020.Every Friday at noon we will meet by ZOOM to visit, exchange ideas, and find ways to take care of ourselves and our students as we navigate this new world of remote teaching and learning. We will have topics based on your suggestions. It will be a time to share what’s working in your classes and to hear ideas on best practices for surviving and thriving in this new learning environment.
- Faculty Development "Lets Do Lunch!" Website
The dedication to her faculty members has helped make a difference during unprecedented times.
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OWLS Student Success Story: Geoff Golden
Congratulations to OWLS student Geoff Golden on his acceptance as Montana State University's Assistant Head Coach of the women's basketball team.
Golden built his career as a teacher, trainer and developer of amateur and professional basketball athletes for 18 years as founder and director of Geoff Golden Basketball Academy and BC Denver Basketball Club. During that time, he built a strong reputation as a top player development specialist and college recruiting expert with clientele represented in basketball leagues worldwide including the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, EuroLeague, and NBA Development League.
Keep up the great work Coach Golden!
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Dr. Ashford-Hanserd: My Journey with Funding
Sharing a video that was recorded for Evy and new faculty STEP program the about Dr. Ashford-Hanserd's Journey with Funding (https://mediaflo.txstate.edu/Watch/Sc9f8ZFn).
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Meet Mr. John L. Navarrette: TXST Distinguished Alumnus
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Award Winner- Adult Learner Impact- OWLS/TxState
Presentation by OWLS Faculty_ Drs. Carrie Boden, Cathy Cherrstrom, Todd Sherron (PLA Coordinator)
The CAEL Conference, last held in November 2020, is widely known as the leading place to support adult learners through PLA and Credit for Prior Learning advancement. But it's also a place where leaders across the work-learn-earn spectrum make necessary connections between education and career success to generate the powerful ideas that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth to transform individuals and help communities thrive.
Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
CAEL AWARD Webpage
Adult Learner Impact Award
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Pat Gibson, Ed.D selected for Teaching Award
Congratulations to our Per Course Instructor, Dr. Pat Gibson, on being selected for the 'Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award' for the College of Applied Arts!!
PURPOSE
As a means to further the University’s efforts to recognize outstanding faculty and to acknowledge the many and important contributions of the nontenure line faculty, this policy establishes an awards program for recognizing part-time faculty excellence in teaching and outlines a process for selecting and making these awards. This award is intended to recognize instructors who have not historically been eligible for university teaching awards.
All faculty members who taught less than full-time in the preceding calendar year are eligible to apply for the Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. One award may be bestowed in each academic college annually. The award will consist of a certificate and a monetary award.2019 Award Recipients
College of Education: Alison Hock, Curriculum and Instruction
College of Applied Arts: Pat Gibson, OWLS
College of Fine Arts & Comm: Courtney Cone, Art and Design
College of Liberal Arts: Ken Karrer, History -
OWLS Graduate Research and Practicum Forum- Fall 2020 Winners
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Dr. Singh- Speaker in upcoming TEDx 2021
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2020 AAACE Award Recipient- Dr. Cathy Cherrstrom
AAACE Awards Presented at 2020 Annual Conference
Association Recognizes Leaders and Contributors in the Adult Education Community
The American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) community is proud to recognize and honor exemplary contributions to adult continuing education. The awards are a highly visible component of the association's statement about standards of excellence in the field.
The AAACE awards are annually bestowed upon deserving individuals and teams in recognition of outstanding leadership, service, knowledge, learners, and practice in the field of adult education.
The awards were presented at the 2020 Annual Conference on October 29, 2020 held virtually. AAACE Past President Larry Martin presided over the ceremony.Commission for Professors of Adult Education (CPAE)
Early Career Award
Recipient: Catherine A. Cherrstrom, Ph.D.
This award honors individuals who, in the early stages of their academic career, have made significant contributions in scholarship (research and publishing) and service to the field.
2019
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2019 December Hooding Ceremony
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Amy Jiang-Recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award
OWLS Grad Student Amy Jiang Receives Love of Learning Award
Congratulations to Amy Jiang for being selected as a recipient of a Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award. This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to her outstanding academic abilities. Her story will be featured on the Grad College website and announced on the University News website.
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Jeff Novak-Distinguished Alumnus for 2019
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Summer Salazar featured on 930 AM with Dr. Mary Jo Biggs
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ACCEYSS 2019 Central Texas Leadership Summit
ACCEYSS will be having their 2019 Central Texas Leadership Summit October 4th, 9am-5pm and October 5th, 9am-12pm at the LBJ Student Center in San Marcos, TX. The room number will be announced very soon.
The summit hosts will be Dr. Kristy L. Daniels, Dr. Dana M. Garcia and our very own Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd.
To register for this event go to www.acceyss.org/registration or email acceyss@gmail.com for more information.
Come join to see how STEM education is making an impact in underrepresented communities.
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Name Change for OWLS- Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies
Our new name affected August 26th is the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies. We look forward to what this new name represents for both our faculty and students.
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Dr. Stephen B. Springer recognized for 35 years of Service
Our very own Dr. Stephen B. Springer was recognized for 35 years of service at this year's University Convocation and Annual General Faculty Meeting at the University Events Center (UEC).
Congratulations on 35 years of service Dr. Springer!
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OWLS department at the Summer 2019 CAA Hooding Ceremony
Congratulations to Ms. Kasey Williams for her achievement!
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Dr. Brett Lee-Importance of Crowdfunding for Texas Teachers
Dr. Brett Lee, a lecturer in the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies, has recently been featured for his work in helping Texas teachers afford classroom help through crowdfunding.
"Lee’s doctoral dissertation centered on the growing popularity behind crowdfunding, and specifically how teachers are using DonorsChoose.org to make up for budget shortfalls." - Texas State Newsroom
Great work Dr. Lee!
Please find his featured stories below:
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930 AM The ANSWER with Dr. Biggs and guests
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Dr. Shailen Singh completed 2018-19 Scholarship & Teaching Excellence Program (STEP)
Congratulations to Dr. Singh who successfully completed the 2018-19 Scholarship & Teaching Excellence Program (STEP).
"The program strengthens the teaching and scholarly missions of the university, creates awareness of various university policies and resources, addresses the tenure and promotion process, and instills a sense of academic community among the participants. Completing STEP represents a substantial commitment of time and effort."- Dr. Candace Hastings, Director of Faculty Development
Keep up the great work Dr. Singh!
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2019 Distinguished BAAS Alumni Winner
2019 Distinguished BAAS Alumni Winner
Congratulations to Mr. Jeff Novak, BAAS, Applied Arts and Sciences, '15 for being one of this year's winners of the 2019 Distinguished Alumni awards!
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Texas State Partners with the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP)
TEXAS STATE & GSMP PARTNER TO IDENTIFY TRAINING NEEDS OF GREATER SAN MARCOS REGION
"Texas State University’s Department of Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies (OWLS) department and the Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) have partnered to study and identify the workforce training needs throughout Hays and Caldwell Counties." - Greater San Marcos PartnershipRead articles here: -
Ms. Portia Gottschall selected to serve as a member of the CAA's Environment Sustainability Committee
Ms. Portia Gottschall has been selected to serve as the CAA member of the Environment and Sustainability Committee beginning in the fall. The term is through 2022.
Congratulations!
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930 AM The ANSWER with Dr. Stephen Springer
Dr. Mary Jo Biggs and Dr. Stephen Springer were interviewed on Saturday May 11, 2019 by San Antonio's 930 am THE ANSWER about the Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies Department at Texas State University. They were able to talk about our PLA program and how work life credit can count towards your degree, specifically veterans and the working adult. You can listen to the interview here.
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Dr. Ashford-Hanserd's Research Portfolio
Please check out Dr. Ashford-Hanserd's Research Portfolio here.
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2019 STEM for All Video Showcase
Dr. Ashford-Hanserd is a computer scientist, social entrepreneur, and scholar-activist that is igniting pathways to prosperity for women and underserved communities of color. With 13 years of experience as a management consultant and global training program manager at Fortune 50 companies such as General Electric, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Dell Technologies, she has led international projects across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Japan. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies at Texas State University.
Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, has participated in the "2019 STEM for All Video Showcase"! watch her video here.
As Principal Investigator of federally-funded (e.g., National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture) community-engaged research programs, situated in urban-rural “opportunity zones” centrally located in the Austin-San Antonio High-Tech corridor, Dr. Ashford-Hanserd’s Research Group is a top producer of evidence-based solutions and best practices with the potential to transform communities, cities, and nations.
Read more about her Research Group on "Igniting pathways to prosperity for women and underserved communities of color."
ACCEYSS (Association of Collaborative Communities Equipping Youth for STEM Success) is an NSF INCLUDES Design and Development Launch Pilot at Texas State University (TXST) that is building a sustainable ACCEYSS Network and culturally-responsive and evidenced-based Model to prepare underrepresented and underserved youth to pursue undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and career pathways in the Greater San Marcos region of Texas.
For more information on ACCEYSS click here.
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Dr. Ashford-Hanserd - The Face of AEA
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Dunbar Arts, Cultural and Innovation District #ReclaimDunbar
"This is a unique model that we're utilizing."
Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, assistant professor in the College of Applied Arts’ Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies (OWLS), is leading a research-practitioner partnership to help obtain cultural district designation for the San Marcos’ Dunbar Historic District, encompassing the historic African American Dunbar neighborhood. Dr. Ashford-Hanserd is working with a research team comprised of Dr. Eric Sarmiento and Dr. Colleen Myles, assistant professors in the Department of Geography, and Dr. Steven Rayburn, assistant professor in the Department of Marketing. The project is in collaboration with OWLS and Department Chair Dr. Mary Jo Garcia Biggs. The #ReclaimDunbar Research Team will host a Dunbar Community Conversation to obtain input for the project on Monday, May 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cephas House, 217 W. Martin Luther King Drive in San Marcos.
The San Marcos City Council renewed its support for the creation of the Dunbar Arts, Cultural and Innovation District on Tuesday night. Dr. Ashford-Hanserd from the Department of Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies is leading the support for the creation of the Dunbar Arts, Cultural and Innovation District.
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Outstanding Service and Dedication to Texas State University Award - Spring 2019
The Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies honors Dr. Stephen Springer for Outstanding Service and Dedication to Texas State University. Congrats Dr. Springer!
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The Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies supports Soldiers and their Families in Achieving Educational Goals
Soldiers prepare for their future in education, changes are coming to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that supports them and their family members in achieving their higher education goals.
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The Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies recognizes Jennifer Wood for Outstanding Interdisciplinary Research Award for Spring 2019
Jennifer Wood's study, New Student Orientation Experiences of First Generation Hispanic Students, examined the new student orientation experience of first-generation Hispanic students at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The study adds students voices to the literature, addresses the literature gap in orientation experiences of first-generation Hispanic students, and offers implications for practice and ideas for future research.
The Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies congrats Jennifer Wood on this recognition!
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The Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies recognizes Kasey Williams for Outstanding Professional Practicum Award for Spring 2019
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Staff Council Meeting Highlights in April
Noel Fuller has been elected the new Staff Council Chair and has accepted his new position. You can view the members of the Executive Committee here.
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Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Conference - Dr. Steve Springer
Dr. Steve Springer presented “Public Managers Going Above and Beyond Legal Requirements to Assist Special Needs Employees” at this years CPM conference.
"...With candid and humorous insights, Dr. Springer related the personal impact possible (for both employee and employer) when we build relationships with persons with disabilities, rather than simply “checking the box” and meeting the letter of the law."- Texas CPM Conference Website
Dr. Springer’s PowerPoint presentation may be accessed here.
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Scholars from Ireland visit Texas State and Central Texas to help the "Development of Pedagogical Frameworks for Work-Based Learning"
(Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Brian O'Donnchadha, Ms. Lindsey Wilson, Dr. Omar Lopez, Dr. Niamh Nolan, Dr. Mary Jo Biggs, Ms. Nuala Mc Guinn and Dr. Todd Sherron)
In April 1st the OWLS Department welcomed Ms. Nuala McGuinn, Dr. Niamh Nolan and Dr. Brian O'Donnchadha from the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development NUI Galway, Nuns' Island Galway, Ireland.
The scholars visited in aim to learn more about our program and workforce development in Central Texas. The US visit project is titled 'Development of Pedagogical Frameworks for Work- Based Learning'.
The project visit aims to explore innovative approaches to and identify best practice methodologies in the design and development of teaching programmes which seeks to develop work-based learning/ apprenticeship style education within the higher education sector. Such programmes provide an opportunity for employees to upskill while in employment, but also provide employers with an opportunity to identify specific skills sets necessary for the development of their workforce. The project visit aims to identify the following elements in course design and delivery:
- An innovative pedagogical framework which supports work-based learning programmes and apprenticeship-style education;
- Tools used in the development of occupational profiling and competencies necessary for specific roles and industry sectors;
- Innovative tools for assessment, collaborative learning and the development of online communities of practice;
- Methods of course delivery which incorporate the employer within the workplace as a co-deliverer of training;
- Recognition of Prior Learning providing routes of accreditation for training undertaken in the workplace which may be recognised as part of a higher education award;
Development of models of work-based learning which incorporate opportunities for students to work internationally either through short work placements abroad and/or through virtual communities of practice.
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OWLS Faculty, Dr. Lopez receives Wilson Latin American Research Award
Dr. Omar Lopez received the Wilson Latin American Research Award to help support his research.
"The purpose of the Latin America Research Scholarship is to provide a means for Texas State University to engage with universities, agencies, and research centers that function in Latin America for the purpose of collaborative research, teaching, and outreach."- International Office Website
CONGRATULATIONS DR. LOPEZ!
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OWLS Faculty, Dr. Ashford-Hanserd, has TEDxTalk Available
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OWLS Booth Sponsorship - San Antonio Rodeo
The OWLS Department has partnered with the Agriculture Department to sponsor a promotional booth at the San Antonio Rodeo this February 2019.
It provides the department the ability to reach out to potential students and network! Proceeds from the raffle tickets and booth sponsorship benefit the Junior Livestock Auctions (some of those students will be attending Texas State) San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo dates-February 7-24th, 2019
Picture Left: The OWLS Department Chair, Dr. Mary Jo Garcia Biggs, is seen below representing the department at the booth. Picture Right: The OWLS Department Chair, Dr. Mary Jo Garcia Biggs, with the Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller, talking about OWLS initiatives and projects including College Credit for Heroes.
2018
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Texas State University Philosophy Dialogue Talk - Housing & Gentrification with Dr. Ashford-Hanserd
Housing activists from San Antonio and a social equity scholar from Texas State University led a conversation about "Gentrification" at Dialogues for Activism, Friday (6/22/18) at 9:00 a.m. at the LBJ Museum of San Marcos.
The dialogue on "Gentrification" was moderated by San Marcos activist Tomas de Leon. The session was emceed by Diann McCabe. The panel featured housing activists Marlon Davis and Salena Santibañez, and equity scholar Dr. Shetay N. Ashford-Hanserd.
Jo Ann Carson, coordinator of the Texas State University Philosophy Dialogue program, facilitated a deliberative dialogue on "Equitable Housing."
"Diverse and affordable housing has been a topic of conversation in the context of Code SMTX in council chambers this year as the San Marcos median home price surpassed $150,000 in 2016. Eight years ago, the median home price in San Marcos was $121,700, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At the same time, the median household income in 2016 was an estimated $30,985.
“We must do better,” said San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides."In 2014, the city adopted its affordable/workforce housing policy that included goals such as increasing the homeownership rate, encouraging the creation of a diverse housing stock, reducing builder costs for owner-occupied housing and encouraging infill development in existing neighborhoods." (Community Impact Newspaper 3/29/2018)
The San Marcos web page on Fair Housing identifies needs for affordable housing and more public knowledge about Fair Housing.
https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/618/Fair-Housing
And Austin recently had a task force on institutional racism and systemic inequalities, which issued recommendations for dealing with gentrification:
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=274706Please forward and share with your social media networks:
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Our Counter-Life Herstories Conference: Illuminating Hidden Truths about Women and Girls of Color
Overview
During this one-day storytelling conference, four women of color, employed at multinational high-tech corporations in Central Texas, will share their stories (TED Talk style) to an audience of K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students from local school districts, colleges, and universities. Our vision is to encourage girls and women of color to pursue STEM careers by illuminating the life stories of women who have persisted in male-dominated professions.
To register go to: https://goo.gl/nsSwCF
Schedule
8:30 AM
Continental Breakfast
9:00 AM
Welcoming & Interpretive Dance
9:15 AM
Counter-Life Herstory #1
9:35 AM
Counter-Life Herstory #2
9:55 AM
Break
10:00 AM
Counter-Life Herstory #3
10:20 AM
Counter-Life Herstory #4
10:40 AM
Break
10:50 AM
Campus Tours
11:55 AM
Closing Remarks
12:00 PM
Picnic Lunch in LBJ Amphitheater with Live DJ
1:00 PM
Departure
Point of Contact
512.245.3027
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Award News - P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Chapter IW (Horseshoe Bay) of the P.E.O. Sisterhood has awarded three $1,500 grants to Texas State graduate students through its Program for Continuing Education. P.E.O. stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization, and its mission is to support educational opportunities for women. The Program for Continuing Education provides need-based grants to women whose education has been interrupted (at least 2 years as a non-student) and who return to school to complete a degree that improves their marketable skills for employment. This is the first time students from Texas State have applied for and received these grants. The three recipients are as follows:
Monica Swift – OWLS
Jane Heffelfinger – History
Dana Minney – Family & Child Studies
Congratulations to these students and thank you to Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, research coordinator in The Graduate College, for working with these students!
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Graduate House of Representatives - Round Rock OWLS Representative
Jessica Ramos-Karmaker is a graduate student at the Round Rock Campus who has been selected as a member of the Graduate House of Representatives. This is a wonderful honor for her, and she has expressed her excitement at bringing ideas and feedback from Round Rock graduate students.
Since the MSIS and MEd degrees in the OWLS department can be completed in Round Rock, if you have any feedback for her and the Grad House, you can contact her via email at Jessica.ramos@txstate.edu.
There will also be a suggestion box in the Student Services office in the Avery Building should graduate students prefer to leave anonymous suggestions for Jessica.
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Faculty Research Spotlight: Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd
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News From the Hill - Dr. Ashford-Hanserd
Grant will encourage STEM studies among underrepresented youth
Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, assistant professor in Texas State’s Department of Occupational, Workforce and Leadership Studies, received a $299,536 grant from the National Science Foundation INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science) program. Her research team will develop a collaborative project to prepare historically underrepresented youth to pursue undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees. Under the Association of Collaborative Communities Equipping Youth for STEM Success program, Dr. Ashford will work with San Marcos-based nonprofits, churches, schools, city offices, and organizations to implement a culturally relevant learning model.
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Adjunct Faculty - Invited to Project MALES
With his work at Texas State University with minority males and his lecturer appointment within the OWLS department, Dr. Michael E. Nava has been invited to be a part of the Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success) Research Institute as a Faculty and Research Affiliate.
He has been involved with Project MALES since 2010 when he worked at UT-Austin within the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement. He helped to design and develop the program as well as their initial research agenda. His association as an Honorary Co-Founder has kept him connected with Project MALES during his time here at Texas State University; including gaining institutional membership for Texas State University into the Texas Education Consortium for Male Students of Color. Just recently, he was also asked to be a member of the Consortium's Advisory Council.
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Conversation re: #ReclaimDunbar Community Project
#ReclaimDunbar community engaged project (See attachment), which supports an effort to form a Dunbar Arts, Cultural, and Innovation District in San Marcos. This effort was birth out of Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd participation in a community-driven effort to restore the old First Baptist Church NBC (i.e., Historic First Baptist Church Restoration Project
Community Impact News: https://communityimpact.com/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle/arts-entertainment/2018/05/01/historically-black-dunbar-neighborhood-in-san-marcos-looks-to-turn-into-official-cultural-district/
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College Credit for Heroes Grant accelerates Veteran Degree Program
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New Course: Civic Engagement as Global Citizenship
The Department of Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies announces a new course for spring 2019 titled, Civic Engagement as Global Citizenship. Students will engage in innovative approaches to learning about community-based issues within the context of global citizenship. After completing the course, students will be able to understand civic issues from different frames (e.g., social, economic, political, etc.), assess a civic issue to propose alternative interventions, and extend an issue to regional, state, national, and global levels.
For further information, please contact Dr. Omar S. Lopez, Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies via email ol14@txstate.edu.
Click here for more information about the grants awarded for the College of Applied Arts.
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Veterans Program gives college credit for military experience
Texas State’s partnership with College Credit for Heroes is giving service members the ability to earn college credit for skills learned in the military.
The program, created by the Texas Legislature in 2011, accelerates the rate at which military members obtain their college degree, workforce certificate or licensing program. Texas State offers the ability to gain up to 30 credit hours from non-collegiate training and 24 hours of work-life credits toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts and sciences degree. Paths include various disciplines ranging from engineering technology to social services.
Todd Sherron, coordinator for Prior Learning Assessment Program, a competency-based portfolio builder, said the program at Texas State is funded by the Texas Workforce Commission. This allows the school to pay participants for prior learning assessments or internships.
“College-level learning can take place in a lot of different places and it does not have to be in a classroom or even in a university,” Sherron said. “These veterans have thousands of hours of military training as well as years of experience of working and doing their job. It makes no sense to put this type of person through traditional programs.”
The program has space for up to 40 students but only 19 have participated since 2016. The average student age is 36 years old, according to Sherron.
David Beadle, alumnus of the program, said ensuring service members receive a degree in a timely manner is essential.
“(The program) is a benefit many veterans need in order to help assist them in achieving their goals and finishing school,” Beadle said. “I have already recommended several others to look into the program.”
Brigitte Flynt, program director at College Credit for Heroes, said the program began after the Iraq War. Service members wanted to enter the workforce with new careers but were held back by not having a degree or certification.
“The program is very popular with over 40,500 evaluation requests because military members can get into the civilian workforce faster,” Flynt said. “Their degrees are completed sooner because they get the military credit. It’s a win-win for the students.”
For admittance into the program, students must request an evaluation of military education and workforce experience at collegecreditforheroes.org. Texas State requires an online information session before students can meet with an academic advisor following an acceptance to the university.
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OWLS Graduate Research Assistants present at the 10th Annual International Research Conference
Graduate Research Assistants, Michael Paul Gutiérrez Mannix and Mairi P. Vannella presented a paper entitled “Factors that Influence Persistence Among Students of Color in K-16 STEM Education” at the 10th Annual International Research Conference for Graduate Students at Texas State University on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
This work is part of the NSF-funded project- ACCEYSS (Association of Collaborative Communities Equipping Youth for STEM Success), which is spearheaded by principal investigator, Dr. Shetay Ashford
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Per Course Faculty, Dr. Brett Lee, interviewed for his research
Study: Teachers Use Crowdfunding Sites to Make Up for Budget Shortfalls
By Sarah Schwartz on November 29, 2018 4:05 PM
For teachers, crowdfunding has became a go-to method for financing hands-on projects, planning class trips, and outfitting classrooms—four out of five public schools in the U.S. have at least one teacher who has listed a project on the teacher-crowfunding site DonorsChoose.org, according to the nonprofit.
New research from Texas State University offers a closer look at what factors lead a teacher to list a project—and how educators may be shifting their instructional priorities to become more marketable on the platform.
In his doctoral dissertation, Brett Lee, now a lecturer at the university, conducted in-depth interviews with 16 teachers and school administrators at four schools in a Texas district. All of the schools had relied heavily on the platform over the course of a decade—each school had raised at least $25,000 through the site from 2006 to 2017.
Many of these teachers drew a direct line from budget cuts to crowdfunding. A smaller stream of money to their districts meant fewer funds for updated or supplementary materials, interviewees said. One teacher said that she turned to DonorsChoose amid deep cuts to Texas's school spending in 2011, and that the ongoing effects of that state funding decision have kept her on the platform.
"Sadly, it seems that the responsibility to close the funding sinkhole trickles down from the district, to the campus, to the classroom teacher," said Lee, in an email. "Most of the teachers admitted to previously spending thousands of dollars of their own income."
School administrators were largely supportive of their teachers using DonorsChoose, in some cases even promoting the site. One administrator included links to match offers on the platform in a weekly newsletter to staff, while two of the four schools in the study offered crowdfunding professional development. At one of these schools, the PD was mandatory for teachers who had not yet launched a DonorsChoose campaign.
Teachers also said equity for their students was a driving goal. Of all of the schools in the district, the most frequent and successful DonorsChoose users had large populations of students from low-income households. The four schools in the study were all classified as Title I.
"Within these schools, the parents and parent-teacher organizations do not have the same amount of fiscal leverage to meet the needs of their respective campuses," said Lee. "Simply put, as the budgets shrink statewide, the campuses that 'have-not' have to look to innovation to make up for education budget shortfalls."
One teacher described her reason for using the platform: "There's another school here and it's on the west side and it's mostly white, and they have a lot of money. [That teacher's] budget was $25,000, because she gets district money and then she does fundraising, and the parents buy products, and they had $25,000. My budget is $2,000. Why should my kids have less? ... [S]o I'm gonna hustle."
Teachers were mostly likely to post requests for classroom technology to replace outdated or broken tools, new books (especially culturally relevant titles that they couldn't find in school libraries), and personal items like food and hygiene supplies for students who couldn't afford them. If their projects were funded, teachers often shared their materials across classrooms in the building.
How Teachers 'Sell' Projects
But successful crowdfunding also requires marketing—in order to get these projects funded, teachers had to design projects that would be appealing to donors.
Teachers researched other projects that had been fulfilled, making stylistic and tactical changes to their proposals as a result. Teachers said that they tried to keep costs relatively low—between $200-$500—as projects with more modest goals tend to be more likely to get fully funded.
In other cases, teachers created projects designed to be eligible for matching funds from companies and foundations. For example, one teacher said, if there's an organization offering matching contributions for science materials, she'll submit a proposal for science materials.
Sometimes, this means that companies play a part in shaping the topics that teachers cover. One teacher, after researching match offers, discovered that the bank Charles Schwab was funding projects related to financial literacy.
"I made sure that my resources fit the criteria and then my description of how the students and why they needed it was really to what the company wanted," she said. "It wasn't something that I thought off the top of my head like, 'Hey, my students really need this,' but I saw the match and I thought, 'Oh, this would great.' "
Even so, Lee said, teachers didn't express concern that tailoring their requests in this way would limit or dictate what they could do in the classroom. Requirements for matching funds are generally rather broad, he said.
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TXST/Calaboose Collaboration "Share & Celebrate" Event - Calaboose African American History Museum
The following TXST Geography class presentations have taken place at the Calaboose African American History Museum from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm on December 5, 2018. These activities were facilitated by colleagues, Drs. Colleen Myles and Eric Sarmiento, as part of the#ReclaimDunbar: Reclaiming the Lived Experiences and Lost Assets of the Dunbar Community research project. The students will share historical mappings of US Census Bureau data from the 1930s/1940s and a Dunbar neighborhood walking tour.
TXST/Calaboose Collaboration “Share & Celebrate”Event
Wed, Dec 5, 5-6:30 PM, Calaboose African American History Museum
Join TXST Geography students from the Fall 2018Interpretive Environmental Geography and Managing Urbanization classes
as they share – and celebrate! - the work they have done with our community partner, the Calaboose Museum.
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OWLS Faculty Honored by Alpha Chi National Honor Society
Dr. Cherrstrom and Dr. Ashford-Hanserd were honored as Alpha Chi National Honor Society’s Favorite Professors for 2018 on December 4, 2018.
Alpha Chi is a national honor society which promotes academic excellence and exemplary character among undergraduate college and university students and honors those who achieve such distinction. To qualify for membership, a student must be a first-time undergraduate, a junior or senior (having attained no less than 60 credit hours), have a minimum Texas State GPA of 3.50 on at least 45 semester hours at Texas State. Graduate students with a 4.0 and at least 15 hours of graduate course-work at Texas State also qualify for Alpha Chi membership. Alpha Chi is the oldest honor society at Texas State, founded in 1922. Membership in the honor society is indicated on the student’s transcript. -
OWLS Faculty receiving award at Veterans Graduation Reception
Dr. Boden is the Faculty Recipient of the Veterans Alliance of Texas State Above and Beyond Award for her outstanding contributions and dedications to supporting student veterans at Texas State University. The award will be presented at the Veterans Graduation Reception.
Veterans Graduation Reception recognizes the academic achievements and contributions of student veterans at Texas State.
This program is supported by the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Vice President for Student Affairs, Veterans Initiative, Veterans Affairs Office, Veterans Initiative and Veterans Alliance of Texas State.
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OWLS Faculty & GRA research at Adult Higher Education Alliance
Protective Factors to Foster Resiliency in Healthcare Professional
Trainees Carrie Boden, Wendy L. Ward, and Lindsey Wilson
42nd Annual Conference Proceedings
Hosted by
The UCF College of Education and Human Performance
The Morgridge International Reading Center
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
March 8-9, 2018
Abstract
High stress levels and burnout are common in the healthcare field today. Healthcare professionals (HCP) can protect themselves by remaining cognizant of preventive and intervention strategies to utilize when stress levels are threatening burnout. Within one’s professional identity, developing resiliency skills and actively practicing self-care are some strategies that are helpful in maintaining effective work performance and patient care. To develop and recognize these skills, HCPs undergoing transformational learning (TL) can develop new ways of thinking, acting, and feeling in their work and everyday life to help prevent burnout (Transformative Learning Centre, 2004). Keywords: Transformative Learning, Healthcare Professional, Community of Practice, Adult, Resilience
Read the full excerpt at the following link: