FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 6, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-More than 1,600 students, faculty and staff rolled up their sleeves to tackle 155 community projects during Tarleton State University's 18th annual Round Up this past Saturday, setting an all-time record for number of volunteers and jobs completed.

Coordinated by the Department of Student Engagement, Round Up kicked off a full week of activities-appropriately called Texans Team Up-dedicated to Tarleton's core value of service. The single-day, student-led, student initiated event takes place annually in concert with Keep Stephenville Beautiful.

“This year's Tarleton Round Up was a huge success, thanks to the city of Stephenville, our volunteers and our sponsors and donors,” said Erin Warner, coordinator of Student Leadership Programs. “They were all key in helping us give back to the community. We are honored that so many students took on the role of servant leaders, demonstrating a strong commitment to Tarleton's core values-especially service.”

In addition to those representing the Stephenville campus, this year's volunteers included students, faculty and staff from Tarleton-Fort Worth. Volunteers helped residents with everything from cleaning windows to general lawn and garden work.

Tarleton's College of Graduate Studies partnered with several dozen Tarleton-Fort Worth students to clean up Baja Beach in Benbrook.

More than 50 university organizations took part in this year's event, including 17 Greek societies, 34 departmental associations and 12 student residence-hall groups. Joining university volunteers for the first time were 65 Upward Bound high school students.

Among student organizations involved in this year's Round Up were: African Student Organization, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Omega Alpha Omicron Pi, Association of Information Technology Professionals, Bender Hall, BIG Texans, Black Excellence Association, Bosque Crossing, Centennial Hall, Collegiate FFA, Cowboy Church, Criminal Justice Association, Delta Mu Delta, Delta Phi Epsilon, Delta Zeta, Fab Ferg (Ferguson Hall), #FAHB, FarmHouse Fraternity, Gamma Beta Phi, Hardcore 4^th Floor, Heritage Crew, Integrity Hall, JTAC Sweethearts, Kappa Delta Chi, Kappa Delta Rho, Kinesiology Fitness Club, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Legacy Hall, Legends Hall, Match Club, PANKUS, Phi Beta Sigma, Phi Kappa Sigma, Phi Mu, PHOS, Plowboys, Pre-Vet Club, Psychology Club, Purrs N' Spurrs, Quidditch Team, Residence Hall Association, Residential Living & Learning, ROTC, Student Nursing Association, SWAT, Sigma Alpha, Sigma Alpha Pi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi Lambda, Tarleton Men's Society, Tarleton Professional Educators, Tarleton Serves, Tarleton State Equestrian Team, Tarleton Transition Mentors & Leaders, TREAT, TSET, Wesley Foundation, Young Life and Zeta Phi Beta.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Erin Warner – Coordinator of Student Leadership Programs
254-968-1899
ewarner@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 11, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Tarleton State University's Honors College highlights student research during Honors Week, April 11-13, with research presentations each day at 3 p.m.

Honors Week research presentations take place in Centennial Hall's Honors Multipurpose Room and are open to the public. Seniors enrolled in Tarleton's Honors College will present their research on topics ranging from rural food insecurity to stigmas and stereotypes associated with schizophrenia.

“Each year in April, Honors Week celebrates the achievements of students who participate in the Honors College, with special attention on the graduating seniors,” said Dr. Craig Clifford, director of Tarleton's Honors College. “This week, the Presidential Honors Scholars will present the results of the research they have done for their senior research project. Working with a faculty member in his or her major, each Presidential Honors Scholar completes a research project that provides a capstone experience.”

Following is a schedule of senior research presenters and topics beginning at 3 p.m. each day:
Monday, April 11
• Cody Earp (Chemistry): Determination of Hydrogen Bonding Acidity Values and Distribution Coefficients for Flavonoids with Multiple Hydroxyl Substituents
• Jennifer Hayes (Interdisciplinary Studies): The De-Pathologization of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students
• Ashley Hession (Kinesiology): A Peek into the Mentality of American Football
• Russell King (Computer Science): The Limits of Computing in Cyberwar: A Technical and Philosophical Analysis

Tuesday, April 12
• Kelly Annestrand (Social Work): Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Rural Food Insecurity
• Abigail Fesmire (Nursing): Factors Affecting the Success of Students in a Rural Nursing Program
• Christopher Marble (Physics/Math): PYTHIA Simulation Study of Direct-Photon- and π0-Triggered Jet Yields for 200 GeV Proton-Proton Collisions

Wednesday, April 13
• Taylor Craig (Communications): Aphrodisiacs and Arousal
• Brandi Fleming (Psychology): Stigmas and Stereotypes Associated with Schizophrenia
• Kristen Gray (Accounting): Financial Accounting from an Intern's Perspective
• Erica Laborde (Biomedical Science): The Evolution and Significance of Mammalian Sleep
• Arianna Smith (Animal Science): Factors Affecting Body Condition Score on Exotic Hoofstock Species

Honors Week also includes a ceremony and reception to recognize the graduating seniors at which President Dominic Dottavio, Provost Karen Murray and Honors Director Clifford will present each of the students with a certificate of completion and a special Honors College stole that they will wear at graduation.

About the Honors College at Tarleton
Tarleton has two programs within the Honors College: the Honors Degree Program and the Presidential Honors Program. Although requirements for the two programs differ, much of the Honors curriculum is the same, and participants in both programs contribute to Tarleton's Honors community and to the academic excellence of the campus.

The fall of 2013 marked the transition of the Honors Programs into the Honors College, but the two Honors programs have a long history.

The Presidential Honors Program started in fall 1985 with 15 students, and the curriculum consisted of two special Honors seminars. The size of the program gradually has increased to about 60 students, and the curriculum now includes Honors core courses, three Honors seminars, and a senior research project. The Presidential Honors scholarship amount has increased from $2,500 in 1985 to the current amount of $7,000 -- a $28,000 scholarship over four years.

The Honors Degree Program offered its first Honors core course in 1990, one section of English 112 with 25 students. Now, more than 700 students participate in the Honors Degree Program, and the Honors College offers Honors sections of most core courses and special Honors seminars, as well as a number of upper-level Honors options. There are several Honors Degree Program scholarships.

The Honors College sponsors numerous events of cultural and academic enrichment that are open to students in both Honors programs. In the fall of 2012, Centennial Hall officially became the Honors Hall, housing 236 Honors students and the offices of the Honors College.

To learn more about the Honors College at Tarleton, visit www.tarleton.edu/honors.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Betti Cryer
254-968-1888
cryer@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 11, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Founder's Week-honoring Tarleton State University founder John Tarleton-takes place this week with a number of events, from fun to solemn.

Hosted by the Tarleton Ambassadors, the annual May Fête Celebration begins at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 12, near the Hunewell Bandstand in Heritage Oaks Park. Tarleton's first May Fête took place May 5, 1921.

Student Josh Dempsey will serve as Lord Tarleton and master of ceremonies for this year's May Fête Celebration and will lead in wrapping the Maypole with brightly colored ribbons. The 2016 May Fête court will lead the procession to the Maypole. Court members are Maggie Wright, Jacki Miller, Allison Newcomer, Brittany Green, Marissa Waldon and Marina Gonzalez.

On Wednesday, April 13, the Student Government Association and Student Publications hosts a Grassburr Festival and picnic at Heritage Oaks Park and the Hunewell Bandstand from 5 to 8 p.m. Mr. and Ms. TSU will be announced at approximately 5:45 p.m. The event includes live music by Davis Danziger, Jesse Rasanen and Thomas Napp, plus a live remote broadcast with KXTR 100.7 FM The Planet and DJ James Segura.

The Grassburr Festival, which marks the 100th year of Tarleton's student yearbook (first published in 1916), offers guests free food, snow cones and prizes, plus free T-shirts to the first 250 people who attend.

Founder's Week continues with the annual Silver Taps ceremony in Heritage Oaks Park and Col. Tate Military Park on Thursday, April 14. The event, hosted by the Tarleton Ambassadors, Tarleton ROTC, the Division of Advancement and External Relations and the Tarleton Alumni Association, begins at 7 p.m. with a reception at the Alumni Plaza followed by the Silver Taps ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

Silver Taps honors faculty, staff, students and alumni who passed away during the previous year. A roll call of 280 names is read aloud, and students and family members carry candles in a procession from the Hunewell Bandstand to the Tarleton Military Memorial.

For more information about all the events, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/foundersweek.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Office of Community Relations
254-968-9075
sgoodman@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-The American Chemical Society has certified Tarleton State University's chemistry program, making the College of Science and Technology program one of fewer than three dozen in Texas to receive ACS certification.

Approval by the ACS-the premier U.S. professional society for the scientific community-serves as national recognition of the quality and value built into Tarleton's chemistry program, said Dr. James Pierce, dean of Tarleton's College of Science and Technology.

“This certification proves something I have always known, that Tarleton's chemistry program is of the highest quality.” Pierce said. “I attribute this success to our fine faculty and hardworking students.”

Founded in 1876, the ACS is a non-profit professional association with 160,000 members at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry. ACS-approved programs undergo an official, multi-step review process and must meet a stringent set of guidelines before certification is granted.

According to Dr. Arthur Low, Tarleton chemistry department head, faculty have been working toward ACS certification since the 1980s. “I am very proud of our chemistry program at Tarleton and all the hard work done to obtain this certification,” he said.

With an ACS-certified program, Tarleton can expect to attract top high-school talent seeking an established and rigorous chemistry department staffed by accomplished faculty. ACS-certified institutions provide advantages to students applying to graduate-level chemistry programs and expand opportunities for employment and professional development.

The ACS designation also qualifies Tarleton to apply for grants offered by industries and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

To learn more about Tarleton's Department of Chemistry, Geoscience and Physics, visit www.tarleton.edu/chemistry.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Dr. Arthur Low – Department Head
254-968-9143
low@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Tarleton State University is one of seven universities selected to help Jacksonville State University (JSU) Partners expand the Collaborative Regional Education (CORE) Initiative.

Funded by an $11.67-million grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 2013, CORE is aimed at transforming K-12 and higher education through innovative technology and teaching methods. In efforts to expand CORE, JSU Partners will conduct a rigorous research study of approximately 40 classrooms in eighth through 12th grades across the nation.

The study begins with the 2016-2017 academic year and continues through the following school session.

“I am very pleased that Tarleton has the opportunity to participate in this grant,” said Dr. Jordan Barkley, dean of the College of Education. “It is no secret that funding in education is problematic. Placing technology into the hands of teachers and students in rural schools is one thing, but doing so and being part of a national study to better inform our potential implementation of 21st century learning strategies allows us to be part of the solution.”

As a partner university, Tarleton will share CORE with 10 area teachers selected for the study. Teachers will receive $1,000 in classroom funds for instructional materials and a MacBook Air computer.

In addition, teachers chosen to participate in the experimental group will receive $2,100 in technology funds, 21 iPad 3s (one for the teacher and a class set of 20 to remain at the school), paid travel to the CORE Academy conference for professional development, additional free professional development throughout the study and stipends for substitute teacher pay when necessary.

“I am so excited to work with each of the local school districts who participate in the CORE study,” said Julie Ward, assistant professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Tarleton. “CORE not only puts additional technology in the hands of teachers and students in rural areas but also strengthens Tarleton's partnership with area schools.”

Other universities selected as JSU Partners are Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina, Savannah State University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and West Texas A&M.

For more information on CORE, visit www.corepartners.org or email corepartners@jus.edu.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Julie Ward - Assistant Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
254-968-9818
jward@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Five Tarleton State University students presented papers this month at the North Central Texas Phi Alpha Theta Conference in Fort Worth.

Phi Alpha Theta is an American honor society for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. Tarleton's chapter, Alpha Beta Chi, was established in 1985.

Tarleton history professors Christopher Hickman, Mattie Fitch and Michael Landis helped students prepare their papers and served as commentators and moderators for the regional conference.

Student presenters were:
• Sara Brown, “The Small Town Museum: Promotion, Provocation and Survival;”
• Amy Gaudette, “The Woman in the White House: The Life of Grace Halsell and Her Experiences on President Lyndon Johnson's Staff;”
• Matt Killingsworth, “The Historical Memory of the Tower Shooting;”
• Michelle Loyd, “Moguls on Trial: The September 1941 Investigations of Hollywood;” and
• Cory McCray, “Henry Clay, the Whig Party and the Complications of Compromise.”

For more information on Tarleton's chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Beta Chi, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/phialphatheta/ or email Dr. Hickman at hickman@tarleton.edu.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Dr. Christopher Hickman
254-968-9629
hickman@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Several thousand high school students and their sponsors will visit Stephenville on Wednesday, April 13, for the annual Area FFA Career Development Events contest, hosted by Tarleton State University and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Approximately 4,500 students and ag science educators representing 440 high schools will converge on the Tarleton campus to participate in various contests and vie for a berth at the State FFA contests in their respective events.

This week's contest follows the Tarleton FFA Invitational CDE Judging Contest held April 7, which was attended by more than 10,000 high school students-an event that can claim to be the world's largest FFA contest.

“We have hosted these events for as long as the Texas FFA Organization has sponsored them,” said Dr. David Drueckhammer, interim dean of the college. “I believe our commitment to agricultural education, to our high school agriculture teachers and to high school students who will become the next generation of leaders in the agricultural, environmental and food industries is second to none.”

Members from seven of the Texas FFA association's 10 areas will compete in 14 contests, including ag mechanics, dairy, entomology, farm business management, floriculture, horse judging, land, livestock judging, milk quality and products, nursery/landscape, poultry, range judging, vet tech and wool.

Tarleton will host the State FFA contests for dairy cattle, environmental and natural resources, homesite evaluation, land, milk quality and products, and range on Thursday, April 21.

For more information on this and future FFA events, contact Dr. Ted Ford at 254-968-9224 or email ford@tarleton.edu.

Tarleton State University, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Michelle Damerau
254-968-9020
damerau@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 12, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Listed among the most prestigious juried art events in North Texas, the 19th annual Rio Brazos Art Exhibition at the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural & Educational Center opens with a reception and awards ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17.

The Langdon Center is located at the corner of East Bridge and Brazos streets, one block east of the Hood County courthouse in historic downtown Granbury.

Presented by Tarleton State University, the Granbury Arts Alliance and the city of Granbury, this year's exhibition runs Monday through Sunday, April 18 to May 1. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free.

Artwork for this year's exhibit was selected at the discretion of the juror, with works grouped according to the type of media used. More than $5,000 in cash and merchandise awards will be presented this year.

Serving as juror is Nancy Palmeri, printmaker and master of fine arts program director at the University of Texas in Arlington. She has had solo exhibitions in New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Texas, Illinois, Virginia and Italy. Her prints were included in Color Print USA in Texas, and the Global Matrix International Print Exhibition at the Purdue University Art Gallery in Indiana. Her work will be featured in the upcoming Frans Masereel Graphic Art Center's Jubilee Exhibition in Belgium.

Palmeri has curated three exhibitions in the gallery at the University of Texas at Arlington, including “Pervasive Impressions: Contemporary Political Prints” and “Foundations: Mechanics and Instinct and Anthropology in Print.” In 2006-2007, she presented lectures at the MidAmerican Print Council Conference and the Southern Graphics Council Conference.

The Granbury Arts Alliance (GAA), a non-profit fine arts organization, is a major sponsor of the Rio Brazos Art Exhibition. GAA serves to enrich and enhance the artistic environment of Granbury and make cultural activities accessible to all citizens.

To learn more about the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural & Educational Center, visit www.tarleton.edu/langdoncenter.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Joel Back
817-279-1164
back@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 13, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-The Tarleton State University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Dr. Gary Westbrook, presents its spring concert, “Inertia,” Sunday, April 17, featuring the Texas premiere of a work commissioned by a consortium of more than 60 U.S. bands.

The 3 p.m. public concert takes place inside the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium. Admission is $5, or free with a valid Tarleton ID. The Symphonic Band is dedicating this Texas premiere of Five to Daniel Jones, member of Tarleton bands 2011-2016, who passed away suddenly on April 6.

The featured work, Five composed by Kenyon Wilson, associate professor of low brass and music theory at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, was commissioned by a consortium of bands-including the Tarleton Symphonic Band-to honor the sailor and four U.S. Marines killed in the July 2015 shooting in Chattanooga. In addition, the Tarleton Symphonic Band will present compositions by Robert Sheldon, Robert W. Smith, Samuel Hazo and Gary Gilroy.

The consortium includes 64 high school, university, community, military and brass bands from nearly all 50 states. Wilson specifically created the work for concert bands following a request from the Chattanooga Memorial Commission.

Two of the servicemen killed in the Chattanooga shooting performed for their high school bands and, when composing Five, Wilson said he wanted the song to have a solemn tone. “Everyone responds in their own way; I wanted to do something musical,” Wilson said. “One of the youngest victims (Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells) was a clarinet player in his high school band for four years. That kind of hit a little closer to home and got things rolling.”

Wilson said his work on Five began as a personal means of coping with grief, but added that the enthusiastic, widespread response to the piece helped realize that goal before the first downbeat. “Here are all these groups with no connection to Chattanooga who are saying, ‘We want to honor these five and help in whatever way we can,'” he said. “Musically, they're helping. I haven't heard a note, and it's already achieved that goal.”

Wilson's UTC Tri-State Honor Band was the first to perform Five, and during the concert left five chairs empty on the stage to represent the victims of the shooting spree. Tarleton is one of four Texas schools to participate in the consortium, including Del Valle High School, Texas Woman's University and Richmond's Bush High School.

To learn more about the various bands and ensembles at Tarleton, visit www.tarleton.edu/band.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Dr. Gary Westbrook
254-968-9439
gwestbrook@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 18, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Step into the 1920s with the classic gangster film The Public Enemy at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, as Tarleton State University's W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas continues its 2016 Night at the Opera series.

Featuring James Cagney and Jean Harlow, the film tells the story of a young man's rise in the criminal underworld in prohibition-era urban America. The film was directed by William A. Wellman and based on a never-published novel by two former street thugs-“Beer and Blood” by John Bright and Kubec Glasmon-who witnessed some of Al Capone's murderous gang rivalries in Chicago.

There is no charge; however, seating is limited. Reservations are requested. Free refreshments will be served at intermission.

The W.K. Gordon Center, a Tarleton museum and research facility located in the historic ghost town of Thurber, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The center is located at Exit 367 on Interstate 20 between Fort Worth and Abilene. For more information, visit www.tarleton.edu/gordoncenter or the museum's Facebook page.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Mary Adams, Museum Educator / Facilities Manager
254-968-1886
mkadams@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Tarleton State University's Wind Ensemble takes the stage one last time during the 2015-16 academic year at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, for a performance in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium. General admission tickets are $5 or free with a Tarleton ID.

The performance begins with a reflection on this year's composer-in-residence, Robert Sheldon, with Rhapsodic Celebration. The work includes three briefly connected musical tableaus that present their own distinct moods and style.

The opening Intrada is an uplifting fanfare that explores developed rhythmical motifs. The slower Serenade provides contrast that begins with an expressive solo from the alto saxophonist, which is soon joined by the entire ensemble to create a warm and rich atmosphere. The closing Galop is as tuneful as it is technical, providing the audience with an energetic and fast-paced conclusion to the opening of the concert.

Following the opening number, the Wind Ensemble steps back 100 years to offer a glimpse of the music scene around the time that Tarleton became a member of The Texas A&M University System in 1917, performing Robert Russell Bennett's Suite of Old American Dances.

“As a member of the Centennial Celebration committee, I can tell you that Tarleton President Dominic Dottavio and Darrell Brown, executive director of Student Engagement, are preparing a very exciting 2017 that will involve every facet of the university and its affiliation with the Texas A&M System,” said Dr. Anthony Pursell, director of bands and Wind Ensemble conductor.

The ensemble's concert also features the winner of the second annual Instrumental Concerto Competition, music education junior Ricardo Allen, performing Claude T. Smith's Fantasia for Alto Saxophone. In addition to the Wind Ensemble, Allen is a member of The Sound and the Fury marching band and the Tarleton Jazz Ensemble I.

“The idea of a concerto competition actually came from several students a few years ago,” Pursell said. “In the past, we have featured faculty and guest artists and, while we plan to continue that, I am happy that we can honor one of our talented students from within the ensemble as a soloist.”

Claude T. Smith wrote his Fantasia in 1983 for U.S. Navy Band member Dale Underwood. It has become a staple for many classically trained graduate-level saxophonists.

The Wind Ensemble concludes with Hirokazu Fukushima's, Eternal Memoir: Saga of the Lucky Dragon.

Tickets to the performance go on sale one hour prior to concert time. For more information, call the Fine Arts Center Box Office at 254-968-9291.

To learn more about bands at Tarleton, visit www.tarleton.edu/COLFAWEB/band.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 18, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Area rodeo fans can enjoy three days of fast-paced action, April 21-23, when the 51st annual Tarleton Stampede comes to Lone Star Arena.

The event serves as the season finale for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association's (NIRA) Southwest Region, and determines which cowboys and cowgirls earn a trip to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) slated for June 12-18 in Casper, Wyo.

Sixteen colleges from across the region will compete in nine events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping and goat tying.

Award-winning announcer Ben Clements returns, and Mitch Terrell's TNT Rodeo Co. serves as stock contractor.

The Tarleton men's team currently leads the Southwest Region, with the women in third place.

The men's team has 3,843.33 points over Western Texas College (2,505) heading into this weekend's NIRA Southwest Region finale, while the women look to overtake Eastern New Mexico (1,464.99) for the second-place position and a chance to qualify for this year's CNFR.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with the rodeo slack slated for 8:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Admission is $10 per day for adults. Children under 10 are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.

For more information about Tarleton's rodeo program, contact Rodeo Coach Mark Eakin at 254-968-9187. Current NIRA Southwest Region standings can be found online at: www.collegerodeo.com/standings/2014-2015-southwest-region-standings.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Mark Eakin – Head Rodeo Coach
254-968-9187
eakin@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 18, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-For the second year in a row, Tarleton State University's Aeronautical Team is a winner in the NASA-sponsored Student Launch Centennial Challenge competition, returning to campus with a $10,000 cash prize following its successful rocket launch Saturday, April 16, near Huntsville, Ala.

The team brought home third place for successful completion of this year's design-build-launch competition that highlighted NASA's Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV)-the rocket affiliated with a proposed Mars Sample Return lander mission.

The Cornell University Rocketry Team won this year's competition, earning $25,000. Nearly 50 high school, college and university teams from 22 states competed at the 16th annual Student Launch competition and second annual MAV Challenge.

“This year's team effort was amazing and the students' research really blew NASA away. All of Tarleton should be proud, they have really put the university on the map,” said Dr. Bowen Brawner, team mentor and associate professor of mathematics. “Their dedication and talent continues to amaze me. They have beaten the top aerospace programs in the world again!”

For more than a decade, NASA has welcomed some two dozen teams from across the U.S. to design, build and launch their custom vehicles in a competitive environment. Teams get eight months, from September to April, to design and build a Space Launch System (SLS) that mimics the NASA engineering design lifecycle. Participants gain critical insights and practice in the rapidly expanding field of space exploration.

This year's challenge required team rockets to carry a payload to an altitude of 5,280 feet above ground level and reach a specified height with a single-engine stage. The team was instructed to design a SLS that could retrieve and insert a payload into the rocket, rotate the vehicle to a vertical position and launch autonomously. NASA limited teams to a total budget of $7,500 for all parts.

After a competitive proposal selection process, teams participated in a series of design reviews submitted to NASA via team-developed websites. Tarleton's Aeronautical Team then completed a Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Flight Readiness Review and Launch Readiness Review that included a safety briefing.

The team analyzed payload and flight data during a Post Launch Assessment Review. In addition, Tarleton team members were required to successfully complete an initial and a final Launch Readiness Review that included a safety inspection prior to take-off.

The Tarleton Aeronautical Team is comprised of eight undergraduate students from various academic disciplines.

Others competing in the NASA Centennial Challenge included teams from Cal State Polytechnic, Cornell, U.S. Naval Academy, Louisville, Arkansas, Illinois, North Carolina, Iowa State, California State-Long Beach, Florida International, North Dakota, Georgia Institute of Technology, South Florida, Northwestern (Evanston, Ill.), Central Florida, Saint Louis and Iowa.

“The students developed a winning autonomous robotics system last year and several teams this year modelled a system of our last year's design,” said Brawner. “NASA was amazed that our students raised the bar again with a completely new robotics system design that ran on Bluetooth and linear actuators.”

Brawner explained that this year's mission was a challenge centered on NASA's Mars Mission Directorate. “You expect it to be tough with NASA. After all, it is rocket science. But, our Tarleton students really thrive on that challenge. They believe the harder it is, the better.

“What they accomplished this year becomes all the more amazing when you get to the Marshall Space Flight Center and you see how many schools cratered under the pressure. Steve Merwin, the lead faculty mentor this year, set high expectations and the students rose even higher. The team proved once again that Tarleton students can compete and win against the very best in the country. They make me proud to be a Texan.”

2015-2016 Tarleton Aeronautical Team members and their majors are:
• Jordan Doornek: Team Lead – Sophomore, Electrical Engineering
• Grant Gregory: AGSE Lead – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Colby LaRue: Programming Lead – Junior, Computer Science and Physics
• Andrew Olbrich: Recovery Lead – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
• Mark Mosby: Safety Officer – Junior, Computer Science
• Corbin Loewe: Technical Writer – Senior, English
• Taylor Hamilton: Technical Writer – Senior, English
• Kaitlin Sullivan: Technical Writer – Senior, English
• Steve Merwin: Lead Faculty Mentor & Mathematics Instructor
• Dr. Bowen Brawner: Mathematics Department Head, Faculty Mentor
• Dr. Cynthia McPherson: Technical Writing Faculty Mentor
• Pat Gordzelick: National Association of Rocketry, Mentor

About Tarleton Aeronautical Team:
The Tarleton Aeronautical Team was founded in the fall of 2011 to compete in the NASA CANSAT International Competition. Since then, the team has participated in a NASA-based competition every year, taking second place in 2015. NASA SL Projects is a university-based competition where students spend eight months designing and building a high-power rocket that will carry a scientific or engineering payload to a specified altitude. Along with engineering a rocket, the students also have to design a website, create a budget, write design reviews and perform educational engagement.

About NASA's University Student Launch Initiative (USLI):
The NASA Student Launch is a research-based, competitive and experiential exploration project that provides relevant and cost-effective research and development to support the Space Launch System (SLS). The project involves reaching a broad audience of colleges and universities across the nation in an eight-month commitment to design, build and fly payloads or vehicle components that support SLS.

Based on research needs, these payloads and components fly on high-power rockets to an altitude determined by the range safety officer and the team. Supported by the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate and U.S. aerospace industry, NASA Student Launch is a NASA-conducted engineering design challenge to provide resources and experiences for students and faculty. The project is built around a NASA mission, not textbook knowledge.

Research and investigation topics are conceived by the SLS Program Office in collaboration with SLS industry partners. Payloads developed by teams address research needs of different subsystems on the SLS. The teams share the research results, which will be used in future design and development of SLS and other projects.

Though bragging rights and prizes are on the line, everyone wins at this real-world challenge. Students apply their day-to-day classroom content into authentic projects and results. Their successes today will parlay into impressive resume highlights as they pursue their goals of working in engineering and aerospace industries.

Student Launch is managed by Marshall's Academic Affairs Office with funding, leadership and management provided by NASA's Office of Education, NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Orbital ATK. The Centennial Challenges program is managed at Marshall Space Flight Center and is supported by the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

To learn more about the Tarleton Aeronautics Team, visit www.tsuaeronautics.org. For more information about NASA's Student Launch, see www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/studentlaunch.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Dr. Bowen Brawner
254-968-9530
brawner@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Approximately 1,350 FFA members and agricultural science instructors from across the state will gather on the campus of Tarleton State University Thursday, April 21, to compete for the chance to represent the Texas FFA Association in National FFA Career Development Events (CDE).

This week's state CDE events include dairy cattle, environmental and natural resources, homesite evaluation, land, range, and milk quality and products judging contests. FFA members from 200 high schools traveling to Stephenville are regional winners from all corners of the state and represent one of 10 administrative “Areas” under the auspices of the Texas FFA Association.

“These state-level events wrap up our contest season for the spring, and in many ways are the highlight of the semester,” said Dr. David Drueckhammer, interim dean of Tarleton's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “These contests determine which high school FFA teams are good enough to represent Texas in national competition.

“We host several of the state FFA contests at Tarleton because of our reputation across the state, and nationally, for dairy cattle, dairy foods, land and range. We also have taken the initiative to develop state-level contests in other areas, such as environmental science and natural resource management, which is a real testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff.”

FFA members will arrive at the Bosque River Shopping Center for event check-in from 7 to 8 a.m. ahead of their respective competitions. An awards ceremony takes place at 1:30 p.m. at Wisdom Gym.

Hundreds of Tarleton faculty members and students will assist with the FFA state contests, the fourth and final contest hosted by the university this spring, said Dr. Ted Ford, professor of agricultural and consumer sciences and organizer of the FFA contests.

Tarleton has hosted the state FFA contest for more than three decades, and was instrumental in establishing the land and range events before the Texas FFA Association adopted the two CDEs as official contests, said Ford.

Earlier this month, Tarleton hosted the 44th annual FFA Invitational CDE Contest, which attracted more than 9,000 high school students and ag teachers, and on April 13 the university welcomed approximately 4,500 FFA members for the Area contests. Tarleton will serve as host site for the Texas FFA's State Degree Check June 8-10. At that time, more than 900 candidates for the Lone Star FFA Degree, American FFA Degree and applications for state and national chapter awards will be reviewed during the three-day gathering on campus.

For more information on this and future FFA or 4-H events, contact Dr. Ted Ford at 254-968-9224 or email ford@tarleton.edu.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Tarleton State University campus leaders, student achievers and community supporters were honored April 16 during the 20th annual Leadership and Service Awards banquet.

Hosted by Tarleton's Division of Student Life, the ceremony recognizes those who contributed to a successful year, including community and civic leaders.

The John Tarleton Spirit Award-named in honor of the university's founder-honors juniors, seniors or graduate students who best exemplify the spirit of Tarleton through involvement, participation and leadership. Recipients this year were: Tyler Daniels, Andrew Hatcher, Courtney Hathorne, Angelica Iraheta, Grace Lopez, Madison Paradis, Marissa Peña, Rachel Plunk, Emily Roberts, Lura Rylant, Derek Soper and Sean Strickland.

Other top awards also bear the name of individuals who have had a significant impact on Tarleton.

Dr. W.O. and Florene Trogdon have two awards named in their honor, for Individual and Organizational Service. Dr. Trogdon served as Tarleton's 12th president. This year's Individual Service award was presented to Andrew Hatcher. The Organizational Service award went to Tarleton's Xi Nu Chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority.

The May Jones Advisor of the Year award, presented to an advisor with exemplary leadership and dedication to his or her organizations, recognizes the longtime member of the Tarleton faculty who served as sponsor to countless campus organizations. This year's recipient is Margaret Risher, advisor to the Tarleton Anime Club.

Honoring one of Tarleton's Distinguished Alumni, the Col. Will L. Tate Organization of the Year award, was presented to the Delta Zeta sorority.

The Program of the Year award recognizes the organization that conducts the most creative and innovative activity or program during the year. Program of the Year honors went to members of Tarleton Serves and its Alternative Spring Break trip for their weeklong volunteer efforts in and around Columbia, S.C., where students assisted residents in flood recovery, home renovations and a hiking trail restoration project within the Santee National Wildlife Refuge.

Freshman and Sophomore Participation awards are given to the two underclassmen who are most actively involved in all aspects of campus life. This year's outstanding freshman award was presented to Andres J. Vasquez and the outstanding sophomore award to Cecilia Flores.

The sisters of Delta Zeta sorority also received this year's Award for Fraternal Excellence. The awards are presented to a nationally affiliated Greek fraternity or sorority at Tarleton that symbolizes the excellence of the Greek system.

Following is a complete list of Leadership and Service Award winners announced at the 2016 ceremony:

Freshman Participation Award
Andres J. Vasquez

Sophomore Participation Award
Cecilia Flores

Award for Fraternal Excellence
Delta Zeta

Organization Impact Award
Delta Phi Epsilon

Greek Man of the Year
Tyler Daniels – Sigma Chi fraternity

Greek Woman of the Year
Courtney Hathorne – Delta Zeta sorority

Leadership in Athletics Award
Tarleton TexAnn Softball Team, Julie Mata – Head Coach

Program of the Year
“Alternative Spring Break” – Tarleton Serves

May Jones Advisor of the Year
Margaret Risher – Tarleton Anime Club

W.O. & Florene Trogdon Individual Service Award
Andrew Hatcher

W.O. & Florene Trogdon Organizational Service Award
Delta Zeta

Col. Will L. Tate Organization of the Year
Delta Zeta sorority

Dr. Wanda Mercer Tarleton Legend Award
Kendyl Adams and Sean Strickland

Student Life Award
Dr. Mike Leese

John Tarleton Spirit Awards
Tyler Daniels, Andrew Hatcher, Courtney Hathorne, Angelica Iraheta, Grace Lopez, Madison Paradis, Marissa Peña, Rachel Plunk, Emily Roberts, Lura Rylant, Derek Soper and Sean Strickland

TTS and TTP ‘Purple Poo' senior recognition and unmasking
Jeremy Ratcliffe, Madison Paradis, Ulises Godinez, Kaleigh Colbert, Austin Eoff, Raeven Zamarron, Courtney Hathorne, Marissa Waldon, Cade Flory, Kelby Mitchell, Luke Rohrbach, Lupita Ortega, Kalli Vil and Falysha Williams

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Office of Student Engagement
254-968-9256
dwbrown@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 20, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Four Tarleton State University students have been selected for special recognition in the 22nd volume of Anthology, the student literary publication released to the public on Tuesday during a reception in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.

Editor's Choice Awards recipients are:
• Justin Knippers, Houston-Outstanding Photography for his photos that appear in the online gallery;
• Meghan Dahlke, Garland-Outstanding Black & White Photography with special recognition for her photo “Pan;”
• Molly Stewart, The Colony, Texas-Outstanding Contributor for selections in prose, poetry, and art, with special recognition for the poem “Heavy;” and
• Abigail Fesmire, Annetta, Texas-Outstanding Prose for “The Dragon Who Became A Boy.”

Charles Robitaille, owner of Stephenville's Allied Body & Frame and Anthology's long-time corporate sponsor, presented the four Editors' Choice Awards. Each winner received $100.

More than 300 works were submitted for possible inclusion in the 22nd volume, with a total of 119 written works and 212 art and digital entries.

In addition to those students receiving Editor's Choice Awards, other contributors to the 2016 edition of Anthology are Kelly Annestrand, Rebekah Anthony, Jonathan Avitua, Maria Beasley, Diamond Beverly, Alexis Brown, Otoniel Chaine, Rebecca Cox, Athaliah Grant, Taylor Hamilton, Kaitlin Hooper, Ashley Mata, Rachel McDonald, Morgan Mee, Kelsey Morgan, Lauren Motloch, Phillip Mullen, Ashley Page, Deona Richardson, Stacy Roof, Elizabeth Rugg, Lisa Szwejbka, Waid Thompson, Sarah Titus, Ana Catarina Vitorino, Richard Whitten, and Rachel Williams.

Students whose work appear in the online gallery are Maria Beasley, Otoniel Chaine, Ginny Eichler, Abigail Fesmire, Kayla Hansen, Elexus Hargis, Kimberly Hogan, Kaitlin Hooper, Justin Knippers, Lauren Motloch, Alexandria Presley, Stacy Roof, Shelby Staudenmaier, Molly Stewart, and Sarah Titus.

Daphne Ward, senior English major from Aledo, Texas, and Denise Haroff, senior communications major from Kingwood, Texas, are editors of the 2015 publication.

Copies of Anthology are available at the Dick Smith Library circulation desk, the Barry B. Thompson Student Center information desk, or by calling Benedda Konvicka at 254-968-9286.

To submit content for future publication, visit http://www.tarleton.edu/anthology.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact Managing Editors:
Dr. Marilyn Robitaille
254-968-9281
robitaille@tarleton.edu

Ms. Benedda Konvicka
254-968-9286
bkonvicka@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 21, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas- Five Tarleton State University faculty have been named 2016 recipients of O.A. Grant Excellence in Teaching Awards. Created in honor of the longtime Tarleton social sciences faculty member, the awards are presented each spring in conjunction with University Faculty Awards sponsored by the Tarleton Alumni Association.

One faculty member from each of the university's five colleges is chosen for the honor, which includes a plaque and a cash stipend.

Selected for the 2016 awards are:
• Mrs. Shanan Fowler, College of Education, Department of Curriculum & Instruction;
• Dr. Wayne Atchley, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural & Consumer Sciences;
• Dr. Sally Hoger, College of Science & Technology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences & Public Health;
• Dr. Leah Schultz, College of Business Administration, Department of Marketing & Computer Information Systems; and
• Dr. Cecilia Marrugo-Puello, College of Liberal & Fine Arts, Department of English & Languages.

Recipients are nominated by their college and chosen by the Faculty Awards Selection Committee. This prestigious award was instituted in 1983 as the Distinguished Service Award. Created through a grant, the award recognizes not only teachers who are dedicated to the educational environment in the classroom but show a genuine concern for students outside academics.

Mrs. Shanan Fowler, Instructor of Curriculum & Instruction
Fowler joined Tarleton in 2011 and has 17 years' experience as an educator. Teaching pivotal courses for the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, such as developmental reading and early childhood environments, she helps prepare future teachers for all aspects of classroom management.

As part of their nomination, students wrote that they're always greeted with a kind word and a sincere, warm smile in every class, making them feel special and welcome. One student noted that, “Mrs. Fowler's impact on my life and the lives of students at Tarleton is wide reaching. She indirectly touches thousands of students' lives each year because of the lessons she provides future educators like me.”

Fowler earned her master's in professional studies from George Mason University and a bachelor's in early education from Murray State University. Prior to joining Tarleton, she taught both kindergarten and second grade, and served as a parent trainer for families, helping reduce the risk of abuse and neglect of children.

Dr. Wayne Atchley, Assistant Professor of Agricultural & Consumer Sciences
Atchley has been with Tarleton for seven years and was named assistant professor in 2010. He is known for a “demonstrated record of exceptional and innovative instruction” as the administrator for the university's Applied Learning Experience program. A past recipient of Tarleton's Faculty Excellence in Student Success Award, Atchley is also described as “one of the best teachers in the department” as he leads courses in ag communications and introductory seminars.

“Dr. Atchley goes above and beyond in the classroom to make sure you are prepared with both knowledge and skills to be a key asset in your chosen work field,” wrote one student. “Even outside of the classroom, his office door is always open, and he is always eager to help in whatever way he can.”

Atchley holds a doctorate of education in agricultural leadership, education and communication from a joint program between Texas Tech and Texas A&M, and both a master's of business administration and a bachelor's degree in radio-TV-film production from Texas Christian University. In addition to his teaching duties, Atchley serves as advisor to the Tarleton Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and is a member of several thesis and non-thesis committees.

Dr. Sally Hoger, Assistant Professor of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Hoger joined Tarleton in 2004 and was named assistant professor in 2009. Throughout her career, she has proven to be an exceptional scientist, educator and colleague, a fellow faculty member noted in her nomination. In addition to leading course instruction, she serves as director of Tarleton's Public Health Program and has been instrumental in developing courses, recruiting students and guiding new degree offerings through the accreditation process.

It's noted in her nomination material, “Tarleton students learn a great deal of practical knowledge in her microbiology courses, and many of her students have gone on to head microbiology departments at area hospitals. Her instruction incorporates many methodologies, including hands-on instruction in lecture and lab, online instruction and additional computer testing methods that allow her students to exhibit the mastery of the subject matter.” It's also noted in her nomination that she takes an active role in extracurricular activities, serving as faculty advisor for Lambda Tau honor society and the Texas Association of Clinical Laboratory Science student bowl competition.

Hoger earned a doctorate of public health from the University of North Texas Health & Science Center, a master's of biomedical science from North Texas and a bachelor's of microbiology from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Dr. Leah Schultz, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems
Schultz has spent 10 years at Tarleton, earning associate professorship in 2012. Following an eight-year stint as the university's webmaster, she brought a wealth of relevant experience to the classroom, receiving the college's Teacher of the Year Award.

As one student noted in the nomination process, “I never thought that school could be so much fun and a teacher could be such a great friend until I took Leah's class.” Schultz not only strives to prepare her students for a successful professional career, but she takes a personal interest in the students to ensure they are successful in life. She has received consistently high scores on student evaluations as well as positive comments on her teaching style, course materials and communication skills.

Schultz earned her doctorate in information science from the University of North Texas and a master's of library science and bachelor's anthropology from the University of Texas.

Dr. Cecilia Marrugo-Puello, Assistant Professor of Spanish
Marrugo-Puello joined Tarleton in 2012 and has 20 years' experience in education. Respected by her colleagues and students alike, Marrugo-Puello is described as “a faculty member who cares deeply about students and spends a considerable amount of time helping ensure they succeed in their education and are better prepared for their future endeavors.”

One student wrote, “as a young woman seeking to establish my future career, Dr. Marrugo-Puello is an exemplary professor. She not only guides me in my Spanish studies, she also gives me sound advice that will help me make good choices in life. I am not the only one she reaches out to in a selfless manner.”

A senior student who co-nominated Dr. Marrugo-Puello wrote, “Throughout the years of being her student ... I have never seen her hesitate to offer a helping hand to any student in need of guidance. She has been the one professor who has pushed me to better myself academically and professionally. She has given me advice and has motivated me to be a great leader ... not only in the university but also in the community.”

Marrugo-Puello holds a doctorate in Spanish from the University of Houston, a master's in Spanish from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor's in English-French from the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellin, Columbia.

About Dr. O.A. Grant and his legacy:
Grant served Tarleton from 1948 to 1987. He was chairman for the Department of Social Sciences from 1967 to 1976 and named an Outstanding Educator of America in 1976. In 1983, he received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Tarleton and was appointed professor emeritus by The Texas A&M University System after his retirement. Grant is remembered by generations of students as a dynamic, enthusiastic and brilliant professor-a legacy embraced by honorees.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 21, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-During the Tarleton State University men's basketball season celebration on April 19, head coach Lonn Reisman was presented a proclamation of achievement for 600 career wins from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

“I'm honored and humbled to have been recognized by Gov. Abbott for 600 wins at Tarleton State University,” said Reisman.

The Texans' head coach won his 600th career game on Jan. 2 with a 71-61 victory over Cameron in Wisdom Gym. With 613 victories, Reisman is the winningest active NCAA head coach in the state of Texas.

The gubernatorial proclamation states: “I am pleased to congratulate you on your outstanding achievements, reflected in your 600-and counting-career victories. To have earned nearly all of those wins in your 28 years at Tarleton State is an especially impressive accomplishment.

“Through the years you have coached many young men to great success on the basketball court. Even more important, though, is the role you played as a mentor, educator and friend,” the proclamation continues. “Wins will live on forever in the record books, but the impact you have had on your players is the greater victory. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and to the Lone Star State's next generation of leaders.”

This year Reisman and his coaching staff led the Tarleton Texans to the program's fourth NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance-a Lone Star Conference record. This year's squad compiled a 24-9 record before its season-ending loss to eventual national champion, Augustana, in the national quarterfinal held in Frisco, Texas.

Reisman coached the Texans to its second-straight NCAA South Central Region championship as Tarleton marked its 13th NCAA tournament appearance all-time and its seventh straight trip to the post-season. Tarleton made its first tournament appearance in 2002 with Reisman at the helm, and in that stretch the Texans have won four regional championships and reached the NCAA Final Four twice.

For more information about Tarleton State basketball, visit www.tarletonsports.com.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Nathan Bural – Director of Athletic Communications
254-968-1802
bural@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 22, 2016

STEPHENVILLE, Texas-Tarleton State University's Jazz Ensembles, just weeks away from embarking on a tour of Italy, will provide a preview concert on the Stephenville campus to a “thank you” to the supporters who have made the trip possible.

Director of Jazz Bands and Assistant Professor Greg Ball welcomes the public to the 7:30 p.m. concert, Monday, April 25, inside the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium as the Tarleton Jazz Ensembles provide a sample of the repertoire planned for their 10-day Italian concert tour.

“The concert will feature some of our favorite tunes from the entire school year, plus some new numbers, including an Andrews Sisters' tune featuring all three of the Tarleton vocalists traveling with us to Italy,” he said.

Admission to Monday evening's concert is $5 or free with a valid Tarleton ID. Tickets will be available at the Fine Arts Center Box Office one hour prior to showtime; all seating is general admission.

“The students are very excited about the trip,” said Ball. “They have worked very hard this year preparing music, raising funds and getting ready for their international tour. We're now just days away from sharing our love of jazz with the Italians.”

The band will perform at several venues in Italy as well as visit cultural and historic sites. Performance venues include Villa d'Este (Rome), Montalcino's Fortress Gardens (a castle in southern Tuscany), Aula Magna dell'Universita per Stranieri (Perugia), Loggia del Porcellino (Florence), and Giardini Savelli (Cesena). Touring highlights include the Roman Colosseum and Forum, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, Saint Francis' Basilica, the Accademia Gallery including Michelangelo's David, and the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna.

The Tarleton Jazz Band departs May 12 and returns May 22. Donations to help defray travel expenses for the students are welcome. To make a donation, email Ball at ball@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9828.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Kurt Mogonye
254-968-9460
mogonye@tarleton.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 26, 2016

FORT WORTH, Texas-Dr. Sandi McDermott, director of Tarleton State University's center on the Navarro College Midlothian campus, has been appointed to the advisory board of the Texas State Alliance of YMCAs.

The alliance aims to improve nutrition and physical activity standards for licensed out-of-school time (OST) programs in Texas.

During the 85th Texas Legislature, the Texas State Alliance of YMCAs will propose creating a voluntary recognition program for licensed OST providers-including school-aged and before- and after-school programs-that successfully implement specific physical activity and nutrition practices. Dubbed Distinguished Afterschool Health (DASH) Recognition, the proposed program would be administered by the Texas Department of Family Protective Services.

“I am honored to help ensure that our children get the kind of nutrition and physical activity that reduce chronic diseases and creates strong minds and bodies,” McDermott said. “Recommendations by the advisory board will be based on actual time per day that students in kindergarten through 12th grade spend performing moderate to vigorous physical activity, the availability of fruits and vegetables during meal or snack times, as well as exposure to non-academic use of screen time.”

A board member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, McDermott has a doctorate in nursing practice from Texas Christian University and master's and bachelor's degrees in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. A 2015 graduate of Leadership Fort Worth, she is a member of the North Texas, Texas and American Organization of Nurse Executives and serves on the boards of the Tarrant County College Nursing School and Fort Worth Southwest Area Council Chamber of Commerce.

She began her nursing career as a doctor's assistant and has worked for Baylor Health Care System as well as Texas Health Resources and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), where she helped open neuro-oncology and cardiovascular care units.

Tarleton, a member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow's professional leaders. With campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence and service.

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Contact: Cecilia Jacobs
817-484-4412 (office)
817-597-6040 (cell)
cjacobs@tarleton.edu