Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Flagler College Welcomes Award-Winning Author Rita Bullwinkel as Spring 2026 Storyteller in Residence
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, Jan. 5 -- Flagler College posted the following news:
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Flagler College Welcomes Award-Winning Author Rita Bullwinkel as Spring 2026 Storyteller in Residence
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Bullwinkel, author of the acclaimed debut novel Headshot, will spend the semester engaging with students through coursework and campus events, offering students a rare opportunity to work closely with a professional writer and learn from her creative and editorial experience.
Headshot has drawn remarkable accolades: it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and The Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and longlisted
... Show Full Article
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, Jan. 5 -- Flagler College posted the following news:
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Flagler College Welcomes Award-Winning Author Rita Bullwinkel as Spring 2026 Storyteller in Residence
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Bullwinkel, author of the acclaimed debut novel Headshot, will spend the semester engaging with students through coursework and campus events, offering students a rare opportunity to work closely with a professional writer and learn from her creative and editorial experience.
Headshot has drawn remarkable accolades: it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and The Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and longlistedfor the 2024 Booker Prize, among other honors.
Bullwinkel's work has appeared in esteemed outlets such as The White Review, BOMB, NOON, and Guernica, among others. She is also the author of the short-story collection Belly Up, which won a 2022 Whiting Award.
In addition to her writing, Bullwinkel is the editor of McSweeney's Quarterly and has held editorial positions at The Believer and NOON. As an Assistant Professor of English at the University of San Francisco, she taught courses in creative writing, zines, and the uses of invented and foreign languages as tools for world-building.
As part of her residency, Bullwinkel will teach CRW 340 The Storytellers, a one-credit course that meets twice a week for five weeks starting the week of Feb. 23. In the course, students will explore a seminal author-selected text that has influenced Bullwinkel's writing. Through discussion, workshops, and mentorship, participants will engage directly with a practicing, professional writer, gaining firsthand insight into the writing process, the craft of storytelling, and pathways from academic to professional creative writing.
"This is an incredible opportunity for Flagler students interested in creative writing," said C.H. Hooks, Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Storytellers-Author in Residence program. "Working in a small classroom setting with a published author and editor gives students a unique inside view of the literary world from craft and style to the writing life and professional trajectory."
In addition to classroom work, Bullwinkel will present a community-wide reading and discussion of her work, followed by a Q&A session at Markland House on March 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. She will also host a separate reading specifically for Flagler students, faculty, and staff on April 23, 2026, in the Ponce Hall Solarium.
Flagler College's Storyteller in Residence program underscores the College's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, providing students with direct access to accomplished authors, editorial professionals, and the broader literary landscape.
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Original text here: https://www.flagler.edu/news-events/news/flagler-college-welcomes-award-winning-author-rita-bullwinkel-spring-2026
More than 1,000 Honored at Idaho State University Winter Commencement
POCATELLO, Idaho, Jan. 3 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
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More than 1,000 Honored at Idaho State University Winter Commencement
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"College often celebrates grades, awards and polished outcomes, but the real story- the one we lived- is made of smaller, quieter choices: showing up when it was easier not to, asking for help even when pride protested, trying again after disappointment, and believing in ourselves on days when that belief felt thin," Green said.
Idaho State University conferred degrees and certificates to more than 1,000 fall and summer graduates at the
... Show Full Article
POCATELLO, Idaho, Jan. 3 -- Idaho State University posted the following news:
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More than 1,000 Honored at Idaho State University Winter Commencement
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"College often celebrates grades, awards and polished outcomes, but the real story- the one we lived- is made of smaller, quieter choices: showing up when it was easier not to, asking for help even when pride protested, trying again after disappointment, and believing in ourselves on days when that belief felt thin," Green said.
Idaho State University conferred degrees and certificates to more than 1,000 fall and summer graduates at theWinter Commencement ceremony Saturday at the ICCU Dome on the Pocatello campus.
Speakers at the ceremony included Green, and State Board of Education Trustee and ISU Alumna Cindy Siddoway. The national anthem was performed by Jacob Williams. Geoffrey Bennett was the institutional reader, and the alma mater was performed by the ISU Treble Choir.
ISU President Robert Wagner congratulated the graduates for taking the next step in their future.
"Your education at ISU is transformative and will be your bridge to a bright and promising future, despite the storms of life that will inevitably come," Wagner said. "Rely on your education, use it to launch yourself into a career, serving in your community, enriching your family, and being a positive example and impact on others."
Siddoway told the graduates that their hard work aligned with the State Board of Education's goals of educating Idahoans and strengthening the workforce.
"We are focused on ensuring that every student in our state is not only academically prepared, but career-ready equipped with the skills, adaptability, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-changing economy. You represent that mission in action," Siddoway said.
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Original text here: https://www.isu.edu/news/2025-fall/more-than-1000-honored-at-idaho-state-university-winter-commencement.html
UNM Health Sciences celebrates a year of groundbreaking research and health care expansion in 2025
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Dec. 31 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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UNM Health Sciences celebrates a year of groundbreaking research and health care expansion in 2025
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At The University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center (HSC), 2025 was a year of groundbreaking research.
Making up the bulk of the top 10 most-viewed stories on the HSC Newsroom were articles detailing the efforts of the HSC's bold and accomplished researchers. In various studies, researchers discovered microplastics in the human brain, tested potentially life-changing vaccines, and developed
... Show Full Article
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Dec. 31 -- The University of New Mexico posted the following news:
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UNM Health Sciences celebrates a year of groundbreaking research and health care expansion in 2025
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At The University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center (HSC), 2025 was a year of groundbreaking research.
Making up the bulk of the top 10 most-viewed stories on the HSC Newsroom were articles detailing the efforts of the HSC's bold and accomplished researchers. In various studies, researchers discovered microplastics in the human brain, tested potentially life-changing vaccines, and developednew treatments to fight pre-cancers.
HSC also celebrated the completion of its mammoth, high-tech Critical Care Tower, which now offers around-the-clock emergency and intensive care services to New Mexico's adult population.
Click on the headlines below to read the full top 10 stories in UNM HSC's 2025 Year-in-Review.
1\. UNM Researchers Find Alarmingly High Levels of Microplastics in Human Brains - and Concentrations are Growing Over Time
University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers have found microplastics in human brains, and at much higher concentrations than in other organs. Worse, the plastic accumulation appears to be growing over time, having increased by 50% over just the past eight years.
2\. UNM Scientists Discover How Nanoparticles of Toxic Metal Used in MRI Scans Infiltrate Human Tissue
University of New Mexico researchers studying the health risks posed by gadolinium, a toxic rare earth metal used in MRI scans, have found that oxalic acid, a molecule found in many foods, can generate nanoparticles of the metal in human tissues.
Tau - a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer's dementia.
3\. UNM Researchers Receive Funding to Launch Clinical Trial of a New Alzheimer's Vaccine
University of New Mexico researchers have received funding to launch an early-stage clinical trial of a vaccine engineered to clear pathological tau protein from the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's dementia.
4\. UNM Researchers Plan Clinical Trials to Test Vaccine Against Alzheimer's-Promoting Tau Protein
University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers hope to launch human clinical trials in their quest for a vaccine to prevent the buildup of pathological tau - a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer's dementia.
5\. Cancer Interception: The First HPV Antiviral Treatment Fights Pre-Cancers
Like a football team disrupting the opponent's play, Michelle Ozbun, Ph.D., and Jason McConville, Ph.D., at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center are designing a gel to prevent cancers caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs).
6\. Cup Contamination: Research Reveals Alarming Microplastic Levels in Beverages
Recent studies have uncovered evidence that disposable beverage containers release thousands of plastic particles into hot beverages, adding to concerns about plastic accumulation in human tissues.
7\. UNM Researchers Find Live Hantavirus is Carried in More Than 30 New Mexico Small Mammal Species
University of New Mexico researchers have found that more than 30 species of rodent and other small mammals endemic to the Southwest carry hantavirus, including ground squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, rats and even house mice.
Albuquerque The Magazine recognized nine HSC physicians as 2025 Top Docs.
8\. Albuquerque The Magazine Recognizes Nine UNM Health 'Top Docs'
UNM Health honors nine physicians recognized as 2025 Top Docs by Albuquerque The Magazine. This prestigious recognition highlights the city's most trusted health care professionals.
9\. UNM Scientist Devises New Way to Identify Microplastics in Brain Tissue From Dementia Patients
Last December, University of New Mexico neuropathologist Elaine Bearer, MD, Ph.D., was methodically studying brain tissue samples from two deceased dementia patients when she noticed something peculiar. It was the prologue to a scientific detective story.
10\. What Departments Are Moving into UNM Hospital's Top-of-the-Line Critical Care Tower?
The University of New Mexico Hospital's new Critical Care Tower (CCT) opened on Oct. 5, 2025, becoming home to a host of clinical departments designed to work in harmony to deliver cutting-edge care to New Mexicans. This article features a tour of the CCT's ground level and six floors, with photos.
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Original text here: https://news.unm.edu/news/unm-health-sciences-celebrates-a-year-of-groundbreaking-research-and-health-care-expansion-in-2025
UConn's Quantum Leap Defines Research in 2025
STORRS, Connecticut, Dec. 31 -- The University of Connecticut posted the following news:
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UConn's Quantum Leap Defines Research in 2025
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Universities throughout the world are in a new research era. UConn was no exception in 2025, a year defined by significant advancement in Connecticut's quantum future and support for the research enterprise through a wave of shifting federal policy.
While quantum and artificial intelligence drove headlines, UConn also saw innovations in health care, energy research, and much more. In the process, research continued to help propel the state's economy
... Show Full Article
STORRS, Connecticut, Dec. 31 -- The University of Connecticut posted the following news:
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UConn's Quantum Leap Defines Research in 2025
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Universities throughout the world are in a new research era. UConn was no exception in 2025, a year defined by significant advancement in Connecticut's quantum future and support for the research enterprise through a wave of shifting federal policy.
While quantum and artificial intelligence drove headlines, UConn also saw innovations in health care, energy research, and much more. In the process, research continued to help propel the state's economyand bring together leaders from across government, industry, and academia.
"We faced a year like no other, filled with unprecedented challenges to higher education and the very nature of research," says Lindsay DiStefano, UConn's interim vice president for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. "Yet through every hurdle or changing circumstance, our researchers remained steadfast in their commitment to serving our students, propelling research to unparalleled levels, and supporting one another."
All Things Quantum
UConn plunged headfirst into quantum research and innovation in 2025. The state awaits a National Science Foundation decision on a historic proposal, QuantumCT, which seeks to establish Connecticut as the nation's leading accelerator of quantum technology. UConn and Yale lead the proposal, which is a finalist for the NSF Regional Engines Program and up to $160 million in funding.
In December, NSF evaluators traveled to Connecticut to meet with UConn, Yale, and state leaders at Yale's campus in New Haven. The city stands to become the quantum hub for the region, with optimal geography, building of critical infrastructure, and the world-class expertise represented by the two major research universities.
The state has pledged millions of dollars in support, recognizing the impact to Connecticut's economy and workforce that the grant could make possible.
"Connecticut has always been the most innovative state in the country," Gov. Ned Lamont said at a press conference in November. "This goes back hundreds of years. This is just in our DNA. This is why we are who we are. This is why we we're leading the next quantum revolution."
The NSF also made visits to the other nine finalists for the award, narrowed down from a field of more than 70 submissions. While the state awaits the results, leaders have lauded the historic connection that has developed between Yale and UConn.
"We have built an alliance of quantum technology between our universities," said UConn interim Provost Pamir Alpay, who led the QuantumCT proposal. "Our faculty and students are working together and are deeply engaged with our industrial partners, many of whom are here today, representing the sectors that make Connecticut the envy of the nation."
As the state prepared for the NSF site visit, UConn deepened its quantum connection with the establishment of the Quantum Alliance, consisting of faculty researchers across several colleges, schools, and programs. All members (more than 90 and counting) are conducting or integrating quantum into their independent and collaborative research.
In the fall, UConn's Stamford campus hosted an Economics Forum centered on the impact of quantum and artificial intelligence. The region represents some key sectors of the Connecticut economy, such as finance and tech development, where quantum and AI skills are becoming mandatory.
"We've lived through three great industrial revolutions, mechanization, electrical, and the Internet. Each changed the way we worked, built, and connected with one another," Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said. "But the fourth Industrial Revolution, the one we are in right now, is different. It's driven not by invention, but by a fusion of technologies, like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and robotics."
Milestones in Athletic, Occupational Safety
UConn's Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) celebrated a milestone in November with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art heat safety lab inside Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. The 750- square- foot lab expands research into the impact s of heat, humidity, sun, wind, and even altitude, with a focus on safeguarding athletes, warfighters, and laborers.
KSI has been a global leader in heat safety research since its founding in 2010. Its work has improved health and safety across the country, saving the lives of student athletes of all ages. Led by Douglas Casa, a UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology, the Institute has helped shape policy and better prepared athletic trainers and first responders to respond to crises on the field or in the gym.
"Every single day, I'm trying to figure out what can we learn about the prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat stroke," said Casa. "Can we prevent families having to suffer tragedies of their kids dying from a heat stroke, or a spouse losing a loved one who is a laborer or war fighter who suffers a heat stroke or struggles in the heat?"
UConn researchers made other important advancements in health and medicine. The University-led Network for Advanced NMR (NAN) expanded its reach, adding three more facilities across the country to improve access to resources and expertise in the field.
NMR has applications in many scientific disciplines, including structural biology, chemistry, and material s science. NMR is also becoming an important diagnostic tool in medicine. By analyzing bodily fluids such as urine, doctors can make earlier diagnoses of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and biomarkers indicating chronic kidney disease.
NAN already had collaborative facilities at UConn Health in Farmington, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Georgia. It is expanding through the Midwest and West Coast, linking instruments housed at the Ohio State University, the University of Nebraska, and the University of California - Santa Cruz.
UConn also made inroads in the study of addiction and opioid overdose. In the past year, suspected non-fatal overdoses from opioids increased 39% in Connecticut, based on emergency room admissions data.
A team of UConn researchers identified several key risk factors associated with non-fatal overdoses, drawing from data collected from a sample of opioid users. The researchers found that nearly half of the 199 participants had experienced a non-fatal overdose in their lifetime. This is significantly higher than the rate observed in previous studies, which found between 11 and 36% of their study population had experienced an overdose.
The researchers hypothesize that the higher rate they observed could be due to a number of factors including ongoing polysubstance use patterns, socioeconomic challenges, homelessness, and lack of access to harm reduction services.
Energy and the Environment
The UConn Tech Park has established itself as a hub for fuel cell research as reliance on energy data centers continues to increase. UConn is built for the moment, with its pioneering work in fuel cells providing tangible evidence of how this technology can be used to support the important work underway at data centers nationwide.
UConn's research in fuel cells dates back decades, with its Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center founded in 2001 as the precursor to today's Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2). Now, as the Innovation Partnership Building transitions to being fully powered by fuel cell technology, the University has increased its own electricity output while also reducing reliance on the local energy grid.
Meanwhile, UConn and its partners are successfully safeguarding Connecticut's communities from the effects of violent storms. A team of researchers from UConn-based Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) has created a collaborative network of scientists, engineers, policy experts, and other stakeholders to provide communities with the critical data, improved models, and technical standards they need to develop and implement climate-resilient policy and strategies.
Economic Impact
Like other global universities, UConn has seen new challenges to research that go beyond federal funding policy changes. The role of modern research universities is evolving to erase skepticism of purpose and raise confidence about academia.
UConn research continues to help generate activity in the state economy, with an impact measured at more than $8.7 billion. The University has extended its roots through more than a century of discovery and innovation. Connecticut communities benefit greatly from UConn research, as evident by a " Grant Trails" map highlighting the town-by-town impact of researchers' work.
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Original text here: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/12/uconns-quantum-leap-defines-research-in-2025/
UConn Health Minute: Innovative Stroke Therapy
STORRS, Connecticut, Dec. 31 -- The University of Connecticut posted the following news:
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UConn Health Minute: Innovative Stroke Therapy
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He had played his cello at Carnegie Hall but a stroke left Peter Skaar paralyzed and barely able to hold his bow. Now thanks to an innovative procedure at UConn Health, Peter is able to play again and is on the path to realizing his goal of performing at a concert level.
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Original text here: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/12/uconn-health-minute-innovative-stroke-therapy/
Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry inducts former agricultural economics students
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 31 -- Texas A&M University, a component of the public university system in Texas, posted the following news from its agriculture program:
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Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry inducts former agricultural economics students
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Nine former students were inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics during 2025.
The registry is the department's highest recognition, with fewer than 1% of its 16,000-plus former students selected.
The inductions began at the Entrepreneurial Dreams Symposium
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 31 -- Texas A&M University, a component of the public university system in Texas, posted the following news from its agriculture program:
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Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry inducts former agricultural economics students
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Nine former students were inducted into the Tyrus R. Timm Honor Registry in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Agricultural Economics during 2025.
The registry is the department's highest recognition, with fewer than 1% of its 16,000-plus former students selected.
The inductions began at the Entrepreneurial Dreams Symposiumin April, when the department honored David Alders '85, Hugo Flores '87, and Charles Laningham '60 with their induction. Other inductees for 2025 include Jeff Steen '80, Meredith Keeling Neely '02, Mike Diezi '96, Trent Bishop '94, Trent Ashby '95 and Cecilee Herd '95.
The registry, established in 1997, is named in honor of Tyrus R. Timm, Ph.D., who served as the department head for 20 years, from 1953 to 1973. The honor recognizes former students who have achieved exceptional distinction in their careers and reflect the highest standards of integrity and service.
Each inductee exemplifies Timm's legacy of excellence in teaching, research and service.
"Each of these honorees embodies the enduring ethos of the department and Texas A&M -hard work, humility and giving back," said Ed Rister, Ph.D., professor and holder of the Dianne and M. Edward Rister '74 Endowed Chair in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and director of the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program. "They represent not only excellence in their fields but a deep and consistent commitment to the values that shaped them at Texas A&M."
David Alders
Alders has devoted his life to advancing agriculture, public service and education in East Texas and beyond. A Nacogdoches native, Alders was deeply involved in the National FFA Organization as a student, rising to national leadership before attending Texas A&M, where he served as student body president and graduated with honors in agricultural economics.
After a successful start in commercial real estate, Alders returned home to manage his family's cattle and timber operations and later founded Carrizo Creek Corporation, a poultry production company. He is also the managing partner of Buck Bay Timber and manager of Caddo Farms and Alders Enterprises.
His leadership has extended across the agricultural sector and public policy, including president of the Texas Forestry Association and serving a major role in regional economic development, banking and education.
Hugo Flores
Flores, a Laredo-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, is the founder and driving force behind Lobo Foods, a rebranded expansion of his family's business, Flores Castano Imports.
During his professional career, Flores has pursued ventures spanning wholesale food distribution, including starting his own business, Flores Castano Imports II; commercial real estate; and rural land development.
Beyond business, Flores has championed charitable causes in South Texas for more than 30 years. From founding the Community Partners Board and Laredo Rainbow Room to leading the South Texas Food Bank and supporting the Texas 4-H Youth Program and FFA programs, Flores has improved countless lives.
He and his wife, Bibi, established an endowment at Texas A&M to support student scholarships, and he remains deeply involved with the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, where he mentors students who follow in his footsteps.
Charles Laningham
Laningham grew up on a small farm on the north side of Houston, actively participating in 4-H and FFA. After graduating with a bachelor's in agricultural economics in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army and National Guard.
Beginning in Dallas in the late 1960s, he began building a thriving real estate portfolio. He co-founded companies that have developed and managed a range of income-producing properties, including student housing complexes that continue to serve Texas A&M and other universities.
Laningham founded Charlan Enterprises Inc. and played a central role in organizing Pavillion Bank in Dallas. As an active mentor, he has guided students in the agricultural economics program, is helping to revamp the real estate curriculum, and shares his extensive industry experience.
Although recently retired, Laningham's legacy endures through his family-run enterprise and his ongoing support for Aggie students.
Jeff Steen
Steen has built a career defined by entrepreneurial leadership, public service and sustained engagement with the university. A Cuero native, he earned his agricultural economics degree from Texas A&M in 1980, where he was active in student leadership and fraternity life.
Steen spent more than three decades in executive leadership roles with publicly traded energy service companies, including Schlumberger, Oil States International, Grant Prideco and Camco International.
He now leads Steen Interests, a family enterprise encompassing real estate, ranching, and oil and gas assets in Texas and New Mexico. Steen has also pursued entrepreneurial ventures in film, theater and digital media, producing feature films, documentaries, and an award-winning international podcast.
A dedicated Aggie leader, Steen currently serves as chair of The Association of Former Students board of directors and remains committed to philanthropy, education and service.
Meredith Keeling Neely
Neely has combined entrepreneurial initiative with professional excellence and long-standing service to Texas A&M. Raised between Franklin and a family ranch near Marble Falls, she developed an early appreciation for agriculture and land stewardship.
After earning her agribusiness degree from Texas A&M in 2002, Neely became a general certified appraiser and founded REAPP LLC. She later expanded her work through DK Land Company and, in 2017, joined Icon Global, where she represents buyers and sellers in major agricultural and ranchland transactions across Texas and New Mexico.
Neely has remained deeply engaged with the College, serving on the College of Agriculture Development Council, COADC, for many years, including as chair from 2022-2024. She also established the COADC Hope Endowed Scholarship and continues to mentor students and young professionals.
Mike Diezi
Diezi has built an entrepreneurial career rooted in agriculture, industry leadership and service. Raised on his family's farm in Brookshire, Diezi gained early experience across the agricultural value chain through cattle production, meat processing and leadership roles in 4-H and FFA.
A 1996 graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural economics, Diezi began his career in poultry processing before moving into finance, data analytics and beverage distribution.
His leadership roles include Republic National Distributing Company, Pabst Brewing Company and Gambrinus. Since 2015, he has served in an executive role at Spec's Family Corporation, overseeing merchandising, procurement and inventory management across more than 200 locations. He joined the Spec's Board of Directors in 2024.
Diezi remains active in community service and supports Texas A&M through mentorship, teaching and advisory roles.
Trent Bishop
Bishop has built a nationally recognized entrepreneurial career in the produce and citrus industries while maintaining strong ties to Texas A&M. Raised in McAllen, he developed an early interest in agriculture through South Texas' produce industry.
After earning his agricultural economics degree from Texas A&M in 1994, Bishop entered the produce business and later co-founded Lonestar Citrus in 2006. He guided the company's growth for more than a decade before its sale in 2019. Bishop later held senior leadership roles with Sun Pacific and Sunkist Growers, overseeing global sourcing, pricing and sales operations with major national retailers.
Currently president of Zano Fresh LLC, Bishop remains active in industry leadership and continues to serve Texas A&M through advisory roles, including in the Weston Agrifood Sales Program.
Trent Ashby
Ashby's career is rooted in agriculture, public service and leadership, reflecting the values that shaped him at Texas A&M. Raised on a dairy and livestock operation in Rusk County, Ashby developed a strong work ethic through agriculture, 4-H and FFA, where he served in state-level leadership roles.
A 1995 graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural economics, Ashby was deeply involved in student leadership. He remains actively engaged with the university through The Association of Former Students, the Texas A&M Letterman's Association and agricultural youth programs. After graduation, Ashby held leadership roles in business and economic development before being elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2013. He currently serves as chair of the Select Committee on Academic and Career-Oriented Education and continues to advocate for agriculture, education and rural communities across East Texas.
Cecilee Herd
Herd's career is centered on service, leadership and strengthening lifelong connections to Texas A&M. A third-generation Aggie raised in Center Point, she developed an early commitment to agriculture through 4-H before earning her agricultural economics degree in 1995.
Herd began her career with the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association and then joined The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M in 2000. She has guided the growth of the organization's events, programs and engagement efforts for the past two decades, including. helping expand signature traditions such as Aggie Ring Day and Distinguished Alumni recognition.
Now serving as senior vice president, Herd oversees major engagement, campus and former student initiatives and programming worldwide. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to service, volunteerism and the values that define Texas A&M.
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Original text here: https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2025/12/31/tyrus-r-timm-honor-registry-inducts-former-agricultural-economics-students/
Ross Earl thrives in ETSU's new Master of Music Program
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Dec. 31 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news:
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Ross Earl thrives in ETSU's new Master of Music Program
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Ross Earl joins the inaugural class of ETSU's new Master of Music Program, gaining leadership in choral conducting and music education.
Some students might feel a bit of uncertainty and trepidation at the prospect of being the first to enroll in a completely new academic program.
But after researching and visiting successful, established programs at other schools, Ross Earl felt confident in choosing East Tennessee State University's
... Show Full Article
JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Dec. 31 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news:
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Ross Earl thrives in ETSU's new Master of Music Program
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Ross Earl joins the inaugural class of ETSU's new Master of Music Program, gaining leadership in choral conducting and music education.
Some students might feel a bit of uncertainty and trepidation at the prospect of being the first to enroll in a completely new academic program.
But after researching and visiting successful, established programs at other schools, Ross Earl felt confident in choosing East Tennessee State University'sMaster of Music degree program, which opened its doors this fall with concentrations in performance, conducting, music education and composition.
From early musical talent to lifelong passion
Earl, who grew up in Knoxville, got his start in music at the age of 5, when his family noticed him singing along with the radio perfectly on pitch.
"We knew early on that would be a direction my life could go," he said.
Since his middle school did not have a vocal program, Earl began his music education playing flute in band. Later, his high school band director suggested that joining choir could make him a more well-rounded musician. He did so, and soon found a home in chorus.
Building a strong foundation in music education
Earl studied at Pellissippi State Community College and earned his bachelor's degree in music education at Maryville College. He then taught high school music for five years at The L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville, where he won the school's highest honor for teachers - the Lampbearer Award - in his third year.
Earl loved his time at L&N and enjoyed his hardworking students who gave their all to everything they did. And after careful consideration, he decided to pursue his master's degree.
Joining ETSU's new Master of Music Program
Earl took a chance on the new program at ETSU, and just completed his first semester studying choral conducting as a member of its inaugural class.
He said he was impressed by the growth and momentum demonstrated by ETSU's Department of Music over the past decade and by the quality of the university's Martin Center for the Arts.
"When I came to audition, I had two professors working with me the whole time," Earl said. "They really wanted to learn about me as an individual - where I was coming from and what my goals were. They gave me a full, hour-long rehearsal with a choral ensemble. It was a very personal experience."
Gaining hands-on leadership and conducting experience
"I am really excited to be working with high-level musicians," Earl said. "The faculty have really focused on us as grad students and made us feel like we're a very high priority. They've put us into leadership positions, and they push us hard."
Earl's leadership role involves conducting BucsWorth, ETSU's tenor bass choir, under the guidance of Dr. Alan Stevens, professor, director of choral activities and chair of the Department of Music. Most recently, he had the opportunity to conduct in the university's annual Holiday Concert, a perennially popular show that expanded to three performances this year. He also sings as a member of the ETSU Chorale.
Looking ahead: Career goals in music education
Whether he pursues a doctoral degree after completing his master's or takes a position with a high school music program, Earl hopes to focus on the role of music education in the community.
Earl said that in the mid-to-late 20th century, many high school music programs played a larger role in the community than some do today.
"I think it's easy for educators to be tempted to look inward," he said. "'What can I do with my students in my rehearsal room, with my program? And maybe every once in a while, I'll do a concert and the parents will get to see it.' I think that's a huge mistake, and we need to swing the pendulum back in the other direction.
"Your ensembles have to be in the community. You have to win people over and play an active role and work with people outside the school. That's how music programs grow and become important to people.
Not only would Earl like his choirs to perform more in the community, but also to work on projects as his students at L&N did, such as participating in a home build, organizing fundraisers for various causes, or helping English-as-a-second-language students learn to read.
A creative life beyond music
Outside of music, Earl is a published author of fantasy stories. Spurred by ideas from playing "Dungeons & Dragons" with friends in high school, he published two short stories, which may be read at Calliope Interactive and Fairfield Scribes. He also writes novels that have garnered positive reviews from early readers, and he is now seeking representation for their publication.
In addition, Earl and his fiancee enjoy hiking in the East Tennessee mountains, and he takes a strong interest in historic preservation. A descendant of a family that settled in the region in the late 1700s, he appreciates the artifacts and land that have been passed down in his family through generations.
Interested in pursuing a Master of Music degree? Visit the ETSU Department of Music web page to learn more about the program and how to audition and apply for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are due by Feb. 1 for best scholarship consideration, by May 1 for international students, and by June 1 for domestic students.
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Original text here: https://news.etsu.edu/articles/ross-earl-thrives-in-new-master-of-music-program
