Bobcat Faces: Hannah Burson

Senior making a difference
one class at a time

Hannah Burson

“Each day can teach you something new if you let it,” said Hannah Burson, Texas State University senior.

Keeping an open mind and always yearning to learn something new, Burson firmly believes that there is always more in life to gain.

Aspiring to make a difference in this world, Texas State Senior Hannah Burson is pursuing a degree in psychology. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” said Burson. “Psychology helps you understand what is going on in your head, your emotions and why we act certain ways.”

Although not quite sure where her career path may lead her, Burson hopes to make counseling her full-time job. Not only is she interested in helping people, she also hopes to learn a little something about herself along the way.

Originally from Red Rock in Central, Texas, Burson’s decision to attend Texas State was heavily influenced by the beautiful campus and its size.

And Burson encourages every student to keep an open mind while searching for that perfect college campus, with the perfect atmosphere.

She thinks she’s found it.

“The best thing about Texas State University is the attitude on campus,” said Hannah Burson. “It’s so easy to keep a smile on your face.”

Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts

Texas State Faces: Bobcats in baseball

Former Texas State Bobcats
playing professional baseball

Here’s our weekly update of former Texas State student-athletes competing on the professional level. As the short-season leagues begin, the list will grow, and your input always is welcome. New addition this week: Outfielder Spenser Dennis, who is with the Fort Worth Cats of the independent American Association.

Texas State Faces: Muir Awards

Silva

Margerison

Margerison, Silva honored
with awards for mentoring

This is a letter to the Texas State University community from President Denise M. Trauth, about two on-campus honorees:

Dear Colleagues:

It is my pleasure to announce the recipients of the Mariel M. Muir Excellence in Mentoring Awards for 2010: Dr. Kenneth Margerison, Professor, Department of History, and Mr. Jesse Silva, Student Development Specialist II, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

These awards are given annually to one faculty member and one staff member who provide exceptional support of and show exceptional commitment to assisting less experienced individuals in becoming more proficient in their professional activities. The award is named for the former Dean of the College of Science because of her passion for ensuring the success of students, faculty, and staff through mentoring.

A selection committee composed of faculty and staff reviewed the nominees for the awards. I know you will join me in extending congratulations to our 2010 honorees.

Sincerely,
Denise M. Trauth
President

Bobcat Faces: Nikki Adeleke

Texas State senior Adeleke is
happy with her chosen major

Nikki Adeleke

Nikki Adeleke, currently a senior at Texas State University, is more than passionate about the brain and human behaviors.

Adeleke is majoring in psychology with a minor in family and child development. After taking classes with Professor Robyn Rogers, she knew more than ever that she had chosen the right field of study.

“Taking her classes further reinforced why I want to become a therapist. She keeps her students engaged in her classes, and she is truly passionate about her work. I have learned so much,” says Adeleke.

Planning to own her own private practice after completing graduate school, Adeleke keeps active in learning about the many theories and psychological approaches in her field. “Learning these different theories and approaches helps me keep my goals of being a therapist intact,” says Adeleke.

As president of the Bobcat Leadership Board and a member of Support Student Services, Adeleke encourages other students to get involved with clubs and organizations.

“The best part is meeting new people and being involved in the San Marcos community,” says Adeleke, who has interned locally at Roxanne’s House, an advocacy center for abused children and with Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center Heart team, which advocates for sexual assault victims.

While on track to graduate in December of this year, Adeleke will remember her home away from home.

“I must say that being a student at Texas State University has enhanced my character and made me a more determined person.”

College of Liberal Arts
Department of Psychology

Texas State Faces: Academic News

Texas State announces
promotions, tenure for faculty

Monday was a big day for Texas State’s faculty, as Dr. Perry Moore, provost and vice president for academic affairs, revealed promotions and tenure, all effective Sept. 1. Congratulations to everyone:

Promotions

From associate professor to professor
Dr. Elizabeth Allison, Department of English
Dr. Gary W. Beall, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Tina M. Cade, Department of Agriculture
Mr. J. Michael Costello, Department of Theatre and Dance
Dr. Selina Vasquez Mireles, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Susan Morey, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Hee Hiong Ngu, Department of Computer Science

From assistant professor to associate professor
Dr. Mary Jo Biggs, School of Social Work
Dr. E. Amanda Boutot, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Maria G. De la Colina, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Joyce F. Fischer, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Sven Fuhrmann, Department of Geography
Dr. Ruben Garza, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Melissa G. Grogan, Department of Theatre and Dance
Dr. Chang Ji, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Hsun Ming Lee, Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods
Dr. Kathryn Lee, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Ju Long, Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods
Dr. Kevin W. McCurdy, Department of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Rodion Podorozhny, Department of Computer Science
Dr. Rebecca Raphael, Department of Philosophy
Dr. Leah M. Renold, Department of History
Dr. Anadelia Romo, Department of History
Dr. James S. Williams, Department of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Kelly L. Wilson, Department of Health and Human Performance
Ms. Juli Wood, School of Music

Tenure

Dr. Mary Jo Biggs, School of Social Work
Dr. E. Amanda Boutot, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Maria G. De la Colina, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Joyce F. Fischer, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Sven Fuhrmann, Department of Geography
Dr. Ruben Garza, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Ms. Melissa G. Grogan, Department of Theatre and Dance
Dr. Chang Ji, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Hsun Ming Lee, Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods
Dr. Kathryn Lee, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Ju Long, Department of Computer Information Systems and Quantitative Methods
Dr. Kevin W. McCurdy, Department of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Rodion Podorozhny, Department of Computer Science
Dr. Rebecca Raphael, Department of Philosophy
Dr. Leah M. Renold, Department of History
Dr. Anadelia Romo, Department of History
Dr. James S. Williams, Department of Health and Human Performance
Dr. Kelly L. Wilson, Department of Health and Human Performance
Ms. Juli Wood, School of Music

Texas State Faces: Bobcats in Baseball

Former Texas State Bobcats
playing professional baseball

Here’s our weekly update of former Texas State student-athletes competing on the professional level. As the short-season leagues begin, the list will grow, and your input always is welcome.

Of note: Thomas Field is in the top 10 in the Class A California League in hitting (at .352), on-base percentage (.467) and on-base-plus-slugging (1.008).

Bobcat Faces: David Fink

Transfer 101 blog features
Texas State student

Transfer student David Fink

Transfer 101, a statewide program aimed at helping students make the transition from community colleges to four-year institutions, recently posted a feature about Air Force veteran David Fink.

Fink started at San Antonio College, and he talks about the process of coming to San Marcos in the posting, which can be read here.

Rising Stars: Kaitlin Hopkins

Hopkins develops unique
musical theatre program

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Kaitlin Hopkins, in the advertisement for Texas State in Texas Monthly magazine.

The Rising Stars profile of Kaitlin Hopkins, the director of Texas State’s musical theatre program, has been posted on the university’s website.

There’s no doubt about it — Hopkins was a show business baby. She was born to acting, producing and playwriting parents and has spent her career performing.

The new director of the new musical theatre program at Texas State brings a passion for building to the university, as well as a professional’s perspective to her students.

Read about her here.

Rising Stars: Ben Sullivan

Honors student ties project
to most personal of experiences

Ben Sullivan, from the Texas State advertisement in the June edition of Texas Monthly magazine.

Recent Texas State graduate Ben Sullivan’s story has been posted on the Rising Stars page of the university’s website.

Sullivan, an honors graduate in English and philosophy, will be presenting a project from a University Honors course on baseball and American culture at the National Baseball Hall of Fame this summer.

Sullivan traced the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in the baseball legend — basing his observations on his own experiences with his mother.

Click here to read the story.

Texas State Faces: Forensic Anthropology Center

KXAN-TV produces feature
on unique Texas State program

Austin television station KXAN broadcast this report about the Forensic Anthropology Center at the Freeman Ranch, featuring the family of one of the donors to the facility that studies forensic science. The report also provided background on the work the center is doing to help identify human remains in Texas.

The Texas State center is one of just a handful doing this kind of research in the United States.