Following the adoption of the Sam Houston State University institutional strategic plan, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences embarked on a mission to define its strategic priorities. This endeavor was driven by a carefully selected, multidisciplinary committee representing the voices of administration, faculty, staff, and students. A sincere thank you to our dedicated CHSS Strategic Priorities Planning Committee:

-Fran Brandau, Professor and Chair, Communication Studies

-Paul Child III, Professor, English

-Zachary Doleshal, Clinical Assistant Professor, History

-Karen Douglas, Associate Professor, Sociology

-Leif French, Committee Chair, Senior Associate Dean

-Nia Hodge, Class of 2024, Integrated Studies

-Hillary Langely, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Psychology

-Kristin Trojacek, Assistant to the Chair, Political Science

-Rosti Vana, Assistant Professor, World Languages and Cultures

Morgan Richardson, Animal Science, nominated Dr. Paul Child III.

Maria Rojas-Caballero, Psychology, nominated Dr. Jeffrey Gardner. 

The John E. Exner Scholar Award honors the memory of John E. Exner, Ph.D., a pioneer in personality assessment, by supporting the research of a young personality assessor. Dr. Exner was committed to advancing the science of personality assessment by empirical research in the development and application of assessment instruments. This award honors that commitment by recognizing and supporting a young investigator examining any method of personality assessment.

Dean Chien-pin Li and Interim Dean Ryan Zapalac with the College of Health Sciences take an afternoon to serve lunch to our students. 

The Department of Campus Activities & Traditions along with SH Dining invited campus administrators to participate in Lunch with Leadership this fall. This fun event allows Bearkats to engage with upper administrators.

Ashley Pruitt, the Director of Advising at SAM Center, shared her big tips for making signing up for classes a success for all students at SHSU!

1. Review the Registration Schedule: Make sure to check the official Registration Schedule and mark your calendar for your designated time to register for courses. This will help you plan and avoid any last-minute issues.

2. Meet with Your Advisor: It is essential to meet with your academic advisor before registering for classes. Advisors are available via drop-in assistance and scheduled appointments; details can be found on the SAM Center

3. Review the Registrar’s Tips: Check out the FYI list the Registrar’s Office posts for help during registration season.

Signing up for classes is stressful for everyone involved, but especially us students. 

SAM Center is here to encourage the relationship between students and their advisors so students get the help they need when deciding their future classes here at SHSU. They also encourage and help students find a sense of self and agency as they navigate their academic journey. 

-Bri Chapman

"My greatest achievement until today was being selected for my first NASA internship"

 Back row; left to right: Robert Donahoo, Matthew Kasper, Hunter Cummins, and Vincent Garza

Front row; left to right: Emily Lara, Kristen Pruitt, Tristan Gill, and Jaelen Sandoval.

Professor Robert Donahoo's Modern Drama course at a matinee performance of Noises Off at Houston's Alley Theatre. This hilarious farce gave students an opportunity to experience a meta-drama performed by the region's premiere theater company.

Sigma Tau Delta hosted a Lord Byron Watch Party October 24 in Evans.

Students gathered to stream "Sardanapalus" and enjoy an evening to engage in literature and community outside of the classroom.

Left to Right: Anthony Cody, LaToya Watkins, Shing Yin Khor, and Lacey M. Johnson.

The National Book Awards Festival has come and gone and with that so has one of my favorite parts of being a Bearkat! For those who are just joining us, each year SHSU partners with the National Book Foundation to not only take on an SHSU student intern every summer but also sends us talented authors to come and talk to us about their craft, their books, and their life as writers. At this year’s festival, we had the pleasure of hosting Anthony Cody, Shing Yin Khor, and LaToya Watkins.

Need something extra on your resume?

CHSS is now accepting applications to become an ambassador!

This is a great opportunity for students to represent the college at university events and network with leaders across campus and the community.

Want to Travel?

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers faculty-led or independent summer study abroad and study away programs. These programs offer students the opportunity to engage in an educational and cultural learning experience.

2025-2026 FAFSA Application Opens December 1, 2024

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

This application dramatically simplifies the process for students by importing key information from their student data record and allowing them to be automatically considered for all relevant scholarships.

Are you ready to take part in an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a local business? The Good Shepherd Mission is gearing up for expansion and is seeking innovative ideas from CHSS students!

Join the Spring Skills Challenge, a ten-week competition where you'll collaborate and compete with your peers and a mentor to craft the most impressive expansion plan for the Good Shepherd Mission. Show your creativity and teamwork skills for a chance to win scholarships, plus a great experience to add to your resume! Don't miss this chance to make a real impact!

November 2024

Join the Graduate & Professional School and the Academic Success Center for a quiet, focused writing session in a structured environment.

Registered students will receive one-on-one accountability consultations before and after the session to set goals and review progress.

December 2024

Come take your mind off of finals at the Student Affairs De-Stress Fest! There will be lots of FREE activities,  events and food for all students. Join us in the Frank Parker Plaza to participate in wellbeing activities, and events to help you relax away all your stress. 

If you have any events, stories, successes, announcements, or news about students, faculty, staff, or alumni please send it over!

We want our Bearkat Community to celebrate with you!

CHSS Newsletter Team

Brianna Chapman - Writer/Editor

Andrea Stone - Writer/Editor

Tiffany Hubrig - Marketing and Communications Coordinator

This email is being sent to CHSS Faculty, Staff and Students

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