The fall semester is here, and the CHSS Dean’s Office (CHSS, Floor 2, Suite 290) is ready to help you make it your best yet! Whether you’re hitting the ground running or just finding your rhythm, we’ve got resources, programs, and opportunities designed to support your journey — academically, professionally, and personally.

✈️ SPUR-of-the-Moment Travel Support
We know academic and professional opportunities can pop up fast — that’s why we offer SPUR funding to help cover travel costs for research presentations and conferences. Don’t miss out just because of the price tag!

📏 Take MEASURE of Your Research
The Measure helps undergraduate students engage in faculty-mentored research — a fantastic way to deepen your studies and get published or present your work.

🤝Become an AMBASSADOR to Your Peers
Our CHSS Ambassadors are student leaders who represent the college, help with events, and build community. Want to inspire and support your fellow Bearkats? Come join the team!

🌍 Study ABROAD with CHSS
Explore the world while earning credit! CHSS offers faculty-led study abroad trips and scholarship opportunities to help make international learning accessible and unforgettable.

✍️ Free SCANTRONS
Test days are stressful enough — don’t worry about scantrons. We’ve got you covered! Stop by the Dean’s Office and grab one, on us.

🧢 Lost and Found, Anyone?
Left your keys, backpack, sunglasses, or favorite hoodie? Don’t worry — the Dean’s Office Lost & Found might just have it. Swing by and check!

CHSS is proud to celebrate Dr. Marcus Boccaccini, professor of psychology, who has been honored with the 2025 Regents’ Professor Award—one of the highest distinctions granted by the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents.

This prestigious award recognizes professors who demonstrate a sustained record of excellence in teaching, research or scholarly activity, and service at the local, state, and national levels.

Dr. Boccaccini will be formally recognized at the TSUS Board of Regents meeting in November, where he will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions and dedication to academic leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Boccaccini on this well-deserved honor! His accomplishments exemplify the highest ideals of Sam Houston State University and serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative role educators play in shaping the future.

"Having this opportunity confirmed what I already hoped to be true: I am meant to be in the literary space, and I am meant to be a creative writer."

- Lakyndra Bridges

"I am truly thankful for this award and for the chance to do the work I do every day. My role may be behind the scenes, but I take pride in being the person who helps keep everything running smoothly—whether it’s organizing, problem-solving, or just being a friendly face when someone needs support. What I love most is being the go-to person who helps turn challenges into solutions. And doing it here at SHSU makes it even more meaningful, because this community has given so much to me as a student and now as a staff member. To be recognized by the place that has shaped me is an honor I’ll always be grateful for."

- Tamara Draper

Pictured left to right: Dean Chien-pin Li, Dr. Michael Demson, Dr. Jeffrey Gardner, Dr. Zachary Doleshal, Dena Horne, and Dr. Tracy Bilsing.

Not pictured: Jerin Milam

CHSS Excellence in Teaching Tenure/Tenure Track

Dr. Jeffrey Gardner - Sociology

CHSS Excellence in Teaching Non-Tenure Track

Dena Horne - Communication Studies

CHSS Excellence in Scholarly & Creative Accomplishments

Dr. Michael Demson - English

CHSS Excellence in Service

Dr. Tracy Bilsing - English

CHSS Excellence in Community Service

Dr. Zachary Doleshal - History

CHSS Excellence in Staff Performance

Jerin Milam - English

Get Published, Get Noticed!

The Measure is the CHSS undergraduate research journal that invites you to share the innovative and insightful scholarly papers and posters you've worked on this academic year. 

Need a little 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.

The priority date for Scholarships4Kats is November 1st. To ensure the greatest opportunity of an award, please complete your General Application by this date.

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.

September 2025

Schedule an appointment with the SAM Center and get an early start on planning your spring classes.

Celebrate with your Bearkat! Bearkat Family Day is a one-day campus experience for parents, guardians, family members, and supporters. 

CHSS will tailgate in Bearkat Alley from 11 am-1 pm Come pick up a collapsible fan.

Curious about life after your bachelor’s degree?

This is your chance to explore SHSU graduate programs, connect with alumni and staff, access helpful resources, and even have some fun along the way. Designed for juniors and seniors, this week helps you take the next step toward your future through a variety of events.

October 2025

Get involved with the various Homecoming Week Activities and then JOIN US at Shell Energy Stadium for the BIG Homecoming Game and Court Presentation!

Every fall, CHSS and the English Department join forces with the National Book Foundation to bring three extraordinary, award-winning authors to our campus for an evening of readings and book signings. This year, we are delighted to welcome Laird Hunt, Erin Entrada Kelly, and the newly appointed 2025 Texas Poet Laureate, Octavio Quintanilla. 

Join us for this celebration of literature — it's an event you won’t want to miss! 
*books available for purchase at the event

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

Tiffany Hubrig - Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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

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