The Center for Community Engagement connects students, faculty, and staff with community organizations that are passionate about creating positive change. Whether students are gaining real-world experiences, developing leadership skills, or preparing for a career rooted in purpose, the Center helps to equip them to grow as lifelong learners and as citizens.

"I am excited to be selected for the Community-Engaged Research Workshop and to conduct research funded by the Center for Community Engagement.  This workshop series aligns closely with my academic interests and my passion for community-engaged research aimed at advancing health equity among Chinese immigrant populations."

- Dr. Cindy Chen

Case Western hosts the Edward S. and Melinda Sadar Lecture in Writing in the Discipline, which invites experts to showcase research and scholarship in writing across the disciplines, including the histories, cultures, and contexts of specific writing practices, writing instruction, and communicative technologies.

"It was an honor to be invited to present my research on supporting disabled and neurodivergent students as 2025's Case Western's Sadar Lecture, and to lead a workshop on centering autistic/neurodivergent students' pedagogical needs to make our classrooms more accessible for everyone. I was humbled and delighted to spend time with the thoughtful and dedicated instructors at Case Western University. "

- Dr. Ada Hubrig

"I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, especially because it came through my involvement with Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society on campus. Joining organizations like this has shown me how many doors can open when students choose to show up, apply, believe in themselves, and get the support of a community. I’ve learned not to shy away from opportunities, even those that feel out of reach. Sometimes the things that feel most intimidating are the exact things we need to help us grow the most."

- LaKyndra Bridges

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and professional achievements and who have made significant contributions, thus bringing honor and distinction to our university.

Herbert H. O’Quinn was a proud alumnus of Sam Houston State University whose life and career exemplified leadership, service, and steadfast commitment to people and community.

Herbert embarked on an impressive career that spanned more than 40 years in human resources, industrial relations, and large-scale operations management. His career was marked by operational excellence, environmental stewardship, labor relations expertise, and the mentorship of countless professionals.

He remained deeply connected to Sam Houston State University throughout his life. In addition to being a proud Bearcat alumnus, he served with distinction on the University Alumni Board from 

2012 to 2015 and was a founding member of the CHSS Advisory Board. Beyond the University, Herbert was equally devoted to his community and church, teaching adult Sunday school classes, fostering strong relationships with local leaders, and living out his faith through service and example.

Donald Vernon Coers was a distinguished scholar, educator, and academic leader whose decades of service left an enduring mark on Sam Houston State University and higher education in Texas.

Dr. Coers joined the faculty at Sam Houston State University in 1969 as an assistant professor of English and was promoted to professor in 1986. Over a thirty-year career at SHSU, he served the institution in numerous leadership roles, including Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Interim Director of Institutional Research, and ultimately Associate 

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services from 1995 to 2000.

A respected and internationally recognized scholar, Dr. Coers was widely known for his expertise on the life and works of John Steinbeck. His book John Steinbeck as Propagandist: The Moon Is Down Goes to War earned the Elizabeth Agee Prize, and he received the Burkhardt Award as Outstanding Steinbeck Scholar of 1995.

Mike Yawn is a distinguished educator, mentor, and civic leader whose career reflects an extraordinary commitment to Sam Houston State University, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the broader Huntsville community. 

Since joining the Department of Political Science at SHSU in 2001, Professor Yawn has been a highly respected Clinical Assistant Professor known for excellence in teaching, advising, and program 

development. He has taught a wide range of courses, many of which he pioneered for the department, including Politics and the Media, Politics and Film, and Statistics, now part of the department’s core curriculum. Consistently ranked among the highest in teaching evaluations, he has also served as a faculty advisor, pre-law advisor, and internship coordinator, expanding student internship placements from just a handful each year to as many as forty at the local, state, and federal levels. Through his leadership in Political Science Junior Fellows and as founding director of the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics (LEAP), now in its third decade, Mike has created transformative opportunities for students to travel, attend presidential inaugurations, engage with policymakers, visit historic and cultural sites, and participate in meaningful civic and service-oriented experiences across Texas and the nation.

At the heart of Mike Yawn’s legacy is his genuine care for students and the relationships he builds with them. He is widely regarded as a mentor who recognizes potential, opens doors, and walks alongside students as they discover their purpose and voice. His influence is reflected in the many alumni who now serve in government, public service, education, and community leadership roles. Supported by his family and grounded in humility and service, Mike Yawn has quietly built a legacy that has changed lives and elevated Sam Houston State University.

"If affectionate communication is beneficial for romantic relationships, as multiple investigations have shown, is it better for partners to have a higher average level of affectionate communication, or is it preferable if their levels match (even if they are both low)? The current study examined 141 romantic dyads (N = 282) composed of heterosexual adults living in the United States and they were asked to report their trait affectionate communication (i.e. expressed and received) and relationship quality (i.e. relational quality, satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, and love)."

"It is an honor to assume this new role at the helm of one of my field's most respected journals. I look forward to working with the visionary editorial team in the years ahead--and am excited about building connections between the magazine and our own SHSU Civil War Consortium."

- Dr. Brian Jordan  

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to join the Editorial Board of the Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. I look forward to working with the other members of the Board and the journal's talented leadership to continue the JGAPE's tradition of publishing cutting-edge scholarship."

- Dr. Evan Rothera

"A key takeaway from the literature on emotional labor in academic advising is that the emotional toll academic advisors and other higher education professionals experience may play a significant role contributing to high levels of stress, burnout, and job turnover."

Registration is now open for the 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium!

This annual event showcases outstanding student research and creative projects across disciplines. 

The symposium is free and open to all undergraduates.

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. 

Fall submissions are due January 31, 2026

Spring submissions are due May 24, 2026

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.

Reminder to complete your general application for scholarship opportunities. The priority deadline has passed, but the application is still open for scholarships that have yet to be awarded.

Don't forget to submit your FAFSA!

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.

February 2026

Do YOU want to be President of SHSU for the Day? Apply to switch places with Dr. Alisa White, and YOU could be President for a DAY!

Must currently be enrolled as a full-time student at SHSU. Deadline to submit is February 27, 2026.

The WINNER will be President of SHSU for the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. ALL participants must confirm with their professor, supervisors, leaders, etc. that Dr. White can take their place on this date!

Students may contact the SAM Center to schedule an advising appointment.

Celebrate Bearkats Belong Week with us! Join First-Year Experience for a fiesta full of fun.  Play Lotería and enjoy a nacho bar. Free food, fun games, and all the good energy. ¡Fiesta, no siesta! Snack. Play. Belong.

Sophomores! Join us as we celebrate you being halfway to your SHSU degree! The Sophomore Halfway to Graduation Celebration is your chance to check in on your academic progress, explore opportunities like internships and study abroad, and connect with campus support to help you stay on track to graduate. Plus, enjoy free food, giveaways, and Bearkat pride.

March 2026

Join the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library for an immersive historical experience with hors d'oeuvres and beverages on the eve of Sam Houston's Birthday and the 190th Anniversary of Texas Independence.
 

This free event on Sunday, March 1, will take place at Bear Bend Cabin on the museum grounds from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside to the museum.)

Join our FREE party to celebrate Communication Studies and students like you with an afternoon of FREE games, food, swag, and fun!

All students and majors welcome!

Have fun, be safe, and we will see you refreshed and ready to learn on March 16. 

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

Tiffany Hubrig - Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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

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