College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Volume 2, Issue 1 - January 2025

Happy New Year

This semi-annual publication is your window into the latest happenings, memorable events, and remarkable accomplishments from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

From inspiring success stories of our dedicated faculty and outstanding students to exciting opportunities for you to engage, we aim to keep you closely connected to the vibrant community you played a vital role in shaping.

Your journey with us continues beyond graduation; your ongoing support and involvement are invaluable to us.

We warmly invite you to share your personal news and updates, making this newsletter a reflection of our shared experiences and achievements. Thank you for being such an essential part of our college's enduring legacy. 

CHSS Unveils 2024-2029 Strategic Plan

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

CHSS 2023-2024 Annual Awards

Back: Dean Chien-pin Li, Dr. Benjamin Park, Dr. Brian Jordan

Front: Dr. Frances Brandau, Sarie Fuller, Jennifer Child, Dr. Jadwiga Biskupska

Excellence in Teaching

(Tenured and Tenure-Track):

Dr. Jadwiga Biskupska, History,

Dr. Benjamin Park, History

Excellence in Teaching

(Non-Tenure Track):

Jennifer Child, English

Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Accomplishments:

Dr. Brian Jordan, History

Excellence in Service:

Dr. Frances Brandau, Communication Studies

Excellence in Staff Performance:

Sarie Fuller, Former Assistant to the Chair of English

Dr. Paul Child III and Dr. Jeffrey Gardner Honored with Keys of Excellence Nominations

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

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

2024 ACUE CHSS Fellows

The Engaging Classrooms QEP project is celebrating its seventh cohort of ACUE Fellows.

CHSS faculty who completed the program are: Anne Smithson, Bradley Seaberg, Edna Velasquez, Emily Garner, Kelly Jordan, Lei Duan, Miriam Akoto, Shyam Pandey, and Anna Lu.

Left to Right: Dean Chien-pin Li,

Dr. Anna Lu, Dr. Lei Duan, and

Dr. Shyam Pandey

2024 France Study Abroad Recap 

"Our program took place in Aix-en-Provence, France, and it was an incredible experience for both the students and myself. One of the most memorable moments was seeing the students’ growth in confidence as they navigated the French language and culture.

A particularly touching memory was when one of my students, Brennan, mentioned how learning French inspired them to stay in France after the program ended to explore more opportunities. Moments like these truly showcase the transformative power of language education.

We also enjoyed excursions to nearby historical sites, participated in local music festivals, and even had a chance to take a French cooking class, where we learned to make traditional Provençal dishes. My students were fully immersed in the language and culture, which really brought our classroom lessons to life."

- Dr. Miriam Akoto

2024 London Study Abroad Recap 

"It really is so much fun, if I had the chance I would do it a million and one more times!"

-Amy Dellacrosse

"You're able to see new places and experience different cultures while earning credit toward your degree!"

-Tina Ellison

"It’s an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll talk about it for years to come." 

-Dr. Robert Donahoo

TRP Published Book Selected for National Books Awards Longlist

Founded in 1979, TRP: The University Press of SHSU (Texas Review Press) is committed to publishing quality poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and scholarship. 

The National Book Foundation was founded in 1989 to administer the National Book Awards, which has been one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the country since 1950. The Foundation also produces numerous educational and public programs that help connect readers to books in new and meaningful ways.

This year, for the first time, a TRP published book has the honor of being selected for the National Book Awards Longlist! We congratulate this distinguished author.

Dr. Jared Ruchensky Wins John E. Exner Scholar Award

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.

Dr. Brian Jordan Delivers Keynote Eulogy

"I had no real idea what to expect and what emotions to feel. It was the most overwhelming thing I've ever done. To see the remains, hold them, and be responsible for speaking for them. Playing a small part in that is incredibly humbling. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and a sense of duty to tell their stories."

- Dr. Brian Jordan

History Department Featured in Inside Higher Ed Article

A pilot program at Sam Houston State University encourages faculty members to add tutoring to gateway courses to improve student success. Early data shows a positive impact on passing rates.

Graduate Assistant, Libby Fenstermacher, Featured in 4 Magazine

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

SHSU Selected to Join the Gulf Research Scholars Program

Dr. Jason Enia (Political Science) and Dr. Lee Miller (Sociology), in collaboration with the College of Science and Engineering Technology and the Center for Community Engagement, have diligently engaged with the Gulf Scholars Program and are set to receive a grant designated for developing a certificate program.

This grant funding will allow SHSU to create an interdisciplinary certificate to explore the complex issues facing the Houston metro area, Southeast Texas, and the larger Gulf Region. The certificate will create opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience with critical environmental issues and policies. Additionally, they will qualify for an internship that will significantly enhance their career opportunities and increase their marketable skills.

New Yorker Names Faculty Book as One of the 'Best Books of 2024"

Dr. Benjamin Park's (History) book, American Zion, has been named 'One of the Best Books of 2024' by The New Yorker.

"Park, a historian, traces Mormonism from its inception in New York, in 1830, to its struggle amid persecution in the mid-nineteenth century, to its present status as a global empire of more than seventeen million adherents."

TRP Book Receives Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews

The Book of Drought by Rob Carney received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews. (Note: Kirkus Reviews offers both free and paid review options, but a review's becoming a starred review is purely merit-based.)

Excerpt: "A terrific collection that grounds an anguished ecological sensibility in gorgeous writing and deep emotion."

The Book of Drought was released in September 2024 and is the Winner of TRP's 2023 X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize, which was judged by Richard Blanco.

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