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FEBRUARY 2024
NEWS & UPDATES
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Texas College Launches E-Sports Program | |
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Texas College has signed an agreement with Blaze Fire Games to launch its new Texas College E-Sports competitive program.
Texas College is now an official Blaze Fire Games E-Sports League member, like many other colleges and universities, because of this agreement. In the U.S., hundreds of higher learning institutions have launched similar concentrated video gaming and esports programs as a creative and innovative way to help universities and colleges recruit, reclaim, and retain students.
Dr. Dwight Fennell, President at Texas College, said, "I am ecstatic about this partnership between Texas College and Blaze Fire Games. It offers another extraordinary opportunity for the college to be on the cutting edge and uniquely connect with our students. The partnership will also allow students to build their future career brand in the marketplace with potential employers."
The multi-billion e-sports industry is one of the world's fastest-growing sports. According to industry experts, 216 million Americans play video games weekly in the U.S. Additionally, 62% of Adults 18+ routinely play video, and the number rises to 76% for students under 18.
The new Texas College E-Sports Club will emphasize competition in student team play as an official student organization through the Office of Student Affairs.
Dr. Cynthia Marshall-Biggins, Vice President of Student Affairs at Texas College, said, "We at Texas College are excited about our new Texas College E-Sports program. This is a real game-changer for our students because, with this initiative, the college's leadership team is meeting the students where they are and not where we think they are." Biggins continues to say that it is essential to provide a variety of student-centric program offerings that will allow any student the opportunity to be authentic, creative, and innovative in or out of the classroom and are incredibly excited to partner with Dr. Isiah Reese and his team at Blaze Fire Games."
The academic career pathway has already proven successful for 200 undergraduate students at Texas College in the 2023 and 2024 academic spring semesters. The Texas College Office of Student Affairs, Blaze Fire Games, and the Office of Academic Affairs have collaborated and successfully launched a dedicated educational interdisciplinary series of e-sports micro-credentialing customized content offered by the Blaze Fire Games Education Department. One hundred students have already received certification.
Students participating in the courses benefit from exposure to the professional preparation of e-sports or competitive gaming. The surge of this career pathway is quickly gaining popularity in the United States and creating an impressive presence on college campuses and K-12 schools alike. E-sports share many benefits of traditional athletics, like sportsmanship, leadership, communication, and teamwork.
Dr. Isiah Reese, CEO and co-founder of Blaze Fire Games said, "This partnership with Texas College is significant for our company because it directly aligns with our corporate mission and values. This agreement allows our company to continue creating student opportunities in the multi-billion dollar gaming and e-sports technology category. They will learn and physically practice what they are learning in current business case scenarios. This career readiness skill in critical thinking and innovation is required to survive today's digital global workforce economy."
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E-SPORTS MINI SEMESTER STARTING MARCH 11, 2024
Texas College invites you to enroll in courses and program activities related to E-Sports. This new and exciting dynamic allows you to take courses that will count as elective credits and, in some instances, may satisfy the program objectives of the general education core.
These courses will assist future business owners and people new to marketing to learn the basics of internet marketing; teach one how to conduct accurate internet research by creating a search plan, searching both the surface and deep web, and staying organized; and give a better understanding of cyberattacks and recognition of the warning signs. The E-Sports programmatic activity also has competitive forms of video game play, as well as team play between institutions, such as multi-player video game competitions. These innovative course are geared toward college-level students who wish to be on the cutting edge of E-Sports initiatives.
For course enrollment, contact:
Mr. John Roberts, Dean of Enrollment Management
(903) 593-8311, ext. 2368
For multi-player video game competitions, contact:
Dr. Cynthia Marshall-Biggins, Vice President for Student Affairs
(903) 593-8311, ext. 2267
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The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant voting is officially underway and Texas College needs your help to win! Vote online via the Retool Your School website (retoolyourschool.com/vote); Texas College is in Cluster 3. Voting is unlimited! | |
Future Texas College Steers | |
Dallas/Fort Worth College Fair | |
Summer Transition Enrichment Program | |
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The Next Generation of Steers:
Focused in the Classroom and on the Field
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Mr. Artis Edwards, Crockett High School Senior and future Texas College student-athlete
Crockett High School Senior Artis Edwards recently chose to further his educational and athletic pursuits at Texas College. His announcement was formalized at a signing ceremony, in which he signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for the Steers as a defensive lineman.
The College is pleased to learn of Edwards' selection of Texas College as his institution of choice, as he undoubtedly brings both intellectual and athletic talents to the campus. Edwards personifies the College's Core Values of Academic Excellence and Perseverance. Having played football for approximately 12 years, perfecting his athletic craft on the field, Edwards understands the importance of academics as well, evidenced by his report card as a straight-A student.
“You have to focus on the goal,” Edwards noted as he explained how he manages to excel both on the field and in the classroom. “You always have to keep looking at the bigger picture. Don’t lollygag; if you really want to get somewhere, it’s as simple as that." Edwards continued this sentiment, noting that the way to succeed is to take things seriously and work hard to make yourself better.
Edwards enjoys history and carries an interest in teaching it. His inspiration for this career path is derivative of his impactful former teachers at Crockett High School, who helped him to realize that knowing history with a contextual understanding is vital to not only the present, but also the future. However, most of all, Edwards' interest in the teaching field stems from a desire to help younger generations and impart knowledge to them.
Again, the College is excited to welcome Mr. Artis Edwards to the Texas College Family! His unwavering drive and multifaceted focus on academics and athletics will fuel his success as a high-caliber student-athlete at Texas College.
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As a Historically Black College, Texas College honors and recognizes the contributions of Black individuals for their preceding and continuous monumental work and achievements that have paved the way for current and future generations. This circadian reverence for the aforementioned remains engrained into the campus of Texas College, standing on the shoulders of giants that have made Texas College what it is today.
With the annual opportunity to celebrate the month-long acknowledgement that is Black History Month, Texas College asserts that the observance remains meaningful and important, as it provides monumental context of the contributions of a people who were once considered disenfranchised. It further showcases, both historically and factually, how Blacks and other ethnicities were interwoven into the foundation of America’s beginnings and continuity. And, although there were historical moments of struggle that were both challenging and concerning, such struggles are now accountable to the formation of a resilient nation with successes that make up the fabric of a powerful national society. One should be reminded that many historical incidents that have occurred cannot be changed, but one should also be admonished to remembering that such events have led to contemporary strengths and weaknesses and they should not be relived.
In celebration of Black History Month, the College hosted a multitude of activities throughout the month, as well as shared various informational digital presentations relating to Black History. See below for a brief recapitulation of Black History Month at Texas College. Kindly note that these items are separated into two categories: 1) Informational Digital Presentations; and 2) Activities and Events.
Informational Digital Presentations
Acknowledging the Significance of HBCUs
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Map of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (hbcumaps.com)
In recognition of Black History Month, invited individuals to pause for a moment and reflect on the development of institutions that for more than a century have influenced the growth and development of a people. In this regard, briefly learn of the importance of these institutions now proudly referred to as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
| | Texas College Trailblazers | |
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Collage of the Texas College Trailblazers featured
In celebration of Black History Month, the College compiled a brief list of eight Black influential figures, or trailblazers, that are also Texas College Alumni and have greatly impacted the institution, as well as beyond. With 130 years of rich history and countless successful trailblazing alumni, this list is by no means exhaustive, nor is it aimed to be. Rather, this feature is a mere glimpse into just some of the individuals that were impacted by Texas College and utilized their education to become meaningful influencers beyond the gates of the College.
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Collage of the Video Vignettes featured
In celebration of Black History Month, the College provided a series of brief video vignettes that highlight the significance of the month. The presentations feature a variety of historical contexts and figures that illustrate the importance of Black history.
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Remarks from President Fennell | |
As Black History Month came to a close, Dr. Dwight J. Fennell, President, shared remarks in celebration of the month. | | |
Activities and Events
Kicking Off Black History Month
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Texas College students pose for a photograph in front of the Whataburger food truck on campus.
To kick off Black History Month, Texas College collaborated with UNCF and Whataburger to provide all students, faculty, and staff free Whataburger meals on February 6. With the Whataburger food truck on the Steer Walk providing free lunch, the celebratory atmosphere was further enhanced with a variety of other activities and booths for the Texas College Family to engage in, as the College began Black History Month festivities.
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Texas College Choir Performances | |
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The Texas College Choir performs at Antioch Fellowship Church's Black History program in Dallas, Texas.
Following their stunning performance as special guests at UNCF's 34th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Virtual Celebration in January, the Texas College Choir continued their prominent presence in the community in celebration of Black History Month. Astoundingly, the Texas College Choir publicly performed over 10 times throughout the month of February with a variety of performances throughout Tyler and beyond. As always, the Choir did not disappoint, harmoniously gracing the audience's ears with their myriad of voices.
Notably, The Texas College Choir served as featured musical guests at Antioch Fellowship Church's Black History program in Dallas, Texas, alongside recording artists Janice Craig and Karen Clark-Sheard for a live recording feature. The Choir also joined recording artist Chester D.T. Baldwin at Liberty Baptist Church's “Let’s Go Back to the Old Time Way Black History Event” in Tyler.
The Choir also performed for multiple Black History Month programs throughout the Tyler Independent School District, including Bonner Elementary, T.J. Austin Elementary, and Tyler Legacy High School. They also assembled for a performance at the Tyler Senior Center's Black History Month program. The Choir congruently afforded their musical talents to the Black History Knowledge Bowl in Tyler.
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Texas College Choir Soloist Jared Shears (right) performs at the CBS 19 news station as CBS 19 Anchor Mariah Conduff enjoys the selection.
In addition to their community performances, the Texas College Choir was also featured on new stations CBS 19, KETK 56, and FOX 51 for their special presentations on Black History Month. For each feature, Texas College Choir Soloist Jared Shears proudly performed his rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the Negro National Anthem.
Aside from their musical performances, the Texas College Choir also partnered with 3-N-1 Trinity Services, a non-profit that helps to improve children, families and communities, to host “Seat At The Table: A Crown Awaits You!” This event, in celebration of Black History Month, was a two-day transformative youth development program that empowered over 40 young girls, aged 8-16, by focusing on positive self-esteem, soft skills, leadership, grace, and dining etiquette. In conjunction with 3-N-1 Trinity Services staff, women members of the Texas College Choir served as volunteer mentors and helped to facilitate the various facets and sessions of the program, as well as provided musical entertainment.
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Miss Tashira Johnson, Student Government Association President and Choir member, poses for a photograph with some of the “Seat At The Table: A Crown Awaits You!” participants in the Texas College Choir Room.
The workshop offered a nurturing space for young girls to develop essential life skills, including positive self-esteem, soft skills, and leadership qualities, as well as to refine their grace and master dining etiquette. The two-day event culminated with an "Evening of Elegance," in the Texas College Choir Room. Immerse in an atmosphere of grace and style, the young ladies exuded elegance and charm as donned evening wear and showcased their newly acquired skills.
Throughout the month of February, the Texas College Choir provided a multitude of stunning performances for the community, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted as they celebrated Black History Month.
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"To Pave the Way for His People" Book Presentation | |
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Dr. Edward Robinson, Associate Professor of History and Religion, discusses his newly published book "To Pave the Way for His People" at the College's Black History Month book presentation.
Dr. Edward Robinson, Associate Professor of History and Religion, in conjunction with Student Support Services, hosted a book presentation for Black History Month on Wednesday, February 14. The activity will surrounded Dr. Robinson's newly published book, "To Pave the Way for His People." The book is a biography of Preston Taylor, one of the most powerful and prominent African Americans during the Progressive Era. To learn more about Preston Taylor, Dr. Robinson's new book is available on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.
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Dr. Robert Butts, Assist Professor of History, discusses the Voting Rights Act of 1965 at the the College's Black History Month Voting Workshop.
In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Robert Butts, Assistant Professor of History, in conjunction with Student Support Services, hosted a voting workshop for students, as well as faculty and staff, on Monday, February 12. The Voting Workshop not only included voter registration opportunities, but congruently provided invaluable information and insight into voting. Dr. Butts' comprehensive presentation engagingly afforded important historical and political contexts necessary to understand the significance of voting, especially for previously disenfranchised populations.
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Students involved in the Steers Club discuss Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to begin their Black History Month festivities.
The Steers Club, formally referred to as the Library Club, hosted multiple activities in celebration of Black History Month. As an early and eager start to their festivities, the Steers Club elected to merge the celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s (typically celebrated on January 15) with Black History Month to host a viewing and roundtable discussion of Rev. Dr. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech on January 31. The activity included a viewing of the speech, which then transitioned into a meaningful and engaging roundtable filled with intellectual dialogue about the speech’s cultural relevance, social and historical context, as well as universal appeal. From their discussion, a plan of action was unanimously decreed as each Steers Club member pledged to spread awareness to and consciously practice the same principles that Rev. Dr. King emphasized in his unparalleled historical speech.
The Steers Club also presented a Black History Month Poetry Slam to provide a creative and artistic outlet and space for students, with works centered around Black history contexts. The Steers Club also hosted a viewing of the movie "The Color Purple," which afforded an exciting discussion after the film.
ABOUT THE STEERS CLUB: The Steers Club is an academic organization with a special emphasis on intellectual activities for overall student enrichment. With weekly meetings every Wednesday, students assemble to engage in an academic dialogue for the purposes of academic teaching and enlightenment. The Steers Club is sponsored by Mrs. Linda Simmons-Henry, Director of the Library, Mr. Craytonius Robinson, Library Coordinator, and Mr. Mingle Moore, English Professor.
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Texas College Competes in 35th Honda Campus
All-Star Challenge National Qualifying Tournament
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Texas College’s 2024 HCASC Team (left to right: Marcus McMillan, Godfrey Johnson, Tyler Evans, and Gavin Greenfield).
Texas College recently competed in the National Qualifying Tournament of the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students. Four-student teams face off in head-to-head competition and must quickly answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, math, the arts, pop culture, and sports. The National Qualifying Tournament was held on Saturday, February 10, at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas.
Texas College was one of 64 teams competing for institutional grants from Honda and a spot in the HCASC National Championship Tournament taking place on the American Honda corporate campus in Torrance, California, April 6-10, 2024. The Texas College HCASC Team is still awaiting confirmation if they will advance to the HCASC National Championship Tournament.
Texas College’s HCASC Team is coached by Isaac Williams, Dean of Students. The 2024 HCASC Team includes:
- Gavin Greenfield, Sophomore from Lexington, Kentucky (Captain)
- Tyler Evans, Freshman from Dallas, Texas
- Godfrey Johnson, Freshman from Houston, Texas
- Marcus McMillan, Freshman from Harker Heights, Texas
HCASC is a year-round program celebrating Black excellence and showcasing the academic talents of top HBCU students from across the country. HCASC challenges students to expand their scope of knowledge on a wide range of topics while also helping to develop their leadership and collaboration skills. With the opportunity to compete against students from other HBCUs, participants network, build camaraderie and gain mentorship opportunities with HCASC alumni. This year, Honda will provide more than $500,000 in institutional grants to the participating HBCUs with many of the schools utilizing the grants to fund student scholarships. More than 170,000 scholars have competed in HCASC since the academic tournament was established in 1989.
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Dr. Bassey Akpan, Professor of Computer Science, discusses salary potential and career outlook for Computer Science majors at the STEM Roundtable.
Texas College's Student Support Services hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Roundtable on February 19. The activity included faculty presentations from each of the aforementioned fields, open discussions, as well as question and answer sessions, which served as an undoubtedly beneficial opportunity for students interested in or currently pursuing a degree in STEM to gather more information about their respective major.
The STEM Roundtable provided insight into career opportunities, futuristic career outlooks, and salary potentials for the respective STEM fields. Notably, the activity also showcased several of the STEM programs and majors, as well as STEM-related clubs, organizations, and opportunities available for students at Texas College, inclusive of the Pathways to Medicine program, research opportunities, the new STEM Club, and more.
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Financial Aid Awareness Week | |
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Ms. Alice Copeland, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, speaks to a group of students during Financial Aid Awareness Week.
The Office of Financial Aid hosted Financial Aid Awareness Week from February 19-23. The weeklong activity accommodated students both in-person and virtually through a multitude of beneficial sessions and workshops.
The week served as an invaluable informational opportunity for students to become more familiarized with financial aid, its purpose, and the different types of aid that may be available. Facilitated through question and answer sessions, financial aid staff advised students how to access federal, state, and institutional student aid, as well as answered any posed questions. Financial Aid Awareness Week even hosted a session specifically focused on the new facets of FAFSA and how to navigate the process. This weeklong campaign afforded students the opportunity to receive expert assistance from financial aid staff as they prepare their 2024-2025 FAFSAs.
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Double-Overtime Victory Secures
Number Two Seed for RRAC Tournament
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On Tuesday, February 27, Texas College Men's Basketball closed the regular season of play with a thrilling 82-69 double-overtime victory at home over Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA). The Steers, down 33-31 at the half, rallied back and tied the game at 65 at the end of regulation. Texas College would go on to outscore XULA 13-0 in the second overtime. This win finalized a two-game regular-season sweep of XULA and congruently earned Texas College the number two seed for the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Men's Basketball Tournament.
"I'm very proud of the young men on our basketball team for having an outstanding season," said Coach Matt Cross, Head Men's Basketball Coach. "We came back from the holidays in early January and won 11 straight games over the course of seven weeks. That winning streak really gave us the momentum and belief to put us in a great position heading into the conference tournament this weekend."
That 11-game win streak propelled the Steers to finish the regular season 21-7 overall, with a 17-5 record in the RRAC. The Steers appear to have hit their stride, with only two losses since January 2024.
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Coach Matt Cross, Head Men's Basketball Coach
"I continuously emphasize the importance of embracing moments of opportunity," noted Cross. "We are now blessed to have this special opportunity to participate in the 2024 college basketball postseason, known to many as “March Madness," where we will strive to go from a good team to a great team."
The Steers will head to Alexandria, Louisiana, on Friday, March 1, to face off against Jarvis Christian University at 6:30 P.M. in the quarterfinals of the RRAC Men's Basketball Tournament. The semifinals will be played on Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M., with the championship game slated for Sunday, March 3, at 4:30 P.M.
"This is an exciting time for our team," said Cross. "I want to thank President Fennell, Vice President Marshall-Biggins, and Athletic Director Butler for all of their continued support, as well as the Texas College faculty, staff, students, alumni, and fans who have all played an important role in this season's success."
To view additional RRAC Men's Basketball Tournament information, visit: www.redriverconference.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/2024_RRAC_Men-s_Basketball_Tournament
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Mr. Randy Butler Selected for
NAIA Governance & Leadership Academy
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Mr. Randy Butler, Director of Athletics
Mr. Randy Butler, Director of Athletics, has been selected as one of two individuals to represent the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' (NAIA) 2024 Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA). Butler was nominated directly by Tony Stigliano, RRAC Commissioner; his recommendation as a candidate was then confirmed as a representative when selected by the RRAC selection committee.
"It is a great honor to be nominated by Commissioner Stigliano and to be selected by the committee," noted Butler. "This is a great opportunity to not only represent Texas College, but the Red River Athletic Conference as well."
The NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy provides training on NAIA governance and strategic initiatives, as well as introduces participants to NAIA committee work and service while enhancing their leadership acumen. The 2024 GLA will be hosted in Kansas City, Missouri in early April.
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February 2024 Featured Photo | |
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The Texas College Choir performs at Antioch Fellowship Church's Black History program in Dallas, Texas.
Submitted by Charles Shaw, Choir Director
The monthly featured photo is an initiative utilized to visually highlight the College from an aesthetically pleasing perspective, as well as showcase campus and student life, as well as activities. To submit a photograph, send via email to: jmartin@texascollege.edu
The submission must include one's name and a brief caption describing the photo. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to submit photographs for feature consideration. Featured photographs will be credited to the photographer and may be posted on social media outlets.
| | Spring 2024 College Calendar | |
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