UT Tyler Magazine - Spring 2024

A LEADER’S JOURNEY

Examining

Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun’s legacy in health care and education.

UT Tyler homecoming fireworks.

BY DANIELLE JOUBERT

Honor of a Lifetime

IN THIS ISSUE, we invite you to learn more about the exciting things happening at this great university.

• Dr. Kyle Gullings, associate professor of music theory and composition, composed “Gridiron Symphony,” which was recently debuted by the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. ETSO commissioned the original piece that honors the passion for East Texas high school football.

• Some of our alumni are helping to build UT Tyler, literally. They are a part of the project management and architectural companies overseeing the construction of the $308 million Medical Education Building, which will house our School of Medicine when the building opens in 2025.

• For the first time, we recognized 40 young alumni who are making a difference in their communities.

Finally, I announced in February my plans to retire, effective May 31, 2024, after serving 22 years as president in the UT System.

Several years ago, I told UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife and Chancellor J.B. Milliken that, with their support, I would enthusiastically serve into 2024.

Thanks to my loving spouse, Jeanette, and the constant support of

my entire family, I was able to lead the university through its merger with UT Health Science Center at Tyler and successfully launch our new School of Medicine. Now Jeanette and I are excited to pursue other potential opportunities in life and business.

Following my retirement, I look forward to working with Dr. Philley to ensure a smooth transition that continues the momentum occurring across the university.

As the longest-serving active president in the UT System, my greatest hope is that I have served you well. It has been the honor of a lifetime.

With Patriot Pride, Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP President, 2002 – 2024 (Combined

UT Tyler & UTHSCT)

BEHIND THE LINES

Elizabeth Wingfield

A marketing and communications specialist based in Tyler, Wingfield is the primary writer for the university’s health affairs media relations and marketing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from UT Tyler and is currently pursuing a graduate degree. She also enjoys writing in her free time and has published a young adult novel fantasy trilogy.

Shonagh Rae

Based in London since 1992, after leaving the Royal College of Art, Rae serves prominent UK and U.S. clients such as Penguin, BBC, Levi’s, Bacardi, The Guardian, NY Times and The Economist. Notably, she illustrates a weekly column for the Financial Times.

A New Era at UT Tyler

UT REGENTS NAME JULIE V. PHILLEY, MD, AS NEXT PRESIDENT OF UT TYLER

BY BEVERLEY GOLDEN

THE UT SYSTEM Board of Regents voted unanimously May 9 to name Julie V. Philley, MD, the next president of UT Tyler. Philley previously served as the university’s executive vice president for health affairs and vice provost. She is a board-certified physician in pulmonary and critical care medicine.

“Dr. Philley is a highly respected health, academic and community leader in Tyler. She is an East Texas native with a deep understanding of our region and its needs, and she played a front-line role in helping build UT Tyler’s health enterprise to what it is today,” says UT Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife. “She has the trust and admiration of individuals within the university and throughout Tyler. I’ve witnessed her impact over the past 12 years, and we are confident she is ready to grow UT Tyler as a premier academic and health institution.”

Philley began her appointment on June 1, 2024, succeeding Kirk A. Calhoun, MD. Philley was unanimously selected as a finalist by the UT System Board of Regents, and a special committee, led by UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken, recommended her to the Board.

“Dr. Philley received numerous accolades from the committee, with a special emphasis on her deep knowledge across the board in academic, clinical, administrative and operational matters, along with a track record of working collaboratively with many individuals to make significant advancements for UT Tyler,” Milliken says. “I am grateful to the committee for its enthusiastic recommendation.”

Philley played an instrumental role in launching the UT Tyler School of Medi-

D R . PHILLEY IS A HIGHLY R ESPECTED HEALTH, ACADEMIC AND COMMUNITY LEADE R IN TYLE R .”

KEVIN P. ELTIFE, Board of Regents Chairman

cine, the UT System’s seventh medical school. Previously, she was chair of the Department of Medicine and professor of medicine at the UT Health Science Center at Tyler.

A native of Overton, Texas, near Tyler, Philley returned to East Texas in 2012 as an assistant professor of medicine at UT Health Tyler, where she continued research efforts in nontuberculous mycobacterial disease and bronchiectasis. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and studied medicine at UT Health Houston’s McGovern Medical School, completing an internal medicine residency program at Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital and a fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas.

Philley and her husband, Richard Lee, are engaged in numerous Tyler activities, where Lee is the music director of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Tyler Civic Chorale.

“I am grateful for so many experiences provided to me at UT Tyler that offered a valuable understanding of the complexities of higher education and health care, and I am eager to work in this new capacity with my colleagues and throughout the community to make UT Tyler the best it can be,” says Philley. “I thank Chairman Eltife, the regents and Chancellor Milliken for their confidence in me and for their ongoing and significant investments that continue to propel UT Tyler forward.”

Using Music to Tell a Story

DR. KYLE GULLINGS COMMISSIONED BY ETSO TO COMPOSE ‘GRIDIRON SYMPHONY’

BY SYDNEY BAKER

FRIDAY NIGHTS ACROSS East Texas are an unfamiliar phenomenon for those who have recently moved to the region. Most East Texans forgo trendy clubs and restaurants to gather in their local high school stadiums. Under the familiar Friday night lights, they come together in a deeply rooted tradition full of local pride, camaraderie and the love of football.

This obsession with high school football is what inspired Richard Lee, Canadian-born music director of the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, to commission “Gridiron Symphony: A Tribute to High School Football in East Texas.”

Lee turned to Dr. Kyle Gullings, associate professor of music theory and composition at UT Tyler, to write the piece because of his ability to tell a story through music.

“Lee called me more than a year ago now because he knew that I wrote musicals and that I had written opera before. He didn’t want another generic symphony that happened to be about football. He wanted a storyteller,” says

Gullings. “I’m not like a traditional composer. For me, it’s about first and foremost an idea, concept or telling a story, and also connecting with people. Almost all the projects that I write are for a particular person or a particular community to enjoy.”

Broken into four movements to match the four quarters of a football game, “Gridiron Symphony” follows two fictional teams, the Helena Colonels and the Barto Blackjacks, and the upward battle the home team eventually faces after starting strong. Telling that story without the use of singers was challenging, but Gullings found a unique solution that catapulted his research for the entire project.

“There aren’t any singers, but there is a narration. The person we have narrating is Bill Coates, which if you’ve ever been driving around in your car on a Friday evening and tuned into the radio, you might have heard his voice. He’s the person who does the in-game radio broadcast, play-by-play, for KTBB,” says Gullings.

NOTE: The next issue of the magazine will include a full welcome and coverage of President Philley’s appointment as the university’s sixth leader.

CONTINUED

Meeting with Coates to discuss the project led Gullings deeper into East Texas high school football lore and traditions. For more than a year, Gullings observed spring practices, studied football terminology, attended local football games across the region and spoke with Roger Nunnally, the ingame play-by-play announcer for public high school games in Tyler. Nunnally then introduced Gullings to Phil Hicks, sports editor for the Tyler Paper.

Gullings also spoke with members of the famous 1994 John Tyler State Championship team, drawing inspiration from their stories and continued friendship to build the narration and emotional weight of his piece.

But Gullings is clear that “Gridiron Symphony” is not the story of the 1994 Lions. It is not even the story of Tyler. It is truly the story of East Texas.

“I think this story really resonates with people in Gilmer, Troup, Bullard

and Longview. This whole region is full of large 6A, small 2A and 3A programs, and everything in between. They’re all nuts about this sport,” says Gullings. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve got 1,000 people in your high school or 100. They all have a football team, and the whole town shows up, especially the small towns.”

Getting the town involved in the performance of the piece was the logical next step for Gullings. Nearly 60 marching band students from the two Tyler ISD high schools were invited to participate. The students play in the first movement, interjecting a traditional fight song back and forth with the orchestra, and in the big finale at the end of the fourth movement.

“I felt like I couldn’t tell the story of high school football without having a marching band,” says Gullings. “The band directors at Tyler Legacy and Tyler High School have been so gracious in loaning us some of their students and their uniforms, and getting those kids here to rehearse.”

This unique experience provides an incredible opportunity for the high school students, and Gullings hopes that “Gridiron Symphony” unites lovers of classical music with fans of the sport.

“I hope that this concert, in particular, attracts people who haven’t been to the symphony before or who haven’t been in a few years just because they love football.”

ڿ Gullings onstage with ETSO music director Richard Lee for the “Gridiron Symphony” world premiere in March.

GIVING BACK

Alum Bestows Gift to Support

Pre-Law

Academy UT Tyler accepted a $300,000 gift from alum Carol Cox Polumbo (MA, 1980) to enhance the university’s Pre-Law Academy. ¶ The program is designed to encourage East Texas high school students to consider a career in law as well as to assist current college students to be admitted into law school. ¶ “We are extremely grateful for this generous gift,” says former UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, “and we are particularly grateful to our accomplished alumna for graciously investing in her alma mater and East Texas.” ¶ Created in 2019, the Pre-Law Academy operates in the College of Arts and Sciences and consists of three components.

• Pre-College is a multilayered recruitment initiative in which UT Tyler offers programs and hands-on activities for East Texas K-12 students to nurture a desire to study law.

• The undergraduate program includes an enhanced pre-law minor providing UT Tyler students the necessary content to master the Law School Admission Test.

• The application/admission component includes a pre-law adviser who works with students to ensure the strongest possible law school application.

¶ Polumbo is a partner in the Austin office of McCall Parkhurst & Horton. She holds a Doctor of Law degree from South Texas College of Law.

¶ “Having grown up in Tyler, East Texas has a special place in my heart, and as an alumni I am very excited to assist UT Tyler in expanding its Pre-Law Academy,” says Polumbo. “Providing future generations with additional tools to be successful in pursuing a legal career is an opportunity I am proud to support.”

— BEVERLEY GOLDEN

DR. KYLE GULLINGS, UT Tyler Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition

Global Partnership

STUDENTS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND MACEDONIA LEADERSHIP SCHOOL THROUGH NEW AGREEMENT

BY HANNAH BUCHANAN

UT TYLER FORMALIZED a partnership with the International Center Alliance of Civilizations that allows a cohort of selected students from the College of Arts and Sciences to attend the President Ivanov School for Young Leaders in Macedonia every year.

“This is an incredible opportunity for

our students, and we are excited to partner with the International Center Alliance of Civilizations,” says UT Tyler professor and social sciences department chair Dr. Thomas Guderjan, the lead coordinator from the university.

“This long-term relationship will enable five UT Tyler students and three

faculty members to annually participate in the two-week school at no cost.”

Former UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, and the school’s founder Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, former president of the Republic of Macedonia and current president of the center’s advisory board, signed the agreement. The inaugural cohort of UT Tyler student scholars was announced after the memorandum signing.

“My intention was to provide young people not only from Macedonia but also from around the world with an opportunity to acquire new skills that would empower them to become leaders in their respective fields,” says Ivanov. “I’m thrilled that we have formalized our cooperation through the signing of this memorandum, and I eagerly anticipate groups of students from UT Tyler in our program.”

The inaugural UT Tyler student scholars attending the school in October were senior social sciences major Kirk Rosenbalm of Tyler; senior psychology major Catherine Kimball of Bullard; sophomore psychology major Preston Cammack of Longview; graduate political science major Kathryn Chamberlain of The Woodlands; and senior political science major Brittany Sehion of Trinidad. Jacob Groninga of Keller, a senior political science major, served as an alternate.

Guderjan, Dr. Colin Snider, UT Tyler associate professor and history department chair, and Dr. Robert “Bob” Sterken, UT Tyler professor of political science, joined the inaugural cohort and also presented at the school.

To be considered for school admission, students must major in a field within the College of Arts and Sciences, write an essay describing their career goals and aspirations, and be prepared to participate in both the online and in-person portions of the school.

↑ Former UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun meets with Dr. Gjorge Ivanov to sign agreement.

The school’s aim is to stimulate uplifting values of future political, cultural and economic leaders in Macedonia and around the world. The program is specifically intended for young people with higher education who wish, through their leadership skills, to contribute to the positive development of the society and the environment in which they live and work.

The program includes management simulations and practical exercises as well as leadership and management talks by prominent lecturers and guests from the area and around the globe.

STUDY AB R OAD

Gold Star Achievement

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM EARNS SHRM ALIGNMENT

BY HANNAH BUCHANAN

THE SOCIETY FOR Human Resource Management recognized UT Tyler’s master’s-level human resource development program through 2027.

SHRM alignment is a gold star standard for higher education programs with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human resources.

“We are pleased that our Master of Science in human resource development has earned SHRM alignment,” says Dr. Amir Mirmiran, UT Tyler provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “With SHRM alignment, students and employers can be confident that our program produces quality graduates who are recognized experts and leaders in the HR field.”

Human resource development is a process of increasing the capacity of human resources in organizations through

learning and development for the purpose of organizational performance. Offered 100% online, the UT Tyler Master of Science degree can be completed in one year, fulfilling the 19 required HR content areas and nine SHRM competences. UT Tyler graduates can also apply for professional SHRM certifications to use for career enhancement.

“This is exciting news for our HRD department, as we received SHRM alignment in less than the traditional oneyear time frame,” says Dr. Krist Swimberghe, dean of the Soules College of Business. “I want to thank our dedicated faculty, SHRM alignment team and the SHRM alignment committee for helping us achieve this goal.”

Students receive valuable HR training, based on SHRM’s quality standards using project-based learning, and work

with real clients and organizations so that they can develop HR knowledge and practical skills in diverse organizations.

Through world-class undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs, UT Tyler’s Department of Human Resource Development provides solid preparation for careers in a variety of sectors, including business, industry, nonprofit, education, government and the military. Students learn from top-tier, caring faculty with real business experience and award-winning research.

Undergraduates can choose to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years, thanks to the Human Resource Development Bachelor’s to Master’s 4+1 Program. This program allows undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework at no additional cost. Graduate courses will also satisfy upper-level electives in the undergraduate degree program, saving students time.

The university’s doctoral degree program offers its students a unique focus

WITH SH R M ALIGNMENT, STUDENTS AND EMPLOYE RS CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT OU R P ROG R AM P RODUCES QUALITY G R ADUATES WHO A R E R ECOGNIZED EXPE RTS AND LEADE RS.”

DR. AMIR MIRMIRAN, Provost/Executive VP for Academic Affairs

on organizational development and change, integrating a strategic management perspective. Students learn to make vital contributions to corporate success through the process of developing employee expertise and creating a productive work environment.

UT Tyler offers the only Texas-based baccalaureate HRD program in both traditional and 100% online formats. Undergraduates have the opportunity to gain leadership skills and strengthen their resume by competing in SHRM competitions through membership in UT Tyler’s SHRM student chapter.

Students in all programs can gain real-world experience through internships with the university’s connections to local businesses and organizations.

BRIAN

Alejandra

Landim Martinez, student coordinator for UT Tyler’s Patriot Pantry, knows that, while the pantry’s footprint is relatively small, its accessibility as a campus resource makes a big difference.

She says students and campus community members drop in for anything from a snack between classes to meals for the whole week. And in some ways, a friendly face can be just as valuable as a bite to eat.¶ “As a college student, we go hungry here and there. We just need something to keep us moving.”¶ Martinez, a

commuter student based in Longview, found herself in need of a way to fill the gap between classes after transferring to UT Tyler in fall 2022. So, she took to the student work portal on Handshake in search of a job on campus, open to anything that would offer flexible hours.¶ Like many members of the UT Tyler community, she didn’t

even know that the pantry existed. “Thankfully, I’ve never been through a situation where I have to worry about food,” she says. “I guess I didn’t really know the impact food insecurity had on college students overall.”¶ But the pantry ended up being more than a convenient fit. It was an opportunity to be of service and offer a safe space

to those in need. She operates it mostly by herself just off the main entrance of the Muntz Library. “I feel if I connect with the people that come in here, some of them after a while — or even after talking to me for five minutes — they tell me they’re so glad they came in, or they should’ve come in sooner just because it’s like a free, nonjudgmental environment.” ¶ Martinez’s career goals are also centered on reaching out and making connections. Having graduated from the communication sciences and disorders program in May, she plans to attend graduate school and become a speech pathologist. “I feel that speech therapy has always been intertwined in my life,” she says, with herself, her younger brother and now her 2-year-old son all having benefited from it. ¶ She loved her own experience in elementary school and found that getting pulled from class for one-on-one attention from her speech therapist had an overwhelmingly positive impact on her life. “I know how fun speech therapy can be, and I know other people who have had bad speech therapy experiences, so I just want to make a bigger impact on peoples’ lives and get speech therapy known as a better thing.”¶ In the meantime, Martinez has made her impact through the pantry. She hopes that those in need won’t hesitate to stop by even now that she’s graduated, whether it be for a Pop-Tart or a grocery run. “The pantry’s here to help people day to day and is just a great resource that anyone can use.”

—DANIELLE JOUBERT

EDUCATION

UT Tyler

Communication Sciences and Disorders BS 2024

Kilgore College Social Work AA 2022

Longview High School

International Baccalaureate Graduate 2018

ACTIVITIE s Patriot Pantry Student Coordinator

National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, UT Tyler Chapter Member

Support the Patriot Pantry with donations of unopened and unexpired food, drinks and hygiene products. Monetary gifts are also accepted. Please contact, 903.565.5645.

Advocate of the Year

KAISER RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORTING STATE EDUCATORS

BY HANNAH BUCHANAN

DR. FORREST KAISER, assistant professor of educational leadership, was named 2023 Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council of Professors in Educational Administration.

The annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to the profession of educational leadership development and preparation along with service to the organization itself. Nominees must be active members of TCPEA, which serves a membership of about 60 institutions statewide.

“We congratulate Dr. Kaiser for being recognized by the TCPEA,” says Dr. Pradeep “Max” Dass, dean of the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology. “This award is a great honor and represents a recognition of the work we

do at UT Tyler to prepare future school leaders while supporting those already in the field.”

During the past year, Kaiser has worked to encourage collaborative research with others across the state, build professional development sessions to support the growth of junior faculty, and share resources and time with local districts to enhance and support school leadership. His professional and research interests include leadership development and teacher retention.

“I greatly enjoy my work at UT Tyler serving educators in the state and community, and I look forward to helping further establish the university as an essential resource in the field,” says Kaiser, a UT Tyler alum. “This award is a welcome encouragement to continue the work ahead.”

Kaiser joined the UT Tyler School of Education faculty in 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience in education, serving in the classroom, instructional technology, campus administration and higher education. He currently serves as an executive board member of TCPEA and representative on the University Council for Educational Administration. Kaiser also serves as an adviser for the School Leadership Review journal.

THIS AWA R D ... R EP R ESENTS A R ECOGNITION OF THE WO R K WE DO AT UT TYLE R TO P R EPA R E FUTU R E SCHOOL LEADE RS WHILE SUPPO RTING THOSE AL R EADY IN THE FIELD.”

DR. PRADEEP “MAX” DASS, College of Education and Psychology Dean

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

He holds a Master of Education in educational leadership from UT Tyler and a Doctor of Education in education administration from Texas A&M University- Commerce.

TCPEA is an affiliate of the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership. Established in 1947 as the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration, ICPEL continues its commitment to serve professors of educational administration and practicing school leaders.

Khanal leads DOEsupported effort to improve climate UT Tyler received more than $700,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to help lessen the impacts of carbon dioxide emissions on the climate, with Dr. Aaditya Khanal, assistant professor of chemical engineering, as principal investigator. ¶ Carbon dioxide, or CO2, Khanal says, is a gas that leads to global warming and has challenging impacts on human health and the Earth’s ecosystems. ¶ With this grant, Khanal will use fundamental and applied research that will help improve the understanding of the various aspects of CO2 sequestration in geological formations. Researchers from UT Austin and students from both institutions will collaborate with Khanal on the three-year project. ¶ “The experimental data, simulation results and data-driven models expected from this project will be instrumental in improving the current technologies involved in sequestering CO2 in deep saline aquifers,” says Khanal. “The outcomes will broaden public knowledge about the various aspects of energy generation, carbon emissions and the technologies that can mitigate the impact of these emissions.” ¶ Underground sequestration of CO2 released from significant point sources, such as power plants and heavy industries, Khanal notes, is a possible technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. ¶ “This project will yield transferable insights to improve current and future CO2 geo-sequestration projects, which are critical to meet our climate goals without a sudden disruption to the existing energy infrastructure,” he adds. ¶ Khanal joined UT Tyler in 2020 and teaches chemical engineering, thermodynamics and mass transfer courses. — HB

Game On!

MCPHERSON CRAFTS LASTING MEMORIES IN UT TYLER ESPORTS

BY HANNAH BUCHANAN

FOR SCOTT MCPHERSON, enjoying video games is like breathing. His earliest memories of growing up in Forney include playing educational PC games on his father’s work computer before starting primary school and trying to best his older brother at any video game they played together.

McPherson, who graduated from UT Tyler last December with a bachelor’s degree in economics, discovered a tight-knit and welcoming community through the university’s esports program. Esports is competitive gaming at both collegiate and professional levels, with players set up on a stage or in an arena surrounded by cheering fans.

He decided to continue his education after serving in the Marine Corps for a short time. Settling back into civilian life, McPherson joined the program because esports are what allowed him to make initial connections while in junior college. He needed new friends with similar interests and felt immediately at home at UT Tyler.

“I was welcomed with open arms into a community that accepted me,” says McPherson, who was a member of UT Tyler’s varsity team, primarily playing popular multiplayer games Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. “To me, the esports program is a place where a melting pot of misfits can come together and compete for glory or just hang out and have a good time.”

Outside his passion of gaming, McPherson plans to attend law school and eventually become a lawyer. Not only did he find an embracing gaming community at the university, but also a top -tier education and the resources needed to apply to law schools, which was icing on the cake.

“Esports helped me learn to build relationships and how to teach new skills to people, but at UT Tyler I also found

good LSAT prep, help making my resume for law school, and professors with the time and willingness to write me letters of recommendation,” he says. “I made a great score on my LSAT and graduated with a good GPA, so I’m already on my way there.”

McPherson first heard about UT Tyler from his wife, Alyssia, who grew up in Tyler. He learned of the esports program from a flyer he saw in the student center during his first week of classes as a transferred economics major. “My dream school was The University of Texas, and she wanted to live in Tyler, so it was a match made in heaven,” McPherson adds.

He also found ways to get involved with the community and become an ambassador for the university and its program. As a UT Tyler student, McPherson was one of the first members who offered one - on- one coaching to East Texas high school esports players during the university’s inaugural Smash Ultimate Summer Camp last summer.

McPherson’s favorite memories of the program include being recognized at an esports tournament by his gamertag, Eagletron45.

↓ Scott McPherson (Eagletron45) takes part in the esports program’s jersey reveal on campus.

“I once went to a tournament and recognized a lot of the people there, and one of them asked, ‘Is that the Eagletron?’ and for a brief moment, I felt immortal,” he recalls. “Another great one was when we had our summer camp for high

schoolers interested in esports, and I got to help coach them. Sharing my love of the game and helping them improve in significant ways was an amazing experience.”

DATA SET

Eagletron45 Stats:

Fall ’22

Played for the Academy (or JV) Smash Ultimate Team, which placed third in their regional playoffs, after going undefeated all season in their conference.

Spring ’23

Competed on the varsity Smash Ultimate Team, which placed in the top 16 schools nationwide, much like the NCAA Sweet 16.

Summer ’23

Participated in the first Smash Ultimate Summer Camp, offering one-on-one coaching to seven East Texas high schoolers interested in esports.

Fall ’23

ETX Smash Ultimate Summit Competitor.

Building the Future

UT TYLER ALUMNI HELP CONSTRUCT EAST TEXAS’ FIRST MEDICAL SCHOOL

BY ELIZABETH WINGFIELD

PERSEVERANCE. EXCELLENCE. RESPECT. Community. Creativity. Service.

These six values have served as the School of Medicine’s compass, guiding the admissions process, student orientation and, now, the construction of the Medical Education Building.

In January 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott and UT System and UT Tyler leadership joined hundreds of community members for the building’s groundbreaking. This $308 million project began after receiving tremendous support from the Texas Legislature, UT System and East Texas community.

Construction on the building has been underway for a year, and locals have become accustomed to seeing the 165-foot tower crane piercing the medical district skyline. Project Control, a project management firm, serves as the liaison between UT System and Skanska-HGR, a joint venture. The construction team is pouring the fifth and final floor of the building and work has begun on the parking

garage. Within the next few months, the team will reach their next major milestone: finishing the structural concrete.

The approximately 250,000 -squarefoot building is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2025 and will feature a stone and glass curtain wall exterior, a skybridge to the nearby UT Health Tyler hospital, a collage -style mural created by the community and a metal “Tree of Life” supporting a corner of the building.

From Graduates to Groundbreakers

While many see this building as an architectural masterpiece, several UT Tyler alumni see it as something more — a way to commemorate their past with their alma mater while laying the groundwork for its future. These alumni, employed by Project Control and Skanska-HGR, are playing a pivotal role in constructing the Medical Education Building.

“I’m proud of where I’m at in my career and of where I went to school,” says John David Jackson (BA history, 2008), Skanska project manager. “This project is the culmination of both, and I’m very excited for the direction that the university is heading.”

Jackson has spent most of his life in East Texas. After graduating from UT Tyler, he joined his family’s construction business. When he heard that Skanska-HGR was going to be working on the Medical Education Building, he applied for a position. “When you consider the size, complexity, exposure — projects like this don’t happen all the time in Tyler,” he says.

In fact, Branden VanDyke (BS criminal Justice, 2013), an HGR project manager, says he considers it a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” VanDyke moved from Alabama to Lindale in the fourth grade and has remained in East Texas since. After graduating, VanDyke wanted to be a game warden, but the state was on a hiring freeze. A friend mentioned some construction job openings, and he never looked back. “My professional relationships came from my time at UT Tyler, which led me to the position I have today,” he says.

For Jamie Babyak (BS construction management, 2022), Project Control manager, attending UT Tyler developed her leadership abilities and her soft skills. “Honestly, the group projects helped me more than anything,” she says. While she was a student, she

THE PLAYERS

These alumni are on the construction project, helping to build the future of medical education.

participated in the cardboard canoe race — a literal sink or swim project. Initially, the sides of their cardboard canoe began to buckle when they tested it. After strengthening the walls, they were able to paddle the canoe across Harvey Lake and back, finishing 0.6 seconds away from the top 10.

Brooke Dillard (BS construction management, 2019), HGR project manager, remembers one of her biggest projects during college: building a tiny home from scratch. They poured the concrete foundation, built the walls and wired the electricity. To this day, Dillard loves building projects from the ground up. She began her college career at Tyler Junior College in pursuit of a nursing degree. She never understood her father, the owner of HGR, and his passion for construction until she saw the company build the TJC Robert M. Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center. Since then, she’s proud to carry on her family’s legacy.

When Dillard’s neighbor was looking for a job, she mentioned her connection to HGR. Her neighbor, Cameron Strother (BS industrial technology, 2008; MS industrial management, 2009), met with her father, who recommended him to Skanska.

Victor Sanchez (BS construction management, 2024), Project Control manager and construction inspector, served in the Navy for five years as an aircraft mechanic. When his contract ended, he and his wife spotted Tyler on the map. They visited it for one day, fell in love with the area and loaded up a U-Haul the next week. Sanchez is excited for what the building will do for the area — and to be working on such a unique project. “A lot of the guys on the job site call it a one of one building — the first and only of its kind,” he says.

WE’ R E BUILDING THE T R AINING G ROUNDS FO R FUTU R E DOCTO RS.”

CAMERON STROTHER, UT Tyler Alum, Skanska Senior Environmental Health & Safety Manager

More Than a Building

Strother now serves as Skanska’s senior environmental health and safety manager. More than 100,000 hours have been spent on the jobsite without a single injury. “We’re building the training grounds for future doctors,” says Strother. “If we don’t first prioritize the health and safety of our workers and the community, then it defeats the purpose of this project.”

Project Control and Skanska-HGR aren’t merely overseeing the construction of a building but the home of the UT Tyler School of Medicine and the first medical school in East Texas. Even during the construction, the firms have intentionally prioritized the school’s values. Each pane of glass and slab of concrete in the Medical Education Building tells a story — a story of those who dreamed of its inception, those whose support made that dream a reality, those who installed the tangible materials and the UT Tyler alumni who are building their alma mater’s future.

ۄ Architectural rendering of the Medical Education Building.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

HOW THE PADOSI FOUNDATION IS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-ORIENTED NTM RESEARCH

BY ELIZABETH WINGFIELD

IN 2023, THE UT Tyler School of Medicine received $1.25 million from the Hawaii-based Padosi Foundation. This was the second gift the Padosi Foundation had given to support Dr. Jennifer R. Honda’s research in nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM, an environmentally acquired lung disease.

NTM is an emerging public health threat, with infection rates increasing among women and older adults. This disease can cause damage and scarring to airways over time, and treatment often requires multiple antibiotics taken over the course of several years.

A Match Made in Research

Honda was born and raised in Hawaii. Her studies took her to Colorado to complete her Doctor of Philosophy in microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and her postdoctoral training in pulmonary

and infectious disease at National Jewish Health.

In 2012, during her postdoctoral fellowship, the National Institutes of Health released back-to-back reports stating that in the U.S., Hawaii had the highest numbers of NTM lung disease. A few months later, Honda was back in Hawaii and had the foresight to collect environmental samples. She knew studying these unique samples would later help establish her reputation in NTM lung disease and the environment. Because it was such a new field, every discovery about NTM was considered novel.

She became a faculty member at National Jewish Health in 2017 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2019. As she conducted research, she never forgot the people she was serving, from the patient who would benefit from future knowledge about where NTM lives

WE’RE VERY EXCITED FOR WHAT NEW POSSIBILITIES THERE WILL BE FOR DR. HONDA AND HER WORK.”

ANDREW MERZ, Executive Director of the Padosi Foundation

in the environment to the larger communities surrounding her.

Because she is invested in mentoring the next generation in NTM science, many of her projects involve local high school and college students in both Hawaii and Colorado. She assembled kits that the students could use to test the water and soil from households and natural areas for traces of NTM. When she published a paper, she would include the students’ names and schools, giving them a sense of ownership over their contribution to cutting-edge research.

When Honda realized the Padosi Foundation, one of the National Jewish Health donors, was based in Hawaii, she introduced herself. The founders met Honda and were impressed — not only by what her research was accomplishing, but by how enthusiastic she was about involving the community. In 2017, they gave their first gift in support of her studies.

Coming to UT Tyler in 2023 was an easy decision for Honda. The UT Tyler Health Science Center, formerly known

DONO R P R OFILE

as the “Chest Hospital,” had an established history in lung disease research and an experienced clinical team, including renowned experts such as Dr. Richard Wallace and Barbara Brown-Elliott.

Similarly, continuing to support Honda was an easy decision for the Padosi Foundation. “Now, more than ever, it’s important to connect our medical research to our communities,” says Andrew Merz, executive director of the Padosi Foundation. “The UT Tyler School of Medicine has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the community, and we’re very excited for what new possibilities there will be for Dr. Honda and her work.”

Expanding Horizons and Engaging Communities

The recent gift from the Padosi Foundation will increase research opportunities and enable Honda’s lab to recruit high- caliber researchers from across the nation, leading to improved clinical care for patients affected by NTM.

“I look forward to this next chapter with the Padosi Foundation,” says Honda. “The foundation’s support will help us produce additional scientific discoveries, while continuing to train the upand- coming cadre of NTM scientists and clinicians on a larger scale.”

As a tenured associate professor and UT Tyler’s inaugural director of the Center for Mycobacterial Treatment and Discovery, Honda is still finding ways to involve the community. Currently, she’s collaborating with UT Tyler University Academy high school students in Tyler, Longview and Palestine to collect the first environmental NTM samples in Texas.

For Honda, engaging the community is an essential and necessary part of the research process. Her goal is to make UT Tyler the flagship institution for NTM lung disease clinical and basic science both nationally and internationally.

The Padosi Foundation hopes that this gift will inspire others to support community-oriented research. “We’re honored to support both a researcher and an institution who align with our values,” says Merz. “When institutions like UT Tyler invite community members to participate in the research process, it both empowers people to engage with the health challenges facing their community and also deepens the institution’s connections to that community, building familiarity and trust, for everyone’s benefit.”

SERVING

EAST TEXAS

More Than $1 Million to Support Public Health and Preventive Medicine

The UT Tyler School of Medicine was awarded $1,091,720 by the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Public Health and General Preventive Medicine Residency program. The grant will expand the program by 50%, increasing the number of residents from four to six. ¶ The program is one of only two public health and general preventive medicine residencies in Texas. It serves the Northeast Texas region, with a population of 1.5 million residing in 35 counties, 30 of which are considered rural. The region is second only to the Rio Grande Valley region in the percentage of unmet patient needs due to a shortage of physicians. ¶ “There is a great need here in East Texas,” says Dr. Peter Pendergrass, program director of the Public Health and General Preventive

Medicine Residency. “We need to develop our population-based rural health care, and this grant will give us the necessary support to produce the next generation of public health physicians.” ¶ There are three fields within preventive medicine, including aerospace medicine, occupational and environmental medicine, and public health and general preventive medicine. The Public Health and General Preventive Medicine Residency, which accepted its first residents in July 2022, focuses on population and public health. The program’s first class will graduate this summer. ¶ “Thank you to all those who contributed to securing this grant,” says Dr. Brigham C. Willis, founding dean of the School of Medicine. “In these critical times, it is imperative that we invest in the future of health care in our region by empowering the next generation of physicians.” ¶ “Having a great team was absolutely critical for obtaining this grant,” says Pendergrass. “I am very thankful to them and our partners at the Family Circle of Care.” ¶ With the support from this grant, dedicated leadership and committed partners, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on the East Texas community. — EW

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

Hermanns Honored by Shine Academy of Health Science Education

Dr. Melinda Hermanns, UT Tyler School of Nursing professor, was selected as a member of The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, M.D., Academy of Health Science Education. ¶ The Shine Academy serves the UT System by supporting excellence in health science education, research, scholarship and leadership. Through the academy, UT System annually recognizes 16 faculty candidates who embody its dedication to health science education. ¶ “Dr. Hermanns is a stellar example of the caliber of our faculty, and we are proud to have her selected to represent us in the Shine Academy,” says former President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. ¶ Even as a young girl, Hermanns had a passion for teaching. She would line up her stuffed animals and write on her chalkboard as she taught them the alphabet, math and history.

¶ After graduating from UT Tyler in 1995 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and in 1998 with her Master of Science in Nursing, Hermanns was inspired by her professors and wanted to follow in their footsteps. In 2000, she became a full-time faculty member and taught psychiatric mental health nursing. ¶ Since then, Hermanns has obtained her doctorate and mentored faculty and graduate and undergraduate students. She was honored as an Outstanding Faculty by Texas Alpha Xi Chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society and inducted into the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education. ¶ “My goal as a member of Shine Academy is to promote interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships,” she says. “My membership will enhance the activities I already love — teaching, mentoring and engaging the community in health science education.” — EW

Dream Chaser

UT TYLER NURSING GRADUATE ACCOMPLISHES EDUCATIONAL GOAL ON HER 72ND BIRTHDAY

BY ELIZABETH WINGFIELD

MARY RUTH “RUTHIE” Graham, a recent graduate of the UT Tyler School of Nursing, wanted to be a nurse ever since she was 6. Her mom, who worked as a nurse’s aide, would dress her up in a handsewn nurse outfit, complete with a white dress and cap. Nearly 66 years later, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing diploma on her 72nd birthday.

“We are truly honored to celebrate Ruthie Graham’s extraordinary achievement,” says Dr. Barbara Haas, School of Nursing dean. “Her journey speaks to the power of determination and the pur-

suit of lifelong learning. She exemplifies the spirit of tenacity needed to achieve one’s dreams.”

Education has always been important to Graham, since elementary school. In first grade, Graham and her class cut and colored paper Humpty Dumpties and tacked them to the top of a paper brick wall. Whenever a child missed a day of school, their Humpty Dumpty would be moved to the bottom of the wall, and when they returned, it would be tacked back to the top. Graham’s Humpty Dumpty remained mounted

P R OFILE

DANIELLE JOUBERT

on that brick wall — for that year, and every year after. From elementary school through college, she never missed a day of school.

While playing in the high school band in Paris, Texas, she met Richard Graham, a drummer with a heart-stopping smile and dreams of becoming a pilot. After dating three years, they graduated high school and got married. She worked to support him while he completed his bachelor’s degree and Aviation Officer Candidate School.

Balancing Family and Aspirations

Graham had planned to pursue her own educational goals once he graduated — until she became pregnant with the first of their four children. Richard joined the Navy as a fighter pilot, and over the next nine years of his service, they moved to Florida, Puerto Rico, California and back to Texas.

The toughest job in the Navy, Graham says, is being a Navy wife. While Richard was gone during his six- to nine-month deployments, they would communicate through letters and telegrams, discussing everything from his return date to baby names.

Throughout his deployments, she continued to put her dreams on hold as she helped the children with their education and their father’s absences.

During one deployment to the Indian Ocean, Graham and the children created a paper chain, and each day, they’d tear off one link until he came back home on March 11. A few months later, she received a call: His ship had been sent in a different direction. She didn’t know where he was or when he would return. Graham quietly wadded up the paper chain and threw it away. Richard eventually arrived in May, after eight months away from the family.

During Graham’s deliveries, she formed a bond with her bedside nurses. Their kindness inspired her to pursue her RN certification in her early 40s. Before she began, she told a friend that she feared she was too old for the program. Her friend asked, “If you completed this certificate, how old would you be in 10 years?”

“About 50,” Graham said.

“If you didn’t, how old would you be in 10 years?” her friend asked.

After a moment of hesitation, she said, “Still 50.”

Although she couldn’t control her age, she could still pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse and helping other women like she’d been helped.

After completing her RN certification, she worked for 13 years in Dallas in one of the busiest labor and delivery hospitals in the nation. Women lined the hallway and filled classrooms as they waited to give birth. Over the course of her career, Graham has delivered more than 100 babies herself.

On one occasion, after she had prepped the delivery room and gotten the woman settled, she pushed the button to send for a doctor. Before the doctor could arrive, the woman began giving birth to her preterm baby. While Graham was delivering the baby by herself, the father fell and began to seize. With Graham’s latex-gloved hands literally full, cradling the baby’s head, she called for help. Other nurses rushed in and brought the father to the emergency room while Graham finished delivering the baby.

WE A R E T R ULY HONO R ED TO CELEB R ATE R UTHIE G R AHAM’S EXT R AO R DINA RY ACHIEVEMENT. HE R JOU R NEY SPEAKS TO THE POWE R OF DETE R MINATION AND THE PU RSUIT OF LIFELONG LEA R NING.”

DR. BARBARA HAAS, School of Nursing Dean

Even during her intense nursing career, Graham worked as a parent volunteer at her children’s school. When her dyslexic son was struggling with his college science class, she attended classes with him and tutored him. During the summer, he wanted to fish instead of study, so she joined him and used the lures from the tacklebox to illustrate how viruses replicated. Her children have collectively earned one RN certification, four bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, with the youngest in pursuit of her PhD.

Pursuing Her Dream

Although initially hesitant to attend college, after seeing her family pursue their goals, Graham realized she could pursue hers too. She’d helped them along their educational journey. Now, it was time to embark on her own. “Continuing my education was important because I still have much to give and learn,” says Graham.

Her daughter-in-law was attending the UT Tyler School of Nursing and spoke highly of the program. Graham enrolled in 2016, taking one class per semester as she helped homeschool three of her grandchildren.

Because of the nursing program’s hybrid education model, she attended classes from a variety of places — including a cruise ship, a camper and the comfort of her own bed. Last December, Graham walked across the stage on her birthday to receive her nursing diploma. In her 72 years, she has traveled the world, survived breast cancer and graduated college. One of her favorite quotes is, “She believed she could, so she did.”

“After all, age is merely a number — and dreams don’t come with an expiration date,” Graham says.

Targeting Kinases

COULD THIS CLASS OF ENZYMES BE THE KEY TO CURING CANCER?

BY ELIZABETH WINGFIELD

BOTH THE KEY to curing cancer and eliminating antibiotic-resistance superbugs could be found in one class of enzymes: the kinases. That’s what Dr. May Abdelaziz, the brain behind kinase research at the UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy, is exploring through her scientific focus.

Kinases can be found in all cells and organisms. They switch proteins on and off, much like a light switch, activating them in humans for healing or bodily growth. When the switch gets stuck in the “on” position, the extra growth can eventually produce cancer.

In bacteria, on the other hand, kinases aren’t used for growth but for defense. When a bacterium encounters antibiotics, kinases enhance its cell wall, creating antibiotic resistance and transforming the bacterium into a “super bug.”

Abdelaziz says that throughout her career as a researcher, she simply could not pick between cancer and antibiotic resistance. “It’s like someone asking you to pick between your kids,” she says.

As the oldest of four, Abdelaziz has always identified herself as a helper. Growing up, she would often play with her younger brothers or read stories to them. When she graduated high school, she desired a career where she could still help. Her mother suggested pharmacy. “It was the perfect choice,” Abdelaziz says. “Pharmacists are on the frontline of health care—the accessibility is unparalleled. I could directly interact with patients while also pursuing the research I was passionate about.”

She attended pharmacy school at Cairo University in Egypt, the oldest pharmacy school in the Middle East, to earn her bachelor’s degree and eventually her master’s. A year later, one of her brothers enrolled in the same school. They would lock themselves in their rooms around the same time of the year for finals and often studied together. They shared a special bond—and a love of caffeine. They would create a double caffeine extraction by making tea and using the tea water to brew coffee. Abdelaziz would create handouts of study materials for her classmates, arrange meetings with them at the library and informally tutor them in pharmacy concepts. Despite her natural inclination to help, she never considered a teaching career until her pharmacy manager mentioned that a new private pharmacy school had job openings. One-hundred pharmacists applied for positions at the school, and Abdelaziz

was one of the 20 who were selected. After receiving multiple scholarship offers, she moved to the U.S. to obtain her PhD.

She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California at San Francisco, where she was first exposed to cancer research. In her role, she studied the kinases involved in cancer development. She became particularly interested in HER2, a protein that promotes the growth of breast cancer.

THE R E IS STILL SO MUCH TO DISCOVE R ABOUT KINASES. EVERY TIME I LEARN SOMETHING NEW, IT IS LIKE I’VE FOUND ANOTHE R PIECE TO THE PUZZLE. ”

DR.

MAY ABDELAZIZ, Assistant Professor, Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy

The impact of HER2: breast cancer insights

FREQUENCY

Breast cancer accounts for about 30%, or one in three, of all new female cancers each year.

Soon after graduating, she started her faculty position at UT Tyler and began researching bacterial kinases, focusing on studying mutations that affect antibiotic resistance.

Since then, the National Institutes of Health has awarded UT Tyler a $380,750 R21 grant for Abdelaziz’s work in studying bacterial kinase mutations. Through removing kinase from bacteria and isolating it, she was able to observe how different mutations affected the enzyme. While this research is still in its preliminary stages, studies have demonstrated that adding an inhibitor molecule re -sensitizes the bacteria to antibiotics, making it possible to kill the bacteria with a lower dose.

Most recently, the NIH awarded UT Tyler a $447,195 R15 grant to support Abdelaziz as she creates a targeted therapy for breast cancer that, unlike chemotherapy, specifically attacks HER2 instead of the entire body. While there are targeted treatment options available for breast cancer, 15% of patients don’t respond at all to these options or eventually relapse. This new targeted therapy could utilize a novel mechanism that can address these limitations, offering hope for patients suffering from breast cancer and other cancerous growths.

“There is still so much to discover about kinases,” says Abdelaziz. “Every time I learn something new, it’s like I’ve found another piece to the puzzle.”

SURVIVAL RATE

Metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer has a 32% fiveyear survival rate.

15% to 20% of breast cancers are positive for the protein HER2. 32%

HER2 OCCURRENCE

FAST STAT →

WOMEN’S SOCCER HEAD COACH STEFANI WEBB CELEBRATED HER 200TH CAREER WIN ON OCT. 31, 2023.

Athletics

Loving Team Golf

SWEDEN NATIVE MARTHA LAREMARK TRANSITIONS QUICKLY TO THE U.S. GAME

BY UT TYLER ATHLETICS

GOLF ICON TIGER Woods once said, “No matter how good you get in the game of golf, you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.”

UT Tyler sophomore Martha Laremark has been a testament to that mentality after using a historic spring semester last year to set up a breakout sophomore campaign in the 2023–24 season.

Everyone plays with plastic clubs at some point in their childhood, but Laremark treated golf as more than just a child’s game. Growing up in Sweden, she would constantly play on the golf course with her family.

After venturing into other sports, such as ice skating, Laremark started gaining interest in golf seriously as a fifth grader, began competing in the seventh grade and then developed into a top talent throughout her high school years.

“I wasn’t relying on the sport to continue my education. It came as more of a natural thing,” Laremark says. “In Sweden, it is challeng-

ing to play golf and study at the same time, especially since the season is so short, so playing at the college level in the United States gave me an opportunity to further my education and continue playing at the same time.”

The transition from golf in Sweden to college golf in America has made a significant impact on Laremark’s career. After an up-and-down fall semester in the 2022-23 season, Laremark closed the year on a tear, and became the first Patriot to the qualify for the NCAA DII National Championships.

Throughout her first season, Laremark quickly realized some key differences between her prep career in Sweden and the college game.

“I’ve never played 36 continuous holes without breaks, or played on Bermuda

OU R TEAM DOESN’T JUDGE AT ALL, AND EVERYONE IS R EALLY G R EAT AT SUPPO RTING EACH OTHE R .”

MARTHA LAREMARK, Sophomore, Golfer

grass before,” Laremark says. “I have also never been able to play year-round, and not just have to focus on technique as I would in Sweden during the winter. Over a couple tournaments, I have learned to adjust to my new environment and improve my play. Golf is so up and down, you have to go through multiple tournaments before you can see a big difference in your play, and that is what happened in my situation.”

Along with the changes in climate and the format of events, the biggest change for Laremark throughout her first season of competitive golf in the U.S. was the aspect of team golf. Although she played in a handful of “club” events during her prep career in Sweden, the aspect of team golf at the college level has been maybe the biggest influence on her development into one of the West Region’s best players.

“Our team doesn’t judge at all, and everyone is really great at supporting each other,” Laremark says. “Everyone is playing the best that they can, and the outcome of their play is the result of that.

The whole point of team golf is to play for each other, while also playing for yourself, and as

The Journey Back

RISING ABOVE HEALTH CHALLENGES TO SHINE IN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BY UT TYLER ATHLETICS

PERSEVERANCE IS DEFINED as the persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. The ability to persevere is a common trait shared by the UT Tyler women’s basketball team and junior guard Megan Mendazona.

Head coach Rebecca Alvidrez inherited a UT Tyler women’s basketball program prior to the 2021-22 season that put forth a 3-37 overall record in the first two seasons of competition at the NCAA Division II level. A program accustomed to success at the Division III level was struggling to replicate that sustained winning mentality in the early stages of a transition to the Division II level.

Ironically, Mendazona, a freshman guard at Utah State, was battling her own struggles around the same time. Neither side of the story knew at the time that both their respective fights would intertwine at the end of the 202223 season.

Mendazona appeared in 20 games as a true freshman at Utah State in 2020-21, averaging 6.0 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game. At the beginning of her sophomore season, after appearing in six preseason games, Mendazona began feeling ill.

At first, Mendazona believed that she was only suffering from a stomach bug and that it would eventually fade. Unfortunately, the pain continued and she was diagnosed with gallstones. After a brief period of relief following surgery, Mendazona’s pain returned. This time, she was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and damaged by its own enzymes.

Time for a Change

Through the sickness and the struggles associated with her inability to compete and be a part of the basketball program at Utah State, Mendazona started to lose her love for the game. She decided it was time for a change and entered the transfer portal.

Back in Tyler, coach Alvidrez and the Patriots

BY Beverley Golden ILLUSTRATION BY SHONAGH RAE

At the time, Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun had no way of knowing how his childhood illness would spark a journey to a fulfilling legacy.

S A TEENAGER IN THE 1960S IN CHICAGO, Kirk Calhoun knew he had his heart set on a career in medicine. He had been a sickly child suffering from an undiagnosed case of severe asthma when he encountered a physician who not only provided a successful treatment for his condition but also sparked an interest in the medical field. Little did he know where that spark would take him.¶ As a young man, Calhoun wanted to provide the same care and relief that had been given to him as a child. The doctor who treated his asthma changed his life, but young Kirk had no way of knowing how many lives he would play a part in changing.

↑ LEFT TO RIGHT:

1. Early years at UT Medical Branch.

2. Early years at UTHSCT.

3. UTHSCT and UT Tyler partner for student health clinic.

‘It Always Seems Impossible Until it is Done’

Fast forward to Feb. 13, 2024, and Calhoun has just announced his retirement from a 22-year career as president in The University of Texas System, a career that young Kirk certainly never imagined. Starting in 2002, he served 18 years as president of the UT Health Science Center at Tyler and four years as the inaugural president of the combined UT Tyler and UTHSCT.

“I joined the UT System in 1992 at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and I was fortunate enough to move to UT Southwestern in Dallas as the associate dean for clinical affairs and senior vice president at Parkland Hospital,” Calhoun says. “It was there that I was tapped to come to Tyler for my first introduction to being a university president, which has been a wonderful experience over the last 22 years.”

The average tenure of a university president is five to seven years, so Calhoun’s experience is beyond the norm.

“Mark Yudof was the UT System chancellor when I was appointed president, and he sat me down to have a conversation about how long I would stay in this position,” says Calhoun. “It was his pre-

diction that I would last five years and then probably go off and do something else as many presidents do. You know, you grow fond of the people and the community. Five years was not right for Jeanette and me. Now it is 22 years, and we are still very fond of the people in the East Texas community.”

Calhoun has led UT Tyler since the university merged with UTHSCT in 2021. He is the longest-serving active president in the UT System.

“Kirk was the right person at the right time to lead the Health Science Center and, most recently, UT Tyler,” says Barbara Bass, former city of Tyler mayor and chair of the university’s Regional Development Board. “He saw the possibilities and built a team that could develop the plan and implement it. Our health care community will be forever changed due to his impact.”

Dr. Chiagozie Nwasuruba, UT Tyler Health Science Center professor of medicine, has worked with Calhoun throughout his 22-year tenure.

“As he retires, I still see him as a great and humble leader, friend and mentor, who led UTHSCT and UT Tyler with an open- door policy and listening ears,” Nwasuruba says.

↑ LEFT TO RIGHT:

4. CASE Leadership Award.

5. UT Tyler Medical Education Building groundbreaking.

6. Calhouns after the demonstration of UT Health East Texas Air1 flight.

7. ETMC Foundation $80 million gift for School of Medicine.

The UT System Board of Regents formalized the leadership of a unified UT Tyler in December 2020.

“On behalf of the Board of Regents, I express gratitude to President Calhoun for his leadership during a remarkable period of growth of our health enterprise and the union of our academic and health institutions in Tyler,” says Kevin P. Eltife, UT System Chairman of the Board of Regents. “We hope he'll reflect on his long and successful tenure with great satisfaction.”

While Calhoun declines to take personal responsibility, there are a few career experiences that stand out.

“We played a very significant role in the expansion of behavioral health and psychiatric services – and training more psychiatrists and psychologists – in this region,” he says. “When I came, we were not providing any behavioral health services. Now we are the largest provider in East Texas. I am also very proud of the creation of UT Health East Texas.”

As UTHSCT president in 2018, Calhoun led the merger of assets from UTHSCT, Ardent Health Services and the East Texas Medical Center to create the UT Health East Texas hospital system with $1.3 billion in revenue. Calhoun now serves as chair of the UT Health East Texas Board of Directors, which owns and operates 10 hospitals, more than 80 clinics, emergency transport services, home health and other health enterprises.

“Dr. Calhoun has been a catalyst for transforming the Tyler/Smith County economic base,” says Tom Mullins, president of T.G. Mullins Consulting and former president and CEO of Tyler Economic Development Council. “Because of his vision, we are now a regional center for health care and education and, as a result, the fastest-growing most diverse economy in East Texas.”

His third source of pride is the UT Tyler School of Medicine, which has been a dream for much of his presidential career.

“I can see how the School of Medicine is having a dramatic impact, not only in how it is going to help meet the health care workforce needs of the future, but also the economic impact it is going to have on the community,” Calhoun says. “Just playing a small role in that — I will be able to look back on my career with satisfaction.”

The UT Tyler School of Medicine enrolled its first class in 2023. Due to the generosity and support of the Fair Foundation and Ednamae Walsh, the first two classes of the medical school will attend with full tuition scholarships.

“Kirk has an optimistic vision for the future that is contagious, and people believe in his ability to deliver,” says Bob Garrett, president and CEO of Fair Oil Company. “Indeed, his vision for the medical school and advanced residency training has been delivered.”

In January 2023, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other elected officials joined Calhoun, Eltife and fellow regents, and UT System leaders to break ground on the $308 million UT Tyler Medical Education Building, set to open in 2025, as home to the School of Medicine. “Chairman Eltife and I always worked incredibly well together and it was essential to have his support and influence for the medical school and medical education building,” says Calhoun.

“Dr. Calhoun’s long commitment to UT Health Tyler, UT Tyler and the region will be felt for many years to come,” says J.B. Milliken, UT System Chancellor. “Improving health and the human condition and educating and training generations of students has been his life’s work. We applaud his many impactful contributions.”

Collaboration and increasing educational opportunity have been hallmarks of Calhoun’s tenure leading UT Tyler. The university expanded academic programs, forged partnerships with community colleges and industry, grew student scholarship offerings, and developed a strategic plan for the combined health and academic enterprise, titled “Rise as One.”

“He has been instrumental in achieving greater wins for our communities through his steadfast commitment to partnerships, especially with Tyler Junior College,” says Dr. Juan Mejia, TJC president.

Both presidents stand committed to a strategic collaboration between the two institutions of higher learning. “I am a believer in partnership and in collaboration, and I think we accomplish so much more working together,” says Calhoun.

Team Calhoun

Speaking of partnerships, he and his wife, Dr. Jeanette Deas Calhoun, have established a strong partnership that is the foundation for their personal and professional success. They are every bit a team, and serving the community is very much a family endeavor.

The Calhouns met at an American Association of Medical Colleges conference at the beginning of their careers – he as a physician and she as a medical school administrator from South Carolina.

She earned her PhD in higher education administration from Florida State University with an emphasis in leadership. Her professional experience includes student development, student scholarships, social service, needs assessment, grants, fundraising, and organization and management. She currently serves as the executive director and CEO of the East Texas Cares Resource Center in Tyler.

Enduring Success

ecutive Leadership Award.

Former student leader Katherine “KC” Jennings, who graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in economics and a B.B.A., is grateful for the opportunity to work with the man she calls a servant leader.

“As Student Government Association president, I worked closely with Dr. Calhoun during his first year as president of the combined UT Tyler,” says Jennings. “Next year, I will graduate from law school, a proud UT Tyler alumna and one of many who were impacted by Dr. Calhoun.”

The Next Chapter

Leaving was not an easy decision, but it was the right one at the right time, according to Calhoun.

“A good friend told me the best time to leave is when very few people want you to go,” Calhoun says. “Things are going incredibly well for UT Tyler and UT Health East Texas. Everyone has a right time, and we feel it is the right time for us.”

The Calhouns are looking to this next chapter with anticipation for new endeavors.

“KI R K WAS THE R IGHT PE R SON AT THE R IGHT TIME TO LEAD THE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTE R AND MOST R ECENTLY UT TYLE R .

”Calhoun is a nationally recognized health care and medical education leader. He served on the board and is immediate past-chair of the AAMC Board of Directors. He is on the executive committee and is the past-chair of the AAMC Council of Teaching Hospitals.

He also served two terms on the DSHS Council (the Texas State Board of Health), and he currently serves on the executive committee of the Teaching Hospitals of Texas.

“Kirk’s unparalleled dedication and contributions to the medical and educational fields have earned him numerous accolades,” says James I. Perkins, Citizens 1st Bank president and chairman of the board. “Each one of these awards symbolize his profound impact professionally throughout the East Texas area. My wife Margaret and I and many thousands have benefitted substantially to have Kirk and Jeanette as good friends during their 22-year period in Tyler.”

Calhoun was inducted into the prestigious Doctor Luke Society in 2021. In 2020, he and Jeanette were awarded the T.B. Butler Citizens of the Year Award, honoring both their contributions and achievements. Calhoun was the 2023 recipient of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District IV E. Joseph Savoie Chief Ex-

BARBARA BAss, former city of Tyler mayor and chair of the university’s Regional Development Board

“We plan to take a little time off to rest and to contemplate new opportunities,” Calhoun says. “Jeanette and I will spend more time with both our wonderful children, Kenneth and Kara, who are quite successful on their own. We have a new granddaughter, Cameron, to enjoy and shower with affection. Jeanette will have her own thoughts on much that we will do, and as we have done since we met many years ago, we will support one another.”

Calhoun is not quite ready to detail future plans, but he is grateful for the past and hopeful for the future.

“I thank God for these 22 years and ask for his good graces as we all go forward,” he says. “I thank the Tyler community, our elected state and local leadership, and my friends and colleagues for the support and friendship you have gifted to me. You have not seen the last of me.”

In closing his letter to the university community announcing his retirement, Calhoun quoted Nelson Mandela to encourage them to continue pursuing important work.

“‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’ Keep doing the impossible,” he wrote.

DANIELLE JOUBERT

UNDE R

New awards program celebrates accomplishments of UT Tyler alumni

BY EMILY BATTLE

Since turning their tassels at commencement to mark their transition from students to graduates, UT Tyler alumni have gone on to make valuable contributions to their professions and communities.

They are leaders, innovators and problem solvers in boardrooms, classrooms, medical centers and various other settings across the U.S. and abroad. Beyond the workplace, they volunteer, mentor and engage in civic affairs, further enriching the lives of those around them.

UT Tyler launched a new 40 Under 40 awards program to celebrate alumni achievements. Forty honorees were selected from 250 nominations and recognized during this year’s homecoming for making significant professional, personal and charitable contributions to their communities. As part of 40 Under 40, the honorees participated in a fundraiser supporting scholarships for UT Tyler students. More than $35,000 was raised in the inaugural event.

“We started 40 Under 40 as a way to recognize our alumni early in their careers for the great work they are doing in their communities and their fields,” says Adam Goduto, UT Tyler executive director of annual giving and alumni relations.

“We also want to stay connected with them, involve them in the university and allow our students to see what UT Tyler graduates are accomplishing,” Goduto adds. “Many alumni are leaders in the fields our students are pursuing.”

Former President Kirk A. Calhoun congratulated the honorees during the 40 Under 40 awards presentation.

“Your dedication and perseverance have gotten you to where you are today, and you deserve the accolades and recognition as UT Tyler 40 Under 40 honorees,” he says. “I also want to express our appreciation for your support of UT Tyler. Alumni engagement in their alma mater is a measure of whether they enjoyed their time at college.”

Carlos Renteria (MBA cybersecurity, 2023) was recognized as the top fundraiser with nearly $6,000 donated. Lydia Hill (MBA, 2020) was recognized for involving the most donors — more than 60 — in the campaign.

Renteria says he welcomed the opportunity to raise funds for UT Tyler scholarships and hopes his two children will be future Patriots. He says he also felt “humbled” to be a 40 Under 40 honoree, noting the caliber of alumni recognized in the program.

“Being surrounded by a lot of former students with such big accomplishments lets you know that it is a special thing to attend this university,” he says, adding that he was promoted to chief information security officer on his job shortly after beginning his MBA studies. “That was even more motivation for me to finish the program.”

“We hope this will become another tradition that alumni and the entire university family can look forward to and be excited about.”

FRANCINE DURR, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Amanda Gadison (BA communications, 2006), an attorney and former Patriot volleyball and basketball player, says being selected as an honoree was “very meaningful because Tyler, Texas, and UT Tyler have given me a lot of beginnings in my life. I have been given opportunities to grow and connect with people and build meaningful, lifelong relationships, and I am very grateful for that.”

Organizers hope to continue 40 Under 40 as an annual event. “There are so many more alumni who are deserving of this recognition,” says Francine Durr, assistant director of alumni relations. “We want to bring them back to the university and celebrate the great things they are accomplishing.”

The event also adds a new dimension to homecoming week, Durr says. “We hope this will become another tradition that alumni and the entire university family can look forward to and be excited about.”

Learn about the honorees:

Amanda Gadison (BA communications, 2006) is an attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP in Dallas, specializing in commercial real estate transactions and litigation.

Dr. Amy Friesenhahn (BS political science, 2014) is an assistant professor of political science at Centenary College of Louisiana, teaching American politics and public law.

Dr. Antay Waters (MSN nursing administration, 2013) is an assistant professor at East Texas Baptist University. She is a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and a certified nurse midwife.

Arielle Williams (BA political science, 2017) is a licensed attorney in Texas, New York, Illinois, Missouri and West Virginia, currently serving as an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

Armetta LaShun Roy (BA English, 2019) is director of engagement on the Kaplan for Mayor Campaign in Houston. She also organizes efforts for civic engagement in rural communities.

Brian Crawford (BS speech communication, 2008) serves as a physician recruiter for UT Tyler Health Science Center, while also mentoring youth and coaching basketball in the community.

Carlos Renteria (MBA cybersecurity, 2023) is chief information security officer for Southside Bank and volunteers at Tyler and Longview technology events, including bilingual sessions.

Carlton Allen (MS health sciences, 2012) is a program manager with the Austin-based Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and serves with the East Texas Human Needs Network.

Dr. Christy Gipson (BSN, 2008; MSN, 2013; PhD, 2016) is a UT Tyler associate professor of nursing. She also oversees continuing nursing education programs, impacting 350-plus registered nurses.

Clayton Carroll (BS civil engineering, 2015) is a primary geotechnical engineer for Terracon Consultants of Tyler and an officer for the Discovery Science Place and American Society of Civil Engineers.

Elizabeth Caulkins (MS clinical psychology, 2019) is a Title IX investigator/outreach specialist at UT Tyler. She also is a certified human sexuality educator, private investigator and expert witness.

Erin Glenn (BS human resource development, 2010) serves as Dallas College associate dean of K-12 partnerships and is passionate about helping high school students, particularly those at risk, earn free college credits.

Gaurav Deshmukh (MS computer science, 2015) is senior software tech lead for Silicon Valley-based Guidewire Software Inc. He sets the technical vision and leads development for insurance software products.

Gavin Clarke (BM instrumental music education, 2022) is a teacher in Kilgore ISD, instructing high school and middle school bands while also staying active in community music groups.

Hannah McMullen (BS human resource development, 2021) is UT Dallas assistant director of campaign/donor engagement and previously worked in legislative and strategy efforts for Public Blueprint and CWJ Strategies.

Jamie Dowell (MBA healthcare management, 2022) is director of hospital operations/project management at CHRISTUS Northeast Texas and a licensed project management professional.

Jennifer Skinner (BS journalism, 2005; MA communications, 2011) serves as assistant vice president for student affairs/dean of students at the University of North Texas at Dallas, with a passion for student development.

Jessica Bright (BS sociology, 2011) is a licensed professional counselor and registered therapist with Wellness Pointe in Longview. She is devoted to helping children and teens.

Jessica Maidlow (BS general business, 2019) serves as program manager of supplemental instruction with the University of Texas at Dallas, empowering student leaders for growth and success.

Justin O’Keith Higgs (BS sociology, 2007; MS human resource development, 2015) is a Texas licensed attorney, providing services in labor/employment law and human resources for renowned companies.

Kent Lambeth (BBA marketing, 2009) is president/founder of the Tyler-based Pneumatech Safety Systems Inc., which serves the oil and gas industry and is expanding its presence across 48 states.

Kevin Noles (BAAS, 2006) works in business development for ProPetro Services Inc. in Midland, specializing in customer relationships and partnerships and launching the company’s advanced Force EFleet.

Lakshmi Sandeep Athoti (MS engineering/industrial management, 2015) is an infrastructure engineering consultant for Lowe’s Companies Inc. in North Carolina, leading systems engineering, DevOps automation and Cloud technologies.

Lindsay Strange (BBA finance, 2010) founded Shiloh Private Wealth of Tyler and partners with Raymond James to provide tailored financial strategies. She emphasizes a holistic approach to wealth management.

Lydia Hill (MBA 2020) is a nurse professional development specialist at Baylor All-Saints Hospital in Fort Worth. She also owns a retail business, mentors youth and volunteers with Dallas Recreation Center.

Malek Bekka (BS mechanical engineering, 2008) is a firm principal with EMA Engineering of Tyler and helped create the SOLVE department, which assists clients throughout Texas with energy and sustainability needs.

Dr. Mandolen Mull (PhD human resource development, 2018) is founder/principal of MullMentum Consulting LLC in Chicago. With a decade of corporate leadership experience, she serves global clients across various industries.

Megan Tarrant (BBA accounting, 2007) is CEO of Clements Fluids LLC in Tyler, a second-generation family business. She has played a major role in company growth, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Megan Utz (BBA accounting, 2014) is a licensed CPA and senior manager of PwC Advisory Services’ Deals practice, where she specializes in contracts and closing mechanisms. She is also a certified fraud examiner.

Nathan Johnston (BS electrical engineering, 2011) is a program engineer for the National Nuclear Security Administration. He has more than 10 years of experience in the oil and gas and government sectors.

Paula Jimenez (BS criminal justice/psychology, 2020) is a brand marketing consultant and community outreach partner. She has served as a professional and volunteer throughout Texas.

Ryan Bailes (MBA 2012) is a partner at Bailes Zindler LLC of Tyler, where he has driven the success of website design and digital marketing for clients across industries. He also is involved in various charitable organizations.

Sarah Todd Green (BBA management, 2008) is director of acquisition policy and legislation for the Department of Homeland Security and a former deputy head for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sheridan Smith (BBA marketing, 2019) is vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Tyler, promoting Tyler as a premier destination. She previously served as Chickfil-A marketing director.

Dr. Theresa Naldoza (PhD nursing, 2018) is Abilene Christian University’s executive director of nursing and associate dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Science. She also volunteers in her community.

Tolu Akinbile (MS industrial management, 2016) is an engineer at Advanced Drainage Systems in Columbus, Ohio, with more than 12 years of experience in chemicals, foods, electrical products and personal care industries.

Trent Goree (BS communications/psychology, 2005) is a business development officer and salesman for American Lumber, applying his relationship-building skills to achieve solutions-based sales.

Victor Valle (BBA finance, 2015; MBA, 2017) is senior vice president of economic development for Tyler Economic Development Council, contributing to 5,000 new jobs and $840 million in investments in Tyler.

Wade Dixon (BBA management, 2014) is a project manager for Dixon Services Inc. of Tyler, overseeing the company’s largest client, supervising petroleum landmen and creating new operational systems.

Whitney Patterson (BS political science, 2006) is executive director of the Literacy Council of Tyler with 17 years in the nonprofit sector. She serves on multiple boards including the Women’s Fund of Smith County.

BBA management

’19

BBA marketing

’18

PhD nursing Tolu Akinbile ’16

MS industrial management

Goree ’05

BS communications/ psychology

Valle ’15

BBA finance; MBA, 2017

’14

BBA management

’06

BS political science

Alumni

25 Years of Freshmen at UT Tyler

UNIVERSITY COMMEMORATES ARRIVAL OF THE INAUGURAL FRESHMAN CLASS

BY JORDAN RATLIFF

AT THE CULMINATION of the 2024 homecoming festivities, UT Tyler marked a historic milestone with a 25th anniversary celebration honoring the inaugural freshman class.

“This milestone not only underscores our university’s rich history, but also symbolizes our continuous growth and commitment to higher education,” says Joshua Neaves, assistant vice president for student success and director of student engagement.

Founded in 1971 as an upper-division school serving juniors, seniors and graduate students, UT Tyler embarked on a transformative journey in the fall of 1998, enrolling its first class of freshmen. This expansion widened educational opportunities for students across the region.

The anniversary celebration reunited Patriot alumni as they reminisced on their shared UT Tyler journey and the impact it had on their lives. Speakers included former President Kirk A. Calhoun and President Emeritus Rodney H. Mabry, the university’s leader when

↑ Former President Kirk A. Calhoun and members of the first freshman class.

JORDAN RATLIFF

the first freshmen enrolled.

One member of the inaugural freshman class, Katie Abbott (BS speech communication, 2001; MEd educational leadership, 2010), states, “I have grown professionally due to the knowledge and support I received during my studies at UT Tyler. I also met my husband and best friend while working toward my degrees.”

Class member Georgia Harris (BBA marketing, 2002) says, “My time at UT Tyler was a great stepping stone into the real world. I especially credit my international business class and trip to Thailand as impactful to my life and career.”

Mabry highlighted the contributions of the first freshman class as crucial to the growth of the university. Needs arising from enrollment growth gave birth to numerous cornerstone buildings and programs that have become an integral part of the university’s identity and success, he says. “What I knew at the very beginning was how important this expansion was to the university. The leadership team recognized that we were all witnessing and participating in the beginning, really, of a new university.”

A new university indeed. Milestones achieved in the initial years following

↑ FROM LEFT: Former President Kirk A. Calhoun, Aimee Griffey Burnett, 2001–02 SGA president, and President Emeritus Rodney H. Mabry.

ڿ The anniversary cake, featuring UT Tyler landmarks and 25 candles, honors 25 years of the freshman class.

enrollment of the first freshmen included construction of the Louise Herrington Patriot Center, the Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Building, which houses the School of Nursing, and the Riter Millenium Carillon Tower and Plaza, Mabry notes.

“I am pleased and grateful to say that the first freshman class made my job a lot easier, and that’s because they were an absolutely extraordinary group of students,” he adds.

The class’s advocacy for technological integration in the classroom paved the way for the evolution from traditional teaching methods to hybrid and, ultimately, fully online courses. Moreover, their initiative in establishing student organizations propelled the expansion of student programs.

“We knew that the work and the foundation that we were building would take years to come to fruition, yet we worked really hard to ensure that we left our university in a much better place than when we had first arrived, and we did,” says class member Nancy Rangel (BBA marketing, 2002; MS human resource development, 2013).

Calhoun noted past, present and future advancements of the university.

I HAVE G ROWN P ROFESSIONALLY DUE TO THE KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPO RT I R ECEIVED ... I ALSO MET MY HUSBAND AND BEST FRIEND WHILE WORKING TOWA R D MY DEG R EE.”

KATIE ABBOTT

BS Speech Communication, 2001; MEd Educational Leadership, 2010

↓ Former President Kirk A. Calhoun addresses the audience.

↓ Nancy Rangel receives plaque from Joshua Neaves.

Over the past 25 years, freshman enrollment has surged from 50 students to 1,300, contributing to a total enrollment nearing 10,000 students, he says.

The university continues to flourish with current construction projects including the Medical Education Building, which will house the School of Medicine, and expansion of the nursing building, predicted to elevate the program beyond its current position as the third largest in the state, Calhoun says. UT Tyler also is addressing the needs of its expanding student body with plans for new housing additions.

The enduring legacy of the first freshman class continues to shape UT Tyler, and their impact on the university’s trajectory cannot be overstated.

Homecoming 2024

AS SPRING BEGINS to blossom, a vibrant wave of orange and blue floods across campus, marking the annual tradition of homecoming, where students, faculty and staff, alumni and the community unite in celebrating the rich legacy of UT Tyler.

This year’s homecoming festivities offered the UT Tyler community a chance to reconnect with old friends,

forge new memories and relish in the shared spirit of camaraderie and belonging. From the cherished tradition of the midnight breakfast and the annual community crawfish boil, to alumni gatherings and a late-night fireworks show, homecoming week at UT Tyler once again ignited a blaze of Patriot pride.

— JORDAN RATLIFF

GALLE R Y

↑ Scenes from various UT Tyler homecoming festivities.

1989

Barbara Cox (BS special education), a gospel singer and songwriter, recently released two new songs, “Color Them Beautiful” and “My Fight Song.” She has been recording for 25 years and has released more than 50 songs on digital platforms.

1990

Dr. Brad Hunt (MEd special education), superintendent of Coppell Independent School District, received the Cliff Long Leadership Award from the Coppell Chamber of Commerce. Prior to becoming CISD superintendent in 2017, Hunt served the district for 30 years in various capacities including assistant superintendent for administrative services, human resources director, high school principal and teacher, and middle school assistant principal. In 2020, he was one of three superintendents in Texas and 24 in the nation selected as a “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association.

1992

Neil Clark (BS computer science) is vice president of information technology for Feed the Children Inc., an anti-hunger nonprofit organization based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

James Marcus Pappas (MBA), retired former president and CEO of the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America, was honored as a 2024 Laredo Martin High School Legend for his career achievements in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. He has received numerous honors and awards throughout his career, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers International SPE Regional Service Award, 56th Engineer of the Year by the Houston Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Distinguished Engineer in Texas by the Texas Engineering Foundation and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers 34th TSPE Outstanding Engineer of the Year.

1993

John Boyd (BBA accounting) received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the UT Tyler Soules College of Business. The award recognizes alumni who are successful professionals, en-

gaged community members and supporters of higher education. Boyd is a partner and principal of Saville CPAs and Advisors in Dallas and serves on the Garret Metal Detectors board of directors and Soules College of Business Advisory Board.

1995

Robin Rudd (MS interdisciplinary studies/mathematics) was recently promoted to professor of mathematics at East Texas Baptist University. Rudd also serves as chair of the mathematics department. Before joining the university faculty, she taught mathematics at Marshall High School for 27 years. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators, and the School Science and Mathematics Association.

1997

Greg Bower (BA history; MS history 2003) is superintendent of schools for Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District. In addition to working in public schools, Bower is a Western fiction author and has been on the Kindle’s Best Sellers list for his novel titled “A Man Reborn: A Jesse Coltharp Western.”

1999

Renee Goodwin (MBA), an author, educator and engineer, unveiled her latest children’s book, “GG Sets Sail — Seeing the Beauty of the World.” The novel is part of her “GG Life Lesson” storybook series, designed to teach essential values such as teamwork, friendship, appreciation of beauty and respect for nature.

Joey Hooton (BBA general business; MPA public administration, 2023) was appointed fire marshal of Tyler after six years of service on the command staff Hooton holds certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection as a master firefighter, fire service instructor, fire officer IV, emergency vehicle technician and rope rescue technician.

2000

Misty Bradshaw (BSN) is clinical director of behavioral health and a psychiatric nurse practitioner with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Bradshaw began her career with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Longview 24 years ago and has held various positions, including RN for multi-

ple critical care areas, behavioral health team lead RN, clinical director for multiple units and chair of unit shared governance. She also serves as a preceptor for leadership students.

Aaron Fleet (BSN; MPA 2017) is chief nursing officer for Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital in Tyler. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Fleet joined East Texas Medical Center as a staff nurse in surgical services. He accepted the same position at Texas Spine & Joint in 2003, advanced to the director level the following year and became chief nursing officer in 2017. Fleet is a member of the American Organization for Nursing, the American College of Healthcare Executives and a lifetime member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. He also serves on the Bethesda Health Clinic board of directors.

2003

Scott Baker (MBA) is a chemical engineer and vice president of projects for Infinity Project Management, a Tyler-based engineering, procurement and construction management company. Joining Infinity in 2019, Baker previously served as vice president of midstream at KP Engineering, senior project manager at EPC Veritas, and project manager and control systems engineer at CB&I-Howe Baker. He is treasurer of the North Texas Gas Processors Association and a board member of the national Gas Processors Suppliers Association.

2004

Gary Halbrooks (BAAS) was reappointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to a twoyear term as presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which oversees transportation projects in 14 counties. Halbrooks has served on the NETRMA board since 2012 and as presiding officer since 2021. He is CEO and president of Venue Properties Inc. and a member of national, state and local chapters of the Association of Realtors.

2009

Tim Butler (BBA management) is chief development officer of the East Texas Food Bank. His previous positions with the organization include chief impact officer and child hunger programs manager.

Norris White Jr. (BS history), a teach-

er at the UT Tyler University Academy – Palestine Campus, was named a Commended Teacher by Humanities Texas. The nonprofit organization annually recognizes teaching excellence and outstanding achievements of Texas teachers. White teaches U.S. history, world geography/history and political science for grades eight through 12 and has been with the district for five years. He holds a master’s degree in history from Stephen F. Austin State University.

2012

Dr. Nicole Peters Kroll (PhD nursing) was appointed associate dean for clinical and outreach affairs for the Texas A&M University School of Nursing, after serving in an interim capacity. Her promotion includes a faculty appointment as a clinical associate professor. Kroll has held faculty and administrative positions at several other institutions and maintains a clinical practice as a nurse practitioner.

Lenore Strickland (BSN; MSN nursing administration, 2023) is a licensed professional counselor with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County. Strickland provides counseling services to a variety of individuals and groups, particularly adolescents, in school and community settings. She also has a private practice, providing support and guidance to adults.

2014

Mackenzie Patton (BS biology) joined the University of California Cooperative Extension as an integrated pest management adviser for the Central Sierra, serving El Dorado, Amador, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Patton previously served as a plant pathologist for a private company, after completing her master’s in plant pathology and phytopathology at the University of California, Davis.

Stephen Ray (BBA marketing) received the Graduate of the Last Decade Award from the UT Tyler Soules College of Business. Honorees are within 10 years of graduation from the college and are selected for their professional achievements, dedication to community service and support of higher education. Ray is a worldwide digital marketing director for Texas Instruments, responsible for strengthening the company’s brand reputation and generating awareness for semicon -

ductors. A strong proponent for education, he remains involved with UT Tyler, speaking to students at conferences and in the classroom.

David Williams (BS electrical engineering) is a licensed professional engineer and manager with Trane Technologies in Tyler. His responsibilities include working with sourced component manufacturers and developing new furnace products to meet regulatory and customer requirements. Williams is involved in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers and the UT Tyler Alumni Association. He also sponsors senior design projects for the UT Tyler College of Engineering.

2015

Artimese Braddy Lawrence (MS human resource development) is coordinator of human resources for Tyler Independent School District and is completing her doctorate in organizational leadership, learning and innovation from Wilmington University. Lawrence is a member of Leadership Tyler Class 33 and serves on the board of directors for ArDa Solutions, East Texas Youth Orchestra and The Gym Cheer Company.

JaMaria Brooks (BS human resource development) is manager of the human resources strategy team at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Before joining the human resources department in 2015, she held various administrative support roles in the hospital’s nursing units, rehabilitation departments and operating rooms.

Dr. Joseph Tacy (PhD nursing) is the new chair of the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing at Lamar University. Tacy previously served as associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where he also devoted many years to teaching both undergraduate and graduate programs.

2017

Jenifer French (BS general business) leads 10 Olive Garden establishments across East Texas and Louisiana as director of operations for Darden Restaurants.

Nelly Pedroza Storey (BBA accounting, finance; MS professional accountancy, 2018) is a sales tax auditor for the

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. She aids the audit division to ensure fair and equitable application and administration of state tax laws.

2019

Emily Sparks (BS mass communication) was named sales leader of Ebby Halliday Realtors’ Cedar Creek Lake office. Sparks joined the agency in 2020 as a licensed real estate agent, after working as a licensed real estate assistant with Johnson Monroe Realtors.

2020

Kaylin Moore (BS kinesiology; MHA, 2023) recently joined the UT Tyler staff as a strategic analyst with the Office of Strategic Planning. She served as a clinic manager for Tyler Bariatrics with UT Health East Texas while earning her Master of Health Administration degree through the UT Tyler Health Science Center.

2021

Nicole Killian (MA clinical mental health counseling) is a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor and certified school counselor. Killian serves as a special education counselor for her alma mater, Malakoff Independent School District. She also provides marriage and family counseling in a private practice.

Kinzie Vaughn (BS interdisciplinary studies) founded Fidele Boutique, an in-store and online women’s clothing retailer based in Carthage.

2023

Heaven Park (BA psychology) is a commercial mortgage broker with Enterprise America and a member and events host for the Greater Dallas Korean American Chamber of Commerce.

Loving Team Golf

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

long as everyone does that, a good result will follow.”

Laremark carried the momentum of her national tournament qualification over into the fall 2023 semester with top10 individual finishes in all three events and back-to-back second place finishes at the West Texas A&M Fall Invitational and Battle For the Belt.

She says the aspect of team golf heading into the season served as motivation throughout the summer to continue to improve. Laremark and the Patriots qualified for the NCAA West Regional Championships as a team in 2022-23 for the program’s inaugural appearance in the event.

Laremark’s favorite team golf experience was the trip to San Diego, where the Patriots played in the Fujikura Invitational but also were able to visit the beach and sightsee in the area.

“I really enjoy playing in teams. It is so much more fun than playing individually,” Laremark says. “I only get to play in teams for a short time back home, and getting to constantly play in teams here and always being able to support each other has made things a lot more enjoyable. Being able to wave at each other and know people are there for you has made a big impact.”

The comradery she and her teammates have within the program has obviously been vital to Laremark’s success. The support and guidance she experienced her first year, specifically from senior Julia Kerrigan, helped Laremark make a quick transition to the experience of college golf.

Kerrigan hails from Europe as well, and the London, United Kingdom, golfer has provided a good role model for Laremark. Kerrigan got off to an eye-opening start in the 2022 fall semester, very similar to the tear on which Laremark opened the 2023-24 season.

The most consistent Patriot from start to finish in 2023 -24, Laremark led UT Tyler to the 2024 LSC Women’s Golf Championships, where they tied for seventh place. She was selected as one of six individual competitors for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship, where she tied for 12th place.

Laremark is working on constantly improving her game and is succeeding in that at UT Tyler.

The Journey Back

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

were coming off of a season in which they produced one of the best turnarounds in all of Division II women’s basketball, winning 19 games in 202122 after going 0-14 the year prior to her arrival. All signs pointed to a program that was on the rise heading into 202223, and an ideal fit for Mendazona in her journey back to the court and back to her love for the game.

Immediately following her visit to Tyler, she realized the campus and team was “a breath of fresh air,” and “a chance to restart and take part in a winning program.” Mendazona committed to the team, ready to join in on the rebuild that was well underway for Alvidrez and the Patriots.

But the medical issues that reared their ugly head during her time at Utah State returned late in the summer prior to her arrival in Tyler, and Mendazona was forced to put a halt to her return for the time being.

A second surgery in October of 2022 continued to delay her arrival to the program. While the rest of the team had already begun practice, Mendazona was still in recovery.

“When I got here, I wasn’t playing at all, but within the next month I started to work myself into practice,” Mendazona says. “I could only do what my body could handle, and it was challenging to figure the balance out. I would play two games, then have to sit out a week due to my sickness. It was a rough start at first, but as the season progressed, I started to perform a lot better.”

Gaining Momentum

Mendazona’s recovery and slow start to the season aligned with a UT Tyler team that continually improved throughout the early stages of the season. The Patriots became one of the Lone Star Conference’s best heading into the month of March.

As the team hit its stride, so did Mendazona, transforming throughout the season into a reliable contributor.

“I knew my game and what I was able to do, and after not playing for a year, I was trying to get back into the game,” she says. “When you are sick with pancreatitis, you go days without consuming any food. Drinking only water for long periods of time makes you extremely physically weak, and I was do-

ing this during the start of the season.”

Thankfully, she was surrounded by a supportive staff of coaches and teammates who had her back throughout her journey. Even though pancreatitis would cause Mendazona to be late and miss practice and games, the coaches knew her potential and believed in what she could provide to the team. They cared about her well-being, always making sure she was taking it easy when needed, and helped her through her rough days.

“Despite her challenges, Meagan remained resilient and faced each setback with a champion’s attitude,” Alvidrez says. “Even when her body limited her abilities, she continued to support her teammates from the sidelines and provided encouragement whenever possible. Meagan always remained focused on her goal and was eager to compete once she returned to full health.”

As Mendazona reached her best health of the season late in the year, the team around her was playing its best basketball. The Patriots earned their first ever selection into the NCAA Division II National Tournament as the No. 5 seed in the South Central Region.

Mendazona was exceptional in that South Central Regional Tournament, going for 15 or more points in three straight games to help the Patriots secure wins over Colorado School of Mines, Angelo State and Lubbock Christian to advance to the program’s first ever NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Elite Eight as champions of the South Central Region.

Mendazona was named the UT Tyler Athletic Department Female Comeback Player of the Year and saw her performance in the championship game against Lubbock Christian recognized as the UT Tyler Single Game Performance of the Year.

The Patriots maintained their status as one of the region’s best in 2023–24, having completed their second straight appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen. Mendazona was named to the All-South Central Regional Tournament Team once again and was awarded an Honorable Mention AllLone Star Conference nod as well. The Patriots finished the year 27-9 overall and 18-4 in Lone Star Conference play. The journey of UT Tyler women’s basketball and Mendazona isn’t complete, but with the perseverance they have both already shown, anything is possible.

Early 1990s commencement in Harvey Convention Center, where the ceremonies took place before the Cowan Center was built.

UT TYLER ARCHIVES

Former President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP

He served us well, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.

BY DANIELLE JOUBERT