Did I Hold It Together During the Graduation Ceremony? You Decide!

Last night was one of the best experiences that I've had in academia. I've worked at the same university for the past ten years and by far, this has been my proudest moment so far.

The Tarleton State University Communication Studies Department celebrated its first two communication studies graduates at the master's level. Mr. Winston Dawson and Ms. Becca Long have always been trend setters for their peers, but last night they proved that they mastered their academic discipline. 

When Becca asked me to "hood" in the December graduation ceremony a few weeks ago, I was so excited to add this important event to my calendar! I told her that I would not miss it for the world!

Becca
I've known Becca for the past six (almost seven) years! She was one of the first undergraduate students involved with the Texas Social Media Research Institute (@TSMRI) and we have been proud of her since that point. We also keep up with all of our graduates and their career progression!

Winston
I met Winston six years ago and he is the funniest person that I know. He always has a smile on his face and he impacts all individuals around him! He actually attended my secret baby shower planned by the first class of @TSMRI interns. I've always admired him for attending and supporting my journey as a parent. 

Traivohn, Torri, and Lizzie
We also had three undergraduate students accomplish the first part of their academic journey as well. These students have been some of the most creative and most motivational students I've ever encountered. I immediately think of these students when I think about the student learning outcomes from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). These students served as trendsetters for their peers and I was excited to see them cross the stage!

I also told them that they had to keep in contact with me through our Friday check-in meetings on Twitter group messages. I have a recurring meeting in my schedule to remind me to initiate the communication if I do not hear from them.

This experience marks the end of their bachelor's level or master's level graduate journey, but it does not represent the end of their academic journey! I look forward to hearing about their next accomplishments!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Have a great week! Thanks for visiting the Millennial Professor Blog!

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities vs. Historically White Colleges and Universities

I attended WILEY COLLEGE!

I found this article http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/education/05wiley.html?ex=1354597200&en=cbbab7037f7e562e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss this morning during my weekly Sunday news feed read and I started recollecting on my dissertation topic, "Supports for and Barriers to On-Time Graduation as Perceived by Undergraduate African American College Students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Historically White Colleges and Universities". My study was based on institutions that are located in Texas.

After graduating from high school, I was selected to attend one of Wiley College's Summer Programs for college credit. Attending Wiley College was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. I was immersed in almost a completely monocultural environment and I learned about the HBCU environment. While attending Wiley, I met one of the most supportive professors that I would have in my college experience and he enabled me to see how I could make a difference in the life's of students by becoming a professor.

In my opinion, Wiley College is the best HBCU academic institution in the Northeast region of Texas. Even when I put my bias aside, the literature also alludes to this fact. I think that HBCUs that have achieved a large level of academic success should be given more federal funds to sustain and increase their academic achievement rate. At the beginning of the fall semester, there were a few articles in the Chronicle of Higher Education that highlighted a current push by HBCU presidents to obtain more federal funding.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

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An End to a Long, Yet Productive Fall Semester!

I have almost finished my first semester as a full-time, tenure track faculty member! It has been a very long semester, but I have learned so much about the new institution, my academic department, and the students.

Another feat that I have accomplished is that I am GRADUATING on next Saturday! I am very excited about that chapter of my life coming to an end. So long ABD status!

I am currently deciding on my research goals for the next semester - service learning tops my list, intercultural communication takes a close second, and last but not least the dissertation articles.

Please let me know if you would like to collaborate!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards

My Social Media Channels!
Of Course You Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Am Also on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/drjtedwards/
Have You Subscribed on YOUTUBE yet?
Become a Fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook!
If You Love Periscope as Much as I Do...Follow Me There! - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com