Territory: Kaufman County, Rockwall County, Hunt-Delta-Hopkins Counties and areas East of Commerce. Paris Junior College

Where are you from: My hometown of Garden City, Kansas has a population of 28,500 people in southwest Kansas. A town built around farming and ranching with a very diverse community. Growing up the oldest of three girls in my family, going to college wasn't’t ever an option; I was going no matter what. My parents always wanted better for us than what they had.

How long have you been working in Higher Education or in a college environment: I have been working in Higher Education for about 6 years. First as a student worker in the Office of Alumni Relations at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for two and half years. During my time there I worked with alumni of the university, getting them involved on campus and networking with current students as well as new alumni. We hosted event events for both alumni and current students. After graduation I was offered a full time position. I have worked at A&M Commerce for 2 years as an Admission Recruiter. I loved working with students to help realize their dreams of going to college and pursuing their education.

What is your favorite part of Campus: Check out the Planetarium!!! Our Planetarium is fun for every one of all ages. The planetarium’s 87 reclined seats immerse the audience in a space environment filling their visions and appearing to take them beyond the confines of the Earth.

What are some of your favorite things to do in East Texas/Commerce area: Canton Trade Days!!! It’s a must if you live in East Texas. There’s something for everyone!!!

What do you like the most about recruiting students: The highlight of my job is getting to work with students on a daily basis. I love being able to talk to students about their dreams and goals and how they can achieve them!

Territory: Partial area of D.I.S.D, Garland, Mesquite & Richardson I.S.D. Eastfield College and El Centro College

  Where did you go to College? What did you Study and why that Major?   Texas A&M University - Commerce Major - Business Administration.  My goal was to become a successful Entrepreneur

What is your favorite part of Campus: The Sam Rayburn Student Center

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce: The real world experience of seeing and working with people of different ethnicity/backgrounds. Greek Life. Athletic games.

What is your favorite A&M Commerce Fact: It is a little known fact that Bill Clinton attended band camp here at Commerce.

What advice would you give to prospective students as they prepare to attend college: To start preparing yourself now for the real world. Which means mastering your current classes, researching your major, seek out scholarships, network and know that college is the training ground for the real world.

Territory: Community/Junior Colleges and Dallas Private High Schools

Where did you go to College? What did you Study and why that Major?  I attended Texas A&M University-Commerce and double majored in Political Science and Speech Communication. I choose Political Science and Speech because I am passionate about understanding the system of governance that is responsible for delegating the scarce resources for which we compete. As a citizen of Jamaica I found it essential that I understood the Westminster system of government, as I one day hope to contribute politically and socially to the continued development of my nation. With an outstanding Political Science Department, Texas A&M University-Commerce got me closer to my dream. 

How long have you been working in Higher Education or in a college environment: I have been working in higher education since my enrollment at Miami-Dade College in January of 2000. While at Miami-Dade I served as Student Government president where I received the opportunity to lobby with state legislators and college administrators for effective change in higher education. This opportunity intrigued me, and resulted in my continued pursuit for educational reform and commitment to forwarding the cause of tertiary pursuits.

What is your favorite part of Campus: My favorite part of campus are our residential living and learning facilities. Within our residential community you get a chance to see people from different backgrounds, ethnically, and socially. Within these halls friendships and understanding develop among students. Our residence halls provide a microcosm of the wider society that we hope would one day mirror our collegiate environment. When we grow to understand and accept our differences, we make our world a better place.

What are some of your favorite things to do in East Texas/Commerce: I love learning about new cultures and increasing my cultural awareness.  Consequently I find enjoyment in visiting the myriad of museums and ethnically diverse cuisine that exists in the Dallas area. Within geographical confines of Commerce, I subdue myself in the culture that already exists on campus. Occasionally my friends and I will revel in our midnight cow tipping excursions – a favorite past time of mine!

What is your favorite A&M - Commerce Tradition: My favorite A&M Commerce tradition is the annual Pride Walk. The pride walk gives new students the opportunity to meet and greet students, faculty and staff in a celebratory environment. The march is led by Lucky, our university mascot.

Territory: All high schools in Denton, Johnson, Ellis, Hill, Kaufman, Gregg, Henderson, and Harrison Counties

Where are you from:  I grew up in Cedar Hill. I went through all twelve years of school in the same district. I came to commerce because my uncle told me that it was the best school for teaching being that I wanted to become a teacher. I didn't’t want to just become a teacher but the BEST teacher so I came to the best school to make that happen.

Where did you go to College? What did you Study and why that Major:  I attended Texas A&M University Commerce for my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood education. I choose that major because I have always had a passion to teach children. I am very passionate about helping and seeing students succeed academically.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce: My favorite thing about Commerce is the small class sizes and the intimate relationship you are able to develop with your professors. I also enjoyed the  campus life and how there is something for everyone to get involved in.

What is you favorite A&M - Commerce Tradition: My Favorite A&M Commerce tradition is Blue and Gold Wednesday!!

Territory: Partial area of D.I.S.D, all high schools in Tarrant County and Irving ISD

What is your favorite thing about Commerce:  My favorite thing about commerce would be its size because of the teacher student ratio you are able to form a relationship with not only fellow student but professors as well.  If you make yourself available you defiantly will not be just another number.

What is your favorite part of Campus: That would be the student it’s a great spot for entertainment and a cool convent place to hang out and socialize.

What is one of your favorite memories at A&M - Commerce: My favorite memory would be the night before graduation my friends pied me and tagged my car with words of encouragement.

What do you like about recruiting students: I enjoy being in a position to inspire kids to reach for a higher education and hopefully a promising future.  To be part of their journey to a higher education is defiantly a reward.

How long have you been working in Higher Education or in a college environment: I have been employed at A&M - Commerce in some capacity since November 2004 but took my first, full time, professional position shortly after completing my undergraduate degree in May 2007.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce: I am so glad that A&M-Commerce has small classes.  I would have been swallowed up at a large institution.  I had always been told horror stories about some of the bigger schools where you were likely to walk into a classroom with 500+ people.  My biggest class at A&M-Commerce had 75 people in it. 

What is your favorite part of Campus: My favorite part of campus is definitely the new music building.  It is absolutely beautiful and impossible to explain in words.  You have to come see it for yourself!

What advice would you give to prospective students as they prepare to attend college:  One of the most important things you can do when you first step on a college campus is to find out what types of recourses are available to you. Getting into college is one thing and staying in college is another. Make sure to make use of the resources available to ensure you are successful.

How long have you been working in Higher Education or in a college environment: I have been working in HIgher Education since 2008.  My first job as a student employee was being a Residential Assistant for the Department of HOusing and Residential Life.  Then in the summer I was a New Student Orientation Leader.  I also worked as a Peer Mentor for the Trio Student Support Services for two years. What all of these jobs had in common was being a Higher Education Advocate and putting the students' needs first.

What are some of your favorite things about Commerce: My favorite thing about Commerce is its small-town atmosphere. I feel that it really encourages student to join organizations/clubs on campus and focus on their students. 

What advice would you give to prospective students as they prepare to attend college:  College is a fun and exciting place. As a freshman, not only are you transitioning from high school to college but you are also transitioning from a teen to an adult.  You are going to have a lot going on such as going to class, doing homework and studying, working, going to club meetings, and meeting new people and much, much more! This can be very overwhelming for some but; it can be done if you manage your time well. THe key is writing down all assignments and events going on in your daily planner. Once you learn hot to manage your time, you are going to succeed in college and in the real world!