Awards and Achievements

Finance Student Secures Internship with Toyota
Mariah Dempsey, a Finance major at East Texas A&M University set to graduate in May 2026, recently secured a coveted internship with Toyota—an opportunity that will allow her to deepen her understanding of the auto and mobility industry while working with one of the world’s most respected companies.

ETAMU’s Fuseini Anchors Ghana to World Champs Qualification
ETAMU sprinter Ibrahim Fuseini anchored the Ghanaian Men's 4x100 relay team and earned qualification for the World Outdoor Athletics Championships.

Esports Club’s Gold Team Reaches NECC ‘Smash Ultimate’ Nationals
The East Texas A&M Esports Club's Gold team achieved its highest-ever finish after reaching the national tournament for the NECC "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" Spring 2025 season.

College of Business Innovators Take Top Honors at Texas Healthcare Challenge Hackathon
Two outstanding students from the College of Business—Rithika R. and Nirupama Vallabhaneni—helped lead their multidisciplinary teams to second and third-place finishes in the highly competitive TXHCC Open Track at the 7th Annual Texas Healthcare Challenge Hackathon, hosted by Health Wildcatters at Pegasus Park.

Mars Crater Naming Honors Renowned Planetary Scientist, Former ETAMU Professor Dr. Kit Blount
The honor recognizes Dr. Kit Blount’s legacy as a planetary scientist who helped map the Red Planet, and her lifelong commitment to STEM education.

VisCom Students Honored with Awards at National Student Show
On Friday, April 11, students from East Texas A&M University’s Visual Communication program had an impressive showing at the 20th Annual National Student Show & Conference, held in Dallas.

ETAMU to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class of All Time on May 9 & 10
More than 1,600 East Texas A&M University students are poised to break a record as the largest graduating class in the 135+ year history of the university at commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.

East Texas A&M Team Named Finalist in U.S. Air Force Software Competition
A team of electrical engineering students from East Texas A&M University has earned national recognition as a top finalist in the prestigious 2025 Software Defined Radio (SDR) University Challenge.

Alum Named Southlake Fire Chief
A Lion alum with more than 30 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services was recently appointed to lead the Southlake, Texas Fire Department.

THECB Taps East Texas A&M Professor to Evaluate Workforce Training Initiative
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks, a professor of counseling at East Texas A&M University, has been awarded a $200,000 grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), to evaluate the Texas Innovative Adult Career Educational (ACE) Grant Program.

East Texas A&M Graduate Student Receives Awards for History Research
Hannah Shepherd, a graduate student at East Texas A&M and member of Phi Alpha Theta, was recently recognized for her outstanding history research.

Photography Student’s Career Blasts Off with NASA Internship
ETAMU Photography major Morgan Gridley underwent a competitive selection process to receive a photography internship with NASA for Summer 2025.

East Texas A&M Faculty Members Recognized at Awards Luncheon
On April 22, the East Texas A&M University Faculty Senate combined efforts with the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) to host a luncheon in which multiple faculty members received recognition for their service in teaching and research.

ETAMU Alum Celebrates 101st Birthday
Alum J.B. McNatt is a WWII veteran and businessman who recently celebrated his 101st birthday April 18, 2025.

Several VisCom Students Honored at ADDY Awards
Three East Texas A&M University Visual Communication students received honors at the American Advertising Federation-Dallas Chapter's annual American Advertising Awards ceremony.

Newest Regents Professor Honored at Annual Convocation
East Texas A&M University Regents Professor of Music Dr. Brian Zator was officially recognized for his outstanding achievement at the university's annual Spring convocation.

Alumna and ‘Days of Our Lives’ Actress’ Podcast Nominated for Webby Award
A Lion alumna who starred in the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives" currently hosts a podcast that was recently nominated for a Webby Award by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

History Graduate Student Receives Texas State Historical Association Fellowship
East Texas A&M University graduate student Hannah Shepherd was named the recipient of the Mary M. Hughes Research Fellowship in Texas History by the Texas State Historical Association

East Texas A&M Art Students Showcase Work in Juried Student Art Exhibition
The East Texas A&M University Department of Art is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition.

Principal of the Year Awarded to ETAMU Alum
Alumna Dr. Jericah Jackson is the Secondary Principal of the Year in Aldine ISD for her outstanding work.