�鶹AV

Eighteen �鶹AV alumni and employees are among the young professionals nominated this year for Southeast Texas’ prestigious 40 Under 40 recognition, honoring outstanding individuals for academic achievement, professional success, and community involvement.

�鶹AV MBA graduate and civil engineer Courtney Kelly turned her experience evacuating during Hurricane Katrina into the award-winning children’s book series The Celeste Collection, using storytelling to inspire resilience and future leaders in coastal protection.

The Texas State University System (TSUS) Foundation has named two �鶹AV standouts among the recipients of its 2025 Regents’ Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to their campus, community, and the state.

Kenyon Spears, a former �鶹AV basketball standout, assistant coach, and 2001 graduate, has been named director of athletics at Newman University, bringing more than 20 years of coaching and administrative experience to the role while proudly continuing �鶹AV’s legacy of leadership in NCAA athletics.

�鶹AV has appointed Timothy Pallone as interim director of athletic bands, entrusting the longtime music educator and proud Cardinal alumnus with leading The Showcase of Southeast Texas.

Twelve �鶹AV alumni were recognized among the 2025 Reaud Excellence in Education Award winners for their exceptional commitment to student success and educational leadership across Southeast Texas.

�鶹AV will recognize five exceptional graduates at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, Apr. 4 at the Setzer Student Center’s Live Oak Ballroom.

�鶹AV broke ground on the Teri and Glen Morgan Baseball Complex, an 8,500-square-foot facility set to transform the baseball program with state-of-the-art amenities.

�鶹AV's Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education continues to lead in Deaf education, with its alumni and students holding key positions on the ACE-DHH board, reflecting the program's excellence and national impact.

Serkan Varol, �鶹AV Ph.D. industrial engineering alumni, was a finalist for the Tech Educator of the Year 2024 at TechX Awards

Orlando Alvarez, Chairman and President of bp America, returned to �鶹AV to share insights on the energy transition, climate challenges, and his journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in the energy industry as part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

Dr. George E. McLaughlin, Jr., a former chancellor of �鶹AV and a leader in higher education for over 50 years, passed away at 91.

Four outstanding individuals from �鶹AV and its affiliated colleges have been honored with the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award for their exceptional leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to community development in Southeast Texas.

�鶹AV has unveiled a new permanent tribute to women in uniform—military veterans and first responders—with the dedication of the Wall of Honor.