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�鶹AV has named four faculty members as recipients of its 2026 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service.

�鶹AV College of Fine Arts and Communication will celebrate Dean Golden Wright’s 20-year tenure with a retrospective dance concert featuring students, alumni, and two decades of his choreography.

�鶹AV Department of Art and Design students continued a 45-year tradition by successfully completing a collaborative 750-pound iron pour, blending art, science, and hands-on training with support from faculty and visiting artists.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, associate provost of academic innovation and digital learning at �鶹AV, has been named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026.

�鶹AV’s Earth Day celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff for sustainability-focused activities, community engagement, and the planting of two oak trees.

�鶹AV hosted a multi-day, hands-on ICS cybersecurity workshop that brought together professionals and partners from multiple states to strengthen critical infrastructure defenses through training, simulations and collaborative expertise.

�鶹AV Opera Theatre will present Le Nozze di Figaro, a comedic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, on April 24 at �鶹AV, featuring student performers in a free public performance.

Dr. Jennifer Iles, a music faculty member at �鶹AV, is advancing music education through a national publication and invited presentations that emphasize effective practice strategies, student growth, and accessible teaching resources.

Three �鶹AV students have been named David J. Beck Fellows, earning full scholarships and funding to pursue advanced research projects in healthcare and science fields this summer.

�鶹AV’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its annual “Dance Unleashed” concert April 24–25 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee April 25 in the University Theatre.

�鶹AV has named four alumni as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership and contributions to their communities, with honorees to be celebrated at a June 5 ceremony.

�鶹AV launched a new Doctorate in Business Administration in Energy Management program designed for working professionals in the energy sector, emphasizing applied research, industry relevance, and Southeast Texas’ role as a global energy hub.

The Department of Communication and Media will host its Student Film Showcase on Thursday, April 23 at the Jefferson Theatre.

A �鶹AV exercise science team won the Texas ACSM Student Bowl against more than 40 competitors, earning a spot at the national competition in Salt Lake City.

�鶹AV has selected 20 high-achieving students as Presidential and Southeast Texas Legends Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year.

�鶹AV has named William Hatter as its First-Generation Student of the Month for April, recognizing his academic achievements and leadership as a first-generation college student. 

�鶹AV will host its annual Woodwind Day on April 11, offering a free afternoon of performances, masterclasses and hands-on learning for student and community musicians of all levels in the Jimmy Simmons Music Building.