Two A&M International Faculty, UISD Teacher Appointed to Leadership Roles in A&M System

Two Texas A&M International University faculty members and a United Independent School District program director and teacher have been appointed as members of The Sid W. Richardson Fellowship for School-University Collaboration within The Texas A&M University System.

Dr. Humberto Gonzalez, A&M International College of Education assistant professor of education; Dr. Cecilia Garza, A&M International College of Arts and Humanities associate professor of sociology; and Adolfo Gonzalez, District Recovery Program Director and teacher at UISD's United High School, were notified of their appointments as Cohort II members by William E. Reaves, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Education for the Texas Education Agency and The Texas A&M University System's Partnership for Texas Public Schools.

Those educators selected for the Richardson Fellowship work with other Fellowship members to advance strategic alliances within the A&M System and to expand on the educational benefits of these ventures. Fellowship members are expected to provide relevant research and suggestions for refining school-university collaborations.

In notifying the Laredo group of their appointment, Reaves noted the trio's "commitment to practice, continued study and professional development. This is an exciting new role."

Dr. Gonzalez, who will function as lead researcher for the project, has been a member of the A&M International College of Education faculty since 1996. He holds his Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, an M.S. in Educational Administration and a M.M. in Music Education, both from the Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), and a Bachelors in Music Education, also from TAMUK.

Dr. Garza, who is serving as interim chairperson of the University's department of Psychology and Sociology, has been a member of the University faculty since 1994. She holds her Ph.D. in Sociology from Texas A&M University. Her MA in Sociology was earned at the former Texas A&M University Kingsville while her BA in Sociology was received from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).

In addition to serving as UISD's District Recovery Program Director and Teacher, Gonzalez is NovaNet Facilitator. He is a 31-year member of the Texas Army National Guard locally as the First Sergeant and has completed leadership courses with the Guard.

He holds his BS in Secondary Education from the former Texas A&I University at Laredo and has also undertaken work on his masters degree with the University.

For more information on The Sid Richardson Fellowship appointees for Laredo, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu