Books by TAMIU Profs Head to Classrooms

Recently, two Texas A&M International University professors learned their published works are being considered or already in use in classrooms across the nation, proving the research of Texas A&M International University is not locked in libraries or confined to the Laredo campus.

Dr. Carlos Cuéllar, assistant professor of history, learned from his publisher that his text, Stories from the Barrio: A History of Mexican Fort Worth, was widely used in college classrooms, prompting TCU Press to reprint the book in paperback, making it more affordable for college students.

Dr. Cuéllar's work is based on his interviews with 70 individuals and documents such as Census data, newspapers, church records and the Federal Writers Project of the Works Progress Administration. The text tells the story of Mexican and Mexican-Americans in Fort Worth since the 1870s, a largely overlooked population.

Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor of music and chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, recently attended the Music Educators National Conference, where he was introduced as the co-author of Spotlight on Music, an eight-volume music education method series and sole author of Fiesta de Canciones, a two-volume music education Hispanic Song Book for students kindergarten through second grade and third through sixth grade.

Dr. Soto explained the Song Books are being considered for adoption in school districts nationwide, and will be considered in Texas as well next month.

Dr. Nasser Momayezi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said he was delighted to see the work of TAMIU professors reaching a wider audience.

"Our faculty's research is of the highest caliber, so I am not surprised at its adoption in classrooms. I'm very happy our faculty can, through the publication of their research, help educate students beyond our campus," said Momayezi.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at 326.2460 or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 429.

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