Association of Community College Trustees announces regional awardees, names DMC’s Dr. Bryan Edward Stone as 2024 Western Region Faculty Member Award recipient (UPDATE: VIDEO Added)
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History professor to compete for ACCT’s national-level 2024 William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award in October
Word reached Del Mar College (DMC) officials the week of Aug. 8. And, during today’s annual Fall Convocation, DMC administrators announced that Dr. Bryan Edward Stone, History Professor with the College’s Social Sciences Department, was selected as the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 2024 Western Region Faculty Member Award recipient.
DMC History Professor Bryan Stone_2024 ACCT Western Region Faculty Member Award Recipient
Dr. Stone was nominated for the award through the Del Mar College Board of Regents and the DMC Office of the President and recognized today by Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jonda Halcomb in front of colleagues and College employees as part of Fall 2024 Convocation.
ACCT’s regional awards acknowledge the contributions that community college trustees, equity programs, chief executive officers, faculty members and professional board staff members provide to meet the needs of the communities they serve. The awards program is sponsored by Edamerica, one of ACCT’s Corporate Council members, and regional awardees will now move on to compete for the national award in their respective categories.
Dr. Stone will compete for the 2024 William H. Meardy Faculty Member Award in October against other regional awardees from Illinois, New Jersey, South Carolina and Washington. The recipient will be announced Oct. 25 during the Annual ACCT Awards Gala in conjunction with the association’s 2024 Leadership Congress in Seattle, WA.
2019 Aileen Creighton Award
Recognized by both students and peers for his efforts, Dr. Stone was awarded the Dr. Aileen Creighton Award for Teaching Excellence in 2019, the highest teaching honor at Del Mar College. In 2021, he was voted Teacher of the Year by his students; and this May, he received the prestigious statewide Piper Professor Award from the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, an invitation-only nomination process.
Dr. Stone consistently distinguishes himself among his students as a cut above and is not content to design a course once and allow his material or methods to atrophy. He constantly updates his teaching and evolution as an educator. And even when the COVID-19 pandemic impacted all aspects of higher education and teaching, Dr. Stone, who had never intended to teach online, rose to the challenge and created one of the most well-designed, appealing, organized and intuitive course shells at Del Mar College.
As the first among DMC History faculty to adopt an Open Educational Resources (OER) textbook, his implementation of the digital resource made life easier –– and college more affordable –– for his students who no longer had to purchase printed versions from publishers. Dr. Stone’s leadership in this small but important initiative influenced others in the College’s History Program to follow in the same direction.
Dr. Stone’s commitment to quality education does not stop at the classroom. He has supported history education in the community through numerous presentations, including at Congregation Beth Israel and through his service on the Corpus Christi Landmark Commission. He also has presented his research at numerous conferences, symposia and talks across the state, bringing attention to historical issues that are particularly relevant to Corpus Christi and South Texas.
Dr. Stone’s commitment to leadership and solving challenges at the College has been extensive, including but not limited to directing the History Program and chairing both the DMC Curriculum Committee and Faculty Council. He recently chaired the History Program’s Five-Year Review Committee, an important and very labor-intensive project. Besides teaching duties consisting of 15 credit hours of U.S. History class assignments each semester, Dr. Stone also advises History and Social Science degree students. Dr. Stone’s work on these vital committees has helped establish and enhance institutional policies directly related to the faculty constituency and academic standards.
DMC History Professor Bryan Stone with Piper Professor Award
Dr. Stone was among the College’s first History faculty to think seriously, read broadly about and develop a course philosophy related to the use of generative artificial intelligence in student work. Rather than avoid the issue of artificial intelligence or respond punitively to its use, he chose to confront this technology and develop ways to make it useful for students.
Dr. Stone has been a member and supporter for nearly 20 years of the Texas Community College Teachers Association and also has been a member of the DMC’s branch of the American Association of University Professors for many years. Additionally, Dr. Stone received in 2013 a research grant from the Texas Jewish Historical Society and in 2008 and 2013 a project completion grant from the Southern Jewish Historical Society.
In addition to receiving the Piper Professor Award and Creighton Award, the College’s student body elected Dr. Stone as the 2021 Teacher of the Year Award recipient for the Heritage Campus, adding to many previous credits he already received. Additionally, Dr. Stone served as the honorary keynote address speaker during the 2023 Southern Jewish Historical Society’s Annual Conference, and he was the Southern Jewish Historical Society Book Prize winner in 2011.
The Association of Community College Trustees is a nonprofit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,000 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. For more information about ACCT, go to www.acct.org.
UPDATE: Watch the video clip with Vice President and Chief Academic Office Dr. Jonda Halcomb announcing Dr. Stone's receipt of both the Piper Professor Award and the ACCT Western Region Faculty Member Award:
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
Latest DMC News
- DMC Art Program hosting Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, this fall’s exhibit in Cain Art GalleryArticle by Melinda Eddleman Each photographer sees the world differently, and the shots they capture through their lens can reflect their own unique perspective. For this fall’s exhibit in the Del Mar College (DMC) Cain Art Gallery, the Art Program will host the show, Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition, beginning this Friday, Sept. 20, with an opening reception that features 49 photographs selected by juror María Beatriz H. Carrión, Assistant Curator of Photographs at the Amon Carter Museum of Art. In Fort Worth. The opening reception runs 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery, which located in the Fine Arts Center on the College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus ma0. Besides presenting great photography, the event includes a cash bar and complimentary catered food. This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the opening reception and exhibit, contact the DMC Art Program at 361-698-1216 or art@delmar.edu. In addition to curating the exhibit, Carrión chose first-, second- and third-place award winners as well as five honorable mentions from the photographs selected for the final show. Regarding her selection process, Carrión says, “My goal was to highlight as many approaches and subject matter as possible. This year’s winning images embody photography’s ability to capture a moment in time, tell stories and transport us to new places.” Participating photographers, including the winners, are Nina Weinberg Doran (first place), Michael Potts (second place), Patty Robertson (third place), Kipp Baker, Becky Bales, Brandin Barón, Dan Burkholder, Beth Callahan, George Craig, Greg Davis, Rajan Dosaj, Cecelia Feld, Vincent Ferrari, Cynthia Fleury, Justin Fondrie, Ariana Gomez, Dmitriy Gushchin, Travis Hallmark, Michael Hart, Nancy Hines, Roger Hord, Marie Ketring, Steve Knight, Cindy Konits, Donald Kratt, Alison Lake, Jane Lindsay, Erin Mahoney, Ed Malcik, Michael Mallory, Michael McFadden, Alan Mevis, ChengLun Na, Sharon Navage, Martha Peters, Allison Plass, Byron Rogers, Edward L. Rubin, Ricky Sanders, Lance Shields, Denis Sivack, John Skees, Sharon Socol, Beckwith Thompson, Bill Walterman and Carolina Yáñez. Texas Photographic Society 32: The International Competition runs through Nov. 22. And is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon. Note: The photo featured in the banner is “Her Evening Walk” by photographer Ariana Gomez. Titles and photographers of the other photos are available by clicking on the graphic for a pop-up box.
- From cooking to art to politics to crafts … Del Mar College hosting full range of public activities during Hispanic Heritage MonthArticle by Richard Guerrero, Jr. The arrival of the fall semester means it’s time for Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) at Del Mar College (DMC). Chock full of cultural explorations and lively activities, HHM at the College includes timely lectures on related topics as well as a film screening and a cooking demonstration to name a few offerings during the four-week observation. The national celebration’s origins date back to the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration, which launched Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, according to The Library of Congress. President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a 30-day period after it was enacted into law in 1988. FREE public events taking place in the Coles Classroom Building on the DMC Heritage Campus (101 Baldwin Blvd.) between Sept. 16 and Oct. 15 have been organized by the College’s Mexican American Studies (MAS) Program and the DMC chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. Full details about each event are available on the Viking News “Events” page at vikingnews.delmar.edu/event-calendar/. HMM events at DMC include: • Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration: Monday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC will officially kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively event filled with music, traditional Mexican refreshments and a display of historical posters from the Del Mar College chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, along with DMC Libraries showcasing a special display y highlighting relevant cultural resource materials. • Political Science Lecture on Border Security: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1 to 2 p.m., Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. DMC Professor of Political Science Dr. Adrian Clark will explain key developments in border politics and policy at both federal and state levels so that attendees can gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics of border security and immigration policies in the United States as they relate to Texas. • Photo Exhibit and Lecture on Migrant Field Workers: Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. Rosa Linda Reynoso, retired DMC College Relations Office Staff Writer/Editor, will present a compelling exploration of the lives and contributions of migrant field workers, including a powerful photo demonstration paired with her insightful lecture designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for these vital members of our agricultural community. • LatinX Film Screening of “East Side Sushi”: Monday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Languages Lab. This inspiring film takes place in the bustling multicultural backdrop of Los Angeles and follows the journey of a Mexican American woman who defies expectations in the traditionally male-dominated world of sushi-making. As an immigrant striving to carve out her place in this unique industry, she navigates cultural challenges and personal aspirations. • Poetry Reading: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m., Room 113. “Family, Culture, Nature … and more,” enjoy a live video poetry reading with photos by Elizabeth N. Flores, retired Del Mar College Professor Emeritus of Political Science, who has taken up writing prose as a second career. • “De Generación en Generación: Three Generations of South Texas Chicano/a Artists,” an Art Panel Discussion: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 133, Center for Mexican American Studies. The panel discussion features guest speakers Dr. Carey Rote with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Liz Kim with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Gina Palacios with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. • Cooking Demonstration by Chef Maria Mata: Thursday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 108, Languages Lab. Chef Mata and her assistant will cover the history and teach the techniques and secrets behind creating tortillas, an essential staple of Mexican cuisine. • Mexican Flower Making Workshop: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10-11 a.m., Room 108, Languages Lab. DMC staff will demonstrate the art of creating papel picado, the brightly colored decorative paper craft that involves cutting intricate designs into sheets of tissue paper. Questions? Contact the DMC Department of Social Sciences at 361-698-1228 or email Dr. Isabel Araiza at iaraiza2@delmar.edu.
- Del Mar Drama Alum Returns to DMC for One-Night, One-Man Performance in Finley Theatre Sept. 21Article by Richard Guerrero, Jr. Del Mar Drama alumnus Alex Garza has fond memories of his time working on stage productions under the direction of the late Sue Sellors Finley and current Art & Drama Department Chairman Kim Frederick. Both Del Mar College (DMC) faculty members influenced many students’ pursuits in the theatre arts, and Garza was no exception. As a theatre student in the early 1990s, Garza played the role of love interest Yang Sun in Bertolt Brecht’s dramatic parable, “The Good Woman of Setzuan,” which was directed by Finley. He then played the pivotal character Lord Macduff in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Macbeth,” a Del Mar Drama production directed by Frederick. Garza says Yang Sun was one of his favorite roles. “Performing in that show was such a memorable and wonderful experience. The play had a great cast that worked incredibly well as an ensemble,” Garza recalled. “The use of platforms surrounding all sides of the theatre space with an interactive audience worked tremendously to create an environmental feel to the show.” This month, Garza returns to his alma mater to lead a two-day student workshop on how to develop content for a solo performance. He’s also performing two one-man sketches in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre the second day of his visit that’s open to the public. “An Evening of Solo Theatre” is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Finley Theatre in the Fine Arts Center on Del Mar College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Admission is free, and the event is generously sponsored by Del Mar College’s Cultural Programs Committee. For more information, contact the Art & Drama Department Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. Garza’s first sketch, “Medea,” is based on the Greek tragedy by Euripides and tells the story of a woman fighting to be heard in a society where she feels betrayed by men and those in power. The second is “Mystery of the Super-Sparkly Diamond,” which was written by Garza himself. In this comic solo piece, Garza will play multiple characters who become caught up in a search for a missing necklace. He says that the work is inspired by his love of movie parodies and adds that it pays tribute to various mystery and detective stories from novels and film. “I wrote this piece several years ago, and in the last few years, I have adapted the script into a solo performance,” he said. A theatre educator himself, Garza has served as a lecturer in theatre/speech at The University of Texas-Pan American as well as taught drama at Coastal Bend College and Austin Community College over the years. After his time at DMC, Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts/English from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1994 and a Master of Arts in Theater Arts with a concentration in Acting/Directing two years later. His first love remains the stage, however, and Garza is no stranger to Coastal Bend theater fans. His holiday play, “Abuelita’s Christmas Carol,” which returns to the Aurora Arts Theatre on Dec. 21, has become a sold-out annual tradition in recent years. Garza’s upcoming visit to DMC marks his first opportunity to visit in his capacity as a professional actor and workshop presenter. Garza noted working with Frederick on “Macbeth” was an amazing experience. “Kim is a wonderful director with a positive energy, and I enjoyed the challenge of creating a role that demanded rigorous stage combat training and also great emotional depth,” Garza said. “Kim was so encouraging and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his company for their efforts in the production.” Garza said he is grateful for the opportunity to return to DMC and share his work and experience with the students as well as the community. “I hope that the workshop and solo performances will be enriching and enjoyable for those participating and those viewing in the audience,” he said. “Part of why I do the type of performing and writing I do is to inspire others through my stories, and I hope I am successful in doing that.”
- Filers Unopposed for Three Available Seats on Del Mar College Board of Regents 2024 General Election BallotArticle by DMC College Relations Office During the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents approved the cancellation of the General Election and certified the three individuals who filed for three available seats on the 2024 general election ballot as elected. Those seats include the District 1 and 3 seats and one At-large seat. The three individuals submitted their applications for inclusion on the Nov. 5 ballot and were unopposed as of the filing deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 19. The Board of Regents announced the Aug. 19 filing deadline on July 26 (access the posted release). The three individuals include: At-large Anantha Babbili District 1 Rudy Garza, Jr. District 3 Bill Kelly All three Regents will serve a six-year term that runs through 2030. Candidates that have been declared may not take office until after the canvassing period begins, which is Nov. 8. Swearing-in of the newly-elected Regents will take place at the December board meeting. The Del Mar College District includes all the area in the Calallen, Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, Tuloso-Midway and West Oso Independent School Districts. The Del Mar College District map (PDF file), showing the boundaries for board seats is posted on the Board of Regents Election page. The DMC Board of Regents includes nine regents in a modified single-member district configuration. Five regents represent specific geographic districts while four serve at-large.
- (UPDATED) Dual Enrollment Program Sees All-time High with Over 7 Percent Enrollment Growth Among Participating Regional ISDsArticle by Melinda Eddleman (This article has been updated as of Sept. 12, 2024) That sentiment was shared by Gonzalez about how Del Mar College (DMC) provides “opportunity” to high school students with the five rural independent school districts he represents. Preparing Coastal Bend residents to support local economies or that of the whole region is the College’s key focus not only among traditional college-age and adult students but also among area high school students whether rural or metropolitan. Workforce training and college preparation has become an important part of many area high school students’ daily curriculum as they earn both high school and college credits or credentials of value at the same time. That training or college prep is offered through the College’s Dual Enrollment Program. And this fall semester, the program has reached an all-time record enrollment with 2,959 regional high school students taking DMC courses, a 7.2 percent increase from last fall’s program enrollment of 2,761. UPDATE: The Dual Enrollment Program’s increased participation rate will be included in the College’s 12th Class Day preliminary fall enrollment report due to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board today, Sept. 11. Preliminary figures show that Del Mar College’s overall fall 2024 enrollment, which includes both academic and Continuing Education programs, increased over 12 percent from 10,772 in fall 2023 to this semester’s preliminary enrollment figure of 12,098. Other contributors to increased fall enrollment incudes the launch of the new online Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management and Leadership degree program. More than 212 students enrolled in the new program, which targets individuals who have already earned an associate’s degree or current students who plan to complete their associate’s degree and then continue to move forward with earning the College’s second bachelor’s degree offering. Additionally, enrollment is 35 students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or RN to BSN, which the College launched in fall 2021. The Coordinating Board will certify figures in November for final fall 2024 enrollment figure, which is subject to change from today’s reporting. Currently, 43 independent school districts (ISDs), parochial schools and charter schools combined participate with the Dual Enrollment Program, which works with nearly 50 high schools overall among these partners. He noted that the program offers all students in the ninth through twelfth grades attending high schools among participating partners the opportunity to take DMC courses whether they’re through Continuing Education programs to earn industry credentials or Marketable Skills Awards in healthcare, construction, welding or process technology or through the College’s academic programs for workforce preparation with Level I and II Certificates or associate’s degrees or for core course completion for university transfer. “Overall, the College offers 175 programs of study that provide students choices to earn the credentials of value they need for successful academic and career pursuits,” Dr. Rivera added. Some partners have seen significant growth among students participating in the College’s Dual Enrollment Program, including the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD). She noted that enrollment among CCISD’s students is typically highest among English, college algebra, economics, welding, and United States history and government courses. “Whether a student seeks an academic, Career and Technical Education or Continuing Education course, Del Mar is always ready to support our students, campus counselors and parents with the most streamlined transition possible,” Gonzalez, added, “Del Mar College’s commitment to supporting rural learners aligns perfectly with our mission to break down barriers and create pathways for all students, regardless of their location. Our partnership provides invaluable access and opportunities for RSIZ students to pursue higher education and career readiness. Because of this collaboration, we are able to offer our students a wide range of academic programs, dual credit courses and hands-on training experiences that prepare them for future success.” The RSIZ includes five ISDs––Agua Dulce, Benavides, Brooks County, Freer and Premont––all of which participate with the College’s Dual Enrollment Program. Last fall, the College rolled out the Dual Credit Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) Program with funding administered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A part of House Bill 8 (HB 8), the Dual Credit FAST program provides greater accessibility to higher education at no cost for students defined as educationally disadvantaged, specifically those who qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch during any of the four school years prior to enrolling in an eligible dual credit course. Del Mar College chose to expand “no cost” tuition and fees to all high school students, including those considered non-qualifying FAST dual credit students who are taking eligible credit and Continuing Education courses and attending one of the partnering ISDs, parochial schools or charter schools in the region. Aransas Pass ISD Superintendent Dr. Glenn Barnes, added, “It has been an excellent experience for Aransas Pass High School to partner with the College, and Dr. Rivera and his staff have been very dedicated to our students and staff with all aspects of registering, obtaining books, training and other factors being a positive experience." No matter if a student is a Buckaroo, Hornet, Longhorn, Panther, Tiger or any other identifiable high school icon, all students taking courses through the DMC Dual Enrollment Program are Vikings and now on their journey to success supported by their high schools and Del Mar College. Vikings … own your dreams! For school or parent inquiries about the DMC Dual Enrollment Program, contact the Early College Programs Office at 361-698-2351 or dualcredit@delmar.edu.
- DMC Board of Regents holding regular monthly meeting tomorrow, Sept. 10Article by DMC College Relations Office Tomorrow, Sept. 10, the Del Mar College (DMC) Board of Regents will hold their regular monthly meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Room 106 of the College’s Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (78411). Get online directions and map. The regular meeting also will be livestreamed. Community members may access the meeting by going to the online video link at www.delmar.edu/webcast/ by 12:55 p.m. A copy of the Agenda Notice and Board Packet is available online at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/_resources/agendas/agenda-packet-9-10-2024.pdf. Meeting agendas and other resources are also available on the DMC Board of Regents web page at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/index.html. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors are a priority for Del Mar College. To view the College’s COVID-19 guidelines, visit www.delmar.edu/rtc/index.html.
