Article by Melinda Eddleman The Del Mar College (DMC) Welding Applied Technology Program is fired up! And, program faculty want area Dual Credit high school students, DMC and other post-secondary and trades training students and area professional welders to turn up the heat, too, for the first “Día Del Los Muertos” Welding Competition scheduled Friday, Nov. 4. Competition will be held 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s Windward Campus at 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405) in the Welding Labs of the Metals Technology Building and the Workforce Development Center. Get directions and online campus map. Welding categories include pipe, plate, SMAW, Combo GTAW/SMAW and “Best of the Best” Industry Welders Pipe/GTAW.  Student competitors have the chance to win DMC scholarships, belt buckles, equipment and DMC Welding ball caps while industry professionals can win cash prizes, including $1,000 and additional items for first place, $750 for second place and $250 for third place. Garcia notes, “What’s different about this competition is that no one will know what size and thickness the material will be or what position it will be placed, meaning competition will be based on skill and confidence among the competitors.” Registration is currently underway for competitors with entry fees as follows: $25 for both Dual Credit high school and college students and $250 for welding professionals. The deadline for competition registration is Friday, Oct. 28. Contact Samuel Garcia, Assistant Professor of Welding Applied Technology, at 361-698-1898 or sgarcia171@delmar.edu. The event is also open to spectators, who are invited to watch the competitors demonstrate their skills as well as attend the DMC Industrial Technology Department’s Career Exploration Fair scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Metals Technology Building. Participants can learn about career opportunities and speak directly with faculty who teach in the College’s Environmental/Petrochemical Lab Technology, Industrial Instrumentation, Industrial Machining, Millwright (Industrial Maintenance Mechanic), Nondestructive Testing Technology, Process Technology and Welding Applied Technology Programs. Representatives from the College’s Dual Credit Program, Student Outreach and Enrollment Services and will also be available to answer questions about becoming a Viking at Del Mar College! Industry vendors will also be set up in the same location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for spectators and competitors to visit and learn about the latest equipment and technology used in the welding field. Current sponsors include Pipeliners Cloud and Weld Porn as well as the following vendors: AirGas, Coastal Welding Supplies and Gas and Supply. Organizers are still recruiting sponsors and vendors for this event. Sponsorship levels are Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000) and Bronze ($500). Interested individuals and companies in the industry can make donations online at https://give.delmar.edu/weld2022. Sponsors and vendors also can contact Garcia directly at 361-698-1898 or sgarcia171@delmar.edu. The deadline to sign up as a sponsor or vendor is Friday, Oct. 21. Garcia adds, “There are a lot of welding jobs out there, and we need to fill those positions with qualified, well-trained welders, so I can’t think of a better way to showcase the welding field than to hold a competition that gives individuals the opportunity to see and hear about what the profession can do for them and their families.” “And, if their choice is not welding, they can learn more about the other high-demand, good paying fields that Del Mar College’s Industrial Technology Department provides training to support the Coastal Bend’s workforce.”   Download a printable flyer from the upper right-hand corner.

Article by Melinda Eddleman If your budget is really tight right now but you need to take a course during Del Mar College’s Second 8-week Session, you may qualify to receive an $800 grant toward your tuition and fees. And, the minimum credit hours you’re required to take is only three. That’s one class, but you can take more! The funding opportunity is a campaign at the College, “800 On Us,” to encourage more students to take courses during the Second 8-week Session using money from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEFRF II). The $800 award is not a loan and is available for new, returning and currently enrolled students wanting to take additional courses this fall during the Second 8-week Session. However, Dual Credit students are not eligible. Funding will go directly toward students’ tuition, fees and DMC Bookstore charges with any remaining award money refunded to the student on the financial aid disbursement date. Individuals only need to apply once AFTER REGISTERING FOR SECOND 8-WEEK SESSION COURSES and can complete the application form online. Students will use their DMC account username and password to access the form. The deadline to apply for the $800 grant is Monday, Oct. 24, which is the same day that classes start for the Second 8-Week Session. But, don’t wait! Awards will be given on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted! Individuals are encouraged to visit the “800 On Us” Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about eligibility and funding sources. Go to www.delmar.edu/800onus. After students have applied for the award, they should monitor their Financial Aid Self-Service account for updates through the College’s WebDMC portal. The process for awarding the funds will take three to seven business days through the Financial Aid Services Office. Registration for the Second 8-week Session is underway. For more details about registering for courses, visit www.delmar.edu/registration. Have questions? Contact DMC Financial Aid Services at finaid@delmar.edu or 361-698-1290.      

Article by Melinda Eddleman The New York Times described one of his appearances as “a triumph, in all respects,” and The Washington Post has called him on different occasions “memorable, elegant, masterful and refined.” The Del Mar College (DMC) Music Department and DMC Cultural Programs Committee have teamed up to present international pianist Enrique Graf on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, for two musical events that bring his artistry to Corpus Christi. During his two-day visit, Graf will perform a free recital on Friday, Oct. 7, featuring works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Eduardo Fabini and Hector Tosar, along with the monumental Sonata by Franz Liszt. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. For the curious interested in how Graf “masters his craft” or for those wanting to expand their own piano-playing techniques, the guest artist will give a free two-hour masterclass from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 8. Both music events are open to the public and are scheduled in Wolfe Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Music Building on the College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get directions and online campus map. For more information, contact DMC Professor of Piano Dr. David Sutanto at 361-698-1614 or dsutanto@delmar.edu or the DMC Music Office at 361-698-1214. The Uruguayan-born pianist gained international attention when he won the First Prize during the William Kapell International Piano Competition in 1978. As a soloist, Graf has performed with numerous orchestras across the United States as well as around the world––including in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Russia, Chile, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. His U.S. performances have included those in the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Graf taught for 14 years at the Peabody Preparatory at Johns Hopkins University and became Chairman of the Piano Department as well as received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Teaching. Additionally, he created an outstanding piano program at the College of Charleston where he was awarded the Distinguished Research Award and named University Artist in Residence. Graf was also Artist Lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University and taught at the Charleston Academy of Music. Learn more about the artist on his official website atenriquegraf.com/. Enjoy the video below of Graf’s performance of Piano Concerto No.13, K 415 by Mozart with the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, NC.) with Conductor Lorenzo Muti.  

Article by Melinda Eddleman Del Mar College’s (DMC) Dental Hygiene Program is offering some ways to help Coastal Bend residents smile a little brighter and keep their wallets a little less empty. The program is offering fall clinic hours and services at no charge from now until mid-December. The Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a variety of services including medical history review, blood pressure screening, intra-oral examination, dental preliminary assessment, periodontal assessment, dental hygiene education, oral cancer screening, radiographs (x-rays), fluoride treatments (as needed), selective polishing, conservative periodontal therapy, dental hygiene therapy and dental sealants. “The Dental Hygiene Clinic provides a win-win opportunity for Coastal Bend residents with available services that also provide our dental hygiene students with hands-on training,” says Eva Sepulveda, Director of the College’s Dental Programs. “ As a community service that’s offered at no cost, our students are preparing for the workforce as dental hygiene professionals while also meeting certain dental needs among patients who make use of the clinic.” The clinic gives Dental Hygiene students the hands-on experience and required hours needed to complete the program, and students performing procedures are under the supervision of program faculty. Patients’ care usually requires more than one visit.   Patient selection is based on the educational and clinical requirements of Dental Hygiene students. DMC faculty will make the determination to accept patients after a “qualifying appointment.”   For full details about patient selection, appointments and other pertinent information, visit the clinic web page at www.delmar.edu/offices/dental-clinic/index.html. The facility is located in Room 125 of Health Science Building 1 on Del Mar College’s Windward Campus at 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405). Access directions and the online campus map. Operational hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. as well as Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon with appointments required. Sepulveda notes, “For 51 years, Del Mar College’s Dental Programs Department has trained professionals who have staffed dentists’ offices and clinics all over our area. I’m confident that you can walk into any dental care office today and meet one of our graduates from the Dental Hygiene Program.”  To schedule a “qualifying appointment,” contact Amanda Canales, Patient Care Assistant, at 361-698-2854 or dentalclinic@delmar.edu. Face coverings/masks are recommended in the clinical setting and patient lobby.

Article by Melinda Eddleman Highly skilled workers in the process technology field are in demand in the Coastal Bend region, and Cheniere Energy, Inc. is ensuring that the workforce they need is available by supporting training offered at Del Mar College (DMC). Their effort includes supporting DMC students through scholarships with the establishment of the new Cheniere Process Technology Scholarship through the Del Mar College Foundation. On Sept. 21, Lance Brown, Asset Training Manager with Cheniere Energy, Inc., who is also a DMC Foundation Board member, and Alexa Fulbright, Lead Specialist with the company’s Community Affairs, presented a $50,000 alligator-shaped check to Mary McQueen, Executive Director of Development and DMC Foundation, and Dean of the College’s Industry and Public Service Division Davis Merrell. The funds cover ten $5,000 scholarships during two academic years––five during the current academic year (2022-2023) and another five during 2023-2024. Since 2012, Cheniere’s financial support for the College has reached almost $900,000, including equipment support for DMC’s Process Technology and Instrumentation Programs, a refrigeration training skid, invaluable engineering assistance with the development of the Glycol Distillation Pilot Plant in 2015 and facility stipends for high demand fields. Eligible applicants will major in the DMC Process Technology, Industrial Instrumentation or Millwright Programs or be enrolled in a related industrial program approved by Cheniere. Students must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled full-time with a 12 credit-hour minimum course load each semester. The company’s goal is to provide scholarship awards is to current San Patricio County residents or students who graduated from a high school located in that county. The award will follow eligible students through completion of their program. Additionally, students receiving the Cheniere Process Technology Scholarship will be eligible to apply for the company’s apprenticeship program, which occurs after completing one year of study toward recipients’ associate’s degrees. The College will provide students’ names and contact information to Cheniere for recruitment and potential inclusion in the company’s apprenticeship program. For information about the Chenier Apprenticeship Program, visit  www.cheniere.com/careers/apprenticeships “I have a family history in process technology,” Bates said, noting that both his father and grandfather worked as operators for other companies and that he would make the third generation in his family to enter the field. “My goal is to become an operator and prove my worth as an employee by doing whatever is necessary to expand my experience and experience [in that role].” Bates had already earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Del Mar in 2017 and transferred to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems and Land Surveying. Then COVID-19 hit, and classes all moved online. Bates said that online instruction wasn’t for him. As a first Cheniere Process Technology Scholarship recipient this fall, Bates said, “The scholarship has helped me focus on school by allowing me to cut back on work hours and put the effort required to fully dedicate myself to learning.” The scholarship application process for the 2023-2024 academic year begins Feb. 1, 2023, and eligible individuals can apply at www.delmar.edu/scholarships.      

Article by Melinda Eddleman Mobilizing the state’s public community, technical and junior colleges to “fast-track” residents into the workforce was a priority for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) last year. The Board  awarded its Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) Institutional Capacity Grant to two-year colleges across the state––including a $500,000 TRUE grant directly to Del Mar College (DMC) and another $200,000 to DMC through Coastal Bend College (CBC) as part of a collaborative grant award––to train individuals for high-demand jobs. TRUE grant funding provided for short-term postsecondary training programs leading to credentials that target regionally-specific fields to fortify Texas’ economy; and for DMC Continuing Education (CE), preparing Coastal Bend residents for the workforce has paid off. During a ceremony held Sept. 15, the College and its Continuing Education Department recognized 110 students––including about 10 from the CBC collaboration––who completed training in CE healthcare and trade industry programs and who earned their Workforce Skills Awards. Under the TRUE Grant funding, Continuing Education's programs served over 150 individuals overall since the grant award, which runs through Sept. 30. CE programs selected for short-term training in Corpus Christi align with Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend’s Targeted Occupations List for 2019-2021 and trends outlined by the Texas Workforce Commission for both Texas and the Coastal Bend. These programs correlate with high demand for employment in the area. These short-term programs range from four to 16 weeks to complete, and programmatic sequencing allows students to on-board into specific study fields without prior knowledge or skills development. Additionally, these CE programs, whether they provide certification or WSAs (Workforce Skills Awards), allow students to gain immediate employment during or upon completion. “Thanks to the TRUE grant, Del Mar College is producing a skilled workforce to support local business and industry with ‘work ready’ employees,” notes Dr. Rivera. “ I believe we have delivered what industry wants and what our community needs—an educated and prepared workforce.” The following students have earned their Workforce Skills Awards through the TRUE grant initiative: • Certified Nurse Aide: Ariana Arreola, Ashley Barrera, Naomi Barton, Elizabeth Basaldu, Angela Cabuling, Selena Cano, Desiree Chavez, Dominic Chavez, Crystal DeLeon, Bianca Estrada, Matricia Fleming, Stephanie Franklin, Alejandro Gutierrez, Catherine Hall, Selina Harsila, Esperanza Hernandez, Dana Merino, Chaiyre Miller, Ayub Mugwe, Angelica Olivio, Isabel Palacios, Tiffany Perez-De los Santos, Emily Puente, Dawn Ray, Maria Resendez, Amanda Riley, Danielle Rodriguez, Ruby Rodriguez, Jose Romero, Amanda Torres, Destiny Villamar and Veronica Villamar • Electrocardiography: Jesus Aldaco, Azam Anraripour, Bianca Banda, Joe Castillo, Monique Duran, Alexus Garcia Warren, Arianna Garcia, Joseph Garcia, Kathrin Govante Chacon, Stephanie Guzman, Joseph Jacobo, Latricia Jones, Eloisa Juarez, Mariah Leal, Kembria Lindsey, Iris Nieto, Jessica Noriega, Ana Pena, Rena Pena, Jennifer Perez, Lisa Ramirez, Melissa Reyes Martinez, John Saenz, Matilda Sanchez, Angelica Saucedo, Josee Serna, Maura Valencia and Savannah Vega • Medical Billing and Coding: Beyonca Coleman, Christal Colton, Gina Deleon, Crystal Gauna, Elizabeth Guzman, Maribel Hernandez, Brittany Jardon, Belinda Long, Mariah Lugo, Amber Martinez, Briana Martinez, Ann Partington, Jennifer Pena, Angelica Ramos, Erin Schrader, Brenda Vela and Nona Walker • Medical Secretary: Ashley Gallegos, Brenda Gonzalez, Victoria Gonzalez, Amanda Landa, Angelita Martinka, Angela Molina, Terissa Montemayor, Sandra Patino and Chanati Richards • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning): Kyle Baker, Dusty Buehring, Joe Bustamante, Jose Carrillo, Raoul Galavis, Damian Garza, Tomaz Jardon, Kenneth McCreless, Gustavo Reyna and Mark Sain • Welding: Austin Alexander, Jo Ann Garcia, Kyle Jones, Mario Lopez, Jayden Mata and Orlando Montelongo • Carpentry: Marcus Garcia • House Wiring: Marissa Chapa, Demetrio Eguia, Jimmy Gomez, Brian Harris Sr., Jacob Ramos and Michael Rodriguez • Plumbing: Ashley Gonzalez, Corin Jones and Devan Stormm • Construction IBC: Kevin Alexander (Carpentry, House Wiring, Plumbing), Patrick Alexander (Carpentry, House Wiring, Plumbing) and Araceli Medina (Carpentry, House Wiring)    

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso You can expect a month-long celebration between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15 every year as communities across the nation observe Hispanic Heritage Month. This observance also serves to enlighten participants by recognizing the diversity, innumerable contributions and influence Hispanics have provided to shape our communities, states and the country.  In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, Del Mar College (DMC), the DMC Mexican American Studies Program and the College’s chapter of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) present the following virtual and on-campus (one)  offerings from Thursday, Sept. 15, through  Saturday, Oct. 15: Author Diana López Presents “¡Viva Corpus Christi!”  “¡Viva Corpus Christi!” with Corpus Christi native Diana López, an author of several novels and stories set in her hometown, will examine how the city has shaped her identity as a Mexican American and how it has inspired her stories. Using a combination of personal narrative and readings from her works, López’s presentation explores Corpus Christi, not just as a setting, but as a character––one with a rich Hispanic Heritage. To view “¡Viva Corpus Christi!,” go to: https://youtu.be/NHqRM640Ie8.    Questions? Contact DMC Professor of Spanish Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.  “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life” During their presentation, “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life,” Del Mar College History Professor Dr. Mark Robbins and Dr. Christine Reiser Robbins, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Co-coordinator of Southwest Borderland/Mexican American Studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, examine how “food” is symbolically at the heart of our family and heritage, a connection between generations and across the many communities of which we are a part. This presentation explores food as an important window into South Texas family life, focusing on ‘living recipes’ shared by TAMUK anthropology students and oral history remembrances of farm workers. Both presenters will discuss how viewers might preserve their own food heritage by conducting their own living recipes. To view “Food and Culture: Vignettes from South Texas Family Life,” go to https://youtu.be/Cu8EFCYqufk   Questions? Contact DMC  faculty member Dr. Mark Robbins at mrobbins1@delmar.edu or 361-698-1370.  Discussion by Mayra Zamora, Chicana Contemporary Artist, Educator, Muralist, Curator  “Mayra Zamora, Chicana Contemporary Artist, Educator, Muralist, Curator” is a discussion with Corpus Christi native Mayra Zamora about her early art career. She then transitions into an in-depth conversation about her colorful murals, which are inspired by her current body of work and include an artist’s codex, allowing the viewer to participate literally and visually. Zamora is a freelance artist and an art educator for the Art Museum of South Texas, Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center, K Space Contemporary and the Art Center of Corpus Christi.  To view “Mayra Zamora, Chicana Contemporary Artist, Educator, Muralist, Curator,” go to https://youtu.be/xyRtZGq833E.     Questions? Contact DMC Professor of Spanish Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.   Interview with Teresa Saldivar: Folklorico Dancer, Local Artist, Educator During a personal interview with Teresa Saldivar, a local instructor and performer of Spanish and Mexican dance, she addresses her role as an educator of the arts in our community. Saldivar discusses her experiences and motivation in both teaching and performing. She also highlights the role of dance (and the arts) in the Mexican American community, gives an in-depth talk about her costumes and discusses how costumes complement the music and create beauty and art that brings dance to life. Saldivar also covers the importance of this enhancement to all performances the dresses may portray, including characteristics, mood and themes. Viewers will also see samples of her work in the community. To view “Interview with Teresa Saldivar: Folklorico Dancer, Local Artist, Educator,” go to https://youtu.be/LC4FUOZvZ3A.    Questions? Contact DMC Professor of Spanish Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.   “Hispanic Heritage Month: Four Artists in Focus,” a Virtual Display by DMC Libraries Using a virtual display this year, DMC Libraries is highlighting four local and regional artists who create artwork that incorporates their personal experiences and Hispanic background. View artwork and read biographical information about artists Humberto Saenz, Jorge Alegria, Lauri Garcia Jones (a.k.a. Loot Achris), and DMC’s own Professor of Art Amorette Garza Morales.  To view “Four Artists in Focus,” go to https://libguides.delmar.edu/hispanicheritageartists Questions ? Contact Armando “Ben” Herrera at 361-698-1978 or  aherrera@delmar.edu.  Links to all of the virtual offerings listed above are also available on the DMC Viking News “Events” page at https://vikingnews.delmar.edu/event-calendar/. To wrap up the celebration, the College will hold an “on-campus” Meet the Author and Book Signing event with award-winning author Diana Lopez on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 11:30 a.m. Lopez will sign copies of her most recent books––Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla, Canta conmigo: La historia de Selena Quintanilla, the Spanish version and Lucky Luna. The event is scheduled in Room 133 in the Coles Classroom Building on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Interested individuals can also access directions and campus map online. Lopez’s books, Sing with Me and the Spanish version of Canta conmigo, follow Selena’s rise to stardom, from front-lining her family’s band at rodeos and quinceaneras to performing in front of tens of thousands of fans at the Houston Astrodome. Lucky Luna is the story of Luna Ramos, who has more cousins than she can count, and what it means to be a friend and a prima (cousin), and how to accept the things that make us truly unique.  Lopez, a DMC graduate and Corpus Christi native, has written several books, including Coco: A Story about Music, Shoes, and Family, the novel adaptation of the Academy Award-nominated film Coco that won the Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. All of her books are set in Texas, except for Coco.  Sponsored by the Del Mar College Mexican American Studies Program, the book signing event is free and open to the public with refreshments also served. Lopez’s books will be available for purchase in the Coles Classroom Building through the DMC Bookstore. For more information about the author and her work, visit Lopez’s website at http://dianalopezbooks.com/. For more information about the Oct. 13 on-campus book signing, contact DMC Professor of Spanish and Mexican American Studies Program Coordinator Javier Morin at jmorin@delmar.edu or 361-698-1582.   

Article by DMC College Relations Office (Updated Sept. 14, 2022) During the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 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 2022 general election ballot as elected, including the District 2 and 5 seats and one At-large seat. The three individuals submitted their applications for inclusion on the Nov. 8 ballot and were unopposed as of the filing deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 22. The Board of Regents announced the Aug. 22 filing deadline on July 25. (Access the posted release.) The three individuals include: At-large   Libby Averyt District 2 David Loeb District 5 Carl Crull All three Regents will serve a six-year term that runs through 2028. Candidates that have been declared may not take office until after the canvassing date which is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 18.  Swearing in of the newly elected regents will take place during 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.  

Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso On Sept. 17, 1787, our country’s forefathers signed the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, ending the Constitutional Convention. In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act requiring all educational institutions receiving federal funding to observe Constitution Day on Sept. 17 each year.  In observance of Constitution Day 2022, the Del Mar College (DMC) Social Sciences Department’s Political Science program is hosting a lecture by University of Texas at Dallas Political Science Professor Dr. Edward Harpham, who will present “The Separation of Powers and the Challenge of Writing the Constitution.” This free presentation is open to the public. The lecture is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Room 100 of the Venters Business Building located on the College’s Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404). Get directions and campus.    For more event information, contact Dr. Adrian Clark, Professor of Political Science, at 361-698-1639 or aclark14@delmar.edu or the DMC Social Sciences Department at 361-698-1228. Dr. Harpham is an award-winning educator and was the inaugural Director and Dean of the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College from 1998 to 2021. He teaches courses in political theory, public policy, Texas politics and American government. His research focuses on the role that economic ideas play in modern political thought and their impact upon modern state institutions. As an author of two texts with W.W. Norton Publishers and two edited books on Texas politics and government, Dr. Harpham’s most recent book, Governing Texas, is one of the leading textbooks on the market and has gone through six editions between 2015 and 2023. The textbook was co-authored with Anthony Champagne, Jason Casellas and Jennifer Clark. Additionally, he has published a number of articles in journals on Adam Smith and the rise of liberal political economy and is currently preparing a book manuscript investigating the link between Smith’s moral and economic writing.   Dr. Harpham earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University followed by a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. For more information, go to https://profiles.utdallas.edu/edward.harpham.