Scholarship and Award Recipients

Judith Andrade, a former middle school math teacher, joined the Project Maestros team last September and has found a passion in helping pre-service teachers be prepared for their future classrooms. Drawing from her own experiences as a first-gen and transfer student, she has also found connection in supporting students who share those similar backgrounds. She is so excited to be a part of the Texas State community and looks forward to continuing her work on campus!

 

Alaina Archer relocated to the state of Texas from upstate New York in 2010 and joined Texas State University in March 2014 as an Administrative Assistant II in Faculty Records, now Faculty and Academic Resources. Currently, she serves as an Administrative Assistant II for the School of Art and Design, and enjoys supporting the School’s Director, faculty, staff, and students. She enjoys being part of, and lending support to, the Texas State community. She is honored to receive the Dr. Lawrence Estaville Employee Excellence Award.

Krystyn Jensen is the newly appointed Coordinator for Academic Success Initiatives for University College. She is a Texas State Bobcat Alumni who graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a minor in Psychology. Prior to joining University College, she proudly served at each Administrative Assistant level for the School of Music, culminating with her appointment as the Administrative Assistant III and Recruitment Coordinator for the last three years. She was the 2013 recipient of the Deborah and James Mathews Excellence in Collaboration/Outreach Award and is excited to begin her 20th year with Texas State this fall. It is an honor to be selected as a recipient of the Dr. Lawrence Estaville – Employee Excellence Award and she appreciates the support and encouragement of her colleagues and mentors at Texas State.

Iza is an alumna of Texas State, with a Master of Arts in Literature. Iza oversees the university policy and procedure statements and divisional policy review system for the university and is responsible for the tracking, collection, and finalization of all policies. She also aids in the annual collection and compilation of the university plan progress report, and proofs and audits of university outcomes. Prior to working at Texas State, Iza worked as a math and reading instructor at Gary Job Corps. She was recently accepted into the Adult, Professional, and Community Education Doctoral Program, and plans to continue working with strategic planning in manner that positively impacts adult education.

Dr. Terrance McClain is a Houston native and higher education professional who has served students, staff, faculty, and campus community faithfully for over 10+ years.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing from Texas A&M University, a Master's degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, and a Ph.D. in Adult, Professional, and Community Education from Texas State University. 

Dr. McClain currently serves as the Associate Director for Success Coaching at Texas State where he supports students' academic development. He has a passion for access and support for Black males in higher education and conducts research to increase graduation and retention. 

Dr. Toni Moreno is a postdoctoral scholar with the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies. Dr. Moreno is a proud alum of Texas State University (Master of Social Work) and earned her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. She has committed her career to supporting first-generation college student completion.

Jeff has worked in the locksmith & access control industry for over twelve years & has specifically focused on increasing security & documentation of access in both K-12 & higher education facilities. He is excited to work with University leadership to ensure the safety & security of Texas State University students, faculty & staff. Jeff is proud to be part of the Bobcat family & the San Marcos community where him and his wife have lived for most of their life.

Melissa currently works as the Administrative Assistant III in the Office of Curriculum Services at Texas State University. She started the week before commencement in May 2019, hit the ground running and has been running ever since. In her role, she serves as the contact for CIM/PIM role management systems and commencement, student worker supervisor, and administrative support for commencement, curriculum, and the Assistant Vice President for Curriculum and Academic Programs. She is a First-Generation full-time student currently working on her bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics at Texas State. Melissa also holds several other full-time roles including staff member, small business owner, wife, and mother of four. She is a Bobcat J.E.D.I., Student Emergency Services Ambassador, ALLY of Texas State, and member of Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. Her professional goals include continuous improvements to and implementation of commencement ceremonies and to eventually become an Actuarial Analyst.

John serves as Crew Supervisor with Facilities Operations at the Round Rock Campus and has been with Texas State University for five years. His goal is to always work as a team and provide the best customer service to ensure all departments are happy with the service we provide. He could not do his job without the help and support of his team.

Cathy Schriewer has been employed by the Student Health Center as a Licensed Vocational Nurse since 2010. She’s been married to her husband, Kevin, for 41 years. She has 3 sons (2 Aggies and 1 Longhorn), 1 daughter-in-law, and 3 grandsons. Her hobbies include streaming old sitcoms and Legos.

Benji Smith began at Texas State University in March 2022 and works as the Digital Media Specialist for the Office of Distance and Extended Learning (ODEL). In his role, he works alongside the ODEL team to support their mission, working on exciting new projects, and collaborating with departments and programs across the campuses. Benji is a digital media creative with a wide range of talents, from video production to graphic design. In his video and film work he has been privileged to work with and help create for, national bestselling authors, TED Talk recognized speakers, and Emmy-winning documentary films. Benji is also an accomplished graphic designer and illustrator. He works in a wide range of design mediums and is an avid photographer shooting both digital and film formats for over 20 years.

Katrina Verstuyft is a Transfer Navigator in the Transfer Center specializing in serving pre-service teachers. She received her B.A. in Mass Communication from Texas State in 2008 and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Developmental Education. Prior to her work with the Transfer Center, she was a K-12 public educator for 10 years.

Naomi Wilson is the Administrative Assistant III for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and previously worked in the College of Education Advising Center. Naomi is a Texas State Alumni having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication – Public Relations in 2010. She was born and raised in El Paso, TX, loves tacos, and spending time with her family.