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������Ƶ has named four faculty members as recipients of its 2026 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service.

������Ƶ College of Fine Arts and Communication will celebrate Dean Golden Wright’s 20-year tenure with a retrospective dance concert featuring students, alumni, and two decades of his choreography.

������Ƶ Department of Art and Design students continued a 45-year tradition by successfully completing a collaborative 750-pound iron pour, blending art, science, and hands-on training with support from faculty and visiting artists.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, associate provost of academic innovation and digital learning at ������Ƶ, has been named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026.

������Ƶ’s Earth Day celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff for sustainability-focused activities, community engagement, and the planting of two oak trees.

������Ƶ hosted a multi-day, hands-on ICS cybersecurity workshop that brought together professionals and partners from multiple states to strengthen critical infrastructure defenses through training, simulations and collaborative expertise.

Lamar Opera Theatre will present Le Nozze di Figaro, a comedic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, on April 24 at ������Ƶ, featuring student performers in a free public performance.

Dr. Jennifer Iles, a music faculty member at ������Ƶ, is advancing music education through a national publication and invited presentations that emphasize effective practice strategies, student growth, and accessible teaching resources.

Three ������Ƶ students have been named David J. Beck Fellows, earning full scholarships and funding to pursue advanced research projects in healthcare and science fields this summer.

������Ƶ’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its annual “Dance Unleashed” concert April 24–25 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee April 25 in the University Theatre.

������Ƶ has named four alumni as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership and contributions to their communities, with honorees to be celebrated at a June 5 ceremony.

������Ƶ launched a new Doctorate in Business Administration in Energy Management program designed for working professionals in the energy sector, emphasizing applied research, industry relevance, and Southeast Texas’ role as a global energy hub.

The Department of Communication and Media will host its Student Film Showcase on Thursday, April 23 at the Jefferson Theatre.

A ������Ƶ exercise science team won the Texas ACSM Student Bowl against more than 40 competitors, earning a spot at the national competition in Salt Lake City.

������Ƶ has selected 20 high-achieving students as Presidential and Southeast Texas Legends Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year.

������Ƶ has named William Hatter as its First-Generation Student of the Month for April, recognizing his academic achievements and leadership as a first-generation college student. 

������Ƶ will host its annual Woodwind Day on April 11, offering a free afternoon of performances, masterclasses and hands-on learning for student and community musicians of all levels in the Jimmy Simmons Music Building.