spectrum2015 NEWSLETTER: A YEAR IN REVIEW Transformative Education Creating Positive Change in Education, Students and Communities. How the COEHD changes their future... COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT • THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO College of Education and Human Development The College of Education and Human Development welcomed hundreds of spectrum members of the Class of 2019 during Roadruner Days this August. Dean Dr. Betty Merchant Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Dr. Page Smith Associate Dean for Research Dr. Amaury Nora Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student Success Dr. Janis Harmon Associate Dean for the Consortium for Social Transformation Dr. Michael Jennings Editors Jo Ann Jones Byron Spencer Contributing Writers Jesus Chavez Christi Fish KC Gonzalez Jo Ann Jones Rebecca Luther Photography & Graphic Design Jo Ann Jones Cover Photo Byron Spencer UTSA College of Education and Human Development One UTSA Circle Main Building 3.304 San Antonio, Texas 78249 (210) 458-4370 | education.utsa.edu The Spectrum is a publication of the College of Education and Human Development at The University of Texas at San Antonio. To be removed from the Spectrum mailing list, sign up to receive complimentary copies of this publication, update your mailing address, or sign up to receive the COEHDnews weekly newsletter, email us at [email protected]. About the cover In creating the next generation of education and human development professionals, the COEHD develops, shapes, and changes the minds of our students, which affects the future of our students and communi- ties. What better symbol of transformation than a butterfly? Brothers Donavin Bedell (L), Dylan Bedell (R), and Ryan McNeely (Lower), sport butterfly faces to show how the COEHD transforms not only our stu- dents’ futures, but theirs and their communi- ties as well. 4 12 contents Giving Back Through Theater Arts Tony Plana’s theater arts summer camp International Perspectives Professor conducts research in Taiwan PrEP Access Bringing HIV-prevention to San Antonio 16 Alumni Spotlight: Loretta Clarke Lifelong champion and ambassador for education Student Spotlight: Jennifer Vassell Changing lives through children’s books ALSO INSIDE: 02 New Faculty 03 Message from the Dean 06 News Briefs 11 In Memoriam 14 San Antonio Writing Project 18 Research 20 Research Briefs 24 Donors 28 Community Service 30 Faculty and Staff Awards 32 Literary Leaders 33 La Plaza de Lectura 22 26 spectrum 1 Get to know our NEW FACULTY Sonya Alemán Enrique Alemán, Jr. Associate Professor Professor & Department Chair Bicultural-Bilingual Studies Educational Leadership & (Mexican American Studies) Policy Studies Hometown: Cotulla, TX. Hometown: Kingsville, TX. Education: Ph.D. in Communica- Education: Ph.D. in Educational tion from The University of Utah Administration with a concentration Research area: critical race theo- in Educational Policy and Planning ry, race and media studies from The University of Texas at Why UTSA? I chose to come to Austin The University of Texas at San Research areas: educational poli- Antonio to be a part of an emerging research I university that is cy, critical race theory, and P-20 equity issues also a Hispanic Serving Institution. Why UTSA? I am able to work in a community that I care about with a first rate faculty and an institution that is influencing the future of this city and region. Kim Lee Hughes Assistant Professor Brian Fortney Counseling Asistant Professor Hometown: Washington D.C.; Interdisciplinary Learning & Atlanta, GA. Teaching Education: Ph.D. in Professional Hometown: Park Ridge, IL. Counseling and Supervision from Education: Ph.D. in Curriculum The University of Georgia and Instruction from The University Research areas: queer college of Texas at Austin women of color, counseling eth- Research areas: understanding ics, and theory preservice teachers’ developing Why UTSA? I have had a long and positive relationship with identity and sense of agency that members of the UTSA Counseling Department since starting includes beliefs about inquiry, teaching, and student learning my doctoral program in 2011. I met many members of the in STEM classrooms; interactions between belief systems that UTSA Counseling family at national conferences. The choice include beliefs about diversity and equity in STEM education. to apply for the position was driven by the passion of the Why UTSA? I chose to come to The University of Texas at San faculty and the resolve of the administration to make UTSA Antonio because of the mission of the university, and the Col- a Research I institution. I am proud to be a Roadrunner, and lege of Education and Human Development. The commitment pleased to be a part of UTSA’s mission. to teaching and student learning closely matches my interests in research and teaching. Kathryn Henderson Leslie Neely Assistant Professor Assistant Professor Bicultural-Bilingual Studies Educational Psychology Hometown: Boston, MA. Hometown: San Antonio, TX. Education: Ph.D. in Bilingual/ Education: Ph.D. in Education- Bicultural Education from The al Psychology from Texas A&M University of Texas at Austin University Research areas: language ideolo- Research area: application of gies, dual language, langauge applied behavior analysis to the policy functional assessment and treat- Why UTSA? I was drawn to The ment of challenging behavior for University of Texas at San Antonio and the College of Educa- individuals with autism and developmental disabilities tion and Human Development because of the strong Bicultur- Why UTSA? I get to be part of the strategic plan to reach Tier al-Bilingual Studies department and their commitment to the I and return to my hometown and give back to the community. local community. I also love the diversity and culture of UTSA and San Antonio. 2 spectrum Message from the Dean elcome to the 2015: A Year in Review issue of the Spectrum magazine for the College of Education Wand Human Development. We are gearing up for the Spring 2016 semester, and faculty, staff, and students are deeply engaged in the educational processes, enthu- siastically working with a wide range of community part- ners, and making important contributions with respect to teaching and learning, health, and wellness. As we continue to pursue our goal of becoming a Tier One University, we remain committed to innovative re- search that responds to the needs of the communities we serve, while also generating new knowledge that plays a critical role in informing the policies and practices of educators, counselors, and health professionals. Also essential to achieving our mission is our commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to work respectfully, creatively, and collaboratively with diverse populations, often within rapidly changing and unpredictable contexts. We are deeply conscious of the responsibilities we bear as educators and are unwavering in our commitment to serve others through excellence in teaching, research, and service. While no single publication can pature the full range and quality of activities in which our students and fac- ulty are currently participating in, this issue provides a sampling of some of the work that we do. The articles demonstrate our commitment to local, national, and international research, teaching, and service. As reflect- ed in the Spectrum, our faculty members continue to distinguish themselves and our college by being elected We are constantly growing and refining our programs, and we to influential leadership positions in their national pro- appreciate your continuing support of our efforts, particularly at a fessional organizations. The networks associated with time when public education, regardless of the national context, is these organizations provide valuable opportunties for our facing enormous challenges. students to interact with experts in their respective fields of study. Best Wishes for the New Year! As in years past, the graduates of the college contin- ue to be recognized as unique teachers, administrators, Respectfully, university professors, counselors, and health profes- sionals in that they possess the ability to effectively work with a broad range of children, youth, and families. A large number of our graduates were recognized for their Betty Merchant individual contributions, and overall excellence, in teach- ing and leadership throughout the year. This spring, we Dean, College of Education and Human Development graduated our largest ever doctoral class of 20 students, and this fall, we welcomed hundreds of incoming fresh- man to the college. spectrum 3 Giving back through theater arts ucked away in the Buena Vista we question traditional practice and more than that. For the students, it Theater on the UTSA Downtown really start to find different approaches became a safe space to not only share TCampus was a small group of middle towards making the classroom more their experiences, but to also learn from and high school students from around dynamic and engaging for students.” the stories and experiences of their the San Antonio area. They ranged in Plana, along with acting coaches peers. age from 11 to 18, each with different David Lemay and Jose Yenque, worked “Theater is an empathic art form,” stories to tell. But one thing they had in with the 18 students to further develop said Plana. “By hearing and experienc- common was their passion for theater their acting, writing, and communication ing other students sharing their own arts. skills. The students were exposed to all realities, perspectives and experiences, For two weeks, these students met aspects of theater arts, including acting, they start to develop the capacity to for six hours a day, five days a week, screenwriting, set design, and lighting. get into other peoples’ lives and walk in to participate in the Language in Play “The curriculum we used incorpo- other peoples’ shoes. Empathic capaci- Summer Camp and work alongside rated a lot of exercises and games ty can be very valuable in school, in the award-winning actor, Tony Plana. that develop and enhance skills, and work place, and in life.