News Release for June 11, 2008

SUL ROSS ANNOUNCES SPRING SEMESTER DEAN'S LIST

A total of 254 Sul Ross State University students, 206 on the Alpine Campus and 48 at Rio Grande College were named to the spring semester Dean's List. The list recognizes students who maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Undergraduate students enrolled for 12 or more semester credit hours are eligible for the Dean's List. Graduate hours are not included in computations.

Dean's List students are listed by hometowns. Alpine campus students are:

CLARESHOLM, ALBERTA, CANADA: Kaycee R. Watt, 3.67

KAILUA, HI.: Elyse T. Koki, 4.0

POCATELLO, IDAHO: Laramie Weimer, 4.0

HOUSTON, MISS: Albert V. Horn, 4.0

DEMING, N.M.: Hannah M. Magnuson, 3.63

ALEDO: Jeffrey J. Keeling, 4.0

ALPINE: Debra K. Allison, 4.0; Veronica L. Alvarez, 3.46; Lindsey M. Anstine, 3.75; Mikael O. Asgeirsson, 3.5; Lorenzo G. Barcena, 3.4; Jerel R. Brandeburg, 3.82; Ryan N. Buck, 3.56; Alberto Calderon, 3.6; Laura A. Canales, 4.0; John P. Carrillo, 3.81; Daniel M. Celaya, 3.44; Marcus L. Celaya, 3.5; Leticia Church, 3.67; Zachary G. Criddle, 3.73; Tommy G. Cude II, 3.53; Kimberly A. Delarosa, 4.0; Jennifer B. Denton, 3.75; Marilyne C. Dieckert, 4.0; Rose M. Enos, 4.0; Christopher E. Estrada, 3.79; Angelo G. Falzerano, 4.0; Robbie M. Ferguson, 4.0; Nora L. Franco, 4.0; Thomas K. Franklin, 3.47; Jacob B. Haile, 3.43; Julie K. Hester, 4.0; Daniella N. Houston, 3.44; Jennifer Jacquez, 3.31; Margaret C. Jones, 4.0; Karen M. Lastovica, 3.67; Julie Lejsal, 3.69; Joseph D. Leyva, 4.0; Tina Lilly, 4.0; Ruth F. Love, 4.0; Bailey A. Lusk, 4.0; Jacklyn M. Martinez, 3.63; Chelsea M. Millican, 3.56; Odell D. Missildine, 4.0; Michelle D. Nelson, 3.5; Jose A. Nichols, 4.0; Sylvia W. Probasco, 3.5; Talitha J. Raby, 4.0; Patricia E. Roberts, 3.31; Rebecca K. Schreck, 4.0; Selinda A. Stockley, 3.5; Ben Stringer, 4.0; Dana E. Taylor, 4.0; Gustavo Tijerina, 3.5; Esmereld R. Torres, 3.57; Melinda S. Valenzuela, 3.63; Amalin Vincente, 3.81; Johns S. Wassermann, 4.0; Cade Woodward, 3.41; Zerelda M. Ybarra, 3.54; Ashley D. Young, 3.42

ANTHONY: Andrea R. Burciaga, 4.0

AUSTIN: Charles R. Crouchet, Sr., 4.0; Kenneth D. Furr, 3.4; Seth C. Sonnier, 3.46; Grant H. Stearman, 3.93; Micah D. Thornton, 3.5

BALMORHEA: Jo Gina Gallego, 3.33

BANGS: Tiffany L. Rudloff, 4.0

BRAZORIA: Lora M. Bruce, 3.4;

BURTON: Meredith M. Dawson, 4.0

CANUTILLO: Eduardo Ruiz, 3.75

CEDAR CREEK: Daniel A. Brown, Jr, 4.0

CLINT: Robert K. Bramblett, 4.0; Ricardo A. Ortega, 4.0

COMBINE: Kevin D. Ramler, 3.79

CORPUS CHRISTI: Lisa M. Barba, 4.0

COYANOSA: Guadalupe C. Gonzalez, 3.6

CROSBY: Jennifer J. Merryman, 4.0

DALLAS: Elizabeth Ledezma, 4.0; Andrew T. Ross, 3.59

DEER PARK: Madeleine A. Cantu, 3.84

DEL RIO: Mariana H. Viggato, 3.67

DICKINSON: David L. Peikert, 4.0

EDEN: Casi Tribbett, 3.4

EL CAMPO: Kaydi Kubala, 3.6; Kody W. Kubala, 3.31

EL PASO: Fernando M. Acosta, 3.44; Claudia D. Aguirre, 4.0; Joanna Alvidrez, 4.0; Javier Arrieta, 3.5;; James A. Aldridge, 3,4; Richard P. Fraire, 3.75; Isela A. Garza, 3.57; Arturo A. Gonzalez, 4.0; Stephanie D. Gutierrez, 4.0; Karen K. Hancock, 4.0; Jennifer C. Harder, 3.92; Stacy E. Lind, 4.0; Carolyn Martinez, 4.0; Luis A. Martinez, 3.69; Leroy Mendez, 3.6; Jose L. Mendoza, 3.75; Leobardo Nunez Martinez, 3.56; Michelle Rocha, 3.75; Veronica R. Ruffier, 3.4

FABENS: Adrian D. Telas, 4.0

FLINT: Aaron Roberts, 3.71

FORT DAVIS: Kendra A. Alvarez, 3.75; Adrienne N. Bencomo, 3.63; Lisa M. Bohnert, 3.8; Austin J. Huffman, 4.0; Olive J. Rubenstein, 3.3; Lindsey L. Harvey, 3.4; Joshua D. Uttley, 3.5

FORT HANCOCK: Marco A. Gomez, 3.6; Moises Morales, 4.0; Joseph E. Moseley, 3.41

FORT STOCKTON: Abigail V. Alcala, 4.0

FORT WORTH: Lauren E. McBride, 3.59

GATESVILLE: Alice L. Harris, 3.75

GONZALES: Samantha J. Barta, 4.0;

HALLSVILLE: Zachary H. Gideon, 3.75

HAMILTON: Seth N. Holcombe, 3.67

HARLINGEN: Thomas A. Shiller II, 3.67

HEBBRONVILLE: John E. Morales, 3.5

HONDO: Warren W. Haby, 3.33

HORIZON CITY: Jacqueline V. Labant, 4.0; Karen V. Quiroz, 3.67;

HOUSTON: Michael J. Haubert, 3.33; Clint L. Holsomback, 3.68; Thomas J. Skaff, 3.57;

IOLA: Mark A. Tyson, 3.46

KERRVILLE: Kienan B. Goodnight, 4.0

KINGSVILLE: Amanda Yarbrough, 3.61

LA PORTE: Kelly D. Hotz, 3.69

LA VERNIA: Jessica D. Balencia, 3.6; Shannon M. Malesky, 3.75

LEANDER: Maurice Stephens, 3.75

LAMESA: Kenzi J. Miller, 3.5

LOCKHART: John C. Kinsey, 3.75

MARATHON: Rosa M. Aguilar, 4.0

MARFA: Mirna F. Borunda, 3.75; Christian Celis, 3.33; Shanna Y. Elmore, 4.0;Rosalinda Gutierrez, 4.0; Wesley A. Hibbitts, 3.67; Edith A. Loya, 3.75; Judith A. Loya, 3.31; Chelse V. Rios, 4.0;

MCKINNEY: Houston Z. Denson, 4.0

MIDLAND: Morgan L. Dulin, 3.81; Travis B. Fletcher, 3.77; Emily J. Hood, 3.38

MONAHANS: Lyndi A. Cypher, 4.0

NEW BRAUNFELS: Caleb R. Waters, 4.0

ODESSA: Amber N. Bowman, 4.0; Courtney D. Hallcy, 4.0; David A. Johnson, 4.0; Holly K. Tveit, 4.0; Melanie V. Valenciana, 3.92

PAWNEE: Rebecca S. Porter, 3.67

PEARSALL: Lonnie D. Felps, 4.0

PECOS: Amanda Nevarez, 4.0; Eddie Vela, 3.67

PIPE CREEK: Sarah E. Jewett, 3.53

PRESIDIO: Aldo J. Carrasco, 4.0; Elmer Castro, 4.0; Adriana S. Galindo, 3.81; Emily Galindo, 3.4; Gloria V. Grado, 3.75; Jesus F. Hermosillo, 4.0; Maria E. Hermosillo, 4.0; Alonso C. Hernandez, Jr., 3.38; Teresa Knight, 4.0; Isael Natividad, 3.47; Brenda Ramirez, 4.0; Jacob Ramirez, 3.85; Roberto C. Reyna, 4.0; Alcee M. Tavarez, 3.69;

RICHARDSON: Gwyndolyn K. Johnson, 4.0

SAN ANGELO: Karissa M. Block, 4.0; Kim A. Dorey, 3.33; Clint M. Hall, 3.54; Grant K. Wills, 3.67

SAN ANTONIO: Amanda L. Almaraz, 3.6; Samantha S. Cohen, 3.81; Lucia R. DeLaRosa, 3.33; Joseph B. Dishron, 3.33; MaryAshley Gredell, 4.0; Philip J. Kennedy, 3.33

SANDERSON: Lauren E. Hamilton, 3.75; Jackie K. Sandifer, 4.0

SEMINOLE: Jose F. Alvarado, 4.0; Grady A. Davis, 4.0

SHELBYVILLE: Nathan R. Blair, 3.46

SNYDER: Jared O. Hester, 3.75;

SPLENDORA: Ross S. Sheffield, 3.77

SPRING: Stephanie C. Jackson, 4.0

SPRINGTOWN: Brittney N. Rhodes, 3.8

SUGAR LAND: Monte R. Piper, 4.0

TERLINGUA: Jose A. Galindo, 3.81

TORNILLO: Alfredo Sanchez, 3.5

TOYAHVALE: Kathleen E. Damon, 3.4

WILLIS: Michael Herkommer, 3.6

Rio Grande College Dean's List students are:

ASHERTON: Onesimo M. Martinez II, 4.0; Isaneli Ortiz, 3.5

CARRIZO SPRINGS: Leticia A. Pichardo, 3.5

DEL RIO: Doris M. Cardenas, 3.75; Jose E. Castaneda, 3.25; Amy L. Cruz, 3.5; Alejandra G. Flores, 3.5; Diana C. Herrera Garza, 3.4; Michele L. Henderson, 4.0; Cindy L. Johnson, 4.0; Jamie G. Morales, 4.0; Sylvia M. Ojeda, 3.6; Amanda V. Padilla, 3.4; Graydon J. Richardson, 3.75; Kristin N. Thomas, 3.75; Diana M. Villanueva, 3.8;

EAGLE PASS: Joseph Aguaristi, 3.5; Amanda Cantu, 3.8; Lyliana M. Gomez, 3.75; Jenilee Gonzalez, 3.5; Gloria Kancheff, 3.5; Sandra I. Lopez, 3.4; Rebeca Luna, 3.75; Patty Martinez, 3.8; Erica L. Mata, 3.5; Evelyn Minton, 3.4; Janna Montoya, 3.5; Michelle Nava, 3.5; Ana Oca, 3.5; Gaciela Rodriguez, 3.5; Josie Rodriguez, 3.5; Cristina Sanchez, 3.75; Cynthia Sepulveda, 3.5; Michelle L. Torres, 3.5; Madhavi A. Usgaonker, 4.0; Liza Villarreal, 3.5; Frances M. Zapata, 3.5

HONDO: Yvonne Rivera, 3.67

LA PRYOR: Elida J. Gonzales, 3.75

SABINAL: Mary A. Jones, 4.0; Jessica N. Romo, 3.75

UVALDE: Alyson Cox, 3.5; Mandy M. Gutierrez, 3.67; Sarah J. Miller, 3.5; Kathryn Owens, 3.6; Priscilla M. Trevino, 3.5; Yvonne Trevino, 3.6

DR. MELANIE A. CROY NEW SUL ROSS DEAN OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

by Steve Lang, News and Publications

While moving to Alpine, Dr. Melanie A. Croy waved off mountain lion alerts, black bear scares and the presence of mule deer in her front yard. But, she nearly retraced her steps when she noticed a snake coiled around the telescope on the back porch of her new home.

"I believe there is a good reason for moving to Alpine and Sul Ross," the new dean of Professional Studies laughed, "but that snake almost caused me to change my mind."

Croy assumed her new duties at Sul Ross State University June 1, after 22 years on the Angelo State University faculty. She succeeds Dr. Chet Sample, who resigned after 11 years in the position. Sample will remain on the faculty as a professor of Physical Education.

"There are very few places for which I would have left Angelo State University at this point in my career," said Croy. "Sul Ross is at the top of that list.

"Sul Ross is a smaller institution with more interaction between faculty, staff and students. I like the personal touch," she said. "My goal as an educator has always been to touch the lives of my students in a positive manner. As an administrator I hope to empower the faculty and staff of the School of Professional Studies to advance their programs to the next level. I want people to do a good job at what they do best —be it teaching, research or professional service."

A native of Duncan, Okla., Croy graduated from Comanche High School in Comanche, Okla.. She graduated magna cum laude from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, with two B.S. degrees (1977) in psychology and health, physical education and recreation. She received an M.S. degree (1978) in exercise science and an Ed.D. (1986) in educational administration and higher education from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. In 2005, she received an M.S. degree in therapeutic recreation from Indiana University, Bloomington. She has also completed 39 graduate hours in counseling psychology and is nine hours shy of earning an M.S. degree in counseling psychology.

Her teaching career began in the Amarillo Public School System in 1979 and she later taught and coached girls basketball and track and field at Amarillo Christian Schools. Croy joined the Angelo State faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology in 1986. She became an associate professor in 1991, a full professor in 1997 and served as the department head from 1991-2003.

Croy has served on the advisory board and developed a therapeutic recreation program for the Big Springs Ranch for Children near Kerrville and the Hill Country Youth Ranch near Ingram. She has been a volunteer at the ranches -- which are residential treatment facilities for abandoned, abused and neglected children and adolescents -- for a number of years.

She has numerous publications in pedagogy to her credit, has made a number of professional presentations and has an extensive volunteer service resume. In 2003, she was named Professor of the Year in the College of Professional Studies at Angelo State University.

At Sul Ross, Croy will blend administrative duties as dean with classroom teaching.

"I enjoy the opportunity to teach in different program areas and to stay fresh," she said. "I view Sul Ross as a teaching institution, and this university supports the values to which I subscribe as an educator."

"I believe that you have to be passionate about your profession in order to be successful and in turn, I want to enable the faculty in professional studies to do that about which they are passionate." This university, this position and this beautiful area of Texas make this the perfect place for me professionally and personally. I am delighted to be a part of this community."

For more information, contact Croy, (432) 837-8134 or mcroy@sulross.edu.

SUL ROSS SUMMER I ENROLLMENT JUMPS 11.76 PERCENT

Sul Ross State University summer enrollment jumped 11.76 percent over 2007, according to first-day late registration figures.

A total of 808 students were enrolled in the first summer session, 81 more than a year ago. Semester credit hours (SCH) climbed 12.35 percent, from 3384 in 2007 to 3802. The current enrollment figures were 4.39 percent higher than the final 2007 first summer session totals, while SCH were 5.82 percent more than last year's final totals.

Junior enrollment showed the sharpest rise, 34.72 percent, while freshman and graduate numbers were up 22.62 percent and 20.73 percent, respectively.

Enrollment in the School of Arts and Sciences rose 20.94 percent, while Professional Studies showed a 7.51 percent increase and Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences was up 6.58 percent.

"All of these numbers are extremely encouraging," said Gregory Schwab, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. "We are confident that students are seeing the outstanding educational value Sul Ross offers in meeting their academic needs."

JOHN SHORE NEW SUL ROSS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL LIVING

by Jason Hennington, News Writer

John Shore was recently named assistant director of Sul Ross State University Residential Living . Shore, a native of St. Louis, Mo., has worked in the residential living field for several years, and has been at large and small schools. He feels that Sul Ross fits the criteria for his experience.

"I've worked at cities as large as eight million to as small as here," Shore said.

Shore enjoyed visiting the area before applying to work in Alpine.

"I stumbled upon on it (Alpine)," Shore laughed. "I really liked the area and have made two trips to Big Bend."

Prior to coming to Sul Ross, Shore worked with high school students in Louisiana and admits there is a difference in both the area and the students.

"The environment is certainly different," Shore said. "In Louisiana I worked with high schools. Colleges are more adult."

Shore worked in the Hunter College (N.Y.) Residential Living department, which was 40 miles away from the main campus.

"It was like two different worlds, one where they lived and the other where they went to class," he said.

Shore believes there are advantages to being at a smaller university, including getting to know people more quickly..

"I'll have to survive without a hundred restaurants and shopping malls," he laughed.

With summer camps and summer classes underway, he quickly became immersed in the Sul Ross environment.

"Things are moving along, I'm taking it up pretty quickly," Shore said. "We've got camps coming and going. I want to use the summer to get my feet wet and then in the fall hit the ground running."

Shore hopes to keep a good relationship with the student workers in Residential Living as a way to meet new students, and keep things running smoothly.

"The students in our office have been helpful and are always on the job. That's good," he said. "I just want to build a good work relationship with my student staff and meet as many residents as fast as I can."

Shore takes his job seriously, but at the same time has a sense of humor about life.

"It's good to have a healthy sense of humor in residential living," he said. "You have to enjoy what you do and don't make every decision a life or death one."

"Everyone I met so far has been so friendly," he said. "One of the guys cutting the grass even stopped and waved.

"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and getting more involved on campus," Shore said.

SUL ROSS ALUMNI RUN/WALK SLATED JULY 19

The second annual 5K Run/Walk will be held in Alpine on Saturday, July 19 at 8 a.m., hosted by the Sul Ross State University Alumni Association.

Proceeds from the event benefit Sul Ross scholarships. The run/walk is open to everyone. Regristration fee prior to July 16 is $20 for adults, and includes a "Branding Together" T-shirt and ticket for a pancake breakfast following the race. Children 12 and under may enter free of charge, but will not receive a T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners, plus first, second and third place for both male and female age groups: 12 and under, 13--19, 20--29, 30--39, 40--49, 50--59, 60--69, 70+.

The 5K (3.1 miles) course starts and finishes at Kokernot Lodge on North Harrison Street (Loop Road) and winds through the loop.

Registration will be $25 after July 16 and will be held at Kokernot Lodge starting at 7 a.m. on the event day.

For more information, contact Saul Garza, (432) 837-8697 or sgarza@sulross.edu.