Sul Ross State University

March 2008

Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux to portray Harriet Tubman March 25 at Sul Ross

Performing artist Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux will portray Harriet Tubman, a central figure in the 1800s Underground Railroad, Tuesday, March 25 at Sul Ross State University.

Waddy-Thibodeaux, Houston, will present "The Resurrection of General Harriet Tubman for Literacy" at 7:30 p.m. in Marshall Auditorium. There is no admission charge and the public is invited. The event celebrates Black History Month, Women's History Month and the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) at Sul Ross.

Waddy-Thibodeaux is the president and chief executive officer of Flying Geese Productions, which specializes in educational entertainment. This presentation allows the audience to experience the Underground Railroad, as she plays a compelling role of Harriet Tubman. She makes a complete transformation from a 21st century business woman to an icon in American History, captivating audiences on a national platform.

A graduate of Sterling High School, Houston in the Class of 1972. Waddy-Thibodeaux graduated with honors and a scholarship to Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas and from there starred in numerous productions with various theaters in Los Angeles and Hollywood, modeling and singing, cut first record called "I'll Never Quit," and began touring the U.S. and Canada with Thomas Melancon's "Whatever Happened to Black Love," where she played the feisty Mrs. Carson.

She travels far and near to spread the word of the importance of reading in an attempt to re-direct the next generation to Freedom, which comes with knowledge. She is still setting the "Captives Free" in "The Resurrection of Harriet Tubman in Escape to Freedom" which is listed with the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Programs.

New endowment to aid English education majors

A newly-established endowment will provide scholarship opportunities for English and English education majors at Sul Ross State University.

The Ellie Aileen McKinney and George Gantt Winn Scholarship Endowment and Fund was established Feb. 12 through a $10,000 private contribution. Sul Ross President R. Vic Morgan and Susan McKinney Barnes, family representative of the estate of Ellie A. McKinney, signed the agreement.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be English majors, with preference given to students in Education.

Beginning students must be fully admitted to Sul Ross. Returning students must be making normal progress toward a degree and maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Scholarship nominations will be made by English Department faculty with approval by the Department of Languages and Literature, and recommended to the University Scholarship Committee for approval. Awards will be made by the University Scholarship Committee.

“We are grateful to the McKinney family for providing additional scholarship opportunities at Sul Ross ,” said Morgan. “The ever-growing support through endowments is integral to continued student success.”  Sul Ross endowments presently exceed $12 million , funding over 210 programs.

Regents approve Sul Ross land lease negotiations; note $386,000 in gifts

Approval to negotiate a long-term lease of surplus Sul Ross State University property was approved by the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System.

The Regents, meeting at Beaumont Feb. 21-22, also acknowledged over $386,000 in gifts and donations among Sul Ross agenda items.

Regents granted authority for Sul Ross to negotiate and sign, with appropriate System Office approvals, a long-term lease with Brown-Miller Management Inc., Beeville, on approximately eight acres of land on the south side of East Highway 90. Brown-Miller Management proposes to build a 60-unit franchise hotel on the site. Negotiations are still in progress, and no formal lease has yet been signed.

In July 2007, Sul Ross sold surplus duplex housing units located on the site. The surplus buildings, empty since the construction of the Lobo Village Residential Living Complex, were removed by the buyer. The university determined it had no planned use for the land due to its separation from the main campus.

Gifts exceeding $386,000 were acknowledged by the Regents. Donations include:

*$5,000 from the Beryl L. Rice and John W. Rice Foundation, Fowlerton, to the Museum of the Big Bend education program.

* $7,5000 from the Brown Foundation, Inc., Houston, to the Brown Foundation Surface Geology Studies Fund and the Brown Foundation Rodeo Trailer Maintenance Fund.

*$10,000 from Dr. Barbara Hazlewood, Alpine, to the General Scholarship Endowment.

* $5,000 from Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, Alpine, to the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo Scholarship Fund.

* $115,000 from Mr. And Mrs. Robert Eaves, McCamey, to the Robert P. (Robo) Cross Memorial Scholarship Endowment, Robert P. Amacker Memorial Geology, Chemstry and Mathematics Scholarship Endowment, Geology Excellence Fund, General Scholarship Endowment, Alumni Association Endowment and Laura A. Eaves Scholarship Endowment.

* $30,000 from Ms. Mayme B. Brotherton, Dryden, to the History Endowment and History Excellence Fund.

* $10,000 from Michael L. Klein, Midland, to the Trans Pecos Archaeological Program for the Pinto Canyon Ranch archaeological study.

* Ten photographs, valued at $8,500, from William “Bill” Wright, Jr., Abilene, to the Museum of the Big Bend Endowment.

* $50,000 from the AT&T Foundation, San Antonio, to the Museum of the Big Bend education program and renewal campaign.

* $5,000 from Don and Romona Munsell of Ramona Munsell and Associates Consulting, Inc., Bella Vista, Ark., to the Endowment for Excellence, with funds designated as a Gear-UP Scholarship match.

* $10,000 from Alvin A. and Roberta T. Klein Trust, Klein, to create the Klein Trust Botanical Research project.

* $25,200 from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund to fund graduate research assistantships.

* $10,000 from Dan Allen Hughes, Jr., Beeville, to further an ongoing research project studying mule deer habitats.

* $5,000 from Robert and Richard Nunley, Sabinal, to further an ongoing research project studying mule deer habitats.

* $5,000 from John B. Poindexter, Houston, to the Borderlands Research Institute Fund.

* $5,000 from Col. and Mrs. Richard Beck, San Antonio, to the Richard W. Beck and Elsie R. Beck Scholarship Endowment.

* $50,000 from John Franklin Fort, Houston, to the Friends of the Center for Big Bend Studies.

The Regents also approved a four percent increase in meal plan rates and seven percent increase in room rates, effective fall semester 2008.

During fall and spring semesters, the seven-day, 20-meal plan with $70 Lobo Bucks would rise from $1,195 to $1,240 per semester; the seven-day, 16-meal plan with $95 Lobo Bucks would increase from $1,175 to $1,230; and the seven-day, 12-meal plan with $120 Lobo Bucks would go from $1,135 to $1,180.

Summer semester plans of 7/20 with $35 Lobo Bucks would rise from $430 to $450; 7/16 with $48 Lobo Bucks from $420 to $440; and 7/12 with $60 Lobo Bucks from $405 to $425. Increases were requested by ARAMARK, the university’s food service provider, as an inflation adjustment to address added costs of operations.

Increased room rates were requested due to increased costs of operation of the new apartment-style facilities, including wear and tear and utilities.

Effective fall semester 2008, rates in Lobo Village Residence Halls will rise from $1,735 to $1,855 in the fall and spring semesters and from $595 to $635 during summer semesters.

Lobo Village efficiency apartment rates will increase from $415 to $445 per month and family apartment rates will rise from $450 to $480 per month.

Other Sul Ross agenda items included:

* 12th day class reports, that showed 1,683 students enrolled at the Alpine Campus and 936 at Rio Grande College. Semester credit hours totaled 17,899 at Alpine and 7,341 at RGC.

* Approval of small class reports at Alpine and RGC and curriculum changes.

* Approval of an out-of-country study course, May 19-June 5, in Spain, France and Italy. A total of six semester credit hours will be offered, with three art courses and an intercultural communication course to be taught by Kristi Hext, Dr. Esther Rumsey and Carol Fairlie.

* Approval of operating budget and related adjustments and personnel changes.

Flynt, Lobo football featured in March Texas Monthly

Sul Ross State University alumnus Mike Flynt and the Sul Ross State University football program are featured in a March Texas Monthly article.

“Untitled Mike Flynt Project,” written by John Spong, details Flynt’s return to Sul Ross and the Lobo football team at age 59. Flynt’s participation during the 2007 season attracted national and international media attention to Sul Ross and Alpine.

On Monday, March 24, John Spong and Jake Silverstein of Texas Monthly magazine will be on campus to visit with Sul Ross students.  They will be on campus during the morning only.  John and Jake would like to focus on the article about Mike Flynt as they discuss their experiences in journalism.

John wrote the article, and Jake edited it.  The two would certainly be open to visiting about other jounalistic experiences, but the Flynt article will be a good starting place.  Both are senior editors at the Texas Monthly.


Faculty participate in international conference

Five members of the Sul Ross faculty participated in the 41st annual conference of the Southwest Council of Latin American Studies held recently in El Paso.

Dr. Mark Saad Saka, associate professor of history, presided as president over the conference, a position that he has held since 2006.

Dr. Jesus Tafoya associate professor of Spanish, presented a paper, “Comida festiva del norte de Mexico: La tradicion culinaria chihuahuense”.

Dr. Rafael Azuaje, assistant professor of computer information systems, presented a paper, “Bridging the E-Commerce Gap in Latin America.”

Dr. Jim Case, professor of political science and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences chaired the panel, “Politics and the Economy in the Borderlands and Latin America.”

Dr. Justin Badgerow , assistant professor of music, presented a recital of the Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera’s “Doce Preludios Americanos” in a night celebrating the Latin American Musical and composing Tradition.

After having served as president for two years, Saka turned the presidency over to Janet Adamski of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Saka will remain on the executive board as presidential advisor for a two year appointment.

In addition, Tafoya has accepted the chair of the Awards Committee for a three-year appointment.

The Southwest Council of Latin American Studies is the largest regional Latin American conference in the United States and is held annually. It incorporates Latin American scholars from the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Theatre of the Big Bend slates 43rd summer season

The Theatre of the Big Bend Summer Repertory will perform three shows, beginning June 27.

The summer bill opens with the musical, “Cowgirls,” by Besty Howie and Mary Murfitt, followed by “Petra’s Cuento,” the second play in Rupert Reyes, Jr.’s popular bilingual series, and ends with “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede,” by Eric Coble.

All three shows offer fun and entertainment for all ages and audiences. “Cowgirls,” directed by Dona W. Roman, is a country versus classical music mash up about a famous country-western saloon in jeopardy of foreclosure. The women
of the saloon mistakenly hire a classical music trio in hopes to save the saloon. The misunderstanding leads to laughs, song and dance, and the coming together of two very different groups. Justin Badgerow will offer musical direction with vocal direction by Dr. Donald Callen Freed.

“Petra’s Cuento,” directed by Liz Castillo, continues the story of the lovable, superstitious and somewhat meddlesome Petra as she tries to reconnect with her daughter and grandchildren after a worrisome visit to the doctor.

“Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede,” directed by Dr Keith West, is a larger than life, Pecos Bill tall-tale production the whole family can enjoy. Packed from beginning to end with action, laughs and the world’s largest prairie dog, “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” is a show for the cowboy in all of us.

“Cowgirls” runs three weekends, June 27-July 13. “Petra’s Cuento” runs three weekends, July 18-Aug. 3 and “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” runs our final weekend Aug. 8-10. Curtain time for all shows is 8:15 p.m.

For more information, contact 8218 or 888-722-SRSU (7778).

Sul Ross student dies in traffic accident

Services were held Friday (Feb. 29) in Dallas for Sul Ross State University student Ashley Tiara Stern, who died as a result of a one-vehicle rollover Feb. 22.

Services were be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Peaceful Rest Funeral Home, 3302 East Illinois, Dallas. Visitation will be from 630-8:30 p.m. Thursday.

A passenger, Chantil Lacey Stapp, Junction, also a Sul Ross student, was airlifted from the scene to Odessa Medical Center Hospital, where she was treated and released.

According to the Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred about 6 p.m. Friday (Feb. 22), on Highway 67, about 12 miles south of I-10.

Sul Ross QEP document meets deadline

The supporting research document explaining Sul Ross State University’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) has been completed and sent to the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) five days ahead of the March 1 deadline.

A committee of 43 has been at work on the plan since fall 2006, with 11 new committee members added in fall 2007.

The QEP is part of the documentation and planning for Sul Ross’sreaffirmation of accreditation by SACS. President R. Vic Morgan said, “I’m pleased that our hard-working committee was able to meet this important deadline.”

The 75-page, single-spaced, document includes an explanation of the Sul Ross plan to enhance student learning through engagement with their classes and supporting university activities. The plan includes three strategies: increasing outdoor learning opportunities, a pilot program to encourage innovation, and faculty development seminars.

Student learning will be measured through administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the critical thinking portion of the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) test. These two instruments also represent the two categories, engagement survey and academic testing, required by the Voluntary System of Accountability (VSA) that has been designed and sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Sul Ross has registered for participation in the VSA. Thus, the QEP also fits neatly into a larger national transparency plan to help students and parents select a university that will provide the educational opportunities desired.

According to Morgan, “Sul Ross State University should look very attractive on the VSA website. We will rank close to the top for ratio of available laboratory equipment per student, number of full-time Ph.D. faculty who teach freshman courses, campus safety, and numerous other categories. We will rank close to the bottom in cost and class size.

“We also believe that our students will make significant progress in critical thinking during their four years at Sul Ross. The NSSE survey and the CAAP test should work together well to guide us toward demonstrating that our graduates receive a quality education for a reasonable price.”

As research reviewed in the QEP document demonstrates, higher education is now focusing on “value-added learning” or measuring how much progress students make during their college careers, rather than using a university’s endowment fund and the ACT/SAT test scores of entering freshmen.

A similar document was provided by a similar committee at SRSU’s Rio Grande College campus. Both QEP documents will be evaluated by a SACS review team scheduled to arrive on the Alpine campus March 29-April 2.

Morgan has served several other universities as a reviewer for their QEPs. Prior to submission, he reviewed the QEP document for each campus .

“I feel confident that our reaffirmation team will find these QEPs satisfactory and that we can begin implementation next fall,” he said.

Lobo Stars study cacti under Welch foundation grant
by Jason Hennington, News Writer

Thanks to a Welch Foundation grant, four Sul Ross State University students are participating in an undergraduate research project on cacti.

Sami Cohen, San Antonio; Clint Holsomback, Houston; Josh Rousselow, Klamath Falls, Ore.; and Kaycee Watt, Claresholm, Alberta,Canada, are working with Dr. Martin Terry, Sul Ross assistant professor of
biolobgy, studying cacti portrayed in cave paintings in Baja California.

"There are some beings with human form and cactus characteristics in these paintings," Terry said.

The cave paintings, which are believed to be 7500 years old, depict people, game animals, and cacti. Normally cave paintings have a sacred meaning and are vital to the people who painted them, but the cacti are an unusual addition.

"We are trying to determine what the cacti are doing in the paintings," Terry said.

The students are researching and trying to find the answer to this question by analyzing the chemical compounds in the cacti.

"We're looking for anything with bioactivity," Terry said. "Antibiotic activity would be amazing and medically significant."

Any new compound would be a significant discovery for the class, and would invite more interest to the students.

"I found the interaction between the people and the cacti interesting," Rousselow said. "Why did they take so much time to put these cacti in their paintings?"

The students use a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) instrument to conduct research on samples.

"The HPLC gives us an idea of what is in the sample," Cohen said. "It separates the individual compounds."

Normally this would be graduate-level research, but at Sul Ross these four undergraduates are participating in such work. "We get to do all the hands-on work," Watt said.

"I like the fact that I have the opportunity to do this as an undergraduate," Cohen said.

All discoveries found during this research will be documented in a publication, and the students will be given credit as coauthors for their work.

"I'm interested in the prospect of something that has a purpose," Holsmback said. "This is a quality experience for undergraduate work."

Terry will present the preliminary results of the students' research at a March 28 symposium in Vancouver at the annual conference of the Society for American Archaeology (SAA). The title of his presentation is

"Psycho-active Cacti in North American Archaeology."

"This is a fairly elite group, and they all seem to be interested in the project," Terry said. "This will look good on their résumés."

Along with graduate work and researching cacti, the students are also participating in the Lobo Stars program. In banding together with other student leaders, they are helping to raise awareness for the QEP.

"It makes me feel good that I'm not only doing something for the sake of science, but also for my school," Cohen said.

Roussselow believes both the Lobo Stars program and the research will help the university in general.

"This can help both programs from a publicity stand point," he said. "They are good programs and I hope they catch on."

The students are still in the early stages of their research, but are hoping to come across an astounding discovery.

"It's a delight for me to work with bright young people interested in a project," Terry said. "It's refreshing."

For more information, contact Terry, (432) 837-8113 or mterry@sulross.edu

Teacher Job Fair April 23 at Sul Ross

The Sul Ross State University Education Department will host the annual Job Fair for Teachers Wednesday, April 23 in the University Center.

Representatives from school districts around the state will be available to meet with Sul Ross students and area teachers from 9 a.m.-noon in the Espino Conference Center. Anyone interested in teaching opportunities is welcome to attend.


For more information, contact Dr. Tyra Manning, (432) 837-8170 or tmanning@sulross.edu

22nd TRAPPINGS OF TEXAS another successful event

Museum of the Big Bend staff called the 22nd annual Trappings of Texas another extremely successful event.

Trappings, which annually features classic cowboy gear and artwork, enjoyed an impressive opening (Feb. 29-March 1), with more than 40 percent of the exhibit items already sold. In addition, Saturday’s auction, which serves as the Museum’s primary fund-raiser, approached last year’s record sales.

“Both the wall sale and auction results were a pleasant surprise,” said Liz Jackson, assistant to the director. “Despite an uncertain economy, we enjoyed tremendous support from our sponsors and buyers.”

Proceeds from the Trappings exhibit go directly to the artists and gearmakers. Auction items, donated by the participating artists and other supporters, benefit Museum programs.

Museum director Larry Francell called Trappings “a great success. Trappings has reached a level of high quality that seems to grow each year.

“Hosting Trappings with the Museum’s facilities fully renovated made a difference,” he said. “In addition to the Trappings works, sponsors and buyers had a chance to see all the permanent exhibits in the Museum and the changes that have taken place in the past year alone.

Francell also praised Sul Ross State University’s long-standing support.

“Sul Ross deserves a great deal of credit for the success of Trappings and the Museum operations as a whole,” Francell said. “The university continues to be a solid foundation for our mission to preserve and promote the history of the Big Bend.”

For more information, contact Francell, (432) 837-8145 or francell@sulross.edu


Sul Ross Mexican American Studies lectures March 26, April 9
Sul Ross State University faculty members Dr. Justin Badgerow and Carol Fairlie will present lectures Wednesday, March 26 and April 9 as part of the Mexican American Studies Lecture Program.

On March 26, Badgerow, assistant professor of music, will discuss and perform music from American and Mexican composers at 2 p.m. in Marshall Auditorium.

Fairlie, associate professor of art, will discuss the contributions of Chicano and Chicana artists to the art community on April 9. She will lecture at 2 p.m. in Lawrence Hall, Room 309.

Both presentations are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Jesus Tafoya, (432) 837-8386 or jtafoya@sulross.edu or Dr. Mark Saka, 837-8304 or msaka@sulross.edu.


Sul Ross student athletes earn ASC All-Academic Honors

Seven Sul Ross State University student-athletes have been selected to the American Southwest Conference Basketball Academic All-Conference team for 2007-08.

In women’s basketball, junior Angelique Benton (art, El Paso Parkland), sophomore Stephanie Marshall (mathematics, Kermit) and seniors Janice Mitchell (accounting, Round Rock, Stoney Point) and Nitra Woods (communication, Andrews) received academic all-conference awards.

Senior Art Gonzalez (kinesiology, El Paso Eastwood), junior Moises Morales (political science, Fort Hancock) and sophomore Filiberto Torres (kinesiology, Clint) represented the Lobo men’s basketball team on this year’s conference honor roll.

To be eligible for ASC All-Academic honors, student-athletes must have lettered in the 2007-08 season, be in at least the second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better.


Sul Ross alum publishes book, to record Western Australia Oral History

Sul Ross State University graduate and Distinguished Alumni recipient Jack Fletcher has written a second book about the undeveloped agricultural potential in Western Australia. It contrasts development of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas with that of the undeveloped Fitzroy River Valley in Western Australia.

Fletcher has written “To Dam or Be Damned, The Mighty Fitzroy River,” to be published in June, 2008.. Earlier he wrote, “Texas Jack’s Australian Outback Dream,:”discussing his 20-year association with the Australian Land and Cattle Company (ALCCO) and pioneering of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. ALCCO, a vertically integrated company, was the largest of its kind in Australia's history.

Earlier this year, Fletcher met with representatives of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society, Inc., and agreed to record an oral history of his experiences for the state’s collection.

Fletcher, a native of Spur, graduated from Sul Ross in 1949 after serving as a Navy Corpsman with the U.S. Third Marine Division during World War II. His Australian experiences began in 1965 and from 1967-1985 he was managing director of ALCCO, which he co-founded. He managed the diverse interest over 6,700 square miles (4.3 million acres) of stations and feedlots, producing crops and beef in massive quantities.

He received Sul Ross’ first Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981, and has been honored by the Texas State House of Representatives and Soil Conservation Society of America for his soil, water and wildlife conservation efforts.

Fletcher, who resides in Woodlands, Western Australia and holds dual U.S.-Australian citizenship, previously worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, William K. Holt Machinery and Caterpillar Co. He served as an agricultural consultant to many government organizations and private companies in the U.S., Korea, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. His email contact: txjackoz@westnet.com.au


Sul Ross student attends Tejano Music Awards
by Jason Hennington, News Writer

Sul Ross State University had the only representative from the West Texas area at the 28th annual Tejano Awards, held March 6 in San Antonio.

Dominic Leal, Dallas, a junior political science major attended the prestigious event on behalf of Sul Ross campus radio, KSRU

“If I wasn’t there, there wouldn’t have been anybody from West Texas,” Leal said.

Winners at this year’s awards included: Elida Reyna for Song of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year; Jay Perez for Male Vocalist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Show Band of the Year; Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution for Album of the Year-Tejano; and Tex Mex Kadillakz for Most Promising Band.

Tejano music is popular in the West Texas area, but there was no one to cover the event. Leal was allowed to go backstage with the artists and award winners, as well as other media personnel. Dr. Keith West, assistant professor in Communication and Theatre, was able to obtain media passes and the necessities for Leal’s trip.

Leal enjoyed the experience and got a chance to meet artists that he listens to, as well as new up and coming artists.

“This was my first time for the Tejano awards so I didn’t know a lot of artists, but I do now,” Leal said. “I know what’s out there now.”

Leal got to rub shoulders with Tejano Music legends Sunny Sauceda, Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, and a host of other superstars in the Tejano music world.

“Sunny (Sauceda) was one of my favorites to meet. He plays the accordion, and really puts on a good show,” Leal said. “I was looking forward to meeting him.”

Leal was also excited to meet another one of his favorite artists, Elida Reyna.

“It was a blessing that I got to meet them,” Leal said.

Along with Tejano Legends, Leal met new up and coming artists who included Tex Mex Kadillakz, Da Krazy Pimpz, and Megan Leyva.

“Megan (Leyva), can really sing,” Leal said. “The future of Tejano has talent and they can all sing.”

Many people believe that Tejano music is dying, but according to Leal Tejano music is far from dead.

“From what I saw it is alive and well,” he said. “The media is what’s killing it. There is talent out there and they deserve to be heard.”

At first Leal said he was nervous, but soon became comfortable when he saw how friendly the artists were.

“I got to see how artists reacted to media,” Leal said. “I didn’t get any rejections for interviews. I was impressed at how the acted toward the media. They treated me really well.”

Leal works as a DJ on KSRU and is also the studio supervisor and primary production person. His shows are primarily Spanish, with a mix of R&B and Hip-Hop.

“I do radio shows, but I like to go out and represent Sul Ross,” he said.

This was Leal’s first visit to the Tejano Music Awards, but not his first time at an award show. Last year he represented Sul Ross at the Latin Hip-Hop Awards, and it was a big success for the campus radio station.

“In addition to being a great on-air DJ, he has a natural sense for what people want to know about artists,” West said. “He was the natural choice to send.”

Leal said he would love to represent Sul Ross at other awards shows; possibly a BET (Black Entertainment Television) award show, a Hip-Hop, or an R&B award show. His ultimate goal is to cover the Latin Grammys.

“That would be a dream,” Leal said.

Leal is putting together an extensive résumé of award shows including his recent tenure in San Antonio. He hopes to attend the Tejano Convention in his hometown of Dallas in August.

“I want to give a lot of credit to Dr. West, he’s helped me out a lot,” Leal said. “He’s a good guy.”

West supported the idea of Leal attending the Tejano Awards for experience, and for what he could bring back to KSRU.

“This is the type of programming and events I would like to see on KSRU Campus Radio,” West said. “KSRU can provide the back story to the music; artist interviews, concert dates, new emerging artists, and classic favorites. I encourage anyone that has an interest in finding out the ‘real story’ and telling others to contact Dominic at the station.”

For a complete list of the winners visit www.tejanomusicwards.com , for Leal’s photos and an exclusive video of his trip visit www.myspace.com/dlealksru.