Alpine, TX – On May 6, 2021, during National Teacher Appreciation Week, the SRSU Education Department and student organizations, Kappa Delta Pi and Texas State Teacher Association, hosted a reception for area teachers.  Teachers and administrators from local schools were all invited to attend the event.  Music for the reception was provided by SRSU music students under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Meyer.  Dr. Jeanne Qvarnstrom welcomed that group and introduced President Pete Gallego.  In his greeting, Pete stressed that education and educators are the foundation for all successes in the world.

During the program, a panel of teachers and students studying to be teachers shared their thoughts on the present state of education and their hopes for the future.  Panel members included:  Arturo Alferez, Marfa ISD; Monica Soto, Alpine ISD; Angelique Gonzales, SRSU undergraduate student in education; and Tristen Licon, graduate student in education.

In closing, Dr. Barbara Tucker, Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, awarded the 2021 Education Partner of the Year plaque to Monica Soto.  Ms. Soto is the first teacher to ever receive this award from Sul Ross State University.  Dr. Tucker explained that Ms. Soto has been a friend of the university and our students in the teacher education program for many years.  By hosting our students in her classroom, she has demonstrated to them that teaching is a commitment to enhancing the lives of others.