The telltale signs are everywhere.
The streets are buzzing. Aisles are crowded at supermarkets with hungry-looking youths emptying everything in sight. Parking lots that were once empty over the summer are filling up.
It can mean only one thing: Texas A&M-Commerce students are back. On behalf of The East Texan, welcome back — and for the newbie’s, welcome to your new home away from home.
You will be happy to know that your new home is going through many positive changes that make it an exciting time to be an A&M-Commerce Lion.
Construction continues on the new Memorial Student Center and is set to be complete by next fall. Described as an all-in-one hangout, the new MSC will boast shopping, dining and clubs, to name a few. If you need to get jazzed about the project, I suggest talking to MSC director, Rick Miller. If he doesn’t get you excited, nothing will. Other projects on the docket include a proposed Alumni Center and the highly anticipated new Music Building.
The appearance of the campus improved this summer with new sidewalks and landscaping. Residence Halls received a welcomed coat of paint and renovations. On the tech side of things, the University introduced LeoPay, which should make payments and refunds for students easier. The logo on the left rail of the front page is the new official identity of A&M-C.
The University also had a busy summer in another respect, with numerous administrative transitions.
Carlton Cooper came over from SMU to fill the vacant athletic director position. He brings an extensive athletic background as a former student-athlete and as a supervisor of internal and external affairs within intercollegiate athletics. (A side note: Cooper is a former draft pick of the Dallas Mavericks.)
Former dean of student life at Angelo State, Dr. Deborrah A. Hebert takes on the role of assistant vice president and dean of student affairs, filling the position previously occupied by the retired Dr. Joe Webber. She brings 30 years of experience with her.
Tim Willett’s position as interim director was made permanent at the Morris Recreation Center.
One thing will not change though. Our commitment to you – the reader.
The East Texan pledges to continue a tradition of accurate, complete and timely coverage of University and local news, sports and opinion this semester — and we want you, as readers, to get involved. Write letters to the editor or guest columns and alert us to upcoming events. Call, fax or e-mail us if you feel our reporting has neglected you — or better yet, come and join us.
Have a great year, and Go Lions!