Office Hours

In this episode of Office Hours, Kaison Ward sits down with Texas State history associate professor and African American Studies coordinator Dr. Dwonna Goldstone to discuss her journey from aspiring doctor to historian, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the experiences that led her to African American Studies. Together, they explore the importance of Black history education, building co...

Andrea sits down with Dr. Christian Hines to talk about her journey from high school English teacher to professor at Texas State. She shares how her love for storytelling, anime, and comics shaped her teaching and research, and how she uses pop culture to connect with students and make learning more engaging. Dr. Hines also reflects on representation in media, building community in the classroom,...

In this episode of Office Hours , Tamara Johnson shares how her journey as a first-generation college student shaped her path to becoming a professional artist. From studying at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to building a career in sculpture and large-scale public art, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of forging her own creative path. Tamara discusses how her background influe...

In this episode of Office Hours, Dr. Carlton J. Fong, educational psychologist and faculty member in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Texas State University, shares how his journey from studying cognitive science at UC Berkeley to earning his Ph. D. in Educational Psychology at UT Austin shaped his passion for understanding how students learn, stay motivated, and succeed. He refle...

In this episode of Office Hours , Professor Richard Hall, composer, educator, and director of the Texas State Mysterium for New Music Ensemble, shares how a winding path from West Texas to the School of Music shaped his creative voice. He reflects on early influences, the teachers who helped him discover composition, and why collaboration with dancers, filmmakers, and even his own children brings...

In this episode of Office Hours , host Andrea talks with Dr. Aimee Villarreal, associate professor of Anthropology and Mexican American Studies at Texas State University. Dr. Villarreal talks about her background living in Santa Fe, and how her experiences growing up between Pueblo and Nuevo Mexicano cultures shaped her approach to teaching and research. Listen in to this tantalizing episode as Dr...

In this episode of Office Hours , host Kolby sits down with Dr. Beverly Woodson Day, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Director of Texas State Admissions. Dr. Day shares her inspiring journey from a first-generation college student in Gonzales, Texas, to a leader shaping the university’s future. She reflects on her career path, leadership philosophy, and the importance of resea...

Ready for a brand new Office Hours episode? We'll be back next month, but for now, we are excited to introduce you to Enlighten Me! This series is dedicated to bringing listeners into the world of the unknown and providing meaningful insights into issues that affect us all. Hosts talk to TXST researchers and experts from a wide range of fields to discuss topics that affect our community and beyond...

Dr. Claude Bonazzo Romaguera is a sociology professor, Texas State alum, mindfulness instructor, and Director of the Latino Studies minor—all roles connected by his commitment to community, culture, and care. From growing up between Puerto Rico and Texas to leading courses that explore identity and belonging, his story is one of reflection, resilience, and staying present. Student intern Nora Park...

In this episode of Office Hours , Kolby sits down with Dr. Rachel Davenport, a professor in the Department of Biology and someone students regularly name as one of their favorite instructors. She shares her path through higher education, what drives her as a teacher, and how she works to create meaningful classroom experiences. You’ll also hear her take on work-life balance, trying new things, and...

A geography professor with an infectious love for learning, humor, and tranquility, Dr. Brian Cooper has an amazing knack for making class engaging. Join us as we explore his deep connection to students, why understanding places and people is more relevant than ever, and how his journey shaped his approach to education.

From humble beginnings in the border town of McAllen, Texas, to life (and art) altering experiences in Baltimore, Sydney Guzman is embracing her journey as it unfolds. Listen in to this episode of Office Hours as she discusses her path to art, becoming a faculty member at Texas State University, trusting one’s artistic vision, and how she’s letting the universe guide her path.

Being influenced and inspired by many places, people, and moments, Dr. Louie Valencia has extensive knowledge of social change, youth culture, and digital history. He chats with AnaBelle about his Harry Styles' course, how he got started in his career, and advice he has for early career students.

From woodshop technician and t-shirt shop owner to professor, artist, and father, Thomas May has had a remarkable journey. In this episode, he shares his experiences with his daughter and TXST Marketing and Communications intern, Avery, reflecting on his path through education, the challenges of adulthood and artistry, and the rewards of being an educator.

A mass communication legend and award winning professor, Dr. Laurie Fluker is a force at Texas State University. Known for her passion and fire during her 8 a.m. lectures, Dr. Fluker has left an impact on both her students and on the course of the university. She and Tyson talk about her life, upbringing, and the journey to discovering your purpose. 1

From a small town in Arkansas, Biological Anthropology professor, Dr. Kate Spradley has made a huge impact on the world with her legendary work on the project, OP-ID, identifying the unidentified human remains on the Us and Mexico border. But she started out like many students, with a lack of self confidence and the fear of a future unknown. She talks to Tyson about discovering her passion for lea...

Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Dr. Angela Jones has set her sights high since the beginning. A first gen student with a burning intrest in shows like "Datelines," Dr. Jones shares what her college experience was like, how to make your goals a reality, and her tips for those who have never been on a jury before. 

From a small town in Canada to working in a prison and somehow ending up in Texas, our TXST President, Dr. Kelly Damphousse, has had a long and interesting journey to where he is today. He sits down with Tyson to discuss his upbringing, career goals, what education means to him, and the driving forces that propelled him to success.

Dr. Andrea Banzatti has a poetic way with physics and an even more beautiful perspective of life and learning. The Milanese physics professor chats with AnaBelle about his life in Italy, looking at the sky, and his passion for adventure and the surprises life brings. 

A dancer turned lecturer, Megan Moss is an artist in many respects. Her dancing, choreography, and study of the human body have shaped her worldview on our need for movement, creativity, and the freedom to show up as who we are. She chats with AnaBelle about her life as a dancer, her journey to becoming a lecturer, and her advice for creatives and people trying to find their way in the world. 

From discovering the vaccine for K9 rabies to helping with the fight against COVID on TXST's campus, Dr. Rodney Rohde is nothing short of a legend to Bobcats. He chats with Giselle about his upbringing, his unique journey that led him to where he is today, and his advice to young people as they move through life. 

A mogul in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dale Blasingame has made a name for himself at TXST and beyond. Tyson, a digital media major, gets an in-depth look at Blasingame's upbringing, love of basketball, and his journey from sports journalism to teaching. 

Ben Reed is a creative writing and literature professor at TXST who has had an interesting career path, from oil rigs to catering, then grad school to now. He sits down with Adrianna to talk about his creative process, his unconventional college career, and why he chose writing as his "thing" in the first place. 

Originally from Canada and making waves in the Esports industry, professor Ali Forbes is a force to be reckoned with. A former college basketball athlete, Forbes is the definition of a go-getter. She sits down with AnaBelle to talk about hunger, drive, hustle, and working hard to get what you want. 

Dr. Nicole Wagner has grown up with an appreciation for nature, whether it be the grass in her backyard or the animals that she came to meet. Assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at TXST, Dr. Wagner talks to Adrianna about following her passion, what agriculture and nature have taught her about the ways of life, and her journey to getting her Ph. D.