From the President
“Serving as the President of Austin College has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. Over these last nine years, I have been humbled by the depth of love that so many have for Austin College.”
…Serving as the President of Austin College has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime…
The ‘Roo Connection
’Roos are characterized by qualities that make them engaged citizens and mindful individuals. Here are a few photos from 2025 that highlight ’Roos connected by compassion, dedication, community, exploration, fellowship, and leadership…
Shared Legacy
By Laura J. Veach
Amid a flurry of growth and development in the Texoma area’s population, industry, and infrastructure, in 2026, Austin College celebrates 150 years* of calling the region home…
Community Connections
By Tori Walters
Austin College has called Sherman home for 150 years—and over that time, the relationship between the College and the Texoma community has remained deeply intertwined…
Finish Strong
The Legacy of President Steven P. O’Day, The 16th President of Austin College
By Laura J. Veach
In 2017, Austin College welcomed Steven and Cece O’Day as the College’s 16th President and First Lady. Their time at Austin College has been constructive, literally and figuratively…
Zauk Circle: A Revitalized Gateway to Austin College
By Tori Walters
The story of Zauk Circle begins with the legacy of Margaret Binkley Zauk Collins, tireless volunteer and benefactor of the College who dedicated much of her life to its growth and success…
Campus Enhancements for Student Life
By Joshua Sylvé
Those who have visited the Austin College campus recently (or enjoyed the beautiful campus photos in the pages of this magazine) have likely noted the many enhancements and renewal work that have taken place over the past several years to refresh the buildings and grounds…
And…
By Tori Walters
Of all the decisions made during the college experience, the area of study on which to focus is often the most significant. When multiple academic interests arise, there is no “either/or” with Austin College students, only “and.” The focus on not being too focused often leads Austin College graduates down unique career paths that draw on their unique intersection of interests.
Connecting With the World Around Me
By Jasmine Galdamez ’26
Finding my footing at Austin College as a first-year student was a bit of a challenge. I was now five hours from home with no familiar faces around me and a whole new life to build outside my home in Lubbock. I remember wondering when things would feel normal to me, when I would feel at home…
S’More Experiences for Girl Scouts
By Laura J. Veach
When former CEO of Girl Scouts of America Sylvia Acevedo was presented with the Austin College Posey Leadership Award in 2023, the spark of collaboration was lit between Girl Scouts Northeast Texas (GSNTX), their STEM Center, and Austin College. In summer 2025, that spark ignited in the form of a summer Girl Scout camp hosted on the Austin College campus with classes taught by Austin College faculty…
Outside the Classroom
By Tori Walters
Across every discipline at Austin College, faculty are finding creative ways to immerse students in hands-on environments that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. Whether that means debating bills under the Capitol dome, digging up fossils, or collaborating with local nonprofits, these experiences show students that education is not just something you study—it’s something you do…
Full Circle
Alumni serve as preceptors, mentoring Austin College Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant students.
By Laura J. Veach
Years after their own time at Austin College, 30 alumni are exemplifying the tenet of servant leadership by hosting and mentoring Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant (MMS-PA) students for their clinical rotations…
Beyond the Boards
Michelle Filander Takes on New Role as Athletic Director
By Joshua Sylvé
Approaching the Austin College campus along Grand Avenue, a bright wave of alternating crimson and gold street pole banners guides visitors to the Wortham Center where they are welcomed for the first time. Nearing campus from the west along Brockett Street, guests are greeted by a massive banner hung across Jerry E. Apple Stadium, boldly announcing that they have entered the “Home of the ’Roos.”…
A Family of Friends
By Joshua Sylvé
Those who grew up with siblings know what it means to share—old
clothes, secret routes to school, scary stories. Having someone
who understands us, who walks a path similar to our own, means we
have a sidekick during all of our victories and a cheerleader when things
don’t go as expected…
Convergence of Creativity
Art Department Faculty Design Mural for TI
By Tori Walters
There’s been a lot of buzz about the investment Texas Instruments (TI) is making in Texoma and the opportunities that might bring to the community. One unexpected opportunity to connect Austin College and TI came in the form of an installation in the new TI building in Sherman by two faculty members in the Art Department.
Austin College Adds New Bachelor of Science in Engineering Program
By Laura J. Veach
On April 17, 2025, Austin College held a press conference announcing the addition of its new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program. After several years of offering a pre-professional track, students can now graduate fully prepared for engineering internships, full-time jobs, and graduate school.