Meet Katie Slamer, Texas A&M University-Texarkana alumna and the University Police Department’s newest full-time police officer. A 2024 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Katie was already working for the university as a police cadet, and enrolled at the police academy immediately after graduating. She graduated from the academy on October 10, 2024, and was sworn into service as a police officer 5 days later. While at the academy she won the Top Gun award for having the highest marksmanship scores in her class.
Meet Donnie Spriggs. Donnie is a Texarkana area native who graduated from Redwater High School in 2013. Donnie graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2021 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree (which has since been reformatted and renamed as the Bachelor of Science in Leadership degree).
Both Lydia and Alex left an indelible mark on the university and the Eagle tennis program. They were very active within the campus community and were prominent fixtures at campus events for more than 7 years. Tennis coach Jim Turley added “Alex and Lydia helped make us the program we are today. They are great players, great leaders, and great people.”
Thank you, Alex, and Lydia Oviedo, for all you brought to the A&M-Texarkana community. We will miss your presence here but know you will find much success in your future endeavors. #Soar Eagles.
Meet Chloe Young! Chloe is a May 2023 graduate of Texas A&M University-Texarkana and was recently named the new Director of Events and Communications for the Texarkana, USA Chamber of Commerce.
Taehlor Lafferty graduated in 2023 with a B.S. degree with a major of Mechanical Engineering. She is currently employed with DOMTAR (Ashdown Mill) as a Reliability Engineer-Special Project/Operator Excellence.
To upcoming female engineers, Taehlor shares this advice, “I was just like you, one of two girls in the class. We are a rare kind. Don’t be intimidated, instead use it as an advantage. Sometimes less is expected of us, therefore, BE MORE! Show what you’re made of, how your mind thinks, and the details you can’t overlook. You’ll be the change!”
In 2010 (at the age of 42) Black decided it was time to finish his education. “Education has always been important to me,” he said. “I wanted to finish my degree for myself, but also for my children. I wanted them to know that their father had gone to college and completed his degree.”