Future teachers celebrated with new traditions

Garcia Center addressing social issues through College of Education programs

National Youth Sports Program at A&M-Corpus Christi receives recognition for excellence in instruction and leadership

Professors Nelson, Southern to edit international publication Family Journal

PEIC seeks to enhance instruction, performance

Dean’s Message

When I was growing up, my mother used to say “always leave a place better than you found it.” For a long time I thought she meant real places and as I moved from one location to another I would spiff up, fix up, paint the walls, and plant petunias. As I grew older, I realized her direction was more expansive. Her words were actually encouragement to lavish care and attention upon the people as well as the places in my life.

Emile Locard, a French criminologist, devised the Locard’s Exchange Principle. Basically, it says that any of us passing through a room will (1.) unknowingly deposit something there and (2.) take something away. Said differently, every person passing through this life will unknowingly leave something and take something away. Usually it will not be seen or heard or numbered, but it is nearly impossible to pass through this world and fail to exert an influence.

It struck me how true this is for those of us in education. We strive to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives and the influence we exert is felt every day. Sometimes, however, years go by before we hear of the impact we have had on someone’s life. Sometimes we never know. But, every time former students come by the College of Education to thank a faculty member for the time and attention they received, or expresses how their life has changed, I know that we are leaving this place better than we found it. Mom would be proud.

Dr. Dee Hopkins
Dean, College of Education