During the February Town Hall, Provost & Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Hector Quintanilla provided information on the academic division’s strategic plan.  

The plan includes: 

• Classroom improvements, including upgrading technology, chairs, desks and reconfiguring space 
• Engaging students with alumni and employer events 
• Continuing to provide co- and extracurricular activities 
• Improving teaching criteria by having High Impact Teaching (HIT) practices 
• Equipping students with chances to receive more badges or certificates that increase their marketability in the workforce 

Quintanilla also discussed several new academic programs, including: 

• An online master's in computer science degree is being planned for fall 2024 
• A digital marketing concentration for the MBA 
• A data analytics concentration for the BBA 
• STEM focused undergraduate degrees with teaching certifications, including biology, mathematics and computer science (This is part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to help increase the teaching pipeline for STEM disciplines.) 
• Minors in Latinx studies and social justice studies 

In was also announced that the accrediting body for Texas Wesleyan, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), will be on campus April 10-13 for a major peer review. Information sessions will be held in the weeks ahead of the site visit.  

Staff Hero Award 

During the Town Hall, President Frederick G. Slabach also presented Muhye Hammattah, director of academic advising & retention, with the Staff Hero Award.  

“It is my pleasure to honor a member of the Academic Division who works every day to support our students, faculty and other university employees,” said Quintanilla. “Muhye Hammattah is known as a person who is dedicated to student success, and on behalf of many, I am pleased to recognize his outstanding work.” 

The Staff Hero Award is given to a staff member who goes above and beyond to help reach University goals in alignment with the Engage 2025 Strategic Plan. 

You can watch the recording of the February Town Hall online, and make sure to mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 11 to attend the last hybrid town hall of the academic year.