Page 7 - CoE Impact Report

Student Spotlight

James Patterson Graduates

May’s Commencement marked an exciting moment for graduates all across Texas
State, but for two individuals the excitement transcended to honor as they were
part of the first cohort of the James Patterson Teacher Education Scholarship
recipients to graduate.

In fall 2013, Texas State University’s overwhelmed but so grateful.”
College of Education was selected by Fast forward three years, and the two are
The Patterson Family Foundation as still filled with mixed emotions — but for
the recipient of several James Patterson different reasons.
Teacher Education Scholarships. Associate “It feels surreal,” said Zuniga. “I have
Dean for Teacher Education and Academic been going to school my entire life as a
Affairs, Dr. Patrice Werner, was the chair student, and now as a teacher it just feels
for the Department of Curriculum and insane. I am excited and anxious and scared
Instruction when news first came about the at times, but the education program at Texas
scholarships. “Dr. Trauth received a letter State has prepared me well, and despite my
from James Patterson out of the blue, and emotions I know I am ready.”
it said he was impressed with our teacher “At first, I felt like I knew I was good
education program and wanted to include with kids and I liked teaching so [being
us in the scholarship program. It was such an educator] seemed to be a good choice,”
a surprise and a great honor to be selected.” shared Whitman. “Once I got in the
The James Patterson Teacher Education program, I realized that the classroom is
Scholarship fully funds
undergraduate and
graduate students who are
studying education and
are committed to teaching Baleigh Whitman and Mathew Zuniga
careers.
In the first year of
the scholarship, eight
undergraduate freshmen where I am comfortable. I have a passion for scholarship helped me. … It was the first
who demonstrated learning, as well as helping children feel loved scholarship I had ever received,” shared
academic talent and and successful. I’m so excited about the year Zuniga. “My confidence was boosted and I [no
a passion for learning to come. The past four years have flown by, but longer felt like] an anxious 18-year-old. I would
and teaching were I have never felt readier to step into my role as like to thank him for his contributions to the
selected; among them an educator.” future of education.”
were Mathew Zuniga, Upon graduating, Zuniga has accepted a “I would say thank you,” said Whitman.
Baleigh Whitman, position at Del Valle Opportunity Center, “I know it doesn’t quite embody a four-year
Alexandra Alldredge, where he will be teaching English III. degree, but it would be genuine gratitude for
and Yolivette Vivas. Whitman graduated with a bachelor of providing me with opportunities I wouldn’t
When the recipients science in interdisciplinary studies, and a have had without the scholarship.”
were announced, Zuniga concentration of early childhood through 6th As of today, The Patterson Family
had mixed emotions. “I grade; she has accepted a position in Luling Foundation funds the Teacher Education
felt grateful and a little ISD as a 4th grade reading and writing teacher. Scholarships in 22 institutions across the
surprised that I had Given the opportunity to thank Mr. nation. Texas State University is the only
gotten it,” he shared. Patterson face-to-face, Zuniga and Whitman university in Texas that receives funds for
Fellow peer Whitman wouldn’t quite know how to express their the James Patterson Teacher Education
had a similar reaction. immense gratitude. Scholarship and currently has two additional
“Honestly, I felt really “He may never know how much that cohorts of recipients.

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