The College of Education and Human Services at Texas A&M University-Commerce is set to host its second annual symposium, titled “Education: A Vision for Healing Society.” The fully virtual event will be presented on Friday, September 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

A&M-Commerce faculty and staff will share their heritage and experiences making valuable contributions to education and society. Attendees will gain knowledge and explore mindsets that can be utilized to make positive impacts in local and extended communities. The symposium will open with comments from A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin, Provost John Humphreys and Dean Kimberly McLeod of the College of Education and Human Services. “Our second annual symposium will provide further professional development around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). This year’s event will approach DEI from a lens of restoration and resilience,” McLeod said. “Our panel of experts will support practitioners in understanding how to survive and thrive post-trauma. We invite anyone and everyone to come grow in resilience with us.” Following the opening remarks, attendees will hear two discussion panels. The first panel, “Healing Through Intercultural Competency,” will feature A&M-Commerce professors Alexandra Babino, Ph.D., assistant professor of bilingual education and ESL education; Mei Jiang, Ph.D., assistant professor of educational leadership; and Sarah L. Rodriguez, Ph.D., associate professor of higher education and learning technologies. The panel will be moderated by Sherri Harwell, director of the Office of Educator Certification and Academic Services. Featured in the second panel, “Healing Through Knowledge and Humility,” will be Julia Ballenger, Ph.D., professor of educational leadership; Jayson Douglas, director of the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership; Kriss Kemp-Graham, Ph.D., assistant professor of educational leadership; and Sandi Patton, director of Student Disability Services. LaVelle Hendricks, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Counseling, will moderate the panel. Learn more and register for the free event at tamuc.edu/healing.