Sophia Polk , Senior Counselor

Sophia Polk is a second generation Bearkat graduating from SHSU in 1991. She has been a part of the Admissions team for more than ten years. Sophia is also an instructor of the freshmen seminar course SAM 136 offered through The First Year Experience. As a resident and alumna, Sophia says "Sam Houston State University and the City of Huntsville offer students a sense of home, a place to call their own."

Brent Herrington

An Admissions Counselor at SHSU since 2001, Brent received his Bachelor's degree from The University of Texas and a Master's degree from Troy State University. Although Brent traveled extensively in the military and professionally, he now calls Conroe and Sam Houston State his home. He and his wife Pat have two children.

Jesse Bernal

Jesse is the SHSU Dallas/Fort Worth Regional representative. He is a first generation college graduate and a proud Sam Houston Alumnus. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Radio/Television and was actively involved during his undergraduate years at Sam Houston State. He encourages every student to get involved throughout their collegiate years and make the best of their time. Jesse is currently working on his Master's in Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs.

David Cohen

A new addition to the Admissions staff, David Cohen is a recent 2007 graduate of Sam Houston State University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia, Authoring and Communications with a minor in Animation. He plans to obtain his Master's in Business Administration through SHSU in the near future. Originally from Katy, Texas, David is proud to call Huntsville his new home. He looks forward to spreading the Bearkat spirit to future students, both near and far.

Vincent Cartwright

Originally from Shelbyville, a small East Texas town, SHSU '04 alum Vincent Cartwright is a first-generation college graduate. While attending Sam, he obtained his bachelors in Criminal Justice and minored in Sociology. He is a former student-athlete who looks forward to sharing his knowledge and love for Sam Houston State University and adds, "EAT 'EM UP KATS!"

Amy Gandara

Amy holds a new position as the SHSU Houston Regional representative. She is a proud Huntsville native and second generation Sam Houston Alumnus. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and English in 2002 and her Master of Arts degree in English in 2004. As a student at Sam Houston, Amy was actively involved in many student organizations as well as worked on campus. She characterizes her college years at Sam Houston as the best years of her life, and wants to share this passion with each student she meets. "I want students to have the best college experience possible, and I know that Sam Houston will be their road to a successful future!"

Osiris Santos

Osiris Santos was born in El Salvador, but moved to Huntsville at the age of five. She graduated from Huntsville High School in 2001 and in May 2005, she was the first in her family to graduate from college. Osiris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Spanish from SHSU. She is currently a candidate for the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology program and plans to graduate in May of 2008. On her free time, Osiris enjoys watching movies and spending time with her friends and family. Osiris understands the importance of a higher education and is excited to help students who want to attend college achieve their goals.