Our Impact

Sam Houston State University is partnering with Florida International University (FIU) and Texas A&M University (TAMU) in Phase II of the nation’s only forensic science Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC). The Center for Advanced Research in Forensic Science (CARFS) brings together top academic forensic science researchers to develop solutions to industry partners’ top needs. The CARFS Phase II award is a five-year endeavor with intended funding of $4.25 million.

“Under the center leadership at FIU, we are really excited to be partnering on Phase II of CARFS,” Sarah Kerrigan, CARFS SHSU site director and SHSU Institute for Forensic Research, Training and Innovation (IFRTI) director said. “The National Science Foundation’s IUCRC program offers unique benefits to industry, universities and government by providing industry with access to talent, promoting unique opportunities for our students, leveraging research dollars while encouraging networking and collaboration across partner institutions.”

The National Science Foundation’s IUCRC program generates breakthrough research by enabling close and sustained engagement between industry innovators, world-class academic teams and government agencies.

“Each university truly brings unique strengths to this partnership,” said Kenneth G. Furton, CARFS Center Director and Global Forensic and Justice Center executive director at FIU. “It’s called a cooperative research center for a reason – because, in the end, we’re all working towards a common goal of strengthening justice through forensic science.”

The CARFS industry advisory board (IAB) comprises of government agencies, private industry and non-profit organizations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. IAB members also provide funding to support the research efforts. When combined with The National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Justice’s $750,000 IUCRC base award, available research funding totals $4.25 million.

IAB members identify their top research needs and partner with the academic sites within CARFS to engage in cutting-edge research. During CARFS Phase I, 20 industrial partners collaborated and supported more than 40 faculty and 75 students. These individuals were involved in 65 different projects, culminating in hundreds of conference papers, more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and six patents.

Funded by the National Science Foundation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

For more information:
Sam Houston State University
SHSU Institute for Forensic Research Training and Innovation (IFRTI)
SHSU College of Criminal Justice and Department of Forensic Science

Amphisbaenians are the strangest creatures you’ve never heard of. Like worms with vertebrae, scales, a large central tooth and sometimes small forearms, these reptiles live their entire lives underground, burrowing their own tunnels and preying on just about anything they encounter, not unlike a miniature version of the monstrous sandworms from the book and movie series, “Dune.”

Even though they’re found around much of the world, little is known about how amphisbaenians behave in the wild because they cannot be observed while in their natural habitat under sand and soil. But thanks to two papers published in the March issue of The Anatomical Record, new light is being shed on these animals and their specialized anatomy.

This research began more than 15 years ago when Patrick J. Lewis, a co-author on both papers and paleobiology professor at Sam Houston State University, led a team of researchers to Botswana on a mission to trap and study animals of all kinds. While digging and sampling the environment, they began catching amphisbaenians. At the time, Lewis didn’t know much about them since they’re fairly rare. When one of his students handed him one, he said he was surprised that something that looked so much like a worm could be so strong.

“They wriggle around and try to escape and move in ways that worms just aren’t able to. These are much more like little snakes in the way that they move and interact. It’s just surprising for something that’s so tiny. You just don’t expect that behavior,” Lewis said.

Using a micro-CT scanner at The University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences, researchers completed a detailed comparative analysis of 15 amphisbaenians from southern Africa and a bone-by-bone description of every cranial anatomical feature of the species Zygaspis quadrifrons. These are the most detailed studies of southern African amphisbaenians to date, according to the researchers.

By CT scanning these specimens, researchers were able to render individual bones as large 3D-printed models. This made it possible for them to take a close look at bones such as the tabulosphenoid, which is almost entirely inside the skull and next to impossible to see without this technology, said Christopher J. Bell, the lead author on the paper that delved into the skull anatomy of Zygaspis and a professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences.

“You could fit three skulls of the Zygaspis quadrifrons on the nail of my pinky. We can now look at these really small vertebrate organisms in a measure of detail that we never had before,” Bell said.

Some of the most striking imagery to come out of these CT scans highlights sutures within the skull: deep, thin waves that grab on to each other, Lewis described. The images also render in exquisite details the amphisbaenians’ strange singular central tooth, which interlocks with two bottom teeth.

“Combined with the powerful jaw muscles in amphisbaenians, it gives them a ferocious bite for an animal of their size. They can bite and tear out pieces of their prey,” Bell said.

Antonio Meza, a first-year doctoral student at Arizona State University, is the lead author on the paper examining the different species of amphisbaenians. The paper was generated from his master's research while at Sam Houston State, which examined several morphological oddities in the specimens. For example, he states that snakes and other reptiles are born with a temporary egg tooth that allows them to break out of their shell.

“But in amphisbaenians, they just have kept it,” he said.

Meza’s analysis also confirmed sexual dimorphism in Zygaspis quadrifrons, with the females larger than males in this species.

With little biological and ecological data available on amphisbaenians, studying their anatomy is the best way for researchers to learn more about these bizarre animals and the hidden lives they lead beneath the surface.

Both papers are available to access in The Anatomical Record.

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, Sam Houston State University and the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin.

By Kim Foster

Viewers in Europe and across the globe will soon have the opportunity to learn more about the history of crime and punishment from a Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (COCJ) professor. This fall, Mitchel Roth, PhD, will be featured in an episode of the international documentary series, “Is It True That…?”

Roth was selected for the program following the publication of his book, “An Eye for an Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment.”

“As a professor, I have the good fortune to provide historical perspective to the next generation of criminal justice professionals here at SHSU,” Roth said. "The opportunity to impart this knowledge on a global scale is exciting. It’s an honor to participate in the program.”

The episode of “Is It True That…?” featuring Roth is expected to premiere in October 2025 and can be viewed on ARTE’s online library.

More information about Roth's scholarly career, including his recent publications. 

• U.S. Air Force
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) 
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
• Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)

Since first earning the designation in 2020, SHSU has been building partnerships with federal agencies including:

• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) 
• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM)

By Tory Josey

Sam Houston State University’s College of Business Administration (COBA) is proud to announce the development of the Smith-Hutson Financial Center and Trading Floor, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance finance and economic education through hands-on, technology-driven learning. This initiative is made possible through the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program.

Housed within the Ron and Linda Mafrige Learning Center, the new trading center will provide students with an immersive, real-world financial environment. Equipped with Bloomberg LP financial software—the industry standard for market analysis—the facility will allow students to monitor global financial markets in real time, analyze stock movements and understand the impact of economic trends. Construction is scheduled to begin March 10, 2025, with an anticipated completion date Spring 2026.

“Investments are near and dear to us as the funds we are putting into this project, and the funding of our scholarships, is derived from the income earned on securities that we are involved with every day. We proposed this project several years ago and are very happy that Dean Shar Self developed a plan to reimagine existing space to construct the center. Together with the support of Matthew Bethea, they are making it happen; this center provides an opportunity for business students to learn investments hands-on,” said Robert Hutson, Smith-Hutson designated representative.

Through these projects, students will gain insight into the complexities of currency fluctuations, governmental policies and corporate decision-making, all of which will prepare them for a bright future in finance.

COBA currently has over 300 students majoring in banking and finance, many of whom will benefit from the hands-on learning opportunities provided by the new trading floor. This facility will serve as a critical resource in preparing students for careers in banking, investment management, financial planning and corporate finance.

As part of this initiative, distinguished finance scholar Jose (Joey) Gutierrez will assume the role of Smith-Hutson Endowed Professor in Financial Investments beginning Summer 2025. His appointment marks the second endowed professorship within COBA, further strengthening the foundation of the trading center.

In addition to his professorship, Gutierrez will lead and oversee a student-managed investment fund with up to $500,000 of initial investment proceeds, also endowed by the Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program. This will provide the students with real-time, real-money investment experience. Any profits derived from this student-managed fund will directly benefit COBA.

Gutierrez’s research focuses on corporate finance, market microstructure, liquidity, price dynamics and international financial markets, with publications in the Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting and the International Review of Economics and Finance. His expertise will enhance student learning and contribute to the center’s mission of providing cutting-edge financial education.

“Being tapped to serve as the inaugural Smith-Hutson Endowed Professor in Financial Investments is the highest honor of my academic career. Throughout my 15 years at SHSU I’ve had a strong desire for the college to have a concentrated investment/financial market program,” Gutierrez said. “This endowment, the resulting trading center, Bloomberg terminals and modified curriculum will take our department to the leading edge of investment finance and help put those careers at the fingertips of COBA students.”

A dedicated collaborative workspace within the trading center will be set aside for Smith-Hutson Scholars, providing them with a professional environment to work together. This space will foster teamwork, innovation and practical application of financial principles, reinforcing SHSU’s commitment to student success.

Beyond stock selection, students will gain firsthand experience in investment management, including compliance, performance reporting, economic trend analysis, trading strategies, marketing, financial modeling and presentation skills. These essential competencies align with industry demands, giving SHSU students a competitive edge in the job market. Research has shown that graduates who participate in similar trading programs have a distinct employment advantage, demonstrating stronger analytical skills and practical financial knowledge.

“The launch of our new trading floor is a game-changer, bridging the gap between theory and practice in finance. With access to Bloomberg terminals, a student-managed investment portfolio and a CFA-aligned curriculum, we are equipping future financial leaders with the hands-on experience and technical skills needed to excel in the securities industry. This investment goes beyond technology—it enhances academic quality, strengthens faculty resources and serves as a powerful recruiting tool, attracting top-tier students eager for a dynamic, career-focused education that prepares them for success in the financial world,” said Sharmistha Self, Dean of COBA.

By combining innovative technology, real-world market simulation and a collaborative learning environment, the Smith-Hutson Financial Center and Trading Floor will redefine business education at SHSU.

By Lidia Brown

The Sam Houston State University Charter School received an overall A rating for the 2022-23 academic year from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), placing it among the top 10% of Texas school districts.

The SHSU Charter School was established in 2017 as a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students at three locations in the North Houston area. The initiative extended the university’s longstanding legacy of fostering educators and community advancement.

 “This achievement is the result of the work of our amazing team of staff, students and parents,” said Craig Toney, SHSU Charter School superintendent. “We are thrilled with this rating.”

In 2017, TEA established the A-F accountability system to offer transparent and reliable insight into school performance across three main areas: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. These ratings help provide a clear picture of how districts are educating students, based largely on the STAAR growth and performance. Following updates to the accountability system aimed at keeping Texas a national leader, the revised ratings now more accurately reflect the system’s three core objectives.

“2022-23 brought an increase in the rigor of STAAR testing and accountability measures,” said Toney. “These changes presented new challenges that resulted in many districts seeing a decrease in their accountability ratings from prior years.”

This recognition highlights the dedication of SHSU Charter School’s educators and leadership to fostering a strong academic environment. With a continued focus on student growth and achievement, the district remains committed to preparing young learners for long-term success.

“Student success is largely the result of effective instruction and support,” said Toney. “Receiving an A rating speaks volumes about the quality of instruction and parental support at SHSU Charter School.”

Despite loftier standards, SHSU Charter School is dedicated to their mission of being a transformational learning model. The dynamic environment allows young students to experience academic, emotional and social success while pursuing their ambitions.

“Families at SHSU Charter School should be proud and have a high degree of confidence in the quality of education taking place at our campuses,” said Toney.

Two Academic Community Engagement (ACE) courses from Sam Houston State University's College of Business Administration (COBA) have been featured in the most recent volume of the college’s Journal of Business Strategies. These two case studies highlight the mutually beneficial nature of ACE courses between students, faculty and community partners.

The Case Studies in Community-Engaged Business Education section was orchestrated by COBA professor and ACE coordinator Danica Schieber, who serves as section editor.

“The collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities serve to enrich scholarship, prepare educated and engaged citizens, strengthen civic responsibility, address societal issues and contribute to the public good,” said Schieber in a brief introduction.

Through the university’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), Sam Houston State offers a plethora of opportunities to gain professional experience outside of a traditional classroom setting. The study highlighted a pair of examples offered to business students, led by professors Ali Mchiri and Huda Masood.

Masood’s human resource management students partnered with Huntsville-based Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools (TPMS), a longstanding non-profit organization with three locations in the area. The students focused primarily on providing TPMS solutions to their high turnover rates.

“The project’s key deliverables for students included a job design, recruitment strategy and retention plan based on other HR functions such as training, performance management and total rewards structure for the target job,” Masood said. “Students were required to implement their recommended recruitment strategy after securing approval from the client.”

After breaking into groups, the students scoured datasets to identify industry standards and recommend the most appropriate strategies moving forward. They also helped with the client’s recruitment needs through social media, events and word-of-mouth. After establishing a retention plan, the groups presented their semester-long work in a professional presentation to founder and CEO Kaye Boehning.

“It was a wonderful experience speaking with Kaye Boehning to hear what issues needed to be resolved to make Tomorrow’s Promise more efficient,” said a student who participated in the Spring 2024 cohort. “It was a great experience to listen to my classmates and their interpretation of each individual job, especially in presentation form.”

In a similar active learning exercise, Mchiri’s small business management course worked with the local Nelson Amaya Collision Center in Huntsville.

“These classes provide theory, application, case studies and personal narratives for the entrepreneurial-minded student to learn critical thinking practices in starting, building and growing a small business,” Mchiri said. “Each group of students conducted periodic meetings with the community partner, enhancing communication efficiency.”

At the beginning of the collaboration, founder Nelson Amaya met with the students and presented the main obstacles he was facing as a small business owner. Most of his concerns revolved around marketing strategies and the best ways to attract customers and maintain trust.

The students then broke into four groups and were each encouraged to act as business consultants competing for the best proposal. While each group was provided with the same instructions, their approach to analyzing, gathering and interpreting evidence varied.

At the end of the semester, the groups submitted complete business plans to Mchiri and Amaya and formally presented their proposals in a professional setting.

“Mr. Amaya asked the students further questions when necessary and commended their efforts in identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable recommendations for his business,” Mchiri said.

The Journal of Business Strategies is a multidisciplinary journal published by COBA’s Gibson D. Lewis Center for Business and Economic Development.

The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is SHSU’s hub for campus-community connections and collaborations. Through Community Partnership Development, Faculty Development, and Student Development, the CCE designs, plans, manages, and promotes many initiatives that enhance the culture of community and civic engagement. The CCE is dedicated to maintaining SHSU’s status as a community engaged campus recognized nationally since 2010 by the Carnegie Foundation.

Academic Community Engagement (ACE) is a teaching method that combines community engagement with academic instruction. This pedagogy encourages students to use the skills, knowledge and dispositions learned in the classroom to collaborate with community partners to contribute to the public good. SHSU offers hundreds of ACE courses within an academic year.

The pursuit of excellence in higher education is often fueled by opportunities beyond the classroom. A Bearkat’s unique collegiate journey features collaborative projects with real-world players and tangible results that prepare students for their professional aspirations.

“Sam Houston State University is building the Texas workforce,” said Taylor Morrison, SHSU’s community engagement coordinator. “Giving students applied learning experiences both in a curricular and a co-curricular context is essential to their development of understanding personal and social responsibility.”

SHSU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) strives to encapsulate its broad curriculum with unique community partnerships through an annual student skills challenge. During the Spring ’25 semester, CHSS students devised comprehensive plans to assist local non-profit Good Shepherd Mission with an upcoming expansion effort.

“Our college offers one of the widest arrays of majors of any on campus,” said James Crosby, associate dean of CHSS. “With such a wide variety of disciplines, we know we teach critical skills that are highly desirable across the workforce for our students as well as employers.”

Participating scholars, including junior political science student Timi Akindele, broke into three groups and created detailed proposals to design a tiny home community on a newly acquired plot of land adjacent to the non-profit organization, located in Huntsville.

“Progress is not just about paperwork. It’s important to meet people where they are, learn their perspectives and work for them,” said Akindele, who earned the project’s outstanding individual title as well as a scholarship. “This project opens doors for people in our community, not just students at Sam. It feels good that my work can be used for the betterment of others.”

Akindele’s proposal focused on every aspect of the potential project, including the land development process, grant funding opportunities, examples of successful tiny home communities, relevant city codes and ordinances and the steps needed to move forward in the process.

“I made sure to add in some sustainability features, including rainwater collection for irrigation and solar panels for bathhouses and outdoor lighting,” she said. “Texas gets a lot of sun, so we can let it do some of the work for us.”

The aspiring lawyer had no issue wearing multiple hats throughout the project, but would have to face one of her biggest fears to bring her vision to life. She credits hands-on faculty members like her project advisor, Miriam Akoto, for guiding her through the process.

“I was terrified of public speaking,” said Akindele, who was required to present her proposal in front of Good Shepherd Mission’s Board of Directors. “My advisors and CHSS staff members were my backbone. They helped calm me down and prepare for the speech. Now, I am glad I was able to have the opportunity to face that fear. It gave me more confidence in myself.”

The board was impressed with each presentation and will be using ideas from all of them moving forward. The outstanding team award was presented to Adamari Escobedo, Victoria Camarillo, Meghan Makthepharack and Matthew Neal. Dena Horne served as the team’s faculty advisor.

The spring semester marked just the second year of the CHSS skills challenge. The first pursuit in 2024 included a similar expansion effort in partnership with Huntsville’s SAAFE House, a shelter committed to assisting victims of family violence and sexual assault.

Crosby initially looked to the Center for Community Engagement on campus for partnership ideas. Due to the successful collaboration they arranged with SAAFE House, he did the same in 2025. As it happens, Taylor Morrison has for years worked closely with Good Shepherd Mission and currently sits on their board of directors. Previously, she served as the board’s president.

“We had a generous gift from the community to help us acquire that land, so we needed to start making strides on it,” Morrison said. “This seemed like a perfect opportunity for the mission to partner with CHSS students. The general approach of humanities-based education would help them dig into all the different aspects of the project.”

The perfect marriage allowed the mission to establish a viable plan for the property’s future under newly appointed executive director Monte Robinson while the students benefitted from working relationships with local professionals in fields such as government, real estate, accounting and law. They also forged relationships with faculty advisers within their college they may not typically interact with.

“One of the really beneficial things Dr. Crosby and the advisors brought to the table was the idea of encouraging students to run free with ideas,” Morrison said. “Our students have such a wealth of creativity. Both Monte and I have really seen that as a beneficial aspect to this partnership.”

CHSS also exposes its students to multiple disciplines through a skills workshop during the fall semester, which is organized based on alumni surveys to ensure professional relevance and scope. The recent fall series expanded to five areas of coverage, including critical thinking and communication skills, data analysis and literacy and artificial intelligence in today’s classroom.

“Our idea is to ultimately link those workshops to the skills challenge,” Crosby said. “One of the greatest outcomes is assisting the outside community. It is special to showcase what our students can do.”

By Arina Garcia 

This past spring, students from the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (COCJ) delivered presentations for Windham School District’s College and Career Day as part of an Academic Community Engagement (ACE) course. Windham provides educational programming for eligible individuals currently incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s correctional facilities.

Students in Miltonette Craig’s ACE course visited the Estelle and Holliday campuses in Huntsville, where they toured the facilities and guided Windham students through the process of pursuing higher education while providing keys to academic success.

“We were able to use our college experience and share information with people who likely did not know where to start on their path to higher education,” said criminal justice student Solei Villalon. “One man even told us that he was going to pass the information to his family so that his kids could look into some of the organizations we provided.”

In addition to the presentations, COCJ students prepared and distributed a brochure containing key points and instructions on how to access an online repository of resources, including scholarship opportunities for individuals with incarceration histories and their families.

“Incarceration is typically a generational cycle and is hard to break away from,” Villalon said. “This is why there are also foundations, like Pitzer Family Education Foundation, that offer scholarships and other financial aid to children whose parents are incarcerated.”

Following the presentations, students were tasked with capturing the personal and professional impact of the project in a reflection paper.

“Student feedback on the project was overwhelmingly positive,” Craig said. “Their reflections were quite profound, and they described their experiences as meaningful, rewarding and transformative.”

For many students, this was their first time in a correctional facility, which offered a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of reentry-focused programming.

The project was designed to help students understand the application of criminal justice policy while recognizing the importance of restorative justice and second chances.

“I hope that my students saw this project as both personally and professionally fulfilling, as they could see their hard work in action and also understand firsthand how criminal justice legislation and policy are carried out in the community,” Craig said. “I truly hope they will continue to pursue educational opportunities that connect them to the community.”

While the presentations were crafted for Windham, Villalon noted that the information they shared could benefit anyone interested in continuing their education.

“I am a first-generation student, and our presentation could have helped me when I began my college career because I did not know where to start,” Villalon said.

Ultimately, the project gave COCJ students a platform to apply their knowledge in a way that could positively impact the lives of people in their communities.

“I was drawn to criminal justice because I want to make a difference for people,” Villalon said. “This project was a great way for us to use our experience and potentially help someone, either the individual in incarceration or their family members.”

Academic Community Engagement (ACE) is a teaching method that combines community engagement with academic instruction. This pedagogy encourages students to use the skills, knowledge and dispositions learned in the classroom to collaborate with community partners to contribute to the public good. SHSU offers hundreds of ACE courses within an academic year.

SamPoly, Sam Houston State University’s innovative Polytechnic College, aims to equip aspiring legal minds with the necessary skills to perform vital industry-related tasks through its Paralegal Studies program.

“There is a wealth of jobs out there for local people that can be quite lucrative if they are trained to do the necessities through a program like SamPoly,” said Kate Bihm, industry partner and managing shareholder of The Bihm Firm, PLLC in Conroe, Texas.

While many traditional paralegal programs paint an unrealistic picture of the type of environment in which an average graduate will begin their legal career, SamPoly’s curriculum is carefully curated by seasoned leaders with firsthand knowledge of the hiring process and their initial expectations.

“It was very important to me that if this program was going to exist and feed into our job pool, it would teach the skills that I know myself and my colleagues value in new hires,” Bihm said. “It is also important and fair that students who are paying to go through these programs have realistic expectations of the kind of work they will be doing out of school.”

Bihm began her current practice in 2007 after spending three years as Montgomery County’s assistant district attorney. In 2016, she ran a judicial campaign in the 9th District Court. Her illustrious work has encompassed thousands of criminal cases, fueled by an unwavering desire to elevate the lives of her clients.

“This is a people profession,” Bihm said. “You are not just choosing a job or career, it can also become your life’s work. That’s a really important and compelling thing to consider.”

SamPoly’s seamless application structure allows aspiring leaders of tomorrow an immediate leap into their legal careers.

“SamPoly has strengthened our connection with industry,” said Chad Hargrave, vice president for research and strategic partnerships at SHSU. “It will continue to strengthen the more we listen to our industry partners and satisfy their needs.”

Kickstart your future through SamPoly’s Paralegal Studies program.

SamPoly, Sam Houston State University’s innovative Polytechnic College, aims to address critical cyber-related security needs and equip students with the skills to become top information specialists.

“What really interested me about SamPoly was its ability to alleviate the load we have been bearing in the hiring process,” said Kevin Dixon, industry partner and CEO of Anthem Technology in Huntsville. “Sam Houston State stepped in to harness some of that technical training knowledge and started applying it to the collegiate process.”

The two curriculums, Computer Information Systems and Security & Computer Support Specialist, not only strive to combat critical shortages, but also highlight the areas of need that other certification routes often overlook.

“SamPoly provides the skills that my colleagues and I look for in new hires,” Dixon said. “I have always discussed those needs, but never thought a school would adopt them as part of their plan. This really bridges the gap.”

Anthem has operated in the university’s backyard for nearly two decades, establishing a reliable local footprint since their 2010 inception. Their services primarily involve taking on full IT and security support services for small-to-medium size businesses.

“Early on, I noticed the kind of candidates with college degrees tended to have a very different focus than the actual needs that we had on the ground,” Dixon said. “We need people who have good communication skills, but also have the ability to troubleshoot and sort through problems without having to be guided every step of the way.”

SamPoly’s user support-focused approach teaches students to provide technical assistance in various cyber settings through hands-on labs, applied coursework and industry-relevant projects.

Graduates with the Level-1 Certificate credential will be able to enter the IT industry as a computer user support specialist while graduates with the Associate of Applied Science credential can provide guidance for system and network security, design and install secure network systems and maintain network traffic and security.

“SamPoly has strengthened our connection with industry,” said Chad Hargrave, vice president for research and strategic partnerships at SHSU. “It will continue to strengthen the more we listen to our industry partners and satisfy their needs.”

Kickstart your future through SamPoly’s Computer Information Systems and Security & Computer Support Specialist programs.

SamPoly, Sam Houston State University’s innovative Polytechnic College, seeks to address critical industry shortages in artificial intelligence and automation through a structured curriculum designed by the sector’s most prestigious players.

“With SamPoly, SHSU is asking the right questions and understanding the problems that we need to prepare students for in the future,” said George Stephenson, industry partner and chief operating officer at Forward Edge-AI in San Antonio. “This curriculum is not abstract, it’s tangible. It allows the student to quickly apply what they are doing in the classroom to what they will be doing in the field.”

Stephenson, who has collaborated with SHSU faculty and its students on highly advanced research and development pursuits, is familiar with the institution’s forward-thinking practices and the impact they can have in his industry.

“We have always been a supporter of SHSU,” Stephenson said. “They have provided graduate, undergraduate and faculty support with research and development work and have been killing it across the board.”

These efforts include groundbreaking work across several critical fields through developing low-cost, AI-Powered Ramen Spectrometers that significantly enhance the speed, accuracy and affordability of fuel testing for military and commercial applications.

“All of our problem sets are built around three core components: public safety, national defense and security,” Stephenson said. “The Polytechnic program and how it is designed helps students understand how to approach these problem sets immediately.”

Forward Edge-AI has also worked with SHSU on the unprecedented threat quantum computing presents to critical cybersecurity technologies and practices. This work stands at the forefront of combating the most pressing challenges of post-quantum cryptography.

Stephenson has served as Forward Edge-AI’s COO since 2019. He has held the same position with Federal Management System, Inc. in Washington D.C. since 2011. He is known for his deep understanding of federal financial management and acquisition regulations. His expertise in navigating the intricacies of government contracts has significantly contributed to Forward Edge-AI’s growth and success in the federal sector.

“SamPoly has strengthened our connection with industry,” said Chad Hargrave, vice president for research and strategic partnerships at SHSU. “It will continue to strengthen the more we listen to our industry partners and satisfy their needs.”

Kickstart your future through SamPoly’s Practical AI and Intelligent Automation program.