CHSS News and Spotlights

Make History Your Adventure This Summer at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library has an array of events planned for families this summer. Beginning Saturday, June 13, the Summer Spotlight Program will begin. Running every Saturday until July 25 (excluding July 4), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum’s education department will be on the museum grounds hosting free activities for all ages...

Sam Houston State University’s College of Education has achieved two major milestones thanks to Alexis Argueta. The English and education double major was the first student to represent the university at the state level during the Texas Association of Future Educators’ (TAFE) annual meeting, followed by her taking third place in the national children’s literature competition at the 41st Annual Teach Tomorrow event.

“When I was at the event, they couldn’t recall anyone from Sam Houston doing so before,” Argueta said. “Hearing really drove home what an honor it was to compete at this level and pave the way for future Bearkats.”...

Check out photos of our amazing graduates!

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in Huntsville invites the public to view a new temporary exhibit, “Texas America250”, on loan from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) through Aug. 16, 2026.

Highlighting historically significant Texas treasures from TSLAC’s collections, “Texas America250” will be loaned to local public libraries, schools and other community organizations starting in summer 2025 and continuing throughout the semiquincentennial year of 2026...

The SHSU Ring Ceremony is a proud Bearkat tradition, celebrating the hard work and dedication of students as they receive their official class rings.

Hailing from Belton, Texas, Emily Linklater came to Sam Houston State University with a clear purpose to pursue a career rooted in service, advocacy and making a difference in people’s lives. Now graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minors in History, Psychology and Political Science, she is leaving SHSU with not only an impressive academic record but a powerful sense of direction.

Linklater chose SHSU for its strong reputation in criminal justice and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit campus community...

Sam Houston State University held its third annual Giving Day from April 21-22. This year, new and returning supporters blasted past previous-year totals, reaching over $564,000 from 870 gifts. Marking another year of outstanding support for the university.

Raven's Call at Sam Houston State University honors and celebrates students, faculty, staff and alumni who have passed away, fostering remembrance and community unity.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is set to host General Sam Houston Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General Sam Houston Day, a revamped version of the museum’s previous Folk Festival, serves as a community event dedicated to honoring the life and times of Sam Houston (1793-1863)...

Sam Houston State University's prestigious annual awards night, The Sammys, brought together some of the best and brightest Bearkat students, faculty and staff for a night of celebration.

Awards are given to individuals, colleges and organizations; each honoree was nominated for their outstanding service to the university community. The breakdown of awards and the criteria for recipients is as follows...

One of Sam Houston State University's most unique traditions, Sam Switch, presents Bearkats with the chance to apply and be selected to swap places with University President Alisa White for a day. This year, Kaleb Brown, a graduating Bearkat Battalion Commander and Communication Studies major, spent the day learning what it takes to lead a university.

Sam Houston State University boasts a high percentage of first-generation and non-traditional students eager to make their mark on the world. Before they can hit the ground running, however, they need someone to show them the ropes. That’s where student orientation leaders like Alyssa Rodriguez thrive.

“Before choosing Sam, I took a tour of campus through a program that assists first-gen high school students aspiring to go to college,” said Rodriguez, a junior political science major and McNair Scholar. “I vividly remember the first person I connected with here: my orientation leader. I always looked up to her and she set the standard for me.” ...

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is announcing its 2026 spring community events — Sam Houston’s Birthday, Spring Break Week Activities, Sundown at Sam’s Music Series and General Sam Houston Day.

“Our events allow the museum team to focus on what we do best — engage with our community and interpret the life of Sam Houston, one of the most interesting and enigmatic figures in Texas and U.S. history,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “In its fourth year, the Sundown at Sam’s music series allows us to reach new audiences who might not otherwise visit a history museum, as well as revisit with those patrons who participated with us over the last three seasons.”...

View photos of campus in the spring.

Sam Houston State University hosted its commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12-13.

Sam Houston State University psychology professor Marcus T. Boccaccini has been named a Texas State University System Regents’ Professor, the highest academic honor bestowed by the TSUS Board of Regents.

Each year, the Board of Regents recognizes outstanding faculty whose teaching, scholarship and service exemplify excellence across the System. Recipients hold the title throughout their tenure within the System and are formally honored during the November Board of Regents meeting, where they receive a $10,000 award, commemorative medallion and Board resolution....

On Oct. 22, 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. Nearly two centuries later, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library commemorated the 189th anniversary of this historic event by welcoming supporters and friends and unveiling newly acquired items in its collection.

Among the latest additions is a rare letter dated Feb. 19, 1826, written by a young Sam Houston during his tenure as a U.S. congressman from Tennessee. The letter, addressed to Henry Smith of New York, provides insight into the political, military and social issues of the time...

Cameron Huefner helped usher in a new era of Bearkat basketball during his time at Sam Houston State University. The Australian-born forward also excelled in the classroom to reach new heights on and off the court, establishing a professional trajectory that highlights his myriad of skills.

“The biggest tip I would give to student-athletes transitioning from overseas is to take the leap,” he said. “The idea of leaving your home behind can be overwhelming, but take the risk anyway. I love this place and could stay here for the rest of my life.”...

Communication Studies major and graduate honored with Distinguished Alumni Honor.

As chair of the Housing and Affordability Committee, Tiffany D. Thomas (’03) is the first woman to represent District F on the Houston City Council where, as a lifelong advocate for equity and opportunity, she champions policies that expand affordable housing, strengthen infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents in one of Houston’s most economically and racially diverse districts. Her signature initiatives include the Inaugural Faith & Affordable Housing Summit—bridging the gap between faith institutions and development partners—and community education around heirs' property, ensuring generational land retention in historically Black and Brown communities...

SHSU Climbs to No. 58 in Newsweek’s 2025 America’s Top Online Colleges Rankings

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) has once again been recognized as a leader in online education, earning the No. 58 spot in Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025 rankings—a significant jump from No. 102 in 2024...

Sam Houston State Ranks Among Top Colleges in Nation, State

Sam Houston State University has been ranked No. 231 in the nation and ninth in Texas in the 2026 Best U.S. Colleges rankings by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse.

SHSU placed ahead of all other Texas State University System institutions in the annual ranking, which evaluates colleges based on student outcomes and learning environment...

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library will celebrate Texas Archeology Month by hosting a free lecture highlighting recent excavations and analyses on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Woodward Auditorium at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. Amy Goldstein, section head of cultural resources for the environmental firm Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., will guest lecture on “Clay and Collaboration: Archeological Investigations at the Kirbee Kiln Site." ..

For Arnesha Young, Sam Houston State University means more than just a degree. TheArnesha Young in her regalia choice to become a Bearkat led to a foundational community rooted in purpose and a lifelong commitment to excellence.

“Sam has given me many opportunities that I never expected,” Young said. “If you have high aspirations and are willing to put in the work, this is a great place to start your journey.”...