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News and Stories

Explore news, research, and stories from 腦瞳憫, featuring student success, faculty innovation and university milestones.
Dr. Ryan Marek smiles at the camera in a blue button up shirt.

Dr. Ryan Marek Receives NIHL Award

Ryan Marek, Ph.D., Associate Professor in 腦瞳憫s Department of Psychology and Philosophy, has received a 20262028 National Institutes of Health Extramural Loan Repayment Program Award (NIH-LRP) in Clinical Research through the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

腦瞳憫 students pose by a sign that says Welcome Home Bearkats 2026-2027 during welcome week.

Welcome Week Fall 2026

Welcome Week celebrates new and returning students coming to campus and beginning courses for the new academic year. See photos of all of the festivities for a taste of a Bearkat Welcome.

Staff and faculty honorees accept their service awards on stage.

Staff & Faculty Honored For Service

Honoring Dr. Frances Brandau (Communication Studies), Dr. Scott Kaukonen (English), Dr. Deborah Phelps (English), Dr. Nancy Baker (History), Dr. Jeffrey Anastasi (Psychology), and Dr. Jin Young Choi (Sociology) for their years of service.

2026 腦瞳憫 freshman class forms a giant human SH on the football field.

腦瞳憫 Welcomes Largest Class

腦瞳憫 is celebrating a historic enrollment milestone, welcoming the largest first-time freshman class in its history for Fall 2026. As of Aug. 19, the first day of classes, first-time freshman enrollment reached 3,567 students, representing an 8.7% increase over Fall 2025.

Psychology students speak during a practice therapy session.

Psychology Offers Two New Classes

Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Comparative Psychology - seats are limited, enroll today!

Dr. Conroy smiles as she sits as 'expert witness' during a mock trial.

Managing Expert Testimony

Recently, the LEAP Ambassadors had the opportunity to attend a unique and eye-opening event held in the Kerper Courtroom at 腦瞳憫. The event involved a simulated cross-examinations of expert witnesses (Forensic Psychology PhD students in Dr. Mary Conroys class) and was led by Dr. Roberts, the Director of Student Legal Mediation Services at 腦瞳憫, and members of the Texas Special Prosecution Unit staff.

腦瞳憫 faculty member stands waving to the students in his robes and hat.

Photos: Spring 2026 Commencement

Check out photos of our amazing graduates!

腦瞳憫 student smiles at the camera while holding their 腦瞳憫 ring.

Photos: Ring Ceremony Spring 2026

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

Emily smiles and poses in her graduation robes in front of the Criminal Justice Center.

Spotlight: Emily Linklater

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

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

Sammy Bearkat is pointing at the camera with text over the photo that says 'thank you Bearkats'.

Giving Day 2026 Shatters Records

腦瞳憫 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.

腦瞳憫 Orange Key Ambassador adds an orange rose to the Raven's call statue.

Photos: Raven's Call 2026

Raven's Call at 腦瞳憫 honors and celebrates students, faculty, staff and alumni who have passed away, fostering remembrance and community unity.

Sammy Emcees pose with the Provost.

Photos: 32nd Annual Sammys Awards

腦瞳憫'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...

腦瞳憫 students pose with a sign that says 'first day of spring semester 2026'.

Photos: First Day of Class Spring

View photos of campus in the spring.

腦瞳憫 graduate poses their family and friends in their graduation robe.

Fall 2025 Commencement Photos

腦瞳憫 hosted its commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12-13.

Dr. Boccaccini accepts TSUS Regents' Professor Award.

Marcus T. Boccaccini Receives Award

腦瞳憫 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....

Cameron smiles and balances a basketball on his finger.

Spotlight: Cameron Huefner October

Cameron Huefner helped usher in a new era of Bearkat basketball during his time at 腦瞳憫. 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....

腦瞳憫 students speak while sitting on couches in the library.

Americas Top Online Colleges

腦瞳憫 Climbs to No. 58 in Newsweeks 2025 Americas Top Online Colleges Rankings

腦瞳憫 (腦瞳憫) has once again been recognized as a leader in online education, earning the No. 58 spot in Newsweeks Americas Top Online Colleges 2025 rankingsa significant jump from No. 102 in 2024...

The 腦瞳憫 bell tower on a cloudy day with students walking around it.

Top Colleges in Nation, State

Sam Houston State Ranks Among Top Colleges in Nation, State

腦瞳憫 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.

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

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences
1901 Avenue I
Suite 390
Huntsville, Texas 77340

contact us

Phone: 936.294.3552
Email: ​​psychology@shsu.edu​  

Mailing Address:
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Box 2447
Huntsville, TX 77341

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