The INSIDER Spring/Summer 2021

Texas College Celebrates STEAM Across Disciplines

March 8, 2021, served as the Fourth Annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action kickoff. Hosted by the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and the Congressional STEAM Caucus, HBCU STEAM Day of Action is an initiative that surrounds highlighting the importance of HBCUs and education within the science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields of study. Spearheaded by the “Godmother of HBCUs,” Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina’s 12 th Congressional District seeks to not only illustrate the significance, but to advocate as well. Joined by over 70 leaders across a multitude of industries, the group met with Democratic and Republican Members of Congress in the House and Senate to champion support for STEAM education at HBCUs. Though the occasion’s name reflects just one day, the event has gained momentum in previous years and expanded into an entire week for 2021 from March 8-12. While Adams led the campaign in Washington D.C., her unwavering spirit was localized and mirrored at Texas College. Though the initiative focuses on STEAM fields of study, Texas College acknowledged that the concept’s reach was further than just those select areas. As a liberal arts institution, providing a comprehensive education that affords a wealth of knowledge and exposures that span across the academic areas, Texas College broadened the scope of STEAM Day to

Dr. Hamad Ali

transcend all disciplines. This expansion illuminated each field’s unique significance and contributions, as well as their correlation to each other and academia, especially at an HBCU – especially at Texas College. But, the aforementioned is not just a day or week-long initiative at Texas College, it’s woven into the fabric year-round. STEAM education yields more than just the benefit of knowledge and expertise within the specific realm. It reaches further, developing and inspiring thought processes that mold students for success. These interdisciplinary inclusions train one’s mind to critically and creatively think, assess, and seamlessly adapt to a plethora of scenarios. Regardless of career path and direct degree correlation, the education persists as a tool for success. This intellectual progression echoes the foundations of a liberal arts education at Texas College. Though STEAM education’s spanning beneficial intangibles are illustrated, the fields themselves are also being honed. “At the present time STEAM is becoming the new engine for life development in the age of technology and speed,” commented Dr. Hamad Ali, Division Chair for Business and Social Sciences. “All aspects of life are affected by technology. Therefore, we must be prepared to deal with the rapid changes,” said Dr. Ali. Though the degrees under his tutelage are not STEAM, he explains that all of his majors heavily incorporate STEAM concepts and applications. “The basic block for meeting the challenge of technology is to prepare students scientifically.” Dr. Ali elaborates that his students need courses in math, computer science, and physics to adequately prepare them for careers beyond graduation. He further notes incentivizing these efforts to ensure students receive the maximum preparation for their future. “Representative Alma Adams has opened the door to offer an understanding of HBCUs and their importance for the communities in which they operate,” noted Linda Johnson, Division Chair for Natural and Computational Sciences. With her division’s degrees aligning directly with the STEAM initiative, Johnson extends her thoughts to the importance of Representative Adams’ work and the significance of meaningful collaborations. “As this

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