SHSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our Spring Class of 2026! We’re so proud of you and everything you’ve done throughout your time at SHSU.

Once a Bearkat, always a Bearkat 🧡

🎓

04/21/2026

Today’s the day!

Support the College of Humanities & Social Sciences by joining the 12 Chair Challenge and leave a mark that will benefit the future of our Bearkats🐾

Check out the link in our bio to donate 🔗

04/07/2026

You're invited!🤩
Join us on April 22 to learn from these amazing panelists about health, well-being ,and communication research!

03/23/2026

🧡How about you, Bearkats?🧡🐾Do you have a favorite place at CHSS?
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Should I do a part two with student recommendations?👀

03/03/2026

You're invited, Bearkat!
We'll be hosting a Blood Drive in collaboration with Gulf Coast Blood, on March 24 from 12-4:30pm.
All donors will receive:
Free A1c testing
Free phone power bank

02/18/2026

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and professional achievements and who have made significant contributions, thus bringing honor and distinction to our university.
We celebrate our third Recipient for the 2026 Wall of Honor:

Mike Yawn
Distinguished Faculty

Mike Yawn is a distinguished educator, mentor, and civic leader whose career reflects an extraordinary commitment to Sam Houston State University, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the broader Huntsville community. A proud Bearkat alumnus, Mike earned both his Bachelor of Science in Political Science (1992) and Master of Arts in Political Science (1994) from Sam Houston State University and doctoral coursework in Political Science at Arizona State University and Criminal Justice at SHSU.

Since joining the Department of Political Science at SHSU in 2001, Professor Yawn has been a highly respected Clinical Assistant Professor known for excellence in teaching, advising, and program development. He has taught a wide range of courses, many of which he pioneered for the department, including Politics and the Media, Politics and Film, and Statistics, now part of the department’s core curriculum.

Through his leadership in Political Science Junior Fellows and as founding director of the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics (LEAP), now in its third decade, Mike has created transformative opportunities for students to travel, attend presidential inaugurations, engage with policymakers, visit historic and cultural sites, and participate in meaningful civic and service-oriented experiences across Texas and the nation.

His influence is reflected in the many alumni who now serve in government, public service, education, and community leadership roles. Supported by his family and grounded in humility and service, Mike Yawn has quietly built a legacy that has changed lives and elevated Sam Houston State University.

If you would like to read the whole story check out SHSU's Official Website regarding 2026 Wall of Honor Recipients:
https://www.shsu.edu/.../wall-of-honor/2025-wall-of-honor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YJGcVPytvg

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and...

02/18/2026

CHSS will be participating in this year’s Sophomore Celebration hosted by Student & Family Experience happening next week!

📅 February 26
⏰ 12–2 PM

Celebrate your journey with s’mores, succulents, a $500 scholarship drawing, milestone cords (first 200!), and a balloon drop! 🎈

02/17/2026

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and professional achievements and who have made significant contributions, thus bringing honor and distinction to our university.

We celebrate our second Recipient for the 2026 Wall of Honor:

Donald V. Coers
Distinguished faculty

Donald Vernon Coers was a distinguished scholar, educator, and academic leader whose decades of service left an enduring mark on Sam Houston State University and higher education in Texas. Born June 2, 1941, and raised in Dickinson, Texas, Dr. Coers earned his bachelor’s degree in English from The University of Texas at Austin in 1963, where he was a proud member of the Longhorn Marching Band and performed at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration.

Dr. Coers joined the faculty at Sam Houston State University in 1969 as an assistant professor of English and was promoted to professor in 1986. Over a thirty-year career at SHSU, he served the institution in numerous leadership roles, including Coordinator of Graduate Studies, Interim Director of Institutional Research, and ultimately Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services from 1995 to 2000. For his extraordinary service, Dr. Coers received the 1991 SHSU Excellence in Service Award.

Donald V. Coers was devoted to his family, whom he considered his greatest joy. Spending time with them was the highlight of his wonderful life. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jeanne Coers; his children and grandchildren; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who cherished his wit, generosity, and integrity. Dr. Coers passed away on June 16, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. His legacy as a mentor, scholar, administrator, and community leader lives on through the many students, colleagues, and institutions shaped by his wisdom and compassion.

If you would like to read the whole story check out SHSU's Official Website regarding 2026 Wall of Honor Recipients:
https://www.shsu.edu/academics/colleges/humanities-social-sciences/wall-of-honor/2025-wall-of-honor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlPl25VvSq0

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and...

02/16/2026

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and professional achievements and who have made significant contributions, thus bringing honor and distinction to our university.

Throughout this week, we'll be commemorating our 2026 Wall of Honor Recipients, starting with:

Herbert H. O'Quinn
Distinguished Alumni

Herbert H. O’Quinn was a proud alumnus of Sam Houston State University whose life and career exemplified leadership, service, and steadfast commitment to people and community. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Industrial Relations from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1963, with minors in Economics and Transportation.

Following graduation, Herbert embarked on an impressive career that spanned more than 40 years in human resources, industrial relations, and large-scale operations management.

Herbert remained deeply connected to Sam Houston State University throughout his life. In addition to being a proud Bearkat alumnus, he served with distinction on the University Alumni Board from 2012 to 2015 and was a founding member of the CHSS Advisory Board.

Above all, Herbert H. O’Quinn was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Bennett, in 1961, and together they raised two sons, Michael and Byron.

Remembered for his kindness, integrity, generosity, and unwavering dedication to faith, family, and education, Herbert H. O’Quinn passed away on September 11, 2025. His legacy reflects the very best traditions of Sam Houston State University and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Established by the CHSS Alumni Advisory Board in 2011 to acknowledge faculty and alum who have distinguished themselves in their careers through personal and...

02/14/2026

Love, love, and more love 🧡✨

How are you spending your Valentine's Day?