INTERDISCIPLINARY ACADEMIC CONFERENCE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Join us at Weatherford College for our 8th Annual Interdisciplinary Academic Conference. This year's theme is America 250: Honoring our Past, Courageously Imagining our Future. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. The conference brings together experts and leaders in government, defense, the humanities, the arts, education, history, mathematics, and science to celebrate "Our American Story." It is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. We hope you join us on February 12, 2026 at the Workforce Building on the Weatherford College Campus. Sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FREE TO THE WEATHERFORD COMMUNITY & ALL WC STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF
Free boxed lunch for the first 100 to register.
Thursday, February 12
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. : SESSION I
IMPORTER / EXPORTER: America’s Soft Power in Popular Music
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Rob Laney, Professor of Music, Weatherford College
Abstract: The Trans-Atlantic trade of musical influences has a rich history. Our American Ideas, Instruments and Beats have been exchanged with people outside of our borders for several decades. Exploring what we’ve received in return brings into focus the breadth of that sonic landscape. Styles include Metal, Hip-Hop, Bluegrass, and EDM among many others.
America 250: Is Civil War Imminent?
Workforce Room 125
Dr. Darrell Castillo, Professor of Government & History, Weatherford College
Abstract: Recent domestic indicators illustrate a growing pre-Civil War Nullification Crisis. Does the recalcitrant attitudes of Blue states and Blue cities predicate a Consittutional Crisis? Does history predict a kinetic solution?
Math Department
Workforce Room 126
Michael Lee, Professor of Math, Weatherford College
Abstract: Join Professor Michael Lee as the Math Department explores "the birthday paradox," the subgroup / subcommittee / committee problems in math, and home buying.
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. : SESSION II
Dr. JD Hollingsworth, EMISD Superintendent
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Hosted by Weatherford College BAAS ECET Program
Abstract: Calling all Educators! Join Dr. JD Hollingsworth, Superintendent for Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD for his leadership lessons and insight into the field of education.
The Quiet Architects of America: Organizational Leadership and the Next 250 Years of Progress
Workforce Room 125
Dr. Mark A. Pullam, EdS, MBA, Faculty - Organizational Leadership, Weatherford College
Abstract: As America commemorates 250 years of progress, this presentation examines how Organizational Leadership shapes the nation’s next era of transformation. Dr. Mark A. Pullam connects leadership theory, education, and community impact to highlight how visionary leaders sustain democracy through ethics, adaptability, and innovation. Drawing from Weatherford College’s BAAS in Organizational Leadership, this session reveals how academic and professional leadership intersect to honor America’s legacy while reimagining its future. Faculty and administrators will explore strategies that unite purpose-driven learning, equity, and civic engagement—reminding us that leadership is not positional, but transformational. The next 250 years will be defined by leaders who build, connect, and empower—one decision, one organization, and one community at a time.
Noon - 1:00 p.m.: Boxed Lunch & SESSION III
Free boxed lunch for the first 100 to register.
Parker County Elected Officials Roundtable
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Hosted by the Weatherford College Social Science Department
Abstract: The Social Science Department hosts a roundtable discussion with elected officials representing Parker County and surrounding area. Panelists include Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier, Precinct 2 Commissioner Jacob Holt, TX House District 104 (Retired) State Representative Roberto Alonzo, Weatherford Mayor Paul Paschall, TX Senate District 30 Senator Brent Hagenbuch, TX House District 60 Representative Mike Olcott, TX Senate District 10 Senator Phil King.
Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Fear: The Legacy of Choosing our Future Over Fear
Workforce Room 125
Dr. Laura McBride and Dr. Jared Abraham, Professors of English, Weatherford College
Abstract: As America looks towards celebrating 250 years since signing the Declaration of Independence, this presentation will explore both the American legacy and future through literary representations. Technological advancements have been at the forefront of America’s progress. From the Industrial Revolution, to Y2K, to the current state of AI, technology has been simultaneously a source of progress and fear. The anxiety that is and has always been present surrounding progress is an engrained part of us as human beings and as such, we can easily identify with this concept that is represented in American literature. The presentation will begin by looking at the historical response to technology and the human experiences it has affected, tying that in with literary representations, such as the works of The Jungle and Life in the Iron Mills. As we bring this focus on the “American Legacy” to a close and we begin to examine the “American Future,” the presentation will explore literary works such as Isaac Asimov’s stories in the iRobot collection, as well as more recent ideas in modern literature and film, to consider questions of whether modern day fear of AI is a rational or misguided response, depending on how authors have imagined potential American futures.
Analog Meets Digital: Card-Based Strategies for Meaningful Learning with A
Workforce Room 126
Scott Williams & Laura Cummins
Abstract: This hands-on workshop from the Weatherford College Learning Community transforms theoretical discussions about AI in education into practical strategies. Using the Analog Inspiration card deck as our guide, participants will engage in collaborative exercises that explore different human-centered approaches to AI integration. Each participant will leave with specific ideas tailored to his or her discipline, having experienced firsthand how these cards can spark meaningful conversations about maintaining authenticity, fostering creativity, and building trust in an AI-enhanced classroom. Based on our work with Teaching with AI by Bowen and Watson, this session moves beyond the "whether" of AI use to the crucial "how" of preserving what makes education a fundamentally human endeavor.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. : SESSION IV
Mrs. Trista Steuart, GRIT Principal, Weatherford ISD
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Hosted by Weatherford College BAAS ECET Program
Abstract: Join Mrs. Trista Steuart, GRIT Principal, Weatherford ISD in a discussion for Weatherford College Dual Credit Instructors, K-12 educators, future educators, parents, and interested community members.
Pet Care Practices in 2025
Workforce Room 125
Dr. Adriana Pantazis, Weatherford College Vet Tech Director
Abstract: Join Dr. Pantazis for a discussion on best pet care practices.
The Moon on the Mind: The Transylvanian Effect
&
The impact of COVID-19 on Elementary age Children: An Ecological Perspective on Childhood Development
Workforce Room 125
Nathan C. Beaird & Gemalyn Robinson, Weatherford College Psychology Students
Abstracts: Nathan C. Beaird – The Moon on the Mind: The Transylvanian Effect A Presentation, that bridges the gap between the ancient myths of the lunar cycles on mental health and modern day research, utilizing the biological perspective on behavior. Gemalyn Robinson – The impact of COVID-19 on Elementary age Children: An Ecological Perspective on Childhood Development A Presentation examining COVID-19’s social, economic, and psychological impact on childhood development of elementary age children, using an ecological lens.
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. : SESSION V
Lessons from the Special Operations Battlefield - Dynamic Leadership & Developing the Next Generation
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
LTC Christine Neusmith, Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army
Abstract: Battle-tested leaders of the Special Operations community join Weatherford College to share stories of grit, resilience, and sacrifice. This event highlights Guerrera, a powerful new docuseries that tells the true story of the Cultural Support Teams (CST) and Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) - groundbreaking women who operated on the front lines of Afghanistan in America's longest war. This team's journey and mission continue today through their nonprofit, ALLTRU, and their commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Experiences of a Marshal
Workforce Room 125
Deputy U.S. Marshal Dusin Pearce
Abstract: Experiences of a U.S. Marshal
From Dirt to Digital: The Food Revolution Unfolded
Workforce Room 126
Vance Christie, Department Chair of Agriculture & Communication, Professor, Weatherford College
Abstract: From Dirt to Digital: The Food Revolution Unfolded
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Session VI
The Architecture of Wesley Clark Dodson
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Abstract: The Architecture of Wesley Clark Dodson reveals how Dodson transitioned from being a pre–Civil War master builder to a late nineteenth century professional architect with a membership in the prestigious American Institute of Architects; details the important role he played in elevating architecture to the status of a licensed profession; and provides insights into the process of building these public institutions and the difficulties encountered. Drawing from extensive research in public records, personal letters, collected papers, and memoirs drafted by Dodson in his eighties, Mary Helen Dodson has assembled a portrait of an important and influential architect during the “golden age of courthouse construction” in Texas.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. : Session VII
Honoring the Past, Imagining the Future. 250 Anniversary of the United States of America
Workforce 3rd floor Community Room
Abstract: In this 60-minute multimedia presentation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, we will honor the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us—individuals who helped shape the nation and laid the groundwork for the freedoms and democratic ideals we cherish today.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Carlos Rovelo
Carlos Rovelo teaches Government at Tarrant County College and interdisciplinary courses at Dallas College. He has served as a political analyst for Telemundo and Univision for more than twenty years, providing commentary on U.S. and Latin American politics, civic engagement, and public policy. Prior to his teaching career, Carlos worked for the City of Dallas in several administrative and advisory roles, where he gained extensive experience in public service and community development. Throughout his career, Carlos has served on multiple national advisory boards in the environmental and trade sectors, contributing to policy discussions that bridge local governance and global issues. He currently serves as a Trustee of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he chairs the Learning and Engagement Committee, promoting arts education and public access to cultural resources. In addition to his professional commitments, Carlos is completing his doctoral studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU).
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mary Helen Dodson
Mary Helen Dodson is an American Historian and Author. She retired from her career as a test developer for Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey, where she was awarded a US patent for online assessment technology. She lives in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Join Mary Helen Dodson for her book review and signing, where she explores “The Architecture of Wesley Clark Dodson,” who designed “cathedrals of justice” for Texas following the Civil War. His work includes the historic courthouse in Downtown Weatherford.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
LTC Christine Neusmith
Christine Neusmith is an active-duty Army Lieutenant Colonel, currently serving on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon in Washington, DC. She began her Army career as an ROTC Cadet at University of California: Davis, and was commissioned as a Military Intelligence officer in 2009. Her career has included numerous highlights, but she is most proud of her time in the Cultural Support Team (CST) program which attached women to Special Operations for the first time. As a CST, she served with all three Battalions of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Helmand, Afghanistan. Christine's other career highlights include serving as the first female Infantry Battalion S2 in the prestigious 173rd Airborne Brigade, Company Command of a Military Intelligence company in Vicenza, Italy, and time in the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.