College of Public Service October/November 2024 Newsletter

University of Houston Downtown. Determined. Dedicated.
2024 UHD HOMECOMING - October 21-26, 2024
UHD Homecoming 2024: 50 Years on the Bayou.

Message From the Dean

Interim Dean for the College of Public Service, Dr. Kim-Martin Long, speaking at October CPS Advisory Board Meeting.

UHD 50th Anniversary GALA

The 50th UHD Anniversary Gala took place on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Since our founding in 1974, UHD has been a proud cornerstone of the Houston region, nurturing almost 70,000 remarkable alumni who have made indelible marks on their respective fields. Attendees enjoyed dinner, dancing, and--best of all--celebrating this year's distinguished award recipients. Moreover, the event was held to fund scholarships, thus paving the pathway for success of future generations. Glasses were raised as the UHD community came together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and embrace the limitless potential of the future. The 50th Anniversary Gala signifies more than just a milestone; it represents an unparalleled opportunity to invest in the future of our students.

College of Public Service Interim Associate Dean Diane Miller, Interim Dean Kim Martin-Long, UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, PSCJS (Professional Society of Criminal Justice Students) President Kimberly Delgadillo, and PSCJS Vice President and SGA Senator Emily Martinez.

Grand Re-Opening of the CPS Student Resource Room

Grand re-opening of the CPS Student Resource Room in CSB.222.

The CPS Student Resource Room is open for business! The grand reopening was full of balloons and students who were thankful for a place they can go to study, collaborate, and relax before or after class. Stop by CSB.222 to encourage each other through these busy mid-semester weeks.

Dean’s List Reception

Earlier this month, the College of Public Service celebrated the students who earned a spot on the Spring 2024 Dean's List. To be included on the Dean's List for a specific term, an undergraduate student must, during that term: (1) complete at least 9 semester credit hours of college-level work at UHD, (2) earn at least a 3.5 grade point average, and (3) receive no grade of I or F. The Office of the Registrar ensures that the transcript of each student on the Dean's List contains the words "Dean's List" following the entry of term grades. We invited family and friends to come and partake in celebrating the hard work and dedication of our students making this prestigious list. We hope to see you next semester!

CPS Dean’s List Reception at UHD.

UHD's Bilingual E-Library Grant Celebrates Participants' Newest Creations

Gallery of Dreams with UHD Bilingual E-Library.

We at the UHD Bilingual E-Library are thrilled to share highlights from our recent "Gallery of Dreams" event held at Black elementary in Aldine ISD on September 26th! This special gathering celebrated the 31 families who authored books for our UHD Bilingual E-Library last semester. Their stories are now part of a growing collection that inspires and connects our community.

Welcoming Newcomers to the College of Public Service

Jacqueline Aguayo, Gerson Luna, Latressa Booker, and Milagros Arias.

Greetings, CPS/UHD Community! We would like to welcome our new faces at the College of Public Service: CPS Advising Services Advising Assistant Jacqueline Aguayo, work-study students Gerson Luna and Latressa Booker in Urban Education, and Administrative Assistant II Milagros Arias in Social Work.

20 Years of the Commerce Street Building at UHD

The history of the Commerce Street Building from the UHD Archives.

What's the story behind UHD's Commerce Street Building? Long before College of Public Service Building was constructed, the location served as a retail location, a swanky resort-style hotel, and the University of Houston Downtown Center, UHD's student dorms. On UHD's 30th Anniversary, the university built the Commerce Street Building, the home of College of Public Service. Now the college houses three academic programs (Criminal Justice, Urban Education, and Social Work) and the UHD Law Enforcement Academy.

Upcoming vitalvoices

Lone Star Learning: Forging A Brighter Future Beyond The Bell.

Join us for "Lone Star Learning: Forging a Brighter Future Beyond the Bell," a thought-provoking vitalvoices panel discussion hosted by the UHD Center for Public Service and Community Research as a special presentation in partnership with the Department of Urban Education. This timely event will bring together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to explore Texas's current state of education and chart a course for its future. Our distinguished panel will include PK-12th grade educators, university faculty, aspiring teachers, parents, and community partners, all of whom will offer unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing our state's educational system.

vitalvoices Takes on the Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence

Do you feel left behind by all the high-tech jargon surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What are they even talking about? The technology seems to change by the day and most of us aren’t even aware of half of what’s out there. What exactly can AI do? How can it help me? UHD's Center for Public Service and Community resources will be hosting two vitalvoices events on the topic of AI.

vitalvoices presents "AI Demystified: It's Not As Scary As You Think."

The first event, "AI Demystified: It’s Not as Scary as You Think," will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Attend this session to learn about AI in everyday life. Why to use it, when to use it, should I use it? We guarantee you’ll leave the session more knowledgeable and less intimidated by this ever-growing technological trend.

vitalvoices presents "Bridging Technology and Compassion: The Impact of AI in Education and Social Services."

The second event, "Bridging Technology and Compassion: The Impact of AI in Education and Social Services," finds us saying, "Welcome back!" to UHD alumna, Kayla Almaguer, a respected educator and passionate AI advocate. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 13th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Join Ms. Almaguer as she uncovers how technology can support traditional practices in education and social work to make both more inclusive and efficient. She will demystify AI and other digital tools, showing how they can make educational and social work practices more effective and accessible. Whether you are a professional in these fields or simply curious about the potential of AI, Kayla Almaguer’s insights will provide valuable guidance and inspire innovative approaches to everyday challenges

Watch for flyers around the Commerce Street Building, or check the vitalvoices website for updates.

Special Presentation Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

UHD’s Urban Education department will be hosting Lupe Mendez, 2022-2023 Texas Poet Laureate.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, UHD’s Center for Public Service and Community Research and UHD’s Urban Education department will be hosting Lupe Mendez, 2022-2023 Texas Poet Laureate, for a series of not-to-be-missed events. Mr. Mendez has also written an article: "Everything Is Uncomfortable Now: Writing and Teach In Today's Texas Classroom" edited by our VERY own Dr. Diane Miller, Interim Associate Dean. The luncheon is limited to the first 50 students who register, so don't delay! RSVP Below!

Luncheon: Poetic Performance and Interview—From 11:30am – 12:30pm in room C100, Mr. Mendez will perform some of his most celebrated works as well as take questions from students on his life, his awards, and about the founding of his Tintero Projects, which supports emerging Latinx writers and other writers of color within the Texas Gulf Coast Region.

Workshop: Poetry as a Critical Means of Communication—From 1:00pm – 2:30pm Mr. Mendez will host a workshop to discuss the need and methods involved to utilize poetry as a medium of communication and engagement with students in the classroom and beyond.

Special: UHD's 50th Anniversary Performance—Finally, from 2:30pm – 3:30pm, Mr. Mendez will perform works of poetry honoring UHD’s 50thAnniversary Celebration and specifically the Urban Education department’s commitment to excellence in teacher preparation.

Pop-Up Grocery Store for CPS Students

Free pop-up grocery store scheduled for CPS students.

This free Pop-Up Grocery Store is brought to you by Second Servings for this upcoming November. The store will be located in the lobby of Commerce St. Building. The first 50 students who attend this event will get to fill a grocery bag full of meats, vegetables, dairy items, fruit, desserts, and various prepackaged items, all at no cost.

Second Servings is a local non-profit dedicated to fighting food insecurity and food waste. They are partnering with UHD's Center for Public Service and Community Research to bring their free Pop-Up Market to College of Public Service students ONLY!

Fall has finally come to the city of Houston. So go out today and enjoy the weather.

How About a Grad School Chat?

Graduate school information joint session with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Public Service.

Learn more about graduate programs at UHD and tips for getting into graduate school. Register today for the event, to be held virtually on Monday November 25, 2024. For more information contact, CHSSGradStudies@uhd.edu or Assistant Director of Graduate Studies.

Fall 2024 Poverty Simulator debrief at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine

Social Work Poverty Simulator

For the past four years, Dr. Dawn McCarty, Director of the UHD Social Work Program, and her students have been learning and working together with UH nursing students, medical students, and community health workers to build a better model of health care delivery. The project, named Household Centered Care, was created to shift the focus of health care from the narrow perspective of a single medical or hospital visit to the broader social environment where the many structural barriers to good health can be confronted.

UHD and UH students collaborate at the Social Work Poverty Simulator at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.

This is a big task, and it cannot be achieved by one discipline alone. In health care, many different disciplines work together, however we aren’t trained together, according to Dr. McCarty, and this keeps us from realizing our potential as an interdisciplinary team. In response, Household Centered Care was developed among the three programs in understanding that we not only support each other as multidisciplinary team members, but also that we need each other if we are to do our best work. This interdisciplinary education focus (IPE) has led to rich and ever-expanding opportunities for students in our three programs to train together in preparation for meaningful professional practice in healthcare settings.

One of the many interprofessional activities during each semester is a half-day poverty simulation where social work students work alongside medical and nursing students in fictional family teams to experience and try to navigate the negative effects of poverty on health and wellbeing. Dr. McCarty notes: “To have the best outcomes for patients in our complicated medical system, the key professions of social work, nursing, and medicine need each other to succeed, and our poverty simulation training is an important preparation opportunity”.

UHD and UH students collaborate at the Social Work Poverty Simulator at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.

This activity, along with the entire project, is the definition of high impact: working in interdisciplinary teams to solve the critical health care issues of our time, ignites a spark of insight and understanding that is hard to match. Social Work students that participate in the project receive IPE honor cords for graduation in recognition of this important work.

Cultivating Strong Partnerships: UHD and School Leaders Collaborate for Leadership Excellence Through Professional Development

One of the primary goals of the Master of Educational Leadership (MEDL) program at UHD is to build partnerships with our local community, particularly K-12 schools. To support this goal, site supervisors were invited to attend a transformative leadership academy hosted by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) on September 29-30, 2024, in Austin. Five site supervisors, representing different school districts in Houston, were able to attend. This targeted professional development opportunity aimed to foster strong leadership within local educational communities and enhance the leadership skills of site supervisors.

Master of Educational Leadership (MEDL) Dr. Abdelnasser Hussein program coordinator visited the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals: Leadership Academy with five site supervisors, representing different school districts in Houston.

Site supervisors play a crucial role in the professional growth of MEDL practicum students. Through interactive workshops and networking opportunities, participants are encouraged to share best practices and collaborate on common challenges. By investing in their own development, site supervisors can create a more supportive and enriching experience for UHD students during their practicum, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.

Additionally, offering such professional development opportunities also underscores the importance of building a community of leaders. Participants had the chance to connect with peers from various schools and districts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. This network of support is invaluable, as it allows educators to draw on a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to address the challenges they face in their roles.

Participating site supervisors shared their reflections and provided positive feedback. One participant noted, “The sessions encouraged me to reflect on the systems my campus has in place to ensure we are focusing on the essential standards and high-quality instruction.” Another participant remarked, “The leadership academy was very informative. Provided me with information that I can take back to the campus.”

We extend our gratitude to the Powell Foundation for providing the endowment that covered the expenses of this trip. The Co-Principal Investigators on the Powell Foundation Grant are Dr. Diane Miller, Associate Professor of Literacy and Interim Associate Dean, College of Public Service, Dr. Lizette Navarrete-Burks, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Urban Education, and Dr. Abdelnasser Hussein, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Urban Education.

CPS Student Nominated for Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Award

UHD Alum Selena Garcia, Urban Education Grow-Your-Own Program Director Johanna Byrd-Moye, current Urban Education teacher candidate Lucia Romo, and Interim Associate Dean Diane Miller attended the awards ceremony.

Urban Education Grow-Your-Own Program Director Johanna Byrd-Moye, Interim Associate Dean Diane Miller, and Urban Education Bilingual Lecturer Catalina Lugo nominated Ms. Lucia Romo for the Mayor's Hispanic Heritage Awards in the "Education in the Community" category. The recommenders wrote, "In all her educational pursuits, Ms. Romo, who will be completing her undergraduate degree in May 2025, demonstrates consistent excellence, exhibits an admirable work ethic and accessible leadership style, and displays a heart-filled dedication to her dream of becoming a bilingual teacher." Ms. Romo celebrated her nomination by honoring the award winners with her support and enthusiasm.

CPS Advisory Board: A Collaborative Meeting of Community Partners

CPS Advisory Board Fall 2024 semester meeting.

On October 4th, Dean Martin-Long welcomed community partners to the Commerce Street Building to brainstorm about the current trajectory and future directions for the College of Public Service. Reports from college and department leadership representatives, including the Gator Advisory Board and the EmPOWERed YOUth group, were coupled with a work session on the CPS Strategic Plan draft.

Urban Education Advisory Board: A Meeting on the Future of Education

The Department of Urban Education had a great conversations with our district partners at the Advisory Board meeting this month. Human Resources directors from eight districts (Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, CyFair ISD, Houston ISD, Humble ISD, Pasadena ISD, Spring ISD, and Spring Branch ISD) were in attendance and engaged in meaningful dialogue with UHD leadership on how to best support teacher candidates during their field-based experiences and clinical teaching.

Urban Education Advisory Board Fall 2024 Meeting.

Some of the topics discussed included changes to Texas Administrative Code (TAC), certification exams and pass rates, the need for common language and clear guidelines regarding duties and responsibilities for teacher residents both paid and unpaid, and supports from all stakeholders to ensure the well-being of our candidates and a successful teacher residency.

Fall 2024 Basic Peace Officer Course 448 in the Criminal Justice Training Center

UHD Law Enforcement Academy

UHD Cadets on UHD campus, Commerce St. Building (CPS) on their lunch break.

Picture to the right: Basic Peace Officer Course 448 in the UHD Law Enforcement Academy participating in "Weapons Training Exercising" before their qualification trials.

UHD Cadets in the classroom at Cypress Fairbanks ISD Police Department for weapons training..

The UHD Law Enforcement Academy provides peace officer training courses in a professional environment for those attempting to become peace officers in the State of Texas in accordance with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

UHD National Night Out

On October 1st, the university community came out for an evening of fun and to celebrate National Night Out at UHD. Attendees gathered on the South Deck to enjoy food and refreshments, vendors, and games, all while mixing and mingling with the Gator community. Here are some highlights from National Night Out. We would like to thank everyone who attended the event and came together to strengthen our relationship with law enforcement and the UHD community. There were a ton of smiles and memories made, and we can’t wait for the next event to come by so we can do it all over again. More events are coming soon so stay tuned for dates and information!

National Night Out at UHD with the UHD Community.

College of Public Service Representatives Attend CSOTTE 2024

Dean Martin-Long joins Department of Urban Education leaders Drs. Tiwari, Pohl, and Stackhouse and Certification Officer Mrs. Aykroyd at the 2024 CSOTTE Annual Conference.

Dean Martin-Long, together with the leadership of the Department of Urban Education, attended the Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) 2024 Annual Conference, "Imagination: Visions of What Might Be." Urban Education leadership connected with colleagues and former colleagues, including former faculty member Dr. Christal Burnett Sánchez. Dr. Tiwari noted the value of meeting in person with Texas Education Agency specialists, and Dr. Pohl was impressed with energized tone of the presentations he attended, adding that the imagination-centric theme of the conference was evident.

EmPOWERed YOUth: Talk With Your Officials

EmPOWERed YOUth host "Talk With Your Officials."

On October 16, the EmPOWERed YOUth group hosted elected officials and candidates serve a on a panel for students' questions. Everyone had an wonderful time with EmPOWERed YOUth's October 16th event, as we interacted with our local public officials and candidates for election. Students, faculty, and staff came out to ask questions while enjoying a great lunch in a comfortable atmosphere. Questions were centered around the importance of civic and voter engagement in the upcoming elections.

EmPOWERed YOUth would like to thank all of our local representatives for coming out for our "Talk With Your Officials" event and speaking with our CPS Gators about important and vital information with voting and elections. We have more events coming up, so stay tuned for more updates!

"Empowered Youth: Talk With Your Officials" flyer.

EmPOWERed YOUth Presents: "Trick, Treat, and VOTE!"

Save the Date! Join us on Monday, October 28th for the EmPOWERed YOUth Walk-to-Vote! We will be located in the CPS Building. Come and enjoy food, drinks, trick-or-treating on every floor, and THEN an 8-minute walk to the polling station. Let’s make our voices heard together! Bring your friends and family!

A Successful Step Forward: Inspiring Future Educators at LSC-University Park

UHD D.A.I.R., UHD Northwest, at and Center for Grow-Your-Own for a info session at LSC-University Park.

The To Be A Teacher Club recruitment event held at LSC-University Park this past week was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the University of Houston-Downtown’s Urban Education Department, the DAIR to Teach program, and the Grow Your Own initiative. This event, designed to inspire and recruit students interested in becoming educators, was a powerful demonstration of teamwork, dedication, and passion for the teaching profession.

The DAIR to Teach Program coordinator Dr. Tonya Jeffery explains to the students their options.

Running from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., the event drew in a diverse group of students eager to learn about the teaching profession and what it takes to become an educator. Attendees were greeted with an engaging presentation that highlighted pathways to teaching, the support available through our programs, and inspiring testimonials from experienced educators.

UHD Northwest Be A Teacher Club officers.

A special highlight was the updated slide presentation that the committee collaboratively worked on. A huge thank you goes out to Catalina Lugo, whose Spanish translation of the slides added incredible value to the event, ensuring that all students, regardless of language background, could fully engage with the material. Dr. Sarah Albrecht also contributed to the success by creating a QR code that made the translated slides easily accessible to everyone—a small but powerful touch that enhanced the presentation's reach

The event saw participation from key members of the Department of Urban Education, with Vivian McKelvey, Eric Estep, and Dr. Tonya Jeffery representing DAIR, alongside Literacy Practitioner and UE Instructor, Johanna Byrd Moye from the Grow Your Own initiative, and Dr. Demetra Walker, one of our dedicated clinical assistant professors. Their presence brought a wealth of expertise and experience to the event, allowing students to engage directly with leaders in the field.

The enthusiasm of the students was palpable, and the UE/DAIR swag distributed during the event was a huge hit. But beyond the giveaways, it was the opportunity to engage with real educators and receive personalized advice that left the biggest impression on attendees.

A special thanks goes to Marc Williams for capturing photos that showcased the energy and enthusiasm of the day. These images will serve as a lasting reminder of the event and the inspiration shared by both students and educators.

As we reflect on this successful event, it’s clear that we are making great strides in recruiting and inspiring the next generation of educators. The collaboration, dedication, and expertise displayed by our team were key to making this recruitment event impactful. Students left with valuable knowledge and a sense of excitement for the future, knowing they are supported every step of the way in their journey toward becoming teachers.

With more events like this on the horizon, we are confident that we will continue to attract and empower future educators who will make a significant impact in the world of education. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.

Destination Downtown - Fall 2024 Open House

Destination Downtown—Fall 2024 Open House

The College of Public Service taking part in the information session during Destination Downtown.

On a beautiful October morning, the University of Houston-Downtown took part in its annual Open House: Destination Downtown. This showcase gives prospective students a snapshot of our campus and everything we have to offer.

Tour Guides helping future students and family down the Main St. bridge on the way to the College of Public Service.

More than 1000 participants visited campus to preview our 4 colleges and 45 degree programs, learn about the UHD admissions process, discover financial aid & scholarship opportunities, tour our campus, including the Wellness & Success Center, and hear more about support services

The College of Public Service had a "full house" in the Commerce St. Building taking part in its information session during Destination Downtown.
vitalvoice presentation: Everything You Wanted To Know About The FBI (Well, Almost Everything)

ICYMI: Previous vitalvoices

In case you missed it! Have you missed some of the vitalvoices presentations this semester? No worries! Check out the pictorial recaps below, and watch the recordings on the vitalvoices website.

"Emotionally Overwhelmed? Join the Club" - Dr. J.C. Fowler, professor of psychology in psychiatry in behavioral health at Houston Methodist and Executive Clinical Director of Houston’s Monarch Community.
"From the School House to the Court House: The History of Policing Mexican American Students in Houston Schools" - Dr. Jesús Jesse Esparza, Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of History at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, and Dr. Carlos Cantú, board member on the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Latinx Initiatives Advisory Committee and co-founder of the Collective of Progressive Educators, a Houston-based non-profit group focused on promoting public history projects.
"Shopping Under Suspicion: Understanding Racial and Ethnic Profiling in Retail Settings" - Dr. Shaun L. Gabbidon, Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State Harrisburg and Visiting Distinguished Professor at Sam Houston State University.

Student Spotlight

Social Work major Claudia Medrano.

What is your outlook on life at your current age? I'm Claudia Medrano, and I'm 38 years old. I’m optimistic and realistic in everything that is happening in my life. I spent many years dwelling on things I had no control over, and I will not make the same mistake twice.

Where were you born? Dallas, Texas but raised in Houston, TX.

Why is UHD your school of choice? I am a transfer student from the LSC-Kingwood Honors Program, and the director spoke highly of the Social Work program at UHD. I looked into the program and decided to give it a shot. Here I am, about to graduate in a few weeks with my bachelor’s in social work.

What is your major and why? I am a Social Work major. I have many reasons for choosing this major, but I have joked about it before to my peers and professors that Social Work chose me.

What do you feel you can do with your major once you graduate? The possibilities are endless. Although, I don’t have a set plan right now of what I will be doing with my degree after graduation--other than pursuing my master’s at University of Houston! Regardless, I will embrace any opportunity that comes my way.

What was the biggest challenge faced while at UHD? I have faced so many challenges in my personal life that at one point I had considered dropping out. However, I redirected that energy and attention to my schoolwork, and UHD became my home away from home.

Fall 2024 EmPOWERed YOUth group.

What has UHD done for you that you thought you wouldn't have thought possible for you? UHD social work professors made it possible for me to finish my degree. Their continuous support, dedication, and guidance contributed towards my goal in obtaining my BSW. They may not know this, but they were my only support system through this journey, and they play a substantial role in my success towards graduating. I am forever grateful.

Alumni Spotlight

Rhonda Kuykendall, Texas Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council, Anti-Child Trafficking Consultant, Texas CASA Chair, Legislative Advocacy Team, Child Advocates of Fort Bend Chair, Human Trafficking Team, Fort Bend County DA Office.

What has life been like after graduation? Wow, where do I even begin? After graduation, I thought life might slow down a bit, giving me a chance to catch my breath and take it all in. But to my surprise, it feels like everything has shifted into overdrive—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! While I imagined I’d have more time for myself, it turns out I’m busier than ever, but the difference is, this is the kind of work I’m truly passionate about.

2024 has been nothing short of monumental for my family and me. Both of my children tied the knot within two months of each other, filling our hearts with joy. After more than 25 years in the same house, we also made the big move to a new home, which was such a bittersweet chapter to close. On top of that, I accomplished something I had dreamed about for years—I finally completed my master’s degree. It’s a milestone I’ll cherish forever.

Since then, life has been a whirlwind. A lot of my time has been dedicated to presenting on human trafficking, a cause close to my heart. One of the highlights was being invited as the keynote speaker at the Department of Family and Protective Services' "Light the Way" Human Trafficking Conference. And that’s just the beginning! I have upcoming speaking engagements with the Governor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office. With everything happening so fast, my husband and I are trying our best to carve out some time for a much-needed getaway to celebrate these victories. I think we both deserve it!

What new pursuits are you going after with your degree? I’m beyond excited to have been hired as the Texas Policy Consultant with United Against Human Trafficking. Every day, I have to pinch myself because it feels like I’m living a dream that I’ve worked toward for so long. I’ve been involved in legislative advocacy for decades, but now, I’m returning to the Texas legislature equipped with a master’s degree in social work, having completed a focused learning opportunity in political social work.

It’s no secret that, for better or worse, many doors only open once you have the right degree or credentials. I’ve experienced that firsthand. Since graduation, I’ve been diving deep into policy work at the state level. But one of the most meaningful parts of my journey is that I’m now helping to build a network of care providers in the very place where I was trafficked. The sense of coming full circle is overwhelming at times. I still remember being told that there was nothing I could do to stop my trafficker. But today, I’m working to create comprehensive, wrap-around services for survivors—offering them the very resources I never had access to. It’s hard to put into words how fulfilling that is.

A new update I have recently been hired by the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office to become their Task Force Coordinator. I will be creating a human trafficking task force from the ground up in Fort Bend County. It is full circle. To create a space to address human trafficking in the very community where I was trafficked.

Rhonda Kuykendall advocates across the state.

What momentous thing has happened to you since graduation? One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had recently was delivering a TEDx talk in Sugar Land. My speech, titled “Healing through Helping,” allowed me to share a deeply personal part of my journey. As a survivor of human trafficking, I’ve found that the path to my healing began when I worked to change laws that could prevent others from enduring the same trauma. That drive to help others is what led me to legislative advocacy in the first place.

Coming back to school after years away wasn’t easy, but now that I’ve completed my master’s in social work, new doors have opened for me, and I’m stepping into exciting new roles, especially in the realm of social justice advocacy. And just a heads-up, I’ll also be appearing in an upcoming Netflix special that highlights the realities of human trafficking. Keep an eye out for that—it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.

What advice would you give to undergraduates? Looking back, I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times—college is tough, and it’s a balancing act between family, work, and academics. But amidst the stress, it’s so important to pause and enjoy the journey. Take the time to build strong networks with your peers. Those connections will not only be your support system during the hard times, but they will also be the foundation for your professional relationships later on.

Rhonda Kuykendall celebrates both graduations: BSW from UHD and MSW from UH.

In the field of social work, having a strong support system is essential. It’s not an easy path to walk, and often, the work can feel heavy. But when you have a network of peers, mentors, and collaborators, it makes all the difference. I’m continually humbled by the remarkable individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with, and I’m so proud to be a part of this community that’s dedicated to creating real, lasting change. Social work is truly not for the faint of heart, but it’s work that matters deeply, and if you stay connected and keep learning from others, you’ll find strength you never knew you had.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Billy Henson, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice.

Describe the moment in your life when you decided to embark upon an educational career in Criminal Justice. I majored in Criminal Justice as an undergraduate with the goal of going into law enforcement. I wanted to be a U.S. Deputy Marshal because it seemed like an exciting and challenging career. However, I was always so excited about the things I was learning in class that I would constantly talk about it with my friends. One day, a friend said that if I liked talking about criminal justice so much maybe I should become a professor. That ignited a spark in me, and I haven’t looked back since.

Where did you graduate from for each of your degrees? I obtained my B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice at Eastern Kentucky University. I then earned my Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati.

Before becoming an author, what was your greatest accolade during that time? This is the third book I have co-authored. The first two focused on fear of crime and college student victimization. Outside of that, I think my greatest accolade was probably being elected the chair of the Division of Victimology in the American Society of Criminology, which is our largest criminal justice association. Victimology is both my main focus and passion. It was a great honor to have to opportunity to help lead the Victimology Division.

If you feel comfortable, tell us about your family. How do you maintain a work-life balance? What’s a work-life balance? I’m just kidding. As this is my first semester at UHD, it has been a little more work than life right now, though, as I’m still adjusting to the university. Normally, however, I just make sure I prioritize time with my spouse and time to do the things I enjoy. I try to set limits on my work schedule, especially at home, to make sure I don’t burn out. To help with that, my spouse and I plan date nights and try to enjoy new activities we hear about in the community.

What moment comes to mind before you decided to write your book? How did that moment lead you to write it? I’ve taught crime prevention for years. In that time, I have rarely used a textbook, however, as I simply couldn’t find one that I felt addressed all aspects of the topic. I really wanted a book that addressed both theoretical concepts and applied knowledge and experiences. Finally, after being fed up with the limited options for textbooks on the topic, I began to speak with some colleagues at other universities, who also teach crime prevention, about my frustration. They each said they felt the same way. At that point, we decided that rather than just continuing to complain about the book options, we would just write one ourselves. We reached out to Routledge Publishing, and they were excited about the idea. Things just took off from there.

What helps Billy Henson relax? What are your hobbies and things that helps you get away from it all? My favorite hobby is going to the movies. I’m a big horror and sci-fi fan. So, I try to catch all the new releases when they come out. It gives me time to just check out and escape. On a larger scale, my spouse and I really enjoy traveling. We’ve been to nine countries so far and have many more on our list. I love experiencing new cultures, architecture, and, of course, food. Traveling is such a great way to not only experience new things, but also to just take time off from life.

What is the title of your book, and what do you wish to do with this platform you have achieved? The book is called Understanding Crime Prevention: From Theory to Practical Application. With the book, I’m hoping to give professors a better book option when teaching the class. With better tools, hopefully professors will be able to get more students interested in and excited about crime prevention. It is a very important topic both in and outside of criminal justice.

Dr. Billy Henson's book: Understanding Crime Prevention: From Theory to Practical Application.

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