Former CEHD Students Honored at Awards Gala
Our 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards Gala recognized seven difference-making educators, administrators and researchers. The Outstanding Alumni and Early Career awards are the highest honors CEHD bestows upon its former students for making exceptional contributions to their professions and communities.
Here are this year’s honorees:
Dae Seok Chai ’16
Dr. Chai is an associate professor in our Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, where he also earned his Ph.D. back in 2016. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research and leadership in workforce development and for designing structured mentoring programs funded by the National Science Foundation. His work has also earned him multiple awards from the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Tim Drain ’91
Dr. Drain began his career at Texas A&M, serving as an assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis. He later went on to represent Tyler Junior College athletics for nearly two decades. During that time, TJC’s athletic programs won 42 national championships—most of them while serving as athletic director. Drain now serves as TJC’s Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs. His legacy in college athletics is only matched by his dedication to supporting the personal and professional growth of his students.
Carly E. McCord ’13
Dr. McCord, executive director of Texas A&M Health’s Telehealth Institute, has led telehealth programs that impact over 6,000 lives across Texas. She holds a dual faculty appointment and has guided telehealth innovation in diverse settings, enhancing healthcare access for underserved communities. McCord has also helped train and fund more than 100 future health professionals throughout her career.
Becky R. Petitt ’08
Dr. Petitt is a nationally recognized leader in advancing equity in higher education, serving as vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of California San Diego. She developed the university’s first Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence, establishing a model for institutional change. Before serving at UC San Diego, Petitt was the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff for the Office of Diversity at Texas A&M. She was also an adjunct faculty member in our college, where she earned her master’s and doctorate degrees.
The following three Early Career Award honorees were recognized for outstanding achievements occurring within their first ten years after graduation:
Matthew J. Etchells ’18
Dr. Etchells has more than two decades of international experience in educational settings, including his time serving in two of our centers, the Educational Leadership Research Center and the Center for Research and Development in Dual Language and Literary Acquisition. Etchells was director of outreach and international partnerships and focused on improving student achievement and preparing educational leaders in underserved schools. His research emphasizes the importance of educators’ narratives in shaping education policy. He now serves as director for strategic leadership and innovation at Houston ISD.
Jeff McCanna ’20
Dr. McCanna is known for his dedication to teachers and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed. As chief human capital officer for Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota, he has strengthened teacher support systems and diversified recruitment. His experience also includes serving as principal in Aldine ISD, where he led Parker Intermediate to five consecutive years of state-recognized status. McCanna also worked in Tomball ISD, where he collaborated with our faculty to help pre-service teachers gain experience in a virtual setting. For his contributions, he received the Texas A&M University Distinguished Service Award in 2021.
Mario I. Suárez ’18
Dr. Suárez is an associate professor of cultural studies at Utah State University, where he focuses his research on educational inequality for LGBTQ+ students and teachers of color. His critical work highlights systemic issues affecting minoritized populations. Suárez also contributes to state-level education for high school mathematics and has presented his research to the U.S. Department of Education and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Before earning his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from our College, he taught high school math in Austin ISD for nearly a decade.
For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.
