Former College of Education and Human Development Students Honored at Awards Gala

Seven outstanding leaders in education, athletics, physical therapy and law enforcement shared two common bonds: A positive impact on society – and graduation from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). On November 18, these leaders were recognized at the School’s 2022 Outstanding Alumni Awards Gala while family, friends and faculty applauded them.

“Our School’s legacy lives on through former students like these, who carry this tradition long after graduation,” said CEHD Dean Michael A. de Miranda, who presented honorees with the award. “Each of them shows an unshakable commitment to their students or colleagues — advancing new knowledge for the betterment of society,”

The 2022 Outstanding Alumni Awards Gala Honorees are:

Dr. Archie L. Blanson ’05

Dr. Blanson’s commitment to education spans over 40 years. During that time, he earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and served as Deputy Superintendent of Aldine ISD in Houston. He is now President of Lone Star College-North Harris.

Dr. William A. Jasper ‘97

Before pursuing a career in teaching, Dr. Jasper served in the United States Air Force. He earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and went on to teach math to eighth graders in College Station – as well as pre-service and in-service teachers at Sam Houston State University.

Dr. Gena L. Jerkins ’94 ‘98

Dr. Jerkins’ passion comes from empowering others. For more than 20 years, she has used that passion to help individuals, teams and organizations achieve greatness by tapping into the best version of themselves. Dr. Jerkins earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and currently works as an independent consultant.

Dr. Brooke Kandel ‘09

Dr. Kandel earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Hispanic Bilingual Education. She currently serves as Dean and Professor at Butler University’s College of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her career also includes time as an ESL and bilingual K-12 teacher for Alief ISD in Houston and Senior Research Associate at our State of Texas Education Research Center.

Dr. Lisa Lynne Langston ‘86

While earning her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Dr. Langston excelled in basketball and track and field. This legacy earned her a place in the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Langston is currently Fort Worth ISD’s Director of Athletics. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first Black female elected president of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

The following two Early Career award honorees were recognized for outstanding achievements occurring within the first ten years after graduation:

Katherine A. Franklin ‘14

While earning her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, Franklin founded the School’s Undergraduate Student Council and Freshman Leaders in Education and Human Development. Franklin is a physical therapist at Baptist Health System in San Antonio and recently became a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Utah.

Jeffrey D. Yarbrough ‘12

After earning his master’s degree in Educational Human Resource Development, Yarbrough has served in law enforcement for nearly three decades. He currently serves as Police Chief for the City of Hutto, Texas. Chief Yarbrough has received statewide recognition, including the 2022 State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award and a proclamation from the state senate recognizing his professional achievements in law enforcement.

Since 2004, the College of Education and Human Development has recognized more than 70 honorees with the Outstanding Alumni Award.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.