https://www.criticalmention.com Sat, 05 Sep 2026 01:39:02 -0500 Critical Mention RSS Feed en-us 60 LiveWhale 2.24.0 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:25:03 -0500 Angelo State University students move into their new dorms, the campus community, including faculty and volunteers, supports their transition and growth. Author: Jay Matthews Published: 4:11 PM CDT August 20, 2026 Updated: 4:11 PM CDT August 20, 2026 SAN ANGELO, Texas — Angelo State University got a little closer to the first day of school and started move-in Wednesday morning. Angelo State students began to check in at 8 am, receiving their keys at their assigned residence halls. Faculty, staff and student volunteers assisted students and families with the transition … personally and emotionally making sure they're creating relationships and communities within their halls that the RAs are reaching out to that were inviting them to programs having them get involved and making sure it's a good experience all around." Associate Director of Housing Amber Pabon said. Angelo State University will begin the 2026 fall semester on Monday Aug 24. This will mark the first day of classes for the regular term and the first 8-week session.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:33 -0500 capital campaign two years ahead of schedule. According to a press release from ASU, the public phase of the capital campaign officially launched in August 2024 with the goal of raising $128 million by ASU's centennial celebration in 2028 to fund a wide variety of academic, student life and athletics initiatives. "Reaching … this milestone ahead of schedule is more than a fundraising achievement - it is a powerful statement about what is possible when people believe in the mission of Angelo State University," said ASU President Ronnie Hawkins. "It reflects the extraordinary generosity and confidence of thousands of alumni, friends, donors, students, faculty, staff and community partners who have invested in ASU's future. Our original goal challenged us to think boldly, and the momentum created … by our supporters has exceeded every expectation and positions us to dream even bigger." The release stated at the heart of the "Leading the Charge" campaign are four key pillars that encapsulate ASU's mission and vision for the future: Rams on the Rise - Guiding Student Success with Expanded Resources and Endowments Shepherding Success - Creating an Environment for Enhanced Learning Experience Scaling New Heights - Advancing Angelo State's Position as a Center for Research and Innovation … Stronger Together - Engaging with Community Partners for Mutual Benefit Instead of marking an endpoint, ASU leadership plan to set a new Centennial Goal of $178 million by 2028. "As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also recognize that this campaign has never been solely about a dollar figure," said Jamie Mayer, vice president for external affairs. "It is about creating opportunities for students, strengthening our region and ensuring Angelo State enters its second century stronger than ever before. The tremendous support we have already … received makes us believe that everything is possible for the Ram Family." ASU provided this list of ongoing funding priorities to invest in students, academic excellence and campus growth for the capital campaign: Endowed scholarship programs Additional paid internship programs Adding and enhancing campus academic facilities Expanding and enhancing student support services Laboratory upgrades, new equipment and new technology Support for Distinguished Lectureships Endowed chairs and professorships …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:08:04 -0500 Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:22:57 -0500 Angelo State University has announced it will collaborate with communications technology company Zoom to integrate technology into its Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AI-COE). According to ASU, the AI-COE "focuses on equipping students with high-demand AI skills by solving real-world challenges across the … San Angelo community and beyond" while also "expanding AI capabilities among Angelo State faculty and staff" and "leveraging AI technologies to improve operational efficiency across the university." The center was launched in fall 2025 "as an initiative to position ASU as a national leader in applied AI education, innovation and workforce development." It is planned to be housed at the … Nexus at Angelo State, a facility on Sunset Drive the university announced it had acquired in August 2025. In addition to the AI-COE, the facility is also expected to house ASU's Kay Bailey Research Institute, Innovation Research Hub and Regional Security Operations Center.  Gov. Abbott stops all Texas data center … projects for audit  As part of the collaborative plan between the two entities, Zoom will "play a critical role" in designing the digital and physical aspects of the 40,000-square-foot Nexus at Angelo State as renovations continue. The design effort will be accomplished by Zoom helping to optimize "the facility's collaboration infrastructure to seamlessly integrate in-person, hybrid and virtual learning environments." Among the optimizations are "dedicated, Zoom-enabled studios for podcasting and … requirements." "As a public institution, ensuring our systems meet rigorous state security standards is critical," Doug Fox, ASU's chief information officer, said. "Zoom's TX-RAMP certification was a key factor in our decision to transition from RingCentral to Zoom for the AI-COE and other Angelo State use cases, including Zoom Phone for campus communications. It gives us confidence that we are providing a secure, compliant and scalable communications platform for our students, faculty and staff." The university said the AI-COE "builds on Angelo State's broader commitment to …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:36:58 -0500 Angelo State University has received a $250,000 gift from the local Ernest and Dorthy Barrow Foundation to help establish an endowment to benefit ASU's Management, Instruction and Research Center. According to a press release from ASU, the Barrow Foundation donation is the lead gift toward ASU's recently launched … throughout Texas." ASU stated that the MIR Center is also home to several facilities dedicated to providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in the ASU Department of Agriculture's various degree programs. "The Barrow Foundation's investment in experiential education helps ensure that Angelo State agriculture students have access to innovative resources, meaningful research experiences, and practical training that strengthens their knowledge and skills," said Dr. Cody Scott, chair of the ASU Department of Agriculture. "Their generosity not only supports the growth of the MIR Center, but also …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:12:05 -0500 Angelo State University's mobile STEM Innovation Lab is now fully operational and available to provide hands-on science, technology, engineering and math experiences to schools and communities across West Texas. According to a press release from ASU, the mobile lab arrived last fall and was funded through a U.S. …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:56:48 -0500 Angelo State University has announced that it has been gifted $500,000 from an anonymous donor to establish a new endowed professorship in engineering to advance research and assist student professional development. In a press release issued on July 14, ASU stated that the professorship, officially titled the David L. … and retain an engineering faculty member who will do the following, as per ASU: Advance curriculum development and collaboration across engineering disciplines. Strengthen the foundation for future academic expansion, including potential growth into additional engineering disciplines. Support Angelo State's ability to attract high-achieving students and prepare them to be practice-ready engineers immediately upon graduation.  How Angelo State University is training the future of air traffic controllers  "This is an exciting milestone for Angelo State and the … It strengthens our ability to recruit and retain outstanding faculty members who will inspire innovation in the classroom, advance meaningful research and prepare our students to excel as practice-ready engineers. "We are extremely grateful to our anonymous donor for their visionary commitment to Angelo State. The impact of their gift will also enhance our reputation as a destination for high-quality engineering education, strengthen ASU's ability to meet the workforce demands of West Texas and beyond, and create new opportunities for collaboration with industry partners. This will benefit generations …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Sun, 05 Jul 2026 15:17:42 -0500 Angelo State University's campus sits a simulator that is training future air traffic controllers to one day hold a job in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tower.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:07:37 -0500 Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:36:43 -0500 To stream FOX WEST TEXAS on your phone, you need the FOX WEST TEXAS app. Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:16:28 -0500 Angelo State University has been named a national College of Distinction for the ninth straight year by Colleges of Distinction, a print and online college guide. ASU is one of only 430 schools and one of only eight Texas public universities to earn the 2026-27 national College of Distinction designation. ASU also … press release. SAISD sees positive results from Texas school cell phone ban in first year ASU President Ronnie Hawkins spoke about the designation and what it means for the university. "In the continually shifting landscape of higher education, earning this recognition again shows everyone that Angelo State's mission and vision are foundational to all that we do," Hawkins said. "Our job is to prepare our students to be successful and impactful in their careers, communities and lives. Being designated a 'College of Distinction' helps set us apart and informs prospective students nationwide that the … goals and dreams is to choose ASU and go as a Ram." Tyson Schritter, COO at Colleges of Distinction, praised ASU and the environment the university has built for its students. "What students need from higher education isn't just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead," Schritter said. "Angelo State University delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next. Angelo State has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional and personal outcomes." For …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:59:08 -0500 Angelo State University began their 49th Annual Summer Music Camp, a campus-wide, multi-program and weeklong series of workshops, practice and performances for West Texas 7th graders through recent high school graduates. "We have students participating in concert band, orchestra, drumline and color guard," Director of …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:08:44 -0500 The LIVE! Daily is the “newspaper to your email” for San Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email. Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:37:22 -0500 Angelo State University, Dr. Kenneth Carrell of the Department of Physics and Geosciences, Dr. Leah Carruth of the Department of Teacher Education, and Dr. Tyler Livingston of the Department of Psychology are the winners of the 2026 President's Awards for Faculty Excellence. They, along with 34 other faculty nominees, …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:08:48 -0500 Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Fri, 29 May 2026 12:06:28 -0500 Angelo State University's Norris-Vincent College of Business. According to a press release from ASU, Aboulnasr was previously the chair of the Department of Marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University and starts his new position as the new dean of Angelo State University's NVCOB on Aug. 1. ASU stated …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 28 May 2026 18:26:33 -0500 Angelo State University has earned a federal designation that expands opportunities for students pursuing careers in air traffic control. Less than a year after launching its Air Traffic Operations degree track, ASU has been named an Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) institution by the Federal Aviation Administration. The university was also approved to join the FAA's Control Tower Operator Partnership … one in Texas — with the Enhanced AT-CTI designation. It is also one of seven institutions in the country, and the only program in Texas, approved for the Control Tower Operator Partnership Program. University officials say students who earn a bachelor's degree in commercial aviation through the Air Traffic Operations track may be eligible to bypass the FAA Academy and begin training at FAA air traffic control facilities, depending on federal hiring requirements. Graduates may also qualify for on-the-job … training at federal contract towers, including San Angelo Regional Airport–Mathis Field. "We're extremely excited about the future of our air traffic program and the multiple opportunities available for our students," said lead instructor Mark Arzate. Arzate said the program now offers multiple entry pathways into the profession, providing qualifying students with potential hiring opportunities at FAA-operated or contract … towers. To meet FAA standards, ASU expanded its curriculum, added new simulation technology and built a specialized training lab. Students began using the simulators in January, and the FAA conducted a site evaluation in April. Congressman August Pfluger, R-Texas, said the designation could help address a national shortage of air traffic controllers while creating new career pathways in West Texas. "I am proud to call San Angelo … home and thrilled that Angelo State University is the first school in Texas selected for the FAA's Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative," Pfluger said. "This program will help address our nation's air traffic controller shortage while creating a direct pathway for students in West Texas to pursue careers in aviation and public service." The designation is part of …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 26 May 2026 11:44:04 -0500 Angelo State University Rodeo Team student-athletes have qualified for national finals events after strong individual performances during the team's 2025-26 season. According to a press release from Angelo State University, Logan Yarbrough, a natural resource management major from Palmer, will represent the ASU Rodeo Team for the second straight year at the National Finals Steer Roping College Division on May 30 in Abilene. College student-athletes must earn at least 300 points during the season to qualify for the …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 12 May 2026 11:31:32 -0500 Angelo State University has unveiled the schedule for its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, during which over 1,000 degrees are expected to be presented. According to ASU, nearly 1,109 Angelo State University students are set to graduate during five commencement ceremonies being held on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16. The ceremonies will take place in the Junell Center/Stephens Area, located at 2235 S. Jackson St. ASU graduates are slated to receive 32 doctoral degrees, 422 master's degrees and …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 12 May 2026 02:45:23 -0500 Angelo State University Pavillion to celebrate America's birthday (a little early). The concert, featuring the university's Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra and Chorale offered some well-known patriotic classics, along with a big dose of Texas swing. Dance hall legend Jody Nix took the stage with his Texas …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Fri, 08 May 2026 11:09:11 -0500 The LIVE! Daily is the “newspaper to your email” for San Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email. Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 06 May 2026 10:08:58 -0500 Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:08:11 -0500 Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:45:55 -0500 Angelo State University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Houston-based Welch Foundation to purchase new equipment. (Courtesy Photo) SAN ANGELO Angelo State University's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Houston-based Welch Foundation to purchase new equipment that will support student research, research training and education. Awarded through the Welch Foundation's Equipment Grant Program, the funding will … will allow for more student participation in various research efforts, as well as for performing time-consuming vibrational and thermodynamic calculations more expeditiously." This latest grant from the Welch Foundation follows closely on the heels of a three-year, $165,000 grant awarded to Angelo State in November 2025 that supports Welch Scholarships and hands-on research opportunities for ASU students, faculty research efforts and recruiting highly-motivated students. ASU's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a long-standing relationship with the Welch Foundation, which has now …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:59:53 -0500 Angelo State University (ASU) students are training on the two-seat, all aluminum Colt 100 from Texas Aircraft. In association with Skyline Aviation Training Academy, Texas Aircraft has provided three Colt aircraft for Angelo State's aviation training program. Maggie Menefee, an ASU flight instructor …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:09:26 -0500 Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:37:54 -0500 Angelo State University, the No. 2 man in the Lone Star Region tie-down roping standings. Sam […]]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:27:01 -0500 Angelo State University has been named a Military Friendly School for the 17th time, according to VIQTORY, a company that publishes resources for service members and veterans transitioning to civilian life. According to a press release from ASU, the university also ranked No. 6 nationally among large public universities …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:06:45 -0500 ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Angelo State University has announced they have appointed a new dean for its College of Science and Engineering. According to a press release from ASU, Dr. Chih-Chien "Linus" Yu, previously a professor of mathematics and the associate vice provost for academic excellence at the Oregon Institute of Technology, has been appointed and is effective April 1. ASU explained that Yu will plan, organize and direct … 's seven academic departments that offer over 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. He will also oversee curriculum development and compliance with all relevant accreditation standards for the departments that include: Agriculture Chemistry and Biochemistry Computer Science Mathematics Physics and Geosciences David L. Hirschfeld Department of Engineering Dr. Don Topliff, ASU provost and vice president for academic affairs, announced Yu's appointment. "Dr. Yu brings a prestigious resume of accomplishment to Angleo State … University," Topliff said. "His experience in a broad range of programs and leadership roles will be a huge asset to ASU. We are excited to have him on our team." Yu holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in mathematics from Tamkang University in Taiwan and a Ph.D. in mathematics from State University of New York at Buffalo. He has also completed the Management Development Program at Harvard University reported ASU. Yu has led academic growth and program development across … Institute of Technology, he has served as director of graduate studies, boosting enrollment by 45% while implementing key policies, advancing an academic master plan, and supporting accreditation efforts. Previously, he spent 16 years at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, rising to associate dean and holding several departmental leadership roles, including leading engineering re-accreditation. Over his career, Yu has secured more than $1.5 million in grants, expanded dual-credit partnerships with K-12 schools, and supported international study programs.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:01:43 -0500 To stream FOX WEST TEXAS on your phone, you need the FOX WEST TEXAS app. Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:07:55 -0500 The LIVE! Daily is the “newspaper to your email” for San Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email. Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:01:34 -0500 Angelo State University's Ram Media brought home 11 awards at the recent Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Convention in Denton, Texas. According to ASU, "The TIPA journalism/media competition consists of two parts – the Annual Contest that solicits submission of entries previously published or broadcast in the …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:31:46 -0500 To stream FOX WEST TEXAS on your phone, you need the FOX WEST TEXAS app. Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:08:29 -0500 The LIVE! Daily is the “newspaper to your email” for San Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email. Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:11:49 -0500 To stream FOX WEST TEXAS on your phone, you need the FOX WEST TEXAS app. Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:08:07 -0500 Angelo. Each content-packed edition has weather, the popular Top of the Email opinion and rumor mill column, news around the state of Texas, news around west Texas, the latest news stories from San Angelo LIVE!, events, and the most recent obituaries. The bottom of the email contains the most recent rants and comments. The LIVE! daily is emailed 5 days per week. On Sundays, subscribers receive the West Texas Real Estate LIVE! email.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed