https://www.criticalmention.com Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:55:24 -0500 Critical Mention RSS Feed en-us 60 LiveWhale 2.24.0 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 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:10:43 -0600 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, 04 Mar 2026 20:25:14 -0600 Angelo State University's Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) now serves more than 100 clients, safeguarding nearly 40,000 computers and more than 75,000 network devices across West Texas. The RSOC was created to help small cities, school districts, and other local entities defend against cyber attacks after a … from cyber attacks. Ezzell also gave credit to his staff and student analysts for the center's success. "I like to hire people that are smarter than me," Ezzell said. "I just wanted to make sure and thank my team members for all the amazing work that they do and the success that we're seeing at Angelo State University Regional Security Operations Center."]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:56:50 -0600 Angelo State University. He is also the president of the International Council on Korean Studies and a fellow at the Institute for Korean American Studies. The author of five books dealing with North Korea, his latest work is entitled North Korean Military Proliferation in the Middle East and Africa.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:59:08 -0600 Angelo State University Handball Club won three individual national titles and placed fourth in the Combined Open standings at the recent 73rd U.S. Handball Association (USHA) National Collegiate Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. According to a press release from ASU, the ASU Handball Club sent 12 men and seven women … Andrew Nunez won the Gold Medal in Men's C2 Singles. The ASU doubles team of Jacob Mitchell and Dylan Whitley entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and won the Gold Medal in Men's A Doubles over the top-seeded team from Texas A&M University ASU reported. "At the highest level ever achieved at Angelo State, this year's team played with pride, integrity and unwavering commitment," said Dr. Veronica Snow, ASU faculty advisor. "They gave their best in every moment, representing ASU with honor and helping build a broader handball family rooted in respect, connection and love for the game." Student- …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:48:47 -0600 Angelo State University houses one of the region's most extensive natural history collections, offering students and faculty a hands-on way to study science while also supporting researchers around the world. The Angelo State Natural History Collections provides access to preserved plants and animals that are used for scientific study and research. The collection is part of an online database that allows scientists to view available specimens without having to collect them in the wild. "We're part of an online database … , so researchers all over the world can see what we have so that when they're interested in doing a study that requires actually looking at a plant or animal, they don't have to go out in the wild and find them themselves," said Michael Dixon, a biology professor at Angelo State University. "They can take advantage of what's already stored in collections like Angelo State has." The collections contain more than 100,000 specimens, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants from the Concho Valley, other regions of Texas and locations around the world … by the late biology professor Dr. Terry Maxwell will also be held in conjunction with the open house. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Terry C. Maxwell Endowment in Natural History, which supports the maintenance and growth of the collections as well as student and faculty research. The Angelo State Natural History Collections Open House will be held on March 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Room 100 of the Cavness Science Building. The event is free and open to the public. You can get access to the online auction here. The auction ends on March 3. Want more local news? Download the KLST+ app for your …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:09:00 -0600 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, 24 Feb 2026 19:01:47 -0600 Angelo State University Associate Professor and Director of the University Planetarium Kenneth Carrell said some planets are easier to spot than others. "This weekend, for example, by about a little after 7 p.m., Venus and Mercury will be below the horizon," Carrell said. "So, you have to really go out right at sunset …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:40:33 -0600 Angelo State University have began training in a newly established simulator lab, according to a media release from ASU. The lab was developed with UFA, a leading provider of aviation safety solutions, the media release said. The new lab was designed to prepare students for Federal Aviation Administration certification … . It also includes a digital tabletop allowing students to see and manipulate air traffic scenarios. It also serves as a digital blackboard, enabling instructors to replay exercises. "We couldn't be happier to see how the new software is being used," David Wolff, CEO of UFA Inc., said. "Angelo State is stepping forward as one of the leading air traffic control programs in the country. That means more qualified controllers and safer air travel for everyone." The first cohort of Angelo State students from the program is set to graduate in December 2028.]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:20:08 -0600 Angelo State University, has been appointed to a statewide organization that supports students with experience in foster care in their pursuit of higher education. According to a press release from ASU, Aguirre was appointed to the Board of Directors for Education Reach for Texans (ERT). Aguirre is serving a three-year …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:10:23 -0600 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, 05 Feb 2026 11:21:48 -0600 ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Angelo State University has announced that it has reconfigured eligibility criteria for its ASU Distinguished Scholarship Program, making the program more accessible for incoming new students. According to ASU, the criteria changes will go "into effect immediately for both the Distinguished Scholarships for new incoming freshmen and the Distinguished … Transfer Scholarships for new incoming transfer students for the fall 2026 semester." They are expected to raise the annual total awarded through the scholarship programs by approximately $1 million. The university stated that the changes to the eligibility criteria for incoming freshmen "re mainly to the ACT/SAT exam … scores required to qualify for each scholarship level, as well as the grade point average (GPA) requirement for particular levels." Meanwhile, changes for incoming transfer students are to their GPA requirements. Angelo State basketball teams gearing up for home games against Western New Mexico "We've reimagined our scholarship strategy to deliver higher levels of support to even more students," Dr. Kerri Mikulik, assistant vice president for prospective student outreach and access at ASU, said. "This approach not only … strengthens our recruitment efforts, but also ensures students have the financial resources they need to persist and graduate on time." New incoming freshmen and transfer students for the fall 2026 semester will be notified of their ASU Distinguished Scholarship awards in early February, as per ASU. Financial Aid Offer Letters will follow in mid-February that also detail additional grant and financial aid opportunities. "At ASU, we are deeply committed to helping students earn their degrees in four years or less with minimal debt. Thanks to … the Carr Foundation and our generous donors, we're able to provide an exceptional level of support – and we're excited to expand that impact even more." ASU shared that all incoming freshmen and transfer students are automatically considered for an ASU Distinguished Scholarship, with about 57% of all ASU undergraduate students receiving an ASU Distinguished Scholarship and about $8 million being awarded to undergraduates through the program during the 2024-25 academic year. More details on the ASU Distinguished Scholarship …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:10:20 -0600 Angelo State University has announced that the $7.9 million expansion projects for its Mayer Museum have been completed after work began in summer 2024. The university stated that the projects brought about two new areas for the museum: The Mayer Hall and the Solomon and Ernestine Bush Mayer Gallery. The Mayer Hall, … storm ASU stated that the expansion projects were "primarily funded by additional gifts from long-time ASU supporters Richard and B.J. Mayer, who previously funded construction of the original $17 million, 32,000-square-foot Mayer Museum." "B.J. Mayer's dream was to create a teaching museum at Angelo State, and as her dreams have continued to grow, so has the Mayer Museum," ASU President Ronnie Hawkins said. "The new additions greatly enhance our ability to both educate and entertain the Ram Family and the community, as well as make the museum an attractive site for campus, public and private events …]]> Critical Mention RSS Feed