Alumni Building
The new Alumni Relations building features an open rotunda that serves as the centerpiece of the 6,504 square foot center, and provides a welcoming environment for alumni and guests to meet and reconnect. University memorabilia is displayed throughout the rotunda, and interactive digital displays feature photos and brief biographies of outstanding alumni. A spacious board room provides alumni with ample space for receptions as well as board and foundation meetings. The Alumni Relations center is ideally located near the new Rayburn Student Center and Science building. Ideally situated near the center of campus, it is meant to ...
Kenneth Threlkeld
Mr. Threlkeld graduated from East Texas State University with a B.B.A. in 1960. He began his career in the insurance field in 1960. He established TCI in 1982, and the agency has grown to become one of the premier insurance agencies in East Texas . TCI currently has 44 employees and is a direct descendant of Clyde & Prestridge Insurance Agency, which was established in 1929. His wife, Cheryl, also graduated from the University with a BS degree in 1960.
Dale Bedgood
Dale and Betty Bedgood have found numerous ways to share their resources over the years. "Betty and I have tried to share, through our church and various organizations, all of our adult lives," Mr. Bedgood said. “As alumni of A&M-Commerce, we have had very fulfilling careers and enjoy giving back to the university." Their love for this university stems from a long-term relationship with the school. Dale's mother, and all four of his siblings attended A&M-Commerce. "I wouldn't have gone anywhere else," he said. Dale began his time at A&M-Commerce as an 18-year-old freshman. "When I graduated, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lietenant ...
Wayne Galyean
A&M-Commerce blessed Wayne Galyean with the gift of an excellent education. Now, Galyean hopes to bless future students with the same. After attending Texas A&M University-Commerce in the 1960s, the Galyeans married, and pursued careers in education and insurance, never losing sight of their alma mater and the impact the university had in their lives. In 2009, the Galyeans were recognized at a reception for their donations to A&M-Commerce and the Science Building, a gift that resulted in a lecture hall being named in their honor. Wayne Galyean, president of Galyean Insurance in Sulphur Springs, Greenville, and Rockwall, said the "university has a ...
Ross
Kenton Ross came to East Texas State University as dean of the College of Business Administration (now College of Business & Technology) in August 1978. He received his bachelor of science degree in 1952, and master of science degree in 1955 from Oklahoma State University. He received his doctorate of education degree in August 1961 from the University of California, Los Angeles. Kenton is a certified public accountant and retired Colonel in the Army Reserve. After serving two years in the army, Kenton taught business courses in Tulsa Public Schools from 1955 to 1957. He then returned for graduate work at ...
Carrington
Jace Carrington grew up in the mid-50’s in a farming community with limited resources. It was only through his service in the United States military and subsequent GI bill that he was able to attend college. “The GI bill gave me the financial means to attend college,” he said. “I have not forgotten the opportunity to receive my degree with this financial source, so I am motivated to help interested and qualified students have the same opportunity through the Tejas-Sig EP scholarship endowment. I have a deep motivation to give back so others have the same opportunity to receive a college ...
Brent Dyer
One of five A&M-Commerce alums in his family, attending A&M-Commerce wasn't a choice for Brent Dyer-it was a family tradition. A&M-Commerce provided the foundation Dyer needed to be successful in life's pursuits. “I not only gained a valuable education at A&M-Commerce, I found a career," he said. Dyer paid for his education by working for the East Texas Bookstore. It was that experience that led him to start the Texas Book Company in 1975, and continue working in the college textbook field. Based in Greenville, Texas, the company is one of the area's largest employers. Dyer was led to give back by the examples ...
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Welcome
Greetings Alumni & Friends,
I am pleased to join Texas A&M University-Commerce as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement. In the short time I have been here, I am consistently impressed with the gratitude that each of you have displayed for A&M-Commerce and the varied ways in which you support this great institution. There is a great energy on campus and it fills me with PRIDE to be a part of this family.
I would like to see that energy and passion grow as Development & Alumni Relations aspires to expand. This can only be done with your help! We are looking to you for a mix of support that can come in a variety of ways; either through financial gifts or gifts of time and talent. Whether you choose to reconnect with the university by joining the Alumni Association, supporting students with scholarships, or being an advocate for A&M-Commerce whenever you get the opportunity; I am personally grateful for your efforts. Your support of A&M-Commerce, in whatever form, is important to building on our reputation of excellence.

I would encourage you to explore the pages within our website to learn how you can help a student become a Lion for Life! As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Warm Regards,

Randy Van Deven
Vice President Institutional Advancement
Giving Back
Carrington
Jace Carrington grew up in the mid-50’s in a farming community with limited resources. It was only through his service in the United States military and subsequent GI bill that he was able to atte Read More
Brent Dyer
One of five A&M-Commerce alums in his family, attending A&M-Commerce wasn't a choice for Brent Dyer-it was a family tradition. A&M-Commerce provided the foundation Dyer needed to be suc Read More
Alumni Stories
Dale Bedgood
Dale and Betty Bedgood have found numerous ways to share their resources over the years. "Betty and I have tried to share, through our church and various organizations, all of our adult lives," Mr. Read More
Meet the Board
Kenneth Threlkeld
Mr. Threlkeld graduated from East Texas State University with a B.B.A. in 1960. He began his career in the insurance field in 1960. He established TCI in 1982, and the agency has grown to become one o Read More
Wayne Galyean
A&M-Commerce filled a void for me when I attended, and it still does, it’s a wonderful place to earn a degree, and I’m glad to give something back. Read More
