Jarvis Christian University Updates: New President, Cybersecurity Program, Health Initiatives, Student Honors & Athletic Leadership

Good day, Bulldogs! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and welcome back to the hottest podcast on campus. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Jarvis Christian University. First up, classes for the 2024-2025 academic year began last Monday, August 12. We hope everyone is settling in well and ready for an exciting semester ahead. In leadership news, Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt was officially inaugurated as the 13th president of Jarvis Christian University on March 21, 2024. Dr. Lee-Pruitt has been with JCU for 11 years and previously served at Mississippi Valley State University. She holds a doctorate from Jackson State University and degrees from Payne Theological Seminary and Temple University. During the ceremony, she expressed her commitment to empowering students through an affordable academic experience. In academic developments, we're thrilled to announce that Jarvis Christian University has been approved for a Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program by the Texas Department of Labor. This initiative, developed in partnership with industry leaders, aims to equip our students with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. On the health and wellness front, Special Health Resources (SHR) has begun offering free and low-cost medical testing services, including blood pressure checks, through mobile clinics on campus. This initiative aims to promote the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. In student achievements, senior business major Dailona Dallas from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been selected as a White House Scholar for the 2024-2025 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program. This prestigious honor includes an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where Dailona will engage in professional development and networking opportunities. In athletics, we're excited to welcome former professional soccer player Carlos Martinez as the new head coach for our soccer team. Martinez, 33, officially took the helm on July 18. Notably, he is the older brother of our previous soccer coach, bringing a deep understanding of Bulldog athletics to his new role. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. on our historic main campus in Hawkins, Texas. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our graduating class. That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go Bulldogs!