Staff page

Cheryl M. Lee, Director

Name: Cheryl McWilliams Lee
Title: Director
Email: cm16@txstate.edu
Hometown: San Marcos, TX
Alma Mater: San Marcos High School
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education; Master of Business Administration

Three Things you Love about Texas State:

*The beautiful campus.
*The university employs faculty and staff who are dedicated to student success.
*There are so many wonderful things to experience at Texas State, whether in class or by attending campus events/activities. Bobcat Country is a great place to be!

Favorite Texas State Tradition:
The lighting of the Victory Star after a win.

What advice do you have for Student Success?

Develop a good study regimen:
*Complete reading assignments prior to class discussion.
*Take good notes and review notes after class.
*Study a minimum of 2 hours for every hour you’re in class each week.
*Start studying for exams 5 days prior to the exam.
*Use a planner to keep up with exams and assignment due dates.
*Reward yourself for your successes and for sticking to the regimen by doing something fun.

Hobbies and Interest:
My hobbies are playing the piano, singing, reading and listening to music.

April Barnes, Coordinator

Name: April S. Barnes
Title: Grant Coordinator
Email: ab47@txstate.edu
Hometown: Longview, TX
Alma Mater: Longview High School (Go LOBOS!!!)
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Public Relations

Three Things you Love about Texas State:

· Everyone is very friendly!
The campus is beautiful and the central location of San Marcos
Faculty and Staff show a genuine interest in the students.

Favorite Texas State Tradition:

I love the “Free Speech” Zone! You never know what you are going experience when you walk through.

What advice do you have for Student Success?

Find a good balance between your academic and social life.
Remember that studying comes first.
Join a student organization.
Use the resources available to you on campus.
Ask for help! That is what we are here for.
Work hard, play hard!

Hobbies and Interest:
I enjoy cooking, the theatre, movies and the outdoors.

Betsy Haddad, Grant Specialist

Name: Betsy E. Haddad
Title: Grant Specialist
Email: ee16@txstate.edu
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Alma Mater: Coronado High School (PRIDE OF THE WESTSIDE!)
Major/Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Minor in English (SHSU, 2005) & Master of Education in Counseling & Guidance/Student Affairs (Texas State, 2008)

Three Things you Love about Texas State:
*The layout of campus – the buildings and the landscapes. Texas State campus is the most beautiful college campus in Texas! Old Main is truly a landmark on this campus. The river and Sewell Park truly add a unique characteristic to our campus that many other campuses in Texas have to compete with.
*The friendly people on campus. It’s been a home away from home for me and I know Bobcats feel this way, too!

* We are THE RISING STAR OF TEXAS!

Favorite Texas State Tradition:
The Texas State vs. Sam Houston football game at the end of every season – it’s a great game to watch and, for me, I get to cheer for both teams!

What advice do you have for Student Success?

*Establish a study routine and stick to it by using a planner
*For every hour you are in class, plan to study at least 2 hours for each one
*Visit your professors during their office hours - that's why they have them, so you can go ask questions you weren't able to in class and plus you build a line of communication with your professor and they see that you care enough to learn and understand the material at hand.
* Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t ask, then we can’t help and that is our job.
* Make the most of living on campus and being on campus!
* Look for a part time job on campus – check out Jobs4Cats
* Get involved with student organizations – check out CASO
* Form study groups in your classes
* Seek out all the available and FREE resources for you to use on campus
* And believe in yourself – you can do this!

Hobbies and Interests:
I like to bake, travel, scrapbook, and spend time with my husband, family and friends. I love musicals and the theatre. My interests include reading, music, dance, and photography.

Andrea Estrada-Boren, Senior Grant Secretary

Andrea Estrada-Boren - Grant Sr. Secretary

Name: Andrea Estrada-Boren
Title: Grant Senior Secretary
Email: ae12@txstate.edu
Hometown: San Marcos
Alma Mater: San Marcos High School
Major/Degree: Mass Communications

Three (3) things you love about Texas State –
Texas State offers a challenging academic program with faculty who truly care about their students.
There is something for everyone on campus – art, sports, music, outdoor recreation – we have it all!
The beautiful campus, friendly staff and students, and the great location in Central Texas all make Texas State a great place to work and go to school.

Favorite Texas State tradition – Bobcat Build – It’s a great opportunity for students to give back to the San Marcos community

What advice do you have student success?
Establish a regular study routine
Get to know your professors – they are an excellent resource and they want you to succeed
Be prepared for every class
Take advantage of study resources on campus – the library, study groups, Student Support Services
Get involved on campus and in the community

Hobbies and Interests – Live music, running, swimming in the San Marcos River, and spending time with my family