The Jarvis Christian University Podcast

Jarvis Christian University Launches Cybersecurity Program, Celebrates Leadership Milestones, and Spurs $39M Regional Impact

Good day, Bulldogs! It's Monday, August 4, 2025, and welcome back to the hottest podcast on campus. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Jarvis Christian University.
First up, 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 hands-on experience and skills in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.
In other news, our university continues to make significant strides in economic development. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report released by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Jarvis Christian University contributes a total of $39 million to the regional economy. This includes $31 million in direct spending by the institution, its employees, students, and visitors, and an additional $8 million in indirect and induced spending through business stimulation and job creation.
On the leadership front, we're proud to highlight the historic appointment of Mrs. Leketia Lenett Blair as the first woman chair of our Board of Trustees. This milestone reflects our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles.
Our students continue to excel on national platforms. Rising senior Cedric Abney has been named an Ambassador for the 2025–2026 Black Student Leadership Network Fellowship. Cedric's achievement underscores the caliber of leaders we're nurturing here at Jarvis.
In the realm of arts and media, Communications and Media Arts faculty member, Trenton McKay Judson, has released his first feature-length film, "Bad B*tch." Set for global release, the film emphasizes strength, justice, and bold representation. Congratulations to Dr. Judson on this remarkable accomplishment.
Lastly, our campus has seen some exciting developments. Thanks to a generous grant from The Home Depot, we've unveiled the newly renovated Innovation Lounge in the Olin Library. This space is set to be a hub for creativity, collaboration, and innovation for all students.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and stories from our vibrant Jarvis Christian University community. Until next time, keep striving for excellence, Bulldogs!

Jarvis Christian University News: $39M Economic Impact, STEM Grant, New Leadership, Student Honors, and Campus Innovations

Good afternoon, Bulldogs! It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Jarvis Christian University.
First up, we're proud to announce that Jarvis Christian University has made a significant impact on the regional economy. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report released by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, our university contributes a total of $39 million to the regional economy. This includes $31 million in direct spending by the institution, its employees, students, and visitors, and an additional $8 million in indirect and induced spending through business stimulation and job creation. Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Development, Dominique I. Grate, stated, "Jarvis Christian University’s economic impact reflects our mission to educate while building stronger communities."
In academic news, our biology professor, Dr. Shakhawat Bhuiyan, is leading a groundbreaking research project funded by a $2.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The project, titled "Interdisciplinary Research Infusion into STEM Education Undergraduate Program," aims to train a diverse group of students by integrating education and research in STEM fields. Over the next five years, students will have the opportunity to research plant-based bioactive compounds and nanoparticles to potentially develop new treatments for cancer. Dr. Bhuiyan emphasized that this grant will enable students to be competitive for graduate and professional schools by engaging in interdisciplinary STEM research and social learning strategies as undergraduates.
On the leadership front, President Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt has appointed Dr. Regina Stovall Robinson as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Robinson brings over 40 years of academic, clinical, and administrative experience in higher education. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness since March 2023. Additionally, Dr. Kishia C. James has been named Interim Vice President of Student Services. Dr. James has been serving as the university’s director of counseling since 2022 and has over 20 years of experience in transformational leadership, counseling, and public service to students and families.
In student achievements, we're thrilled to share that rising senior Cedric Abney has been accepted as a 2025–2026 Ambassador for the Black Student Leadership Network Fellowship. This prestigious program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to community service. Cedric's dedication to fostering positive change on campus and beyond makes him a deserving recipient of this honor.
In campus development news, the university celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Innovation Lounge in the Olin Library on May 2, 2025. This state-of-the-art space was funded by a generous grant from The Home Depot and is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation among students and faculty. The Innovation Lounge features cutting-edge technology and flexible workspaces to support a variety of academic and extracurricular activities.
Lastly, in athletics, our men's basketball team faced a tough game against North American University on February 20, 2025. Despite a valiant effort, the Bulldogs narrowly lost with a final score of 57-55. Standout player Jamari Robertson led the team with 25 points, keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance throughout the game. The team continues to train hard and looks forward to upcoming matches in the new season.
That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, Go Bulldogs!

Jarvis Christian University News: Economic Impact, New President, Student Achievements, Arts, Athletics, and Campus Innovations

Hello, Bulldogs! Welcome back to another episode of the hottest podcast on campus, bringing you the latest news and updates from Jarvis Christian University. Let's dive into what's happening around our vibrant community.
First up, we're thrilled to announce that Jarvis Christian University has made a significant impact on the East Texas economy. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report released by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, our university contributes a total of $39 million to the regional economy. This includes $31 million in direct spending by the institution, its employees, students, and visitors, plus an additional $8 million in indirect and induced spending through business stimulation and job creation. It's clear that JCU is not only an academic beacon but also a vital economic engine for our region.
In leadership news, Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt was officially welcomed as the 13th president of Jarvis Christian University during an investiture ceremony on March 21, 2024. Dr. Lee-Pruitt, who assumed office on July 1, 2023, is the second female president in our university's history. She expressed her commitment to continuing the great work that Jarvis has done for over a century, emphasizing accessibility, approachability, and availability for our students.
On the academic front, we're proud to celebrate rising senior Cedric Abney, who has been accepted as a 2025–2026 Ambassador for the Black Student Leadership Network Fellowship. Cedric's achievement reflects the dedication and excellence that our students strive for every day.
In the realm of arts and culture, Communications and Media Arts faculty member Trenton McKay Judson has released his first feature-length film, "Bad B*tch," which is set for global release. The film highlights themes of strength, justice, and bold representation, showcasing the talent and creativity within our JCU community.
Turning to campus facilities, the newly renovated Innovation Lounge in the Olin Library officially opened on May 2, 2025. This milestone was made possible with support from The Home Depot, providing students with a modern space to collaborate and innovate.
In athletics, our women's basketball team demonstrated resilience and determination in a recent game against Louisiana Christian University. Despite trailing by five points entering the final period, the Bulldogs scored 27 of the final 40 points to secure a 70-61 victory. This comeback highlights the tenacity and spirit of our student-athletes.
Lastly, in a move to strengthen educational pathways, Jarvis Christian University and Tyler Junior College signed an articulation agreement on July 25, 2023. This partnership aligns mutual programs, allowing TJC students to complete their associate degrees and seamlessly transfer to JCU without losing course credits. It's a significant step toward providing accessible and continuous education for students in East Texas.
That's all for this episode, Bulldogs. Stay tuned for more updates and remember to keep striving for excellence in all that you do. Until next time, take care and keep making JCU proud!

Jarvis Christian University Shines: Student Success, Historic Leadership, Economic Impact, and Campus Innovations

Good day, Bulldogs! It's Monday, July 14, 2025, and welcome back to the hottest podcast on campus. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Jarvis Christian University.
First up, we're thrilled to celebrate one of our own. Senior business accounting major, Vladimir Avramov, has been making waves both academically and professionally. Not only has he been elected president of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), but he's also the proud recipient of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TXCPA) scholarship. Vladimir's dedication and leadership continue to inspire us all.
In other news, Jarvis Christian University is extending a helping hand to students affected by the recent pause in national Job Corps programs. Our Hawkins campus is welcoming these students, ensuring they can continue their educational and career pursuits without interruption. It's a testament to our commitment to education and community support.
Breaking new ground, the Board of Trustees has elected Mrs. Leketia Lenett Blair as the first woman chair. This historic appointment marks a significant milestone in our university's journey towards inclusivity and leadership diversity. Congratulations, Mrs. Blair!
On the economic front, Jarvis Christian University is making a substantial impact. According to the 2024 Economic Impact Report, our institution has contributed a whopping $39 million to the regional economy. This underscores our role not just as an educational hub but also as a vital economic engine in East Texas.
Our students continue to shine on national platforms. Rising senior Cedric Abney has been named an Ambassador for the 2025–2026 Black Student Leadership Network Fellowship. Cedric's achievement highlights the caliber of leaders we're nurturing here at Jarvis.
In the realm of arts and media, Communications and Media Arts faculty member, Trenton McKay Judson, has released his first feature-length film, "Bad B*tch." Set for global release, the film emphasizes strength, justice, and bold representation. Kudos to Dr. Judson for this remarkable accomplishment.
Lastly, our campus has seen some exciting developments. Thanks to a generous grant from The Home Depot, we've unveiled the newly renovated Innovation Lounge in the Olin Library. This space is set to be a hub for creativity, collaboration, and innovation for all students.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and stories from our vibrant Jarvis Christian University community. Until next time, keep striving for excellence, Bulldogs!