Dorris named director of Tarleton Center for Transformative Learning

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STEPHENVILLE (September 7, 2017) — Dr. Denae Dorris has been named director of Tarleton State University’s Center for Transformative Learning.

Dorris assumed the post, part of Curriculum, Assessment and Faculty Affairs, on Sept. 1. In her new role, she is responsible for Tarleton’s applied and experiential learning initiatives, as well as continuing to provide leadership for community engagement efforts.

“We are very excited to add Dr. Dorris and her team to Curriculum, Assessment and Faculty Affairs,” said Dr. Diane Taylor, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs. “The energy and enthusiasm of her group undoubtedly will expand community engagement and Transformative Learning in new and exciting ways for Tarleton and the students and communities we serve.”

Dr. Denae Dorris

Dorris came to Tarleton in 2010 as a project manager for the American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities, a $2.73 million collaborative agreement granted to the College of Education by the U.S. Department of Education.

Since 2014, she has served as director of Academic Outreach and Engagement for the Division of Academic Affairs.

The new position provides “an amazing opportunity to serve my alma mater further by supporting faculty and staff who work day in and day out to help college students transform through both academic and non-academic experiences,” Dorris said.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Tarleton as well as her master’s in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Dorris has a vision for her added role. “The Center for Transformative Learning will continue to support current community engagement initiatives and, with the addition of applied and experiential learning, it will provide greater resources and support for faculty and students who desire to incorporate transformative learning experiences into courses.”

Dorris also leads the effort to help Tarleton achieve the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

“I have a personal passion for working with the community,” she said. “This lets me share that passion.”

Obtaining the nationally recognized designation reaffirms Tarleton’s commitment to service and to strengthening bonds with the community.

A dozen Texas institutions have earned the classification, including Angelo State University, Sam Houston State University, the University of Arlington at Texas and Texas Tech. Gaining the classification is an objective of the Tarleton Strategic Plan.

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