Dr. Gerad Troutman, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAEMS
B.S. Chemistry, 2002
MD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
While at MSU, Dr. Troutman was the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates President, American Chemical Society Student Association Chapter President, General Chemistry Student of the Year, and a member of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society, Tri Beta Biological Honor Society, and Pre-Professional Health Sciences Society. His career includes being the National Medical Director of Innovative Practices for Global Medical Response, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine for TTUHSC, and an emergency physician for the University Medical Center in Lubbock.
Notable appointments and awards include Governor Abbott’s assigned appointment to the EMS Trauma Advisory Council – Emergency Physician, Top 20 under 40 – Amarillo TX Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Texas College of Emergency Physicians, Past Chair of the Texas Medical Association Young Physicians Section, and Texas College of Emergency Physicians James Hays Legacy Award for outstanding contributions. Dr. Troutman has made over 20 contributions to the field through presentations, journal articles, and newsletters.
“I never planned to go to college while in high school, but being a local to Wichita Falls, I went ahead and signed up for classes at MSU. After my first year as an undecided major, I decided that I wanted to be pre-med. I had a grandfather have a heart attack and a grandmother who had cancer, both allowed me to get introduced to medicine and really turned my focus to becoming a physician. I really liked the chemistry professors including Dr. Hansen, Dr. Cate, and Candice Fulton so I ended up down the Chemistry pre-medicine path.
I found lots of comraderies between the professors and students and saw them genuinely want their students to succeed. I soon discovered that on my path to medical school, MSU offered the right mix of respected education and an interest in the student as an individual. I owe much of my success to those foundations that MSU helped build in me. I remember my very first visit with the late Dr. Cate who was the chair of Chemistry and was the primary pre-medicine advisor. I made an appointment with him to discuss what the road to medicine even looked like as I genuinely had no clue. He asked many questions, and he point-blank told me that few succeed and that I had a heck of an uphill battle.
I asked him if that was a challenge, and he said it was. I look back on that afternoon advisory meeting and I really think he read me well. He knew challenging me would give me the best chance of success. I have taken every new turn and new problem as a new challenge and believe every problem has a solution; you just have to find it. Had Dr. Cate not pushed me that day, I wonder what different path I might have taken.”
Bailey Smoot Raber
B.S. Chemistry, 2020
Ph.D., candidate, Southern Methodist University
Currently, Bailey is studying the effect of environmental fluctuations and stressors, such as nutrient loss or sunlight variations, on different components of the thylakoid membrane and photosynthesis. She was also awarded the Outstanding Teaching Assistant award at SMU in 2021.
While at MSU, she studied and published non-linear biophysical processes of cancer cell growth using theoretical and computational methods under Dr. Hallford. She also received President’s Medal for Excellence, Woman of the Year, Outstanding Chemistry Student, Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry from the American Chemical Society, Outstanding Analytical Chemistry Student, Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student, President’s Honor Roll, Dr. Sund Distinguished Chemistry Scholar, Welch Research Scholar, and President’s Distinguished Scholar.
She was also a member of Non-Linear Science Research Group, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority: New Member Educator, Panhellenic Affairs VP, Personal and Chapter Enrichment Chairwoman, Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honors Society, College of Science and Mathematics Peer Mentor, American Chemical Society, Order of Omega Honors Society, Redwine Honors Program, the International Biophysical Society, Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics International Honors Society, and Golden Key International Honors Society.
“I chose MSU for its scholarship opportunities as well as the smaller class size. The chemistry department at MSU was a close-knit community that made my time there not only incredibly memorable and enjoyable, but also very successful.
MSU provided me with opportunities to form relationships with faculty that opened the doors for me to study abroad, present in multiple conferences, tutor, and ultimately learn to become an independent researcher which allowed me to be successful in my PhD program.
My sorority hosted an annual volleyball tournament to raise money for Girls on the Run International and one year Matt, Sal, and I made a team with some of the chemistry faculty. We called ourselves PhDefense and won 2nd place in the tournament! It was an incredibly fun and memorable afternoon.”
Amy Arceneaux 2021
Double Major: B.S. Chemistry and B.S. Biology
Medical Student, University of Texas Medical Branch 2025
Current research consists of working with de-identified patient data databases for retrospective cohort analysis regarding chronic conditions in rural areas and maternal health outcomes as part of the Department of Surgery and Department of OBGYN at UTMB. She holds several offices and is a member in several organizations such as American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, Obstetrics & Gynecology Student Society, Women’s Resource Group (mentor), Galveston County Community Coalition – BACODA, American and Texas Medical Associations as well as the American Medical Woman’s Association.
While at MSU, Amy was a MCOSME Mentor, Residence hall assistant, and chemistry’s lead teaching assistant. She held several offices in different campus organizations and was a Redwine Honors Scholar. She was also named Outstanding Chemistry Woman of the Year, HPAC Committee Scholar, and the B. B. Greever Pre-Med School Scholar. Her Welch scholarship allowed her to engage in antibiotic resistance research and present posters under Dr. Elizabeth Machunis-Masuoka.
“As a first generation student, I wanted to feel comfortable at whatever college I ended up going to. MSU offered the perfect student-body size, student to faculty ratio, and scholarship opportunities that made it an easy decision. Once I toured, met faculty and students, and experienced Wichita Falls – I just fell in love and couldn't imagine going to college anywhere else. The chemistry department at MSU made me feel confident to switch majors from Radiology Technician to Pre-med my first year. I feel so blessed for the support that was offered to me, because if not, I probably wouldn't be in medical school today. Having faculty to look up to and students helping me along my journey are the reason I cherish the MSU Chemistry Department.
My time with faculty, the chemistry lab, the research lab, the RA community – it was all so much fun. I met my best friends and even my now fiancé at MSU. The university fosters such a strong community between students and faculty and made my experience there truly unforgettable. Academically, general chemistry with Mrs. Fulton by far my favorite foundational course that set me up for success later on. Cellular Biology and Genetics with Dr. Scales were integral to my development as a student and even my success now as a medical student – I’m forever grateful for the way he taught and pushed me as a student.”
Phelecia Scotland
AOS Chemistry - Dominica State College, 2014
B.S. Chemistry, 2020
Doctoral Candidate, Rice University
Phelecia Scotland is a PhD candidate at Rice University in Houston, Texas who is studying Material Science and Nanoengineering where she focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and applications of 2D materials.
Since graduating, she has been incredibly involved in her graduate student environment, as she is the treasurer of the material science and nanoengineering GSA, a graduate student ambassador, and has even won the bronze prize for the Rice University summer research colloquium.
She states to have chosen MSU because of its “small but dynamic population that allows for personal interactions with professors, particularly in a classroom setting” and its “supportive community, particularly the chemistry department”.
One of her most memorable experiences during her time as an undergraduate was when she helped create ice cream with liquid nitrogen for a Chemistry fun day with students.
Matthew Mitchell
B.S. Chemistry, 2020
Medical Student, Texas A&M Medical School 2024
While at MSU, Matthew researched protein build-ups found in Alzheimer’s disease under Dr. Liang and presented at several conferences. These opportunities led to summer research internships with UNT and the NIH.
He received the Welch Scholarship and was named the 2020 Man of the Year. Matthew chose MSU because it allowed him to be close to his family in Henrietta, and he knew that MSU would be able to provide him with a good education.
His favorite part of his time at MSU was the friendships he made throughout college. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, he chose to study at Texas A&M’s School of Medicine, where he is a medical student.
Dr. Timothy Vaden
B.S. Chemistry, 2001
PhD Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Vaden teaches and conducts research at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. His accolades include Royal Society Postdoctoral Fellow, Junior Research Fellow at Linacre College, Oxford University, and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. His prolific research career has included over 60 published works where he was first author of 20 of the articles.
While at MSU, he was active in ACS Student Affiliates and the MSU Marching Band. He conducted research pertaining to capillary electrophoresis and electroanalytical chemistry of small-molecule food contaminants under Dr. Phillip Voegel.
“I chose MSU because I wanted to be at a small institution with a small, personable department where students and faculty interact with one another. I also liked the opportunities for research in faculty labs, which helped me decide to go to graduate school and eventually become a professor myself. I was actually the only student in Physical Chemistry II when I took it with Dr. Rick Williams in 2001. It was basically just him teaching and tutoring me, and it was great. That experience was instrumental in leading me to get a PhD in Physical Chemistry. I also often tell my own students about spending literally 10 hours in Inorganic Chemistry Lab one Thursday only to wind up with unidentifiable black goo.”
Ariana Kay
B.S. Chemistry, 2011
Masters in Education in Learning and Technology, Western Governors University
MSU 2022 Distinguished Alumni Spirit Award
After a successful college career at MSU, Ariana Kay went on to get her master’s degree in education, which she used to get her current job as the District Science Coordinator at Refugio High School where she teaches Physics and AP Environmental Science.
Ariana chose MSU because of the small class sizes and close relationships with the faculty. She loved that teachers knew her by name by the end of her first semester at MSU. Also, the low tuition of MSU appealed to Ariana. As a Caribbean student, the cost was an important factor in choosing a university and it helped that MSU has a Caribbean recruitment program that offered in-state tuition and a scholarship to students meeting certain grade criteria.
Ariana took advantage of this opportunity, and several others MSU offered by joining several organizations such as the Caribbean Student Organization, Beta Beta Beta Honor Society, American Chemical Society, and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Honor Society. Her favorite experiences at MSU actually centered around her involvement in these organizations, especially homecoming. She loved setting up for the Kiowa Kooks Fish Fry, watching the Cardboard Boat races, and meeting past alumni who also participated in the events.
Dr. Linh Vo
B.S. Chemistry, 2013
Doctor of Osteopathy, University of North Texas Health Science Center
After finishing her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Linh Vo went on to work as a primary care physician in family medicine at Baylor Scott and White.
Her early college career at MSU was filled with awards and clubs. She was involved in Alpha Chi, American Chemical Society, Beta Beta Beta, Chess Club, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Joint Admissions Medical Program, Multicultural Greek Council, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Pre Professional Health Sciences Society, and Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority. In these organizations, she held important leadership roles to add to the impressive list of accolades she possessed.
And, the list of awards and accolades she received during and after her time at MSU is much longer than the list of groups she joined on campus and included: President’s Volunteer Service Award, Outstanding Chemistry Graduate, Harrison Pre-Medical Scholarship, and Wayne O. Stockseth Chair’s Award.
Her time at MSU was filled with activities and accomplishments, but she also met her husband at MSU. She enjoyed their long talks at the library, and all the events she attended on campus gave them time to bond.
Andrew W. Wolf
B.S. Chemistry and Biology, 2021
MBA, Midwestern State University
Andrew Wolf completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at MSU. While studying for his MBA, Andrew has been working at Sterling Family Partners as an asset management associate. During his time at MSU, Andrew was a member of several organizations including Redwine Honors, Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Pre-professional Society, and Beta Beta Beta.
Not only was he extremely involved in campus organizations, but he also worked on research projects with several professors including Dr. Scales, Dr. Browns-Marsden, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Snow, and Mr. Parish. The topics of these projects ranged from targeting genes in Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog) using CRISPR gene editing to displaying how Starting From/Experiencing “Rock Bottom” Helps Build a Better Leader.
He chose MSU because of the close one-on-one interactions between the students and teachers, and because the faculty here at MSU truly encouraged him to succeed which motivated him to achieve his goals. The passion and encouragement from the staff was actually one of Andrew’s most memorable experiences here at MSU because he says those connections helped lay the foundation for his success.
Hayley Liddiard
ASBS, Grossmont College, CA
B.S. Chemistry, 2022
Hayley Liddiard graduated from MSU with a focus in biochemistry and was offered a position as a chemist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. While at MSU, Hayley was awarded the Outstanding Chemistry Student award, the President's Medal for McCoy College of Science, Math, and Engineering, and was a part of Gamma Sigma Epsilon Honor Society.
She chose MSU because after moving from Hawaii she wanted to resume school, where “it soon became clear that MSU was a great fit for someone like me who didn't really have a set direction or path” and “the chemistry faculty department and fellow students really helped me rediscover my passion for science. Had it not been for the wonderful professors I’m not sure I’d be the chemist I am today.”
She further states that while she was a chemistry student, becoming the Student Instructor for General Chemistry I and II was one of the most fulfilling experiences she had.
Teresa Vu
B.S. Chemistry, 2020
Medical Student, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, 2025
Teresa Vu remained involved at MSU throughout her college career and was a member of several groups and programs including Gamma Sigma Epsilon (president), Beta Beta Beta (senator), student government association (senator), McCoy college mentor program, and intramural sports like flag football.
She claims one of her favorite experiences was the time her flag football team traveled to Austin to compete. She also loved the lifelong friends she made during her time at MSU. In tandem with these activities, she researched antibiotic-resistant E.coli in local bird populations with Dr. Elizabeth Mausoka.
Not only was she highly active in extracurricular activities, but she also won several academic awards including but not limited to: the Welch scholarship, Provost’s Honor Roll (2017-2018), an academic merit scholarship, the Wichita County Medical Alliance Scholarship (2016, 2021, 2022), and the John F. Conn Award (2019).
All of these achievements led to her acceptance at the TTUHSC School of Medicine where she currently studies as a medical student and researches obstetrics and gynecology with Dr. Mark Reedy.
Heather McFarland
B.S. Chemistry, 2015
M.S. Science of Biochemistry, Baylor University
MSU caught Heather’s attention because she felt like this school wouldn't treat her like just another number on their records. She also chose MSU for the low tuition and awarded scholarships which included the Welch scholarship and the Redwine Honors scholarship.
During her time at MSU, she won the Freshman Chemistry Student Award, Outstanding Chemistry Student of the Year Award, she worked as a chemistry teaching assistant, a resident assistant and assistant hall director, and researched with Dr. Halford and Dr. Cate.
Her research with Dr. Halford focused on the computational determination of the thermodynamic and electronic properties of substituted tetraaryl aza dipyrromethene complexes; while her research with Dr. Cate targeted separation and purification of arginine esterases from agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster, which is a snake venom isolation method.
Not only did she win awards at MSU, but after graduating with her Bachelor’s in chemistry, she won the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award 2015-2016 at Baylor, Tireless Teacher of November ‘22, and, lastly, the Teacher of the Year (2022) award at Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, where she currently works as an advanced chemistry teacher.
Dr. Chanez Symister
B.S. Chemistry, 2014
PhD, Washington University, St. Louis
Dr. Symister is a scientist at Catena Biosciences. While at MSU, she was very involved with campus activities such as the University Programming Board, Student Senate, and American Chemical Society. Her research with Dr. Hansen involved synthesized and optimized synthetic procedures for UV sensitive precursors as potential cancer therapies.
Awards received while at MSU were Midwestern State University’s President’s Medal for Excellence, College of Science and Mathematics Professional Chemist, Most Outstanding Chemistry Student, Most Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student, ACS Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry, Best Presenter for Texas Alpha Gamma Chapter, and Who’s Who Among College Students. She was also awarded the Sund and Welch Foundation Scholarships.
After being accepted to Washington University’s doctoral program, she published six articles and has one patent pertaining to her research in biochemistry. While in graduate school, Dr. Symister also won several awards: Washington University in St. Louis Association of Women Faculty Award, Edward Bouchet Graduate Honor Society inductee, Assistant in Instruction Award, WU-CIRTL Program Associate (Teaching Citation), Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship, Washington University Danforth Scholar, and Department of Chemistry Chairs’ Award.
When asked why she chose MSU, she stated, “I chose MSU for its affordability, diversity, and the community-oriented campus. I loved being so close to both students, faculty and staff. Everyone was personable and willing to learn about new cultures and backgrounds. Plus, it was invaluable to have the strong support and understanding from professors who went above and beyond if you needed help.”
Sarah Stewart
B.S. Chemistry, 2019
Minor in Biology, Math, and Criminal Justice
M.S. Forensic Science, Sam Houston State University
During Sarah Stewart’s time at MSU she not only studied hard to graduate, but also played soccer for Midwestern’s team and was the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president at MSU.
One of the main reasons she chose MSU was to play for their soccer team, but she also liked the personal feel of the chemistry department and the beauty of the campus. Sarah’s most memorable experience from her college career at MSU was when her soccer team won the conference championship. She remembers that Dr. Hansen, a chemistry professor at MSU, watched her game and congratulated her the next day in class.
Sarah loved that the professors were involved in campus life, and it felt rewarding to have professors who cared about their students and their campus involvement. Currently, Sarah Stewart works as a forensic chemist at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Leslie Cook
B.S. Chemistry, 2020
Master's Candidate, MSU Computer Science
Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Leslie Cook decided to pursue a master’s degree in computer science. Leslie chose MSU because it best supported her needs as a college student because the small class sizes allowed her to build a stronger relationship with her professors, which in turn allowed her to receive more individualized help.
Not only did MSU’s small class sizes allow for more direct teaching, but it also presented Leslie with several research opportunities. She took advantage of these opportunities and researched with several MSU professors on topics ranging from biochemistry to high-performance computing.
Leslie was awarded the Welch scholarship, MSU 2023 Women of the Year nominee, and Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year for 2022. As a graduate student, she also received the Association for Computing Machinery’s two year Special Interest Groups In High Performance Computing (SIGHPC) Fellowship.
Dr. Judlyn Telesford-Checkley
B.S. Chemistry and Biology, 2005
M.S. Environmental Science, West Texas A&M University
Ph.D. in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University
After completing her education, Dr. Telesford-Checkley went on to work as an Independent Environmental Consultant at St. George, Grenada, and co-founded GrenadaGrows.
Dr. Telesford-Checkley chose MSU for her undergraduate education because she noticed that, “there were already several cohorts of Caribbean/international students attending the university”, which allowed for a more welcoming cultural environment.
Her favorite memories of MSU are constituted from her involvement with the chemistry department on campus, where she learned how to develop research skills, but also improve her speaking capabilities, which aided her in the pursuit of a graduate degree.
Dr. Telesford-Checkley was incredibly involved academically; she was a part of various honor societies including Tri Beta, Sigma Gamma Epsilon, and the honors program. Along with her high academic achievements, Dr. Telesford-Checkley was a part of the Caribbean Students Organization, Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brother/Sister program.
Kevin A. Bryan
B.S. Chemistry, 2019
Kevin Bryant currently works for Encore Wire Corporation as a Research and Development Chemist.
He chose MSU because when he went to a university fair for MSU in Dominica, the affordability and the large group of familiar faces solidified his decision.
He states that the time he spent in labs at MSU was his most memorable experience, as they never felt draining like other classes. This feeling is what led to his current career as a Research and Development Chemist.
At MSU, he was involved with various organizations such as ACS where he was the secretary, TA for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, as well as a member of the Caribbean Student Organization newsletter committee.
Tim Torres
B.S. Chemistry and Biology, 2018
M.S. Biology, 2021
Tim Torres obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees (or bachelors and masters?) in biology at MSU Texas and currently works as the Director of Clinical Operations at MD Neurology. He chose MSU because of the smaller class sizes and the close relationships with professors which helped him realize his desire to pursue a master’s degree.
His most meaningful experience at MSU comes from his research with Dr. Shipley on Monarch butterfly conservation, where he was able to present at the Monarch overwintering site at the prestigious Autonomous University of Mexico State and form valuable friendships and deepen his love for education.
Dr. Jeremy White
B.S. Chemistry, 2004
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, "The" Ohio State University
Jeremy White works as the director of research and development for Sovereign Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Initially, Jeremy came to MSU for the well-respected Pre-dental program, but found chemistry to be more suited to his goals.
During his time at MSU, he attained several academic accolades including receiving the Welch scholarship, graduating summa cum laude from the honors program, and being selected as the Outstanding Junior Male, Outstanding Analytical Chemistry Student, and Outstanding Professional Chemist.
He was also the MCOSME President’s Medal recipient. Jeremy did research on the synthesis of acyloxy nitrobenzoic acids as snake venom surrogates for making snake antivenoms under Dr. Chris Hansen.
Dr. Jared Dopp
B.S. Chemistry, Midwestern State University '12
B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Oklahoma
M.S. Chemical Engineering, Iowa State University
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Iowa State University
Jared Dopp is a former MSU chemistry student who continued his education to acquire an additional 3 degrees in chemical engineering.
While in graduate school, he also co-founded a biotech start-up company before deciding on other pursuits in private industry. After finishing his education, he came to work as a Scientist in Upstream Biologics Development at Bristol Myers Squibb. Also, he has published 9 papers.
Initially, Jared chose MSU to play football for the Mustangs, but the chemistry department sold him fully. His most memorable experience at MSU was studying the upper-level chemistry courses with classmates that became close friends.
Yvonne Albert
B.S. Chemistry, 2016
M.S. Material Science and Engineering, UT Arlington
Yvonne Albert is a Failure Analysis Engineer at IBM who graduated from MSU with a degree in chemistry.
At MSU, she was involved in various organizations like the Caribbean Students Organization, where she served as the Public Relations officer as well as the Student Ambassador Program and student government.
She states to have chosen MSU because of the affordability and the scholarship initiative between the recruitment office and Caribbean governments.
One of her favorite experiences during her time here was a hypnotist who performed during finals frenzy, along with CSO carnival parades and activities.
Dr. Sheryl McCutcheon Carey
B.S. Chemistry, 1995
Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Sheryl Carey currently works as the Director of Development Analytics and specializes in analytical chemistry and material characterization.
Since her time at MSU, Dr. Carey has accomplished several impressive feats including, but not limited to, publishing seven papers and presenting eight posters. Her love for research grew while she studied at MSU with her professor, Dr. Cate, and, based upon her accomplishments, has continued loving this type of research throughout her career.
The research she did at MSU involved bioanalytical chromatography and its use for determining amino acid compositions of snake venom enzymes. While working on her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr. Carey’s research focused on host-guest complexation characterization using ion trap mass spectrometry and chromatography.
Dr. Carey cherished the MSU experience because it allowed her to connect with teachers on a more personal level, which allowed her to network and build strong friendships that could last a lifetime.
Colin McGuiness
B.S. Chemistry, 2004
MBA, Midwestern State University
Colin chose MSU because it gave him opportunities to research and connect with his teachers in a way that other schools couldn't provide. While at MSU, he took advantage of these opportunities by researching cyclic voltammetry with Dr. Phillip Voegel.
In fact, one of his favorite memories from MSU was presenting this research at an ACS conference in New Orleans. This research was published in The Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research, January 2005, which is just one of the several accomplishments he made at MSU.
Colin also received the Prescott Scholarship, the Welch Scholarship, and the MSU General Chemistry Student of the Year award. Professionally, Colin won the Lockheed Martin NOVA Award after graduating from MSU. Colin currently works at Raytheon Technologies as the Associate Director of Capture Excellence.
Darren Hicklin
B.S. Chemistry and Biology 2001
Graduate work in chemistry, University of Arkansas
Darren currently works at the US Army Chemical Biological Center. While at MSU, Darren worked under Dr. Hansen and was involved in the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates and Beta Beta Beta. He currently works for US Army Chemical Biological Center Chemical Applications and Risk Reduction Environmental Monitoring lab where he published the Evaluation of Commercially Available Cyanide Test Kits against Various Matrices.
“Midwestern State University provided me with an exceptional college education without having to leave home. I was able to attend the university and paid for my college as I went allowing me to graduate debt free. My fondest memories of college all centered around Bolin Hall and specifically the third floor and the Chemistry Department.
Entering college, I had expectations of going on to Medical School and becoming a pediatrician. It wasn't until I took 2nd semester General Chemistry and then Organic I and II that I realized my true love of Chemistry. While I certainly wasn't an exceptional student, I found a subject that not only interested me but challenged me.
The small department faculty became not just my advisors and mentors but truly my friends, friends that wanted to share their passions and help me succeed at pursuing my own. My classmates became my lifelong friends and the supply room was my own little paradise. Taking over the faculty breakroom for our late-night group study sessions sealed the deal and I knew that I had found my second home.”