EPIC Professional Development Conference 2025

Course description: This presentation will consider the implications of using Large Language Model data sets for text generation from a humanist's perspective. It will cover issues such as implicit racism, misogyny, homophobia, and ablism that are often hidden from users of generative text tools such as ChatGPT.

Presenter bio: Timothy Scott Johnson is an Assistant Professor of History in the Department of Humanities. He specializes in European intellectual history, the history of concepts, and the history of Modern France. He is also currently serving as the Speaker for the TAMU-CC Faculty Advisory Council.

Course description: This presentation will provide an overview of the Grow with Google certificate program available through Coursera in collaboration with the Texas A&M System, highlighting free access to 11 certificates for students, faculty, and staff through 2027. We will share current participation data and completed courses, as well as explore next steps for integrating these certificates into the curriculum. Strategies will include embedding certificates into individual courses or aligning them across entire programs to enhance student employability with recognized micro-credentials.

Presenter bio: Dr. Leslie Mills is the Associate Vice President for Student Success; she has spent the past 7 years in the Career and Professional Development Center, most recently serving as the Executive Director. In this role she began working with other TAMU System schools to explore the Grow with Google certificate program. She serves as the TAMU-CC campus lead for the Grow with Google initiative and has presented multiple times over the past year with other TAMU system schools to share the successes of this program.

Course description: How to use your ORP/403b to plan for your retirement.

Presenter bio: Mark Militello of Militello Wealth Management, LLC, is a resident of Corpus Christi, Navy veteran, graduate of TAMU-CC, and registered Investment Advisor with 25 years of experience in the financial industry.

Course description: Time management is a shared challenge across campus for both professionals and students. This session introduces the Pomodoro Technique, a simple method that improves focus and productivity through short work intervals and intentional breaks. Participants will learn practical ways to apply Pomodoro in their own work and share it with students as a study tool to support balance, wellness, and success.

Presenter bio: Jennifer Mahan, Academic Advisor II at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, supports undergraduate students in the College of Business while pursuing her M.S. in Higher Education Administration. A proud Islander alumna, she is passionate about helping students and colleagues thrive through practical, innovative strategies like the Pomodoro Technique.

Course description: This presentation explores how faculty and staff can better support neurodiverse students in higher education. It defines neurodiversity, outlines common challenges and strengths of neurodivergent learners, and offers practical strategies for teaching, communication, and accommodations. The presentation emphasizes empathy, flexibility, and the importance of universal design in fostering a supportive academic environment.

Presenter bio: Dr. Claudia Ayala is Associate Dean of Students - Care & Assistance. Ms. Angela Vela is a Disability Services Case Manager.

Course description: In this interactive session, you will learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR so that you can deliver life-saving care until medical responders arrive. Learning this simple skill can help save a life.

Presenter bio: Zelda Chacon is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has been in practice for over 21 years. She has been the director of the University Health Center since 2011. Shelley Martinez-Lopez has been a Registered Nurse since 1998. She has been the Associate Director of the University health Center since 2016.

Course description: In general, information technology has contributed to business and economic development, particularly recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), including expert systems. This presentation gives participants a basic introduction to artificial intelligence and expert systems. Also, AI’s relationship to economic and social factors is evaluated. Many AI and expert system applications have been developed for specific fields, such as medical diagnosis, engineering design, and accounting and financial reporting. Information provided will be of interest to teachers, business leaders, academic researchers, policy makers, along with others concerned with AI and expert systems.

Presenter bio: Dr. Lawrence Murphy Smith is a Professor of Accounting in the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He teaches at the RELLIS Campus. His research addresses a myriad of topics, such as ethics, international accounting, cybercrime, AI, auditing, and impact of religiosity on business and society. His academic record includes over 270 journal articles, 37 research grants, 22 books, over 200 academic conference presentations, and over 20 awards for teaching and research. His work has been cited in various news media, including National Public Radio, Fortune, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal. His work is among the most downloaded, with over 96,000 article-downloads on Social Science Research Network (SSRN.com). His research is highly cited, with over 5,500 citations per Google Scholar. Among his awards are the Outstanding Educator Award from the Texas Society of CPAs and the Outstanding International Accounting Educator Award from the American Accounting Association International Accounting Section. In 2024, he received TAMU-CC’s Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity Award (the university-wide top researcher award).

Course description: When dining out, all the different menu options, preparation methods, and add-on selections can make it difficult to know which choices are healthy. This course helps take the pressure off placing your order, by highlighting practical tips and guidelines for choosing wisely at popular dining locations. You CAN enjoy a healthy meal out!

Presenter bio: Cindy Quinn joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) in 2022 and is excited to provide onsite health and wellness education across the vast Texas A&M University System. As the Texas A&M Wellness Coordinator, she works closely with TAMU System Workstation Wellness Champions in developing and implementing wellness programs, services, and initiatives designed for TAMU System employees. She has a passion for connecting clinical organizations to community resources because Health does Happen at Home!

Course description: Updates on recent legislation affecting the Island University.

Presenter bio: John C. B. LaRue is Vice President for Institutional Excellence and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer.

Course description: This session offers a clear and practical overview of how artificial intelligence is being used and supported across our university. We’ll highlight key elements of the university’s AI policy, including responsible use guidelines and ethical considerations, as well as the security settings and safeguards in place to protect data and privacy. Attendees will also learn about available AI resources, training opportunities, and approved software tools to enhance teaching, research, and administrative work.

Presenter bios: Alexandra Janney, PHD, is the Assistant Director of Digital Learning at the Digital Learning and Academic Innovation at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She holds degrees in MS, Instructional Design and Technology (University of Houston, Clear Lake, 2010) and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2023). As a digital learning professional and an online instructor for over 20 years, Alexandra has worked on quality assurance and compliance of online courses, improving online course design and increasing student engagement, professional development for faculty and students, compliance, and incorporating data and research into the university's strategic initiatives. Alexandra is involved in assessing the adoption of new technology and using data collection to make informed decisions.

Dr. Gloria Davila serves as the Assistant Director of User Support Services for the Information Technology department at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. With 27 years of experience in Higher Education IT, she brings a strong expertise and unwavering dedication to campus technology services. Her passion lies in enhancing teaching and learning by streamlining IT request processing and ensuring rapid, effective incident response. Dr. Davila plays a key role in promoting user-centered approaches and improving operational practices within academic technology support.

Course description: At TAMU-CC, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement is a common barrier that delays students from registering for classes during Islander Launch. Despite proactive outreach, many students arrive unprepared, causing frustration for both students and families. Learn about the barriers students face in becoming registration-ready and explore proactive strategies for campus partners to collaborate and support a smoother, more efficient registration process.

Presenter bio: Delylah Henry is the Student Success Coordinator with the College Readiness Unit in the Office of Student Success. She has served in this role for over two and a half years, with a primary focus on navigating TSI processing, requirements, and deadlines to ensure students are prepared for timely registration and academic success.

Course description: Join us to learn about how you AND a member of your family can take advantage of free Last Will program offered by The Hartford Life Insurance Company. In this session, we will walk thru the steps of setting your Will, to ensure your property is divided as you want after you die. This a completely legal and valid Will to be used in the State of Texas.

Presenter bio: Lee Ammer is the President & CEO of the OG Benefits. OG Benefits provides TX A&M University employees concierge services for life claims and life insurance questions. Lee has more than 25 years of experience with employee benefits and insurance benefits.

Course description: I would like to spend time discussing possible activities that can be done at your desk or in your office that will positively affect your mental health and wellness. Also discuss the impacts and benefits through the use of a slideshow.

Presenter bio: Liz Gillenwater has over 20 years of administrative experience in various workplace environments. Currently she is established as the admin for our illustrious TAMU-CC Kinesiology department.

Course description: Explore several little-known hacks for using MS Office products to their full potential. Learn how to customize your Office programs to work smarter, not harder.

Presenter bio: Cynthia is the Ed Tech for DLAI. She's been in Distance/Digital Learning for almost 30 years. She uses tech every day and has curated these hacks that help her make the most of Office as well as other Ed Tech tools.

Course description: Brief overview of what to consider as you near retirement, what to expect once you do retire, and how a 457b can help fill in any gaps.

Presenter bio: Francisco Hernandez is a Retirement Plan Advisor for Texa$aver plan in South Texas. Graduated from UTSA with a BBA in Finance in 2018 and has been working in the financial services industry for 7 years. Grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and is a Marine Corps veteran.

Course description: In this panel, AI book study participants will reflect on how AI is shaping their teaching and institutional practices. Together, they will discuss barriers, challenges, and emerging questions, creating space for shared learning and ongoing conversation about AI in higher education.

Presenter bio: Chris Benedetti is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and the AI Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. In this role, he supports colleagues through campus-wide professional development on the ethical and effective integration of AI.

Course description: In this interactive session, you will learn how to perform Hands-Only CPR so that you can deliver life-saving care until medical responders arrive. Learning this simple skill can help save a life.

Presenter bio: Zelda Chacon is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has been in practice for over 21 years. She has been the director of the University Health Center since 2011. Shelley Martinez-Lopez has been a Registered Nurse since 1998. She has been the Associate Director of the University health Center since 2016.

Course description: The best way to ensure you are getting the right care at the right time means taking an active role in your health care. This webinar highlights the importance of a primary care physician, how to navigate your health benefits, as well as suggestions for making the most of your health care plan.

Presenter bio: Cindy Quinn joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) in 2022 and is excited to provide onsite health and wellness education across the vast Texas A&M University System. As the Texas A&M Wellness Coordinator, she works closely with TAMU System Workstation Wellness Champions in developing and implementing wellness programs, services, and initiatives designed for TAMU System employees. She has a passion for connecting clinical organizations to community resources because Health does Happen at Home!

Course description: Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of any workplace—but they don’t have to be a source of stress or conflict. This interactive session will provide faculty and staff with practical tools and proven frameworks to navigate challenging discussions with confidence and clarity. Whether you're addressing performance concerns, resolving misunderstandings, or giving constructive feedback, you'll learn how to communicate with empathy, set clear expectations, and build trust. Participants will explore real-world examples, practice techniques, and leave with actionable strategies to turn tough conversations into opportunities for growth.

Presenter bios: Gabriella Carrillo holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a Success Coach, she guides students to success by connecting them with key campus resources and developing strong academic strategies. She is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential and build a foundation for future achievement.

Jessica Noyola holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from St. Mary's University and has over five years of experience in education as an instructor and coach. Passionate about empowering students, they excel at building strong relationships and helping individuals achieve their goals. With a background in Sociology and a commitment to social justice, Jessica is pursuing a master’s degree in professional counseling to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.

Course description: Get an inside view of UPD operations—what a typical day looks like for a UPD officer, including the challenges and responsibilities they face. The session will also touch on important topics such as use of force, traffic enforcement, and other key aspects of UPD officers' duties.

Presenter bio: Melissa Perkins is the TAMU-CC Chief of Police.

Course description: Grit is mental toughness. Grit is the ability to persevere to achieve difficult long-term goals. Grit is strongly associated with success in personal and professional life. Grit involves several elements: passion and purpose, development of habits and coping with unpleasant emotions such as fear, discouragement or embarrassment. This course will examine the nature of grit and identify specific methods for developing it.

Presenter bio: Roosevelt Adams, ComPsych

Course description: In this interactive session, you'll learn to analyze your audience's needs and interests to effectively tailor your content for maximum impact. You'll also explore how to simplify complex information and present it in a visually engaging manner while incorporating interactive elements to enhance audience participation. Finally, you’ll practice using effective delivery techniques and crafting strong conclusions that leave your audience with clear takeaways and actionable steps.

Presenter bio: Lauran Guerra is a Senior Instructional Designer with the Digital Learning and Academic Innovations (DLAI) Team. An alumna of TAMU–CC, she holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Educational Technology. With over 11 years of experience, she specializes in coaching faculty to design high-quality courses and learning experiences while advancing quality assurance initiatives, including alignment and accessibility best practices.

Course description: Improve Student Outcomes, Lower DFW Rates and Scale Academic Support with Sharpen Advantage from McGraw Hill. The AI-powered study app students love, educators trust, and institutions value!

Presenter bio: Alicia Jahant is an Enterprise Account Manager at McGraw Hill. She works with higher education institutions in Texas bringing innovative solutions to students, faculty and administrators. Lucas Faragoza is a dedicated Local McGraw Hill Representative. He specializes in partnering with professors to enhance student engagement and foster critical thinking skills.

Course description: Organizations are investing in benefits to improve employee wellbeing, and taking on initiatives to foster a culture of wellbeing in the workplace. However, many employees still feel that their job is an obstacle to their wellbeing rather than a help. What can you do as a manager to shift that perception? This session will discuss practical ways to show employees that you and your organization support their wellbeing.

Presenter bio: Roosevelt Adams, ComPsych

Course description: Screenings are conducted in vetting persons, entities and countries intended for university international and other applicable activities. Such screenings are required in various university processes for compliance purposes, while used for export control clearances and university approval processes. This session provides awareness training and provides helpful tips & takeaways for campus visual compliance users who conduct screenings.

Presenter bio: Wanese Butler has been a member of the TAMU-CC compliance team for over ten years. She is currently the campus Financial Conflict of Interest and Export Control Officer. Her office is a compliance checkpoint, if you will, for various university business processes to assess compliance matters, address identified risks, provide applicable determinations and other assistance as needed.

Course description: In this panel, AI book study participants will reflect on how AI is shaping their teaching and institutional practices. Together, they will discuss barriers, challenges, and emerging questions, creating space for shared learning and ongoing conversation about AI in higher education.

Presenter bio: Chris Benedetti is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and the AI Faculty Fellow at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. In this role, he supports colleagues through campus-wide professional development on the ethical and effective integration of AI.

Course description: Benefits of enrolling in your employer’s 403b plan.

Presenter bio: Mike Bowden, a 25-year Financial Advisor with Voya Financial, has 30 years of experience in the financial industry.

Course description: This presentation will address the types of cases and trends we are seeing at the EEOC, to include harassment and retaliation matters.

Presenter bio: A graduate of TAMU-CC, Marina Guerra has been employed with the EEOC's Houston District Office for 26 years. Working in different capacities with the EEOC, her current role of Outreach and Education allows her to work with employees and employers to understand their roles and responsibilities in creating complaint workplaces.

Course description: As artificial intelligence and automation reshape industries, institutions of higher education must adapt teaching strategies to prepare graduates for an AI-driven workforce. This session explores how TAMU-CC can lead in this transition by leveraging classroom technology, integrating AI tools into curricula, and equipping faculty with the skills to foster future-ready graduates.

Presenter bio: Veronyka Cruz is a strategic and service-oriented IT and cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience supporting academic technology, digital infrastructure, and secure learning environments across higher education, government, and corporate sectors. Skilled in risk management, access control, user support, and cross-functional team leadership, she is passionate about using technology to enhance teaching, learning, and innovation in diverse academic settings. She is committed to fostering a secure, scalable, and student-focused digital ecosystem aligned with the core values of excellence, leadership, and integrity.

Course description: Longer hours, increased responsibilities, constant change, accelerated pace of business, intensified pressure… But this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy your work. This workshop will help you not only to survive but also thrive in today’s high-pressure world. By unleashing your energy, igniting your enthusiasm and finding fun in your job, you’re sure to maximize your work performance and even enjoy it!

Presenter bio: Roosevelt Adams, ComPsych

Course description: With cases of harassment increasing, it is important to understand what harassment is and how quickly these situations can impact the workplace. We will discuss compliance with EEOC statutes, prevention and other best practices.

Presenter bio: A graduate of TAMU-CC, Marina began her career with EEOC in 1999. Her current position of Outreach and Education Coordinator allows her to work with employees and employers, to better understand their roles and responsibilities in creating safe and compliant workplaces.

Course description: This session demonstrates how artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer science are converging with filmmaking to create new research and creative opportunities. Attendees will see examples of AI-generated video and posters alongside applications of robotic camera systems and computer science–driven workflows. The presentation will highlight both creative applications and the broader research potential, offering practical takeaways for faculty and staff across disciplines.

Presenter bio: John Darbonne is an Assistant Professor of Film Production at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. He teaches editing, cinematography, sound design, and AI filmmaking, and leads interdisciplinary research projects merging media production, robotics engineering, and computer science. His films have screened internationally, and his current focus is on developing a state-of-the-art virtual production studio in Corpus Christi.

Course description: Is too much sitting contributing to your chronic aches and pains? Spending hours at a desk can lead to pain throughout the upper body and lower back. Proper posture is essential, but it’s only the first step towards improving back and neck health. Join Airrosti for an interactive workshop to learn simple techniques for reducing strain, improving range of motion, and increasing strength. Move beyond good posture to prevent pain. We’ll also provide a conservative care option to help stop pain at the source.

Presenter bios: Juan Gaona is the Director of Business Development at Airrosti, a leading healthcare provider group focused on delivering fast, cost-effective solutions for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. With over 13 years of experience in healthcare sales, management, and practice operations, Juan spearheads partnerships with employers, brokers, and carriers to drive meaningful cost savings and improved patient outcomes. Raised in South Texas, he is passionate about developing strategies that reduce treatment costs while educating organizations and individuals on effective, long-lasting solutions to pain.

Dr. Rene Ramon is an Airrosti Certified Provider in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is a native of Alice, graduating from Texas A&M University in College Station in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his education and graduated from Texas Chiropractic College with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2004. Over the past 12 years at Airrosti, he has made it his mission to help patients alleviate pain and improve their quality of life. In his spare time, he loves his Aggie football, barbecuing, hunting, and fishing.

Rebbecca (Becky) Karwedsky is a Certified Recovery Specialist in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is a native of the Rio Grande Valley but has called Corpus her home since 2006. She graduated from A&M- CC in 2012 with a bachelor’s in science with an emphasis in Athletic Training. She has been with Airrosti since 2012 and has had the opportunity to work with several of our providers in Corpus, as well as in the RGV. Her passion for Airrosti’s mission is evident in her care for patients, as she helps decrease pain, restore movement, and improve the quality of their lives. Her spare time is spent with her husband, an energetic 10-year-old son, and three dogs.

Course description: Cultivate Understanding of Student veterans, military culture, the transition from military to civilian and academic life, and the specific challenges veterans face on campus. Increase Support by equipping faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools to serve as empathetic and effective points of contact for military-connected students. Connect and knowledge of Resources to help students access essential campus and community resources, such as academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and financial services (like VA benefits).

Presenter bios: Dr. Jeff DillardOver a decade's experience in higher education and over five years experience as a military officer. Specialties include pubic speaking, writing and research, logistics, event planning, human resources, and project management. Commissioned from West Point in 2000. Left active duty in 2005 as an O-3. Masters in Political Science in 2010. Doctorate in Political Science in 2012. Masters in History in 2021. Published author in Political Science and Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Sarah Skelton. University Counseling Center. Clinical psychologist. Currently serving with 19th Group as Operation Psychologist. 4 Combat Deployments. 20 years of military experience. Clinical specialties include trauma, suicide intervention and diversity.

Course description: In this interactive session, educators will explore how MagicSchool AI can streamline lesson planning and elevate instructional design. Participants will learn how to quickly draft clear, measurable learning objectives, build and calibrate effective rubrics, and generate engaging discussion prompts that drive deeper student thinking. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use AI-powered tools to save time and enhance teaching and learning.

Presenter bios: Albert Davila is a Solutions Architect at MagicSchool AI, where he helps schools, districts, and organizations design and deploy AI-driven solutions that streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and empower educators, administrators, and students to achieve better outcomes. He specializes in prompt engineering, designing role-specific AI assistants, building custom workflows, and creating professional learning experiences that save educators time and enhance instructional quality. Albert has led workshops nationwide on best practices in prompt engineering and on how to strategically apply AI in organizational, district, and campus initiatives.

Jeni Long is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience in the field and holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology. She is a respected EdTech speaker, consultant, and author dedicated to providing unwavering support for teachers both in and out of the classroom. Jeni empathizes with the daily challenges educators face and is committed to offering guidance, resources, and encouragement to help them succeed. As an Account Executive at MagicSchool AI, Jeni’s focus is on ensuring that every teacher using the platform feels supported, motivated, and empowered to positively impact their students' lives. She believes in the power of collaboration and understands that collective efforts among educators can create magic in the classroom. Jeni is actively involved in organizing events, delivering professional development, fostering community growth, and building partnerships with Texas school districts.