Dean Canales named Dean in Residence for Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Dr. JoAnn Canales, founding Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, will assume a position as Dean in Residence with the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C. for the 2018-2019 academic year. Her last day as Graduate Dean at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is May 31, 2018.

Canales first joined the Island University in 1998 as Coordinator of Teacher Education and Associate Professor. In 2001, she was promoted to full Professor and in 2002, she was awarded an American Council on Education Fellowship. Upon receiving the 2005 A&M-Corpus Christi Excellence in Teaching Award, she used the award stipend to start the AC & Ende Canales Si Se Puede Scholarship in memory of her parents.

“Dr. Canales’ impact on the Islander community is significant,” said Dr. Clarenda Phillips, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at A&M-Corpus Christi. “Her passion for graduate education and establishment of the Si Se Puede Scholarship have moved the University forward, and I am grateful for her commitment to the University.”

During her time as Dean of Graduate Studies, in addition to formalizing the operational functions of the unit, Canales highlights three major accomplishments. They include securing space in the Bell Library specifically for graduate students to study, gather and network; launching a professional development program for graduate students to complement and support their degree requirements, especially the 3MT competition; and initiating the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society chapter at A&M-Corpus Christi, not only because it was one of the criteria for emerging research university status, but because it was an avenue for recognizing the outstanding achievements of graduate students.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as founding Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and to help grow the graduate education enterprise at A&M-Corpus Christi,” said Canales. “I attribute what has been accomplished to date to the amazing staff, faculty and students I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Their commitment to ensuring the success of our students has made it all possible.”