Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Dr. Michelle R. Johnson-Vela recieves William J. Hall award

KINGSVILLE - September 12, 2006

Contact: Jason Marton
jason.marton@tamuk.edu or 361-593-4143

Dr. Michelle R. Johnson-Vela, associate professor of Spanish in the language and literature department of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, is the recipient of the William J. Hall Faculty Award for 2005-2006.

The William J. Hall Faculty Award was established by William Hall, former registrar and dean of admissions and professor of psychology, and his wife Mary. It is for the use and benefit of liberal arts faculty members (art, communication arts, English, history, journalism, mathematics, modern languages, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, speech and theatre arts) and supports the enhancement of faculty skills.

Johnson-Vela is A&M-Kingsville’s faculty liaison and representative for the Hispanic Studies doctorate. She has worked to improve existing practices and curricula, including requesting an additional course in professional Spanish. In addition, Johnson-Vela has chaired Spanish search committees in the past.

She is graduate advisor for the Spanish program, guiding students through the process of applying for graduate school, and has directed a master’s thesis and several graduate projects.

Johnson-Vela’s publications include "Crossing Borders: Latina Life Stories from the Barrio" ( Chiricú 8.3 (2001); "Planting the Seeds of Change: Immigrant Women's Life Writings" Journal of International Women's Studies (November 2005); and "Bridging the Borderlands: Navigating the Self in Chicana Writings," Mediating Chicana/o Culture: Multicultural American Vernacular, which is scheduled to be published in later this year


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