Office Hours

Dr. Claude Bonazzo Romaguera is a sociology professor, Texas State alum, mindfulness instructor, and Director of the Latino Studies minor—all roles connected by his commitment to community, culture, and care. From growing up between Puerto Rico and Texas to leading courses that explore identity and belonging, his story is one of reflection, resilience, and staying present.

Student intern Nora Parkhurst hosts her first Office Hours conversation, asking Dr. Bonazzo Romaguera about everything from classroom rituals to navigating life’s hardest moments. Along the way, he talks about how mindfulness became more than a practice—it became part of his purpose.

In this episode of Office Hours, Kolby sits down with Dr. Rachel Davenport, a professor in the Department of Biology and someone students regularly name as one of their favorite instructors. She shares her path through higher education, what drives her as a teacher, and how she works to create meaningful classroom experiences. You’ll also hear her take on work-life balance, trying new things, and why staying curious matters at every stage of life.

A geography professor with an infectious love for learning, humor, and tranquility, Dr. Brian Cooper has an amazing knack for making class engaging. Join us as we explore his deep connection to students, why understanding places and people is more relevant than ever, and how his journey shaped his approach to education.

From humble beginnings in the border town of McAllen, Texas, to life (and art) altering experiences in Baltimore, Sydney Guzman is embracing her journey as it unfolds. Listen in to this episode of Office Hours as she discusses her path to art, becoming a faculty member at Texas State University, trusting one’s artistic vision, and how she’s letting the universe guide her path.

Being influenced and inspired by many places, people, and moments, Dr. Louie Valencia has extensive knowledge of social change, youth culture, and digital history. He chats with AnaBelle about his Harry Styles' course, how he got started in his career, and advice he has for early career students.

From woodshop technician and t-shirt shop owner to professor, artist, and father, Thomas May has had a remarkable journey. In this episode, he shares his experiences with his daughter and TXST Marketing and Communications intern, Avery, reflecting on his path through education, the challenges of adulthood and artistry, and the rewards of being an educator.

A mass communication legend and award winning professor, Dr. Laurie Fluker is a force at Texas State University. Known for her passion and fire during her 8 a.m. lectures, Dr. Fluker has left an impact on both her students and on the course of the university. She and Tyson talk about her life, upbringing, and the journey to discovering your purpose.

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From a small town in Arkansas, Biological Anthropology professor, Dr. Kate Spradley has made a huge impact on the world with her legendary work on the project, OP-ID, identifying the unidentified human remains on the Us and Mexico border. But she started out like many students, with a lack of self confidence and the fear of a future unknown. She talks to Tyson about discovering her passion for learning and academics, how she became interested in anthropology, and what her work means to her and to the future of forensic sciences.

Associate Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Dr. Angela Jones has set her sights high since the beginning. A first gen student with a burning intrest in shows like "Datelines," Dr. Jones shares what her college experience was like, how to make your goals a reality, and her tips for those who have never been on a jury before. 

From a small town in Canada to working in a prison and somehow ending up in Texas, our TXST President, Dr. Kelly Damphousse, has had a long and interesting journey to where he is today. He sits down with Tyson to discuss his upbringing, career goals, what education means to him, and the driving forces that propelled him to success.