Student Spotlights
Student Spotlights
Valentina Gonzalez
Valentina says her time at RELLIS helped strengthen valuable skills such as communication and critical thinking. Beyond academics, she also developed resilience, professionalism, and perseverance while navigating the challenges of being a first-generation student.
Kenadee Fisk
Kenadee Fisk knew she wanted to pursue a career in education, and Tarleton State University at RELLIS helped shape her into the confident future educator she is today. Through meaningful classroom experiences, strong mentorship, and opportunities that pushed her out of her comfort zone, she not only discovered a passion for teaching but also the importance of leadership, connection, and service.
Yolanda Leal
For Yolanda, the journey at RELLIS was more than earning a degree, it was an opportunity to grow as a leader, build professional confidence, and prepare for a successful future in the business and insurance industry.
Trent Wiatrek
“Throughout my time at RELLIS, I have grown tremendously as both a leader and an individual.”
Thaddeus Reichart
Throughout his time at RELLIS, Thaddeus developed both personally and professionally—building a strong foundation for his future career in social work.
Alexis Correa
“My experiences at RELLIS have allowed me to grow into an individual who thrives on making connections with people on and off campus.”
Grace Staten
“RELLIS is an incredible place to not only grow in your academic career but also to meet lifelong friends and build relationships with professors who will stick with you for years to come.”
Virginia Pederson
“RELLIS has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so grateful for the incredible education I have received, the friendships I have made and growth I have experienced over the last few years.”
Rachel Williams
“One of my favorite memories was managing live social media coverage for major events on campus like Ring Day. They were moments where all my skills—from content creation to strategic communication came together, and I felt truly connected to the RELLIS community.”
Emma Demczyk
“The RELLIS Academic Alliance has provided me with invaluable opportunities that are directly preparing me for my career as an event marketer,” said Demczyk, who has been actively involved in campus life since joining the institution.
Kylee McMellon
Kylee McMellon was a self-doubting prospective student unsure of her place in higher education. Today, she’s a confident graduate of the Tarleton State University-RELLIS Sport Management Program.
Lathan Faulstich
Before his time at RELLIS, Lathan Faulstich did not think he could earn a bachelor’s degree. Today, he stands as a summa cum laude graduate of Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Madison Flores
Madison Flores initially aspired to become a nurse, but when the time came to apply, she had a change of heart and chose a different path to contribute to the community.
Asia Bernard
Asia Bernard has been on a mission since she graduated from high school. Highly motivated, she packed her bags and headed to the Bryan-College Station area to study engineering.
James Loya
James Loya has been a fixture at RELLIS prior to the Academic Building doors even opening. Anyone who has attended a transfer fair, open house, or other event for RELLIS was most likely welcomed by Loya.
Shelby Aaron
All it took was one semester at the RELLIS Campus and Shelby Aaron knew she wanted to leave an impact.
Margarita Resendiz
Resendiz and her four siblings were raised in the Dallas area by her immigrant mother. While she was growing up, her mom worked hard to provide for the family while reinforcing the idea that education was important.
James Hass
In the past few years, James Hass has used his time at RELLIS to create an entirely different experience for not just himself here and now, but for future generations of students on campus.
Marquesha Ealoms
Growing up, Ealoms was interested in becoming a lawyer, so after high school graduation she enrolled in courses at the Blinn College District. After a year there, she became a mom and opted to take time off to care for her son.
Maria Munoz
A lifetime of both difficult and exceptional experiences has shaped not only who Maria Munoz is as a person, but the entire path she sees for her future.
Johnny Phan
From repairing computers, to wrapping cars and working as a barber, Johnny Phan has several flourishing small businesses and is what most people would consider a true entrepreneur at heart.
Juan Salinas
Juan Salinas is what most people would call “highly adaptable”. Salinas was born in Denver, Colorado but moved to several other states, including Illinois, South Dakota, and Kansas before graduating from high school in Katy, Texas.
Emilio Salinas
Emilio Salinas is what most would call a go-getter, achiever or self-starter by nature. One thing is clear, he inherently sets big goals for himself and then devotes himself to accomplishing them.
