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UHCL writing professor appointed to Texas education committee
October 15, 2018 | George Mattingly II
Once Assistant Professor of Writing Christal Seahorn entered a school classroom, she
never left. From attending school as a child, to teaching University of Houston-Clear
Lake students the foundations of composition, she knows the impact of education firsthand.
“My passion for undergraduate education comes from my own history,” she said. “As
a first generation student and a person of color, it is very present to me how much
my education has played a role in networking and professional development opportunities
I’ve received.”
Seahorn is continuing to live her passion with her recent three-year appointment to
the Undergraduate Education Advisory Committee (UEAC) as part of the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board.
The committee is comprised of representatives from community and technical colleges,
health institutions, universities, independent institutions and at least one student
who advise the THECB on ways to enhance undergraduate education in the state. Their
role is part of the 60x30TX higher education plan, which aims to create a more educated
workforce by increasing the percentage of young adults who earn a certificate or degree
to 60 percent by 2030.
“The committee’s focus on undergraduate education at all levels from certifications
to associate’s degrees demonstrates their dedication to undergraduates, which is important
to me as an educator,” Seahorn said. “I look forward to addressing issues concerning
underrepresented populations and their barriers to education as well as open access
to resources.”
Seahorn is no stranger to these student success initiatives. She has served as the
director of UHCL’s First-Year Composition program since 2014, when the university
welcomed freshmen for the first time. In 2017, she became chair of the College of
Human Sciences and Humanities Core Faculty Advisory Committee.
“We work to support faculty teaching core courses to add value for students taking
those classes,” she said. “It’s important to have support at this level because these
are ‘gateway’ courses, or foundational courses students must take to move successfully
on to their advanced courses, which is related to retention.”
The new responsibility might seem like added work, but for Seahorn, her role on the
UAEC is one more step in her pursuit of creating positive educational experiences
for her students.
“I’ve seen education and at all levels. Over time, I realized that research has become
so much of a focus that teaching sometimes gets lost. I can see myself in my students,
so my goal is to be there for them as a teacher who helps them meet their goals and
passions.”
Learn more about UHCL’s minor in professional writing at www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/professional-writing-minor.