OWLS 50th Anniversary

The Department of OWLS was founded as the Office of Occupational Education (OCED) in 1973 by Oscar Dorsey, Ph.D., in the College of Applied Arts. OCED was an innovative concept at a time when few institutions awarded academic credit for occupational competencies, skills and knowledge. Over the ensuing 50 plus years, OWLS has undergone two name changes but has never stopped providing service to veterans and working adults. 

Today, OWLS has 14 full-time faculty  and over 20 part-time faculty who serve hundreds of students across Texas and beyond. The department’s mission is to prepare students for workplace success, and is accomplished through various OWLS programs and support. 

Please join our department in celebrating the past and future of OWLS. The 50th Anniversary Banquet will be held at the Embassy Suites in San Marcos on April 17th. RSVP to attend and receive event updates.  

banquet flyer

Thursday, April 17th, 2025

Embassy Suites Conference Center, San Marcos

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

owls 50th anniversary

50th Anniversary Banquet

Join us in celebrating our anniversary and students!

Past OWLS 50th Anniversary Kickoff Reception

Thanks for coming!

Six people in business clothing posing in front of a colorfully decorated stage and podium.

Anniversary Reception Speakers

Left to right Dean Angela Ausbrooks, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, Chair; Dr. Gene Bourgeois, Provost; Page Michel, Chamber of Commerce; Ted Groholske, Greater San Marcos Partnership; Mayor Jane Hughson

A group of people in business clothing standing in front of a maroon and gold backdrop, covered in balloons that say "50."

OWLS Faculty and Staff

An arrangement of maroon, gold, and white balloons topped by a bigger balloon with the number 50 on it.

Festive Centerpiece

Two people in business clothing pose in front of colorful backdrop, surrounded by balloons.

Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, Department Chair, with Arnob Kumar Saha, a member of the ACCEYSS Research Team.

Two people in business clothing pose in front of a colorful backdrop, surrounded by balloons.

Dr. Twyla Hough, Postdoctoral Scholar, with Arnob Kumar Saha, a member of the ACCEYSS Research Team.

Several people pose in front of a maroon backdrop, balloons overhead.

Round Rock Anniversary Reception

Left to right: Dr. Brittany Hyden, Dr. Shailen Singh, Dr. Jennifer King, Vice President Julie Lessiter, Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, Dr. Felix Quayson, Dr. Todd Sherron, Jessica Devin.

Several people pose in front of a colorful backdrop, surrounded by balloons.

Round Rock OWLS Faculty

Left to right: Dr. Felix Quayson, Dr. Omar López, Dr. Shailen Singh, Dr. Brittany Hyden, Dr. Jennifer King.

Three people in business clothing pose in front of a colorful backdrop, surrounded by balloons.

Left to right: Dr. Mary-Jo Garcia, Dr. Katherine Selber, and Dean Angela Ausbrooks.