Today@Sam Article
College Of Education Professor Awarded
July 27, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
By Lidia Gutierrez
Ricardo Montelongo, associate professor of educational leadership at Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by two different universities. He received the 2022 Outstanding Graduate Mentor award from SHSU, and the Robert H. Shaffer Distinguished Alumni award from his doctoral alma mater, Indiana University – Bloomington.
“The awards symbolize the help, care, and love my friends, colleagues, and family provided in all my educational pursuits,” Montelongo said. “It reflects the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong, supportive network in all your educational endeavors.”
In the College of Education at SHSU, the professor’s programs focus on higher education administration and leadership. With 30 years of experience working in higher education, he understands the importance of mentorships.
“I mentor students to provide encouragement and validation to help them reach educational goals that they or others felt were beyond reach,” Montelongo said. “The knowledge students gain in the classroom is important, but the knowledge gained from people who serve their communities and value humanness in their work is equally important. A good mentor shows students the meaning of SHSU’s motto: The measure of a Life is its Service. Mentors help students see how value is much more than income, social mobility and status.”
Montelongo is the founding member of SHSU Latinos Unidos ERG, an organization on the SHSU campus focused on helping the community of Hispanic/Latinx staff, faculty and allies by serving as a support group.
“We hope to continue to be a space to voice any issues and ideas that will enhance the work environment for members on campus and within the overall SHSU community,” he said. “We want the group to grow to reflect this representation.”
With this growth, Montelongo also hopes to better understand the various needs and strengthen ties to the Huntsville Hispanic/Latinx community. He is also pleased to see how the efforts and mission of Latinos Unidos connects with SHSU’s new federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
“This is an important step in SHSU’s history,” he said. “As a Latino male tenured faculty member, I look forward to supporting SHSU in its HSI efforts, especially in recruiting and retaining Hispanic faculty members to campus.”
To learn more about SHSU Latinos Unidos, visit their Instagram page.
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