SHSU Online is proud to announce that Dr. Ruth Chisum, Assistant Vice President, has been selected as one of only ten fellows for the inaugural Texas Open Educational Resources (OER) Fellowship Program. This prestigious fellowship recognizes Ruth’s outstanding contributions to the field of digital learning and her leadership in promoting educational accessibility and innovation.
The Texas OER Fellowship Program aims to advance the adoption and integration of OER across higher education institutions in Texas, enhancing educational access, affordability, and success. As a founding fellow, Ruth will play a crucial role in designing and evaluating the program’s curriculum and resources, which will serve as the foundation for future cohorts of the Texas OER Fellowship Program.
Figure 1- OER Founding Fellows, THECB Staff
Reflecting on her selection, Ruth shared, "I am honored to represent Sam Houston State University in this important initiative. Being selected as a fellow not only highlights SHSU's commitment to educational excellence but also aligns perfectly with our strategic priorities. By making OER available, we prioritize student success and access, remove common barriers to academic completion, and support our mission of serving the educational needs of Texas and beyond."
Figure 2- Working Day at OER Founding Fellows, Austin, Texas
Ruth’s role in the Texas OER Fellowship Program directly supports SHSU's strategic priorities:
- Prioritize Student Success and Access: By increasing access to education through free or low-cost resources, OER ensures that all students have the materials they need from day one, removing financial barriers, supporting academic completion, and enhancing overall student success.
- Elevate the Reputation and Visibility of SHSU: Ruth’s participation in the Texas OER Fellowship Program positions SHSU as a leader in educational innovation. Her appointment ensures that SHSU has a voice in shaping the future of OER, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
- Expand and Elevate Our Service to the State and Beyond: Through SHSU’s coordinated OER efforts, the university contributes to a national and global movement towards open education, leading by example and fostering collaboration within the OER community.
Ruth's involvement in this program underscores SHSU's dedication to advancing educational opportunities and reinforcing the university’s strategic priorities. SHSU Online congratulates Ruth on this well-deserved honor and eagerly anticipates the positive impact her work will have on students, faculty, and institutions across Texas and beyond.