class notes

Class N�tes ’69 terry leflar, b.s. in industrial technology, is the owner of Leflar Insurance Agency and has more than 30 years of insurance experience. Leflar and his team recently launched a charity drive in support of a young wife and mother who was diagnosed with cancer. Leflar’s agency is also launching social media presence to garner more support. Their efforts have grown into a campaign called “Agents of Change.” ’87 gary gerber, b.m in music, was named dean of the School of Fine Arts at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Also, Gerber is the Chair of the Division of Music, Director of Choral Activities and professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University. In addition to his degree from Tarleton, Gerber received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in choral conducting. lew hunnicutt, m.s. in teaching agriculture, was named as the assistant provost and campus director at the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus. Prior to this, Hunnicutt was the vice president of extended services at Frank Phillips College, where he was responsible for the operation of branch campuses in Perryton and Dalhart and where he oversaw extended education programs such as continuing education and corporate development. In addition, Hunnicutt received his bachelor’s degree from Tarleton in agriculture, his master’s from New Mexico State University and his doctorate from the University of Wyoming. ’89 billy kniffen, m.s. in teaching agriculture, is a water resource specialist and recognized expert on rainwater harvesting. Kniffen spoke about “Roof Reliant Landscaping” at the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville as part of the center’s series “Conversations with Conservationists.” Kniffen has more than 30 years of experience as a water resource associate in the biological and agricultural engineering department with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service. In addition to his degree from Tarleton, Kniffen received his bachelor’s from Abilene Christian University.

On May 26, 1968, Tarleton commissioned these 10 young men as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 29, the men held a reunion at David and Rose Ann Kincannon’s home in Morgan Mill. A feeling of anticipation preceded the reunion, but friendships were quickly renewed once the men came together. The men hope to make it an annual or bi-annual event. The only missing member of the group was Bill McLennan, who died in combat during the Vietnam War. The men are standing in the same position in both photos, which is as follows: ’71 James whitehead, b.s. in mathematics and

’75 m.ed. in educational administration; ’68 alan waters, b.s. in general business; ’68 Jim robinson, b.a. in English; ’68 John norman, b.s. in history; ’68 david kincannon, b.a. in government; ’68 mike hennech, b.a. in history and ’75 m.ed. in educational administration; ’68 don grissom, b.a. in English and ’75 m.ed. in educational administration; ’68 Jerry golden, b.a. in government; ’67 kent donaldson, b.s. in biology; and bill mclennan (deceased)

kristi (throne) strickland, m.a. in history, was

named Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Region 11 Outstanding High School Principal of the Year. Strickland has guided the leadership team at Lake Dallas High School since 2010. Under her leadership, Lake Dallas High School was recognized in 2013 and 2014 by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s Best High Schools, established four new Career Tech Academies, and established a Collegiate Academy with North Central Texas College that enhanced dual credit offerings. Strickland also earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Tarleton and her doctorate in American history from the University of North Texas in 2000.

’91 dotty (mcdaniel) woodson, m.s. in teaching agriculture, a well-known water specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, was the guest speaker for a program hosted by the Native Plant Society of Texas’ Cross Timbers chapter. She spoke on using native plants to save water as well as landscape design and basic plant care. Woodson also received her bachelor’s in horticulture and landscape from Tarleton as well as her doctorate from Texas A&M University. ’00 sonny cruse, m.ed. in educational administration, was named as the superintendent of Graham Independent School District. Cruse taught and coached in Temple before he worked as an administrator in China Spring. He went on to Bonham where he served as superintendent for five years. Cruse also received his bachelor’s degree from Tarleton in physical education. ’01 natalie davidson, b.s. in exercise and sports studies, was named as the new executive director for the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church and Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. Prior to accepting the new position, Davidson served as a director of Glen Lake for six years. In addition to her degree from Tarleton, Davidson received her Master of Christian Arts in Education from Asbury Theological Seminary. ’08 mary boedeker, m.ed. in educational administration, was named as the principal of Marti Elementary School. Prior to accepting the position, Boedeker served as the principal of Adams Elementary since June of 2011. She began her career with Cleburne ISD in 1996 as a math teacher at Cleburne Middle School. Boedeker served a total of 12 years at the middle school level, the majority of that time teaching seventh grade reading and literature. In addition, Boedeker received her principal’s certification from Tarleton and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas Wesleyan University for her bachelor’s degree.

celia (avant) drews, ed.d. in educational leadership, principal of Lorena Middle School was chosen as the Region 12 Outstanding Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Drews has been a member of the leadership team at Lorena Middle School since 2009. In addition, Drews earned her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and her master’s from Tarleton in guidance and counseling. ’14 hannah chambers, b.s. in agricultural services and development, was hired by the Medina Independent School District as its FFA sponsor and the high school’s agricultural teacher. Before transferring to Tarleton, Chambers attended Schreiner University in Kerrville for one year. ’15 cody propps, b.s. in kinesiology, returned to his hometown of Benjamin as the new head girls’ athletics coach and fifth grade teacher at Benjamin ISD.

berdie thompson, m.b.a. in business administration, was hired as the human resources coordinator at the Day Nursery of Abilene. In addition to her degree from Tarleton, Thompson has a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix.

’05 crystal (dail) rose, m.s. in counseling psychology, was named as the director of Ranger College’s Learning Frameworks program, which is designed to help new students adjust to college life. Prior to the position, Rose worked as an adjunct faculty member for Ranger College. In addition to her degree from Tarleton, Rose earned her bachelor’s from Howard Payne University. Justin Zielinski, b.b.a. in business, graduated as a guard specialist in the U.S. Army from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

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