Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

UNDERGRADUATE NEWS

Marine Veteran Harrell Appointed Student Regent for The Texas A&M University System

D emetrius L. Harrell, Jr., 25 (Eta Phi, spring 2022), is a member in Good Standing with Grand Chapter, the Southwestern Province, and his chapter. He is a neophyte, enjoying membership in our illustrious fraternity. Harrell, a Marine veteran, was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as student regent for The Texas A&M Uni- versity System. He will serve a one-year term to expire on May 31, 2023. Har- rell is the second student regent from Texas A&M University-Commerce since the program began in 2005. In 2005, the 79 th Texas Legislature authorized the governor to appoint nonvoting stu- dent regents to each university system’s board of regents. The chancellor of each university system recommends at least two students to the governor from applications submitted by participating universities. Harrell is pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a double minor in sociol- ogy and legal studies from Texas A&M University-Commerce. He is currently serving his second term as the Presi-

dent of the Campus Activities Board at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he helps provide high-quality entertainment to promote unity among the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the greater Commerce community. Harrell also served as the President of the African American Male Mentorship Program, where he was devoted to the retention of African American males at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He recently served as Polemarch of the Eta Phi Undergraduate Chapter, resigning to focus on his recent appointment as student regent with The Texas A&M University System. Harrell previously served honorably in the United States Marines Corps, where he was a Corporal responsible for an amphibious assault vehicle and crew. He completed a six-month unit deployment program (UDP) in Peru, training with the Argentinian, Japanese, and Peruvian armed forces. Harrell is a six-year military veteran who honorably served this amazingly complex country we are all so fortunate to call home. He also served as a deputy sheriff for

the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Palatka, Putnam County, Florida. In this role, Harrell protected and served residents of Putnam County, Florida, through community engagement and policing. He connected with the com- munity at large, often diverting conflicts before they materialized and maintained a constant presence in the community, developing relationships with vari- ous stakeholders. Harrell broke the sentiments of contempt and mistrust many have for police officers through his charismatic personality, community policing efforts, training, and sunny demeanor and disposition. He is a lifelong Palatka, Florida, native and a graduate of Palatka High School. Here's to Brother Harrell!

34 | SPRING 2022 ♦ THE JOURNAL

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