The current recipient of the Robert L. Walker/Herman F. Heep and Minnie Bell Heep Texas A&M University Foundation Endowed Fellowship, Linda Loyd, is a doctoral student in the school psychology program. Loyd’s interest in psychology began during advanced placement courses in high school and expanded as she took psychology courses during her undergraduate program at Princeton University. She also discovered an interest in learning more about children and their mental development.
Realizing that she needed an advanced degree to excel in her profession, Loyd applied to graduate programs across the nation. The Tennessee native especially liked the proactive approach that A&M’s program took toward children’s mental health issues. “Kids face many challenges these days and prevention is a critical way to help them avoid problems before these issues emerge,” Loyd said, adding that her study of children’s conduct issues, such as aggression, focuses on “helping schools create an environment that promotes mental health and success.”
Besides attending graduate classes, Loyd has analyzed data from the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies Curriculum, which is being implemented in Spring Independent School District (ISD). This curriculum is designed to promote emotional and social competencies while reducing aggression and behavioral problems in elementary-aged children. During the 2005-06 academic year, Loyd will assist with data analysis in Project Achieve, a longitudinal study with Bryan ISD, College Station ISD and Spring ISD. The researchers will collect data from multiple stakeholders (parents, teachers and students) to study what happens developmentally to a student who repeats a grade level.
Dr. Robert Walker, who serves as Texas A&M’s vice president of development and holds the James W. Aston University Chair in Institutional Development, was surprised when the Robert L. Walker/The Herman F. Heep and Minnie Bell Heep Texas A&M University Foundation Endowed Fellowship was announced at a luncheon hosted by the Ed Rachal Foundation. “I was shocked and honored. I did not know about the fellowship at the time,” Dr. Walker said, explaining that he attended the luncheon in early 2003 to recognize the work of College of Education members.
The funding to support this fellowship was provided by the Ed Rachal Foundation and was matched by the Heep Foundation. Rachal Foundation Executive Director Paul Altheide said the board of directors believed that funding the fellowship was an appropriate way to recognize Walker’s commitment to Texas A&M, as well as his service as a fellow board member.
The Walker/Heep Endowed Fellowship supports a graduate student whose work promotes Texas A&M's Children, Youth and Families Strategic Initiative. “I have always been a strong advocate for families and their importance in our society,” Walker said. Pointing to the difficulties facing today’s families, he is pleased that the fellowship can provide assistance to a talented student who is interested in researching these important issues.
Loyd’s graduate work at Texas A&M embodies Walker’s philanthropic philosophy in seeking funds for higher education. “I can’t think of a better way to invest in something that will provide such a rich dividend,” he said, pointing to Texas A&M University’s sense of community, committed faculty, and growing international reputation. “I am honored to work and serve at one of the greatest institutions in the world.”
By Dorian Martin '07
