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Epsilon Chapter at the University of North Texas

The University of North Texas has brought life back to AEL on it’s campus. UNT founded the Epsilon charter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda in the fall semester of 1993 with 10 members and continued to be active until 1999 with a final total of 57 members. The chapter was inactive until just recently when a group of determined graduate students, under the leadership of Dr. Sandra Terrell, Dean of the Robert B. Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and faculty advisor, brought it back to life.

The Epsilon chapter held their installation ceremony on April 30. Five of the six members were present and received their certificates, honor cords and pins. AEL president Tobye Rae Nelson presented Dr. Terrell with an Honorary Chapter Membership complete with certificate, honor cord and pin.

Dr. Terrell has served as the AEL faculty advisor since 1993 and is also the long-standing faculty advisor for the Graduate Student Council. The charter announced a new award to be presented each fall semester: The Sandra L. Terrell Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate Students lovingly called “The Terrell.” It was created to honor her dedication and support for being a champion of graduate students, continually striving for academic excellence, promoting leadership, increasing funding, and making sure graduate students are recognized for their unique contributions to UNT.

Newly inducted members include:

Tobye Rae Nelson (PhD in Educational Computing)
President, AEL
President, Graduate Student Council

Lisa Russell (PhD in Management)
Vice-President, AEL
Vice-President, Graduate Student Council

Liz Daggett (MFA in Radio, Television, Film)
President (past), Graduate Student Council

Pam Rogers (PhD in Management)

Tracy Kahn (MEd in Higher Education)

Gwendolyn Miller (MEd in Higher Education)

The University of North Texas located in the city of Denton, west of Dallas, is the fourth largest university in the state featuring 11 colleges and schools and offers 99 bachelor’s, 104 master’s, and 49 doctoral degree programs. With enrollment at over 34,000 students UNT holds five separate commencement ceremonies: three undergraduate ceremonies, one master’s, and one doctoral ceremony. AEL made an impressive display at both graduate commencement ceremonies.


Dr. Sandra Terrell, Dean of the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies, was present at both ceremonies proudly wearing her maroon and silver honor cord. As the outgoing president of the Graduate Student Council, Liz Daggett was honored to both speak at the Master’s Commencement Ceremony AND to graduate. Said Daggett, “Having this distinction and honor in front of my parents and the faculty while graduating is an amazing feeling. I’m even on the Jumbotron!”

As a doctoral candidate, incoming president of GSC, and the current president of AEL Tobye Rae Nelson was the speaker at the Doctoral Hooding and Commencement Ceremony. She gave out the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring. Both Nelson and Daggett felt privileged to wear their AEL cords and represent the organization.

The University of North Texas also honored the new AEL members during it’s prestigious Honor’s Day held in April and will continue annually along with recognizing all other high honors bestowed to students. Nelson commented, “Since Honor’s Day and Commencement, I’ve been overwhelmed with calls and emails asking how to join. Everyone wants to wear the silver and maroon with our green and white. It may not be the smartest fashion choice color-wise, but it is certainly popular.”

By Tobye Rae Nelson

AEL conveys its sincere congratulations to Tobye Rea Nelson, Dr. Sandra Terrell and the Epsilon Chapter Members for their wonderful achievement.