Chantea Warner

Ph.D. Student

Chantea Warner is a native Texan from Houston and is currently working on her doctorate in English with an emphasis on linguistics. She has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston. Through her doctoral program and dissertation, Warner is learning how to better advocate for her students. As a first-generation college student and middle school teacher, she understands the challenges her students can face as they work towards their academic goals. Warner says that one of the most important lessons she has learned is to always believe in herself, as it’s helped her grow as a student and a person.

Conversation with Chantea

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce? What sets A&M-Commerce apart from other universities?

To students thinking about attending A&M-Commerce, I would say that it is a great school with professors who genuinely care. What sets it apart is that it is a small campus that is cozy and feels like home.

How is your degree program preparing you for a career once you graduate from A&M-Commerce?

My degree program is preparing me a great deal with rigorous coursework, by holding me to a higher standard when completing assignments and by encouraging me to take advantage of opportunities to present my research. All of this is helping me to increase my knowledge so that I can successfully articulate why my work is necessary in my field later. Additionally, I am prepared to advocate for my students in very significant ways after graduating.

Which professor or staff member has positively influenced you during your time as a student at A&M-Commerce? What will you remember about this professor or staff member?

Dr. Attardo has impacted me a great deal. He is firm but fair. He also shares hard truths with me, when necessary, which is something that I truly appreciate. Also, it helps that he is very knowledgeable in his area of study. When I ask him questions, he knows the answers or directs me to who does.

What is an important life lesson you have learned as a student at A&M-Commerce?

An important life lesson that I’ve learned is how important it is to believe in myself. The work that I’ve completed has been challenging at times, but I’ve learned and stretched my thinking in so many ways that I never thought I would.

What do you like to do when you are not attending classes?

When I am not teaching or working on my dissertation, I get caught up on my sleep. At other times, you will find me reading a great novel or engaging in mindless activities like scrolling through my social media connections.

Education

• Ph.D., English – Emphasis in Linguistics, Texas A&M University-Commerce, In Progress
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction – Science, University of Houston, 2014
• B.B.A., Marketing, University of Houston, 2005