Jennifer Hudson

Interim Assistant Dean and Instructor

The first time Jennifer Hudson stepped onto the A&M-Commerce campus as a student in 2005, she knew she'd found her place. After one day, she felt the connection and purpose behind her choice. As a first-generation college student, the choice to start at A&M-Commerce served her well by supporting her dreams and helping to make them a reality.

Hudson's positive experience at A&M-Commerce still fuels the work she does now—connecting with students and ensuring they avail themselves of everything the university has to offer. She is passionate about pushing students to think of college as less transactional and more transformational by asking themselves, “How do I want to grow, change and develop in my time at A&M-Commerce?”

As a native of Northeast Texas, Hudson understands the unique challenges and opportunities involved in starting a college career, including resistance to doing the extra things. As someone who didn't take advantage of everything the university offered until graduate school, her motivation remains to remove barriers, help students understand the process and secure the resources to make their big dreams happen!

How can I help you?

My primary role is as lead instructor for the competency-based General Studies program. Both my role and the degree are new, which is really exciting. I can help you determine if the program is a good fit for your goals, discuss the principles of Design Your Life (DYL) or just help you get connected with the university. I can provide anything from a pep talk to serving as a brainstorming buddy. Ideas excite me, so having the opportunity to work with you to develop your big plans or ideas never gets old. I love taking ideas and making them actionable.

A Conversation with Jennifer

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

A&M-Commerce has a lot to offer. You get all the benefits and opportunities of a Division I university experience with the small campus feel that comes with being known in your department and connecting easily with others. It's a supportive environment and I hope students feel that at all levels.

What draws you to your discipline?

The discipline I am teaching is new and that is exciting to me! My academic background is in history but I’ve always been interested in the idea of general studies or liberal studies. As someone who has a lot of academic interests, I love that you can give students the freedom to choose things they find exciting or use past experiences to customize parts of their degree program.

What has been your favorite course to teach?

I am really excited to teach GSCB 301, which helps introduce students to the principles of design thinking and how they can apply that to their life; not just school or a job. We look at students’ interests, strengths and how they want to move forward with pursuing ideas. It's important work that can really help students understand how valuable all of their experiences are as they prepare to move forward!

Educational Background

• Ed.D., Higher Education and Learning Technology, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2024
• M.S., History, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2009
• B.S., History, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2007

Research Interests

• Leadership
• High-impact education practices
• Design Your Life

Honors and Awards

• Most Valuable Lion Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce Staff Council, 2021
• Phi Kappa Phi History, since 2018
• Hats Off to Women Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018
• Unsung Hero Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce Office of International Programs, 2017