Theresa Sadler, Ph.D.

Lecturer

Theresa Sadler has deep roots at A&M-Commerce, now called East Texas A&M, having earned four degrees from here. She has dedicated 22 years to the field of higher education and the past 20 years to teaching. Sadler has taught a variety of courses in her discipline including ethics, leadership, globalization, corporate communications and diversity and has facilitated courses on effective online teaching practices.

Throughout her career, Sadler has served as an advisor in several student organizations and on the boards of several charitable organizations throughout Texas and volunteers her time at various nonprofits in her area.

Sadler is an avid reader and can typically be found reading when not working. She also loves searching for and learning about Indian artifacts as well as hiking and exploring new places.

A Conversation with Theresa

Why do you like teaching? 

What I enjoy most about teaching is helping our non-traditional students achieve their goal of completing a college education. Many of them have overcome significant challenges to return to school, and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding. The sense of accomplishment they feel when they succeed is truly inspiring, and knowing I played a role in that success makes teaching so fulfilling.

What is your favorite course to teach?

I find joy in every course I teach because my enjoyment is intertwined with the student experience. I especially appreciate classes where students see value in the course and can apply what they've learned right away. Students in organizational dynamics often share that they've gained skills they're eager to bring back to their managers, creating an immediate impact within their organizations.

What is your favorite place in Commerce?

I have so many memories of various places in Commerce, but one of my favorite is the steep hill behind the Business Administration Building. I ran and rolled down that hill many times as a child. I also have very vivid memory of my sister “accidentally” rolling down that hill once. Such great memories have been made and fun times spent on the campus of East Texas A&M University.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2018
• M.S., Psychology, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2015
• M.S., Management, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2004
• B.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 1997

Honors and Awards

• Alumni Ambassador in the Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M University), 2024
• Choctaw Nation Higher Education Scholarship recipient, 2018
• Outstanding Service to Students as an Advisor, National Society of Leadership and Success, 2015 and 2016
• Phi Delta Kappa Scholarship recipient, 2015

Featured Courses

Selected Publications

Sadler, T. D., Gibson, S., & Reysen, S. (2017). The effect of a leadership training program on consideration of future consequences. Journal of Leadership Studies, 10(4), 35-42.

Humphreys, J., Ziao, N., & Sadler, T. (2008). Emotional disposition and leadership preferences of American and Chinese MBA students. International Journal of Leadership Studies, 3(2), 162-80.