Seeing the magic of learning and research happen is one of Dr. Steve Bain’s favorite things to experience. His passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom, as he embraces his new leadership role as the Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance.
After 12 years of service at Texas A&M Kingsville-University, Bain looks forward to his new administrative role with excitement. He plans to kick off his administration in high gear with the needs of the College of Education and Human Performance as top priority.
“One of our priorities is partnership development with our community and regional constituents. These include but are not limited to school districts, charter schools, community colleges and other organizations that are connected in some way with the mission and vision of the College of Education and Human Performance,” he said. “I want our programs to be cutting edge at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level…The students we are teaching today are not the same students we were teaching six months ago, because of COVID. We are going to have to be relevant, futuristically minded, and we are going to have to answer the question that people are asking. That’s an important thing for me, for us to be in sync with our students.”
Bain first joined Javelina Nation doing adjunct work in 2003 and has since moved up the ladder of education. In 2008 he became a full-time adjunct, and soon after became an assistant professor teaching counseling courses.
Bain served as the Counseling Supervisor for two years at the Student Health and Wellness, before becoming the Department Chair of Educational Leadership and Counseling in 2014. In conjunction to being chair, Bain served as the Interim Associate Dean.
Among his faculty and staff, Bain is known for his empathetic and charismatic leadership.
“Bain is the type of person and leader that truly cares about people. He cares about us, our families, and cares enough to make each one of us a priority. He inspires and motivates us to be better, and to do better. His energy is contagious! He really encourages an environment for teamwork and success. He creates a positive and enthusiastic environment and because of that, my job here at the CEHP is enjoyable,” Assistant to the Dean Linda Garza said.
Not only does Bain support his students, he works to offer his colleagues new learning opportunities to further enhance their careers.
“Working with Dr. Bain is very inspiring and energizing. He is a very high energy person, and I really like his leadership style…I’m constantly learning things from Dr. Bain, he has a different background than me, and I a mesmerized with everything that he shares with me. He has created a lot experiences for me that are very meaningful and helpful… He has given me a seat at the table that is helping me grow,” Dr. Lucy Villarreal, assistant dean, said.
As Bain and his staff get ready to kick off the semester in high gear by reaching out to the community and enhancing the educational programs, he reminiscences of his time in the classroom.
“The position I am now gives me the opportunity to support other educators in our college and make a difference for our students, and I like that. But if there ever was a day when I were just to go back to the classroom, I will not consider that a demotion, that is an honor. It is honor to be able to teach, and I’ll always be grateful to Texas A&M Kingsville for giving first-generation country boy a chance to make a difference,” Bain said