STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University professor Dr. James (Jim) E. Gentry has been named a Regents Professor for the 2024-25 school year by The Texas A&M System Board of Regents.
Created in 1996, the award recognizes outstanding faculty for their work and commitment to higher education. The selection process begins with a call for nominations from the chancellor. Final nominations advance to the chief executive officer of each A&M entity and then undergo a system-level review by academic vice chancellors and past recipients. The chancellor and the board make the final decision. “Dr. Gentry is one of the most wholehearted educators I’ve had the privilege to work with,” said Dr. Lesley Leach, Dean of the College of Education. “He is a respected colleague, a gifted educator, a thoughtful scholar and a dedicated mentor. He brings deep expertise and a spirit of service to every role he takes on, and he is exactly the kind of faculty member this award was designed to recognize.”
Currently serving as a Professor and Department Head of Curriculum and Instruction in Tarleton State’s College of Education, Dr. Gentry has dedicated over 20 years to advancing teacher education, curriculum development and instructional innovation.
Though Dr. Gentry did not start out as a Tarleton State Texan, he knew from the very beginning that this is where he wanted to end up because of the impact that teacher alumni from Tarleton State had on his own educational journey. “I knew from those who had impacted me that Tarleton had a great reputation for teacher preparation,” said Dr. Gentry. “Seeing how the university was committed to serving future teachers, working closely with school partners and conducting research made this the dream. It has been a wonderful experience ever since I started.”
Since joining the Tarleton State faculty in 2006, Dr. Gentry has served in numerous leadership roles, including Director of Instructional Development and Course Design at the Center for Educational Excellence and Chair of the Faculty Development Committee. His efforts have empowered educators through faculty development initiatives and high-impact teaching practices. “My favorite thing about my job is working with a group of people who are truly dedicated to helping teachers be best prepared to work with students,” said Dr. Gentry. “Working with students to conduct research on how to improve the craft of teaching is an added bonus.”
Dr. Gentry has authored and co-authored multiple books, book chapters, and over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles on topics ranging from digital literacy and special education to innovative teaching strategies. His proven dedication to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the Crystal Apple Society Award, Faculty Excellence in Scholarship and induction into the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators.
“Tarleton State has amazing professors and an amazing history of service, research and teaching,” said Dr. Gentry. “To be recognized for this award and now being counted in a group of people who I know have also received this award, who I look up to and who have been mentors to me — it is all very humbling.”
During his time as a faculty member, Dr. Gentry has been supported by his wife, Tanya Gentry, and his two sons, Christian and Zachary.
