Awardee Caleb Allen, left, and Leah Velarde, right, UT Tyler director of career success. (Contributed Photo)

Angela Collins promoted to VP of Operations at Traditions Health

Traditions Health recently announced the promotion of Angela “Angie” Collins to vice president of operations.

As the Vice President of Operations, she will be responsible for the oversight of the home health branches in Kansas, and several home health branches in Oklahoma and Texas. In addition, she will play a crucial role in supporting the home health team, ensuring programming is operating at the highest of standards, and continuing to implement strategic, operational, and growth initiatives.

“Angie’s collaborative efforts have significantly contributed to increasing operational efficiency. Her dedication to continuous improvement and her ability to inspire her team have been pivotal in driving success,” Tony Maxwell, chief operating officer, said in a news release.

Collins, who lives in Tyler, began her home health career working for Trinity Valley Home Health as director of nursing for 14 years before Trinity was acquired by Traditions Health.

After the acquisition, she became clinical team leader before being promoted to administrator, regional administrator of Tyler, and Waxahachie, and ultimately regional director of operations for Tyler, Waxahachie, Tomball, and Houston.

“I’m very excited for this next chapter of my career with Traditions and cannot wait to share my passion for home health,” Collins said.

Traditions Health provides home health, hospice, and palliative care services. Its goal is to help patients have the best quality of life possible surrounded by the people they love. Traditions Health opened its first agency in Bryan in 2008. Since then, the company has continued to grow and now provides care across eighteen states. Traditions Health is a portfolio company of Dorilton.

For more information, visit www.traditionshealth.com.

Mr. Sigma Beta Club Scholarship luncheon celebrates community and service

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter, recently held the annual Mr. Sigma Beta Club Scholarship Luncheon, on Saturday, April 20 at Tyler Junior College.

The highlight of this year’s luncheon was esteemed keynote speaker, Mr. Nate Hill, Regional Director for Young Life Ozark-Bayou Region. With a wealth of experience and dedication to youth development, Mr. Hill’s insights inspired and empowered attendees.

Established on April 23, 1954, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Parlett Moore, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity introduced the first Greek organization’s youth auxiliary group, The Sigma Beta Club. In commemoration of this milestone, the 2024 Mr. Sigma Beta Club Scholarship Luncheon honored the legacy of Dr. Parlett Moore with the prestigious Service Award.

The 2024 Dr. Parlett Moore Service Award recipients are exemplary organizations and individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to community service and youth development:

• Christy’s Safe Haven
• CASA for Kids of East Texas
• Principal Sharron Jackson
• Young Life — Longview
• Zeta Youth Affiliates

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. — Alpha Zeta Sigma Chapter is committed to fostering leadership, scholarship, and community service among young men. Through initiatives like the Mr. Sigma Beta Club Scholarship Luncheon, the chapter aims to empower and uplift the next generation of leaders.

Jennifer Clemmer awarded Jim Durkel Paraprofessional of the Year Award

Tyler ISD recently announced that Jennifer Clemmer, Tyler ISD Visually Impaired Support Specialist, was honored with the Jim Durkel Paraprofessional of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade was presented to Clemmer at the annual Texas AER (Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired) Conference in San Marcos.

The Jim Durkel Paraprofessional of the Year Award is a tribute to the legacy of Jim Durkel, dedicated Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Outreach professional. Durkel’s tireless dedication to supporting teachers and enhancing the lives of visually impaired students statewide and nationally inspired this award. It recognizes individuals who, like Durkel, exhibit exceptional initiative, diligence, and integrity in their profession.

Clemmer’s receipt of this award highlights her outstanding contributions to promoting acceptance, understanding, and independence for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of students reflects the values and mission of Tyler ISD in providing inclusive and empowering educational experiences, according to the district.

UT Tyler students recognized at awards luncheon

Several students at The University of Texas at Tyler were recognized at a student and employee luncheon earlier this month. Prior to the luncheon, faculty and staff supervisors nominated student employees for either a Leadership, Rising Star or Spirit Award.

Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning of Bullard, a junior biochemistry and chemistry double major, was awarded a 2024 Spirit Award in recognition of outstanding service as a UT Tyler student employee. She served the UT Tyler Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry.

Winners of the Spirit Award must demonstrate a genuine respect of university traditions and a commitment to continue those traditions, display a consistent spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and promote the university in a positive light.

Nathan Witt

Nathan Witt of Mineola, a junior mass communication major, was awarded a 2024 Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding service as a UT Tyler student employee. He served the UT Tyler Department of Communication, and will graduate with a UT Tyler bachelor’s degree this spring.

Winners of the Leadership Award must demonstrate initiative, encourage and inspire teamwork, and promote a supportive work environment.

Steven Metcalf

Steven Metcalf of Tyler, a junior civil engineering major, was awarded a 2024 Rising Star Award in recognition of outstanding service as a UT Tyler student employee. He served UT Tyler student success auxiliaries.

Winners of the Rising Star Award must demonstrate a passion for their work, exemplify a strong work ethic and show creativity and innovation.

Jennifer Chandler

Jennifer Chandler of New Diana, a senior biology and chemistry double major, was awarded a 2024 Leadership Award in recognition of outstanding service as a UT Tyler student employee. She served UT Tyler residence life.

Winners of the Leadership Award must demonstrate initiative, encourage and inspire teamwork, and promote a supportive work environment.

Chandler will graduate with a UT Tyler bachelor’s degree this spring.