Candace Reese, DLS

EDUCATION

Southern Methodist University, Doctor of Liberal Studies, 2023

Texas Southern University, Master of Arts, English, 2001

University of Houston, Bachelor of Arts, English, 1999

TEACHING

Professor, English (1999-Present)

  • Professor, Texas Southern University

  • Adjunct Professor, Houston Community College

  • Professor, Collin College

  • Adjunct Professor, Richland College

  • Adjunct Professor, University of North Texas

Professor, Developmental Integrated Reading and Writing (2013-2018)

  • Professor, Collin College

Professor, Developmental Writing (1999-2011)

  • Professor, Collin College

  • Adjunct Professor, Houston Community College

  • Adjunct Professor, Westwood College of Aviation Mechanics

Professor, Developmental Reading (1999-2011)

  • Professor, Texas Southern University

Instructor, Adult Basic Education (2004-2005)

  • Houston Community College

Adjunct Professor, College Success (2014-2015)

  • Collin College

Candace Reese at the University of Connecticut

Presentations, Publications and Contributions

  • PRESENTATIONS

    • Research Project, “Engaging Students in the First-Year English Composition Classroom”, University of Texas at Dallas, 2013

    • Presented "Exploring Minimalist Writing in 'Likely Lake', by Mary Robinson," University of Texas at Dallas, 2013

    • “Integrated Reading and Writing: Using Sources and Citations in Lessons," Faculty Professional Development, Collin College, 2013

    • “Revision and Editing for Publication,” Chaplain Pastoral Education Program, Baylor University Medical Center, 2013

    • “Preparing to Write for Publication,” Chaplain Pastoral Education Program, Baylor University Medical Center, 2012

    • Presented “Own It: Create an Integrated Reading Writing Textbook in a Year” at the College Academic Support Programs Conference, 2015

    • Presented “Positive Psychology in the Academic Classroom”, Faculty Development Conference, Collin College, co-presenter, Marti Miles- Rosenfield, January 2015

    • “The Courage to Create”, Doctor of Liberal Studies, To Be Human, Southern Methodist University, 2015

    • “Creativity and Fulfillment at Midlife” CRED Talks, a TED Talks-inspired forum on creativity and genius, Southern Methodist University, April 2016

    • "Dissertation Design: Independent Study on Narrative Identity, Creativity, and Healing," Doctor of Liberal Studies, Virtual, 2020-2021

    • "How Generational Storytelling Made Juneteenth a National Holiday," Community College Humanities Association National Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, 2022

    • Presented, "Juneteenth Pilgrimage: Reclaiming the Oral Tradition," Texas Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Symposium, Dallas, Texas, 2023

    • Presented, "Stopping by the Menard House on Our Way to Ashton Villa," Association of Graduate Liberal Studies National Conference, San Diego, California, 2023

    • "Creative Muse: Writing Black Texans' Stories on the Road to Winning the National Book Award in Fiction - A Conversation with Dr. Latoya Watkins," iCollin Campus, Virtual, Spring, 2024

    • "Are You Ready for College: Reimagining College Readiness for Equity and Engagement," Texas Literary Conference, San Marcos, Texas, 2024

    • "Are You Ready for College: A Digital Resource for Enhancing Student Success Week One and Beyond," Texas Digital Education Summit, Virtual, 2025

    PUBLICATIONS

    Writing to the Prompt: A Guide to Answering Writing Prompts Effectively, Ruby Tree Publishing, 2011

    Mythology and Belief: A Humanities Reader, Ruby Tree Publishing, 2014

    "The Journey to Becoming Thomas," Juneteenth Edition, Galveston Daily News, June 2024

  • COLLEGE SERVICE AND STUDENT SUPPORT

    • Faculty academic advisor at the Developmental Education Pilot Advising Sessions at Collin College, 2012-2015

    • Mentor, Academic Planning Coach, Collin College, 2012-2013 and 2022 – 2023.

    • Moderated a district-wide interactive, student-focused dialogue on racial unity entitled “A New Hallowed Ground in McKinney” with professors Marc Azard, Audra Heaslip, and Brian White for African American History Month at Collin College, 2016

    • Co-requisite Committee to comply with HB223, 2016-2017

    • TSI Assessment Committee, 2012-2013

    • First Year Experience, Collin College

    • Writer's Boot Camp Coordinator, Collin College, 2012 - 2013

      • Collaborated with Developmental Education Mathematics, Reading, and English as a Second Language faculty to develop non-course-based option bootcamps for each discipline

    • Created and developed Writer's Boot Camp, Collin College’s first official state-mandated non-course-based option, 2012

    • Faculty Advisor for Baptist Student Ministries, 2014-2017

    • Faculty Liaison for House Bill 5 College Preparatory Course for Anna Independent School District, Collin College, 2020- 2022

    • Texas Success Initiative Integrated Reading and Writing Boot Camp District Coordinator, Collin College, 2020 - Spring 2021

    • Grade Appeals Board, Collin College, 2024 - 2026

    Director, Reading Bridge Program, Texas Southern University, Upward Bound, 2003-2010

    • Built the first high school-to-college bridge program for the Reading component of the state entry exam for Texas Southern University, 2003.

    Director of the Writing Bridge Program, Collin College, 2012.

    • Built the first Writers Boot Camp bridge program for Collin College for the state entry exam.

  • INDUSTRY

    Are You Ready, Inc

    Founder, 2019-Present

    Created this organization to help students enroll and succeed in college. The program offered college application support, entrance exam tutoring, and peer tutoring for all levels of college studies. The program was initially created to serve student-athletes but has since expanded to serve a broader population. We offer a courseware product to help students acclimate to college norms.

Connect to Are You Ready for College