A&M Texarkana Students Recognized for Contributions to Historical Preservation Efforts

TEXARKANA, Texas - Three Texas A&M University Texarkana students were recently recognized for their work securing three historic markers for the Texarkana region. Ryan Kate Walker, Amber Langdon, and Carson Holder were recognized by Matt Solomon, Historic Preservation and Community Development Project Manager for Texarkana, Texas, and Kenneth Payne, President of the Bowie County Historical Association, who both expressed their gratitude for the students' involvement and dedication to historic preservation.

"The partnership with Texas A&M University Texarkana shows how higher education and local government can work together to strengthen placemaking across Texarkana and Bowie County," Soloman said. "By connecting student research with the history, identity, and physical character of our community, this partnership helps create places that tell our story and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations."

"Bowie County's rich history was brought into the 21st century through the hard work of these three students," added Payne. "The Bowie County Historical Commission would like to implore future history buffs to research and help in our preservation efforts in our county. It is by knowing our past that we can prepare for the future."

"For me, this experience gave me a sense of pride to be part of the Texarkana community," said Amber Langdon. "Seeing how many great people we've had come from Texarkana who have made such a huge impact on not only our community, but even the world, just makes you proud to be part of it. I am also proud to be a TAMUT history graduate program alumna and am thankful for my professors creating this opportunity for me to work alongside Mr. Solomon during my internship so that I could get some hands-on, real world, historical training. It was an amazing opportunity working with Mr. Solomon, helping highlight parts of Texarkana's history and becoming part of that history as well."

"Learning the past leads to a greater understanding of the present," said Carson Holder. "Through this project, I've not only gained a greater understanding of the present, but I've had the opportunity to learn more than I knew before, while also creating a lasting impact in remembering our city's history."

"Working on this project gave me the opportunity to contribute to preserving a piece of history that has always felt close to home," said Ryan Kate Walker. "I grew up camping at Lake Wright Patman with my family, so researching Congressman William Wright Patman and helping tell his story made this project especially meaningful to me. I believe that historic preservation gives us a way to connect the places we know today with the people and stories that shaped them. Getting this marker approved by the State of Texas and knowing that my work will become a permanent part of that history is something I am incredibly proud of and will carry with me long after this project. I was especially grateful for this opportunity."

"I am thrilled that the hard work of our students, including a member of the Honors College, has resulted in a positive, permanent addition to our region," added Dr. Craig Nakashian, Dean of The Honors College at A&M Texarkana. "These markers designate important pieces of our history, and without students like these, they would be in danger of being neglected or forgotten."