About
Dr. Brent Donham serves as Vice President for Research and Economic Development at East Texas A&M University since 2022, following his tenure as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering (2014-2022) and Department Head of Engineering and Technology (2009-2014). He has spearheaded the development of Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, and BAAS Technology Management programs, significantly expanding the university's engineering portfolio and research infrastructure.
His academic foundation includes:
- Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M University)
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University
Dr. Donham's research focuses on cybersecurity education frameworks and workforce development, with strategic emphasis on industry-academic partnerships to address talent shortages. His work consistently bridges theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications, particularly in emerging technology fields. He maintains a strong commitment to inclusive engineering education through targeted outreach to underrepresented and rural student populations.
His publication trajectory reveals a clear evolution from foundational STEM outreach (2012) toward contemporary cybersecurity education models (2020-2022). Recent work emphasizes institutional structures for cybersecurity research ethics and career pathway development, while earlier scholarship established methodologies for engaging rural students in engineering. Collectively, his output demonstrates sustained focus on aligning curriculum with industry needs while expanding access to technical education.
Recognition for his leadership includes:
- Service Award from Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (2019)
- Administrator of the Year by Hunt/Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference (2013)
- Tech Titan of the Future University Award Finalist (2013)
- Outstanding Department Head Award from Faculty Senate (2013)
As research leader, Dr. Donham oversees institutional grant strategies including a significant Department of Education award to improve student retention. His industry partnership model connects regional economic development with academic programming, creating pipelines for student employment in critical technology sectors. This approach has strengthened East Texas A&M's R2 research designation through strategic alignment of university resources with community needs.
He actively supports the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research while fostering new interdisciplinary teams in cybersecurity and engineering education. His leadership cultivates environments where faculty research directly informs curriculum development, particularly in high-demand fields like cybersecurity where industry collaboration drives program innovation.
