Speakers

Melissa L. Mednicov, PhD, is a Professor of Art History at Sam Houston State University, where she is known for her expertise in Pop Art, Texas modernist art, and contemporary art criticism. She is also an art critic, curator, and book reviews edit.  Dr. Mednicov holds a PhD and has a strong focus on Pop Art, particularly its intersection with identity, cultural shifts, and visual expression in modern consumer culture. Her research also explores Texas modernist art and its role in broader national and international art trends. 

Bobby Lumpkin was appointed Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and began his role on September 1, 2025, succeeding Bryan Collier.  He is a 35-year veteran of TDCJ, having started in 1990 as a Correctional Officer at the Diagnostic Unit.  In his statement accepting the appointment, Lumpkin emphasized his commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and reentry, pledging to lead with integrity and to position TDCJ as a national model of criminal justice excellence. He oversees an agency supervising over 140,000 incarcerated individuals and employs thousands of Texans.

Diana McRae is a longtime resident of Walker County, a graduate of Huntsville High School, attended Sam Houston State University, and a member of Northside Baptist Church.  She has been the Tax Assessor-Collector for Walker County for over 15 years.  The position also oversees Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration and Elections for Walker County. 

She is going to give us an update on things happening in her department.

Victoria Cardenas is the current President of the Friends of the Wynne, the support organization for the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center. While attending SHSU, she served as an intern for the City of Huntsville and earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SHSU in 2019. Victoria attended Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She returned to SHSU after law school and currently serves as an on-campus attorney in the university’s Student Legal & Mediation Services office, where she provides students with legal assistance and guidance on a variety of legal issues.

Olivia Discon is the current Treasurer of the Friends of the Wynne and is a frequent volunteer at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center. She graduated from SHSU in May of 2026 with her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Affairs at The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.

 

Victoria Stoddard has served as an Account Manager with Gulf Coast Blood since July 2024. In her role, she partners with businesses, schools, churches, and hospitals to organize mobile blood drives that support Huntsville and surrounding areas. Victoria is a dedicated and passionate blood donor herself.  Her presentation topic is entitled "Commit for Life as a Donor: Benefits Recipients & You!