One of the nice things about being a LEAP Ambassadors is being more connected to the University and to the community. And that means making a connection with people we otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to know.
That’s the case with Ben Blaylock and Bonnie Thorne-Blalock, whom we recently met when they attended our “High Noon” Film Festival. Mr. Blalock is a former mayor of Huntsville, and Mrs. Bonnie taught at SHSU for more than 30 years, while also being very active in the community.
After meeting them, they kindly invited us to hold a meeting at their house. Excited for the opportunity, we jumped at the chance, and held our second-to-last semester meeting at their home.
Mrs. Bonnie cooked for us, Mr. Blalock regaled us with stories about his childhood and his tenure as mayor, and they both treated us with amazing hospitality. It was a treat to befriend this wonderful couple who, even in the short time we have known them, have enriched our time at SHSU.
Author: mikeyawn
Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion.
He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film.
He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram.
Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors.
In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.
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Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 
Would you contact Dr. Bonnie Baker Thorne-Blalock and give her my phone number. My name is Pat Moshfeghian and Dr. Thorne was my favorite professor. My phone number is 956.346.5132. Thank you very much.