Galveston’s Loss
is Port Lavaca’s Gain
Cummins new marine agent for Calhoun County
PORT LAVACA, TX — Rhonda Cummins began her duties as Calhoun County’s new County
Extension Agent – Coastal and Marine Resources for Texas Sea Grant Extension at
the beginning of March.
“I am so excited to be back in Calhoun County,” Cummins said. “When I decided to
leave here to pursue a master’s at Texas A&M University, I was looking for a
career that would allow me to combine my experiences as an educator with my love
for boats and water. Having the opportunity to work for Sea Grant and AgriLife
is a dream come true.”
She is scheduled to receive her master’s degree in Marine Resources Management
from Texas A&M University in May, and has a B. A. degree in English from East
Texas State University. She also holds a Master’s license to operate 200-ton
passenger vessels (US Coast Guard Master 200 Ton License) under motor, steam and
sail and is a licensed Able-Bodied Seaman. Cummins served as an education
officer, purser, able seaman and chief mate aboard several different sailing
vessels on the Pacific and Great Lakes, giving dockside tours, teaching sessions
on 18th century merchant ships and sailing, and conducting educational field
trips at the various ports of call. She also was the captain of the Galveston
Historical Foundation’s 81-passenger tour vessel, conducting educational and
historical tours of Galveston Harbor for school groups and the public. “We are
excited about having someone with her background and experience for Calhoun
County,” said Dr. Robert Stickney, director of the Texas Sea Grant College
Program. Texas Sea Grant is a component of the National Sea Grant College
Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is one of a
network of 31 University-based programs in coastal and Great Lakes states.
Through a partnership of industry, government and higher education, Sea Grant
sponsors and promotes programs aimed at the understanding, wise use and
stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources to develop and maintain
a sustainable economy and a healthy environment.
Rhonda was a dedicated member of Grace Church during her time here. She
developed our web site, was handy at fixing anything broken on our campus, is a
member of the Grace Foundation Board, and served as the Altar Guild Director. We
are sorry to lose Rhonda from on-going activities here at Grace, but know her
heart will always be a part of us, and we wish her well on this new endeavor.
Thanks, Jan, for your kind words. And many thanks to everyone who stood by me and helped me reach this goal.