English Department Faculty

Department Chair,
James (Phil) Senterfitt

James (Phil) Senterfitt has taught all levels of English including sixth grade through twelfth; in addition, he has taught college level freshman Composition, American History, World History, Texas History, Speech, Theatre Arts, G.E.D. courses, and Adult Basic English. Having been raised in the Rio Grande Valley, he is at home at MMA. When not teaching, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and spoiling grandchildren. Mr. Senterfitt has over thirty years of teaching experience. He is married and has two children and five grandchildren. He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Austin; a master’s degree in English from the University of Texas Pan American; Teacher Certification from the University of Houston; and Theatre Certification from the University of Texas Pan American. He has done graduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University in Kingsville, the University of Texas in Brownsville, and has completed additional studies at Trinity University and Texas Southmost College. Mr Senterfitt has served as the University Interscholastic Coordinator for two valley school districts and has directed forty-five plays in UIL competition. He is an active member of his church and serves as an elder and member of the choir. He has also worked with the U.S. Department of Interior Youth Programs and served as a senior class sponsor for over twenty years.

Diolanda J. Dye

Diolanda J. Dye earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Texas in Edinburg. She has taught numerous subjects at the secondary level including Speech, Journalism, English, and Study Skills. Teaching has been an important part of her life for many years. In high school, she began working at the local Boys and Girls Club where she soon discovered the joy of working with adolescents. She continued to work at the club until graduation from college, and it was then that she decided to make teaching a career. As a Study Skills and Speech teacher at MMA, she enjoys the discipline and structure that allows her the freedom to teach. She has an opportunity to become acquainted with her students and tailor her teaching to their needs. She believes her colleagues at MMA are a wonderful source of inspiration and information when it comes to finding new ideas and methods for teaching. This support and structure makes teaching at MMA both fulfilling and promising. Mrs. Dye is currently the sponsor for the National Honor Society and a co-sponsor for the Key Club. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Craig, and her daughter, Isabel.

Patricia Flores

A Texas resident for fifteen years, Patricia Flores has taught English Composition, English II and English I Honors at MMA for four years. Patricia earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Brownsville where she earned a lifetime membership to Phi Alpha Theta National Historical Honor Society. She also earned her master’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. Patricia fully appreciates the strict discipline and structure at MMA, which allows her the freedom to teach and bring out the best in each of her students. Patricia strongly believes in finding and nurturing every one of her Cadet’s individual learning styles. Aside from teaching at the secondary level, Patricia also teaches Sunday school at Global Resource Christian Center. During her spare time, she enjoys reading books of varied genres as well as inspirational magazines. Most importantly, Patricia’s main focus is spending quality time with her husband, Gilbert, and daughters, Jennifer and Kimberly.

Michele Pickens

Michele Pickens in beginning her twenty-ninth year at MMA. In previous years she has taught English in grades 7-Post-graduate. Currently she teaches SAT Prep and Language Arts 8. She earned her undergraduate degree from what is now the University of Central Arkansas, and her Masters (English) and lifetime secondary teaching certification in Texas at Stephen F. Austin State University. She was named MMA Teacher of the Year for 1984-5, chaired the English Department for six years, received two Certificates of Appreciation for longevity and loyal service to the Academy, and designated an official “Alumni Mother” by the MMA Alumni Association. She enjoys reading, listening to music, watching old movies, and keeping in touch with her former students.

Caleb Hood

Caleb Hood worked at Marine Military Academy for four years. He has worked as a Civics teacher, LE Instructor and Asssistant Drill Instructor. This is his first year to teach English. Mr. Hood graduated from Marine Military Academy in 1993 and attended Abilene Christian University for one year. In the fall of 1994 Mr Hood enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served four years on Active duty at MCRD Parris Island with VMFA 115 and VMFA 251 at MCAS Beaufort, SC. Upon discharge from active in 1998 Mr. Hood returned to Abilene Christian University and finished his BA in English with a minor in Buisness Managment while serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserve at 4th Reconaissance Battalion in San Antonio Texas. When not teaching, Mr. Hood spends his time working on his M.ed in reading and when not doing any school work at all he coaches the academy swim team. Mr.Hoods spare time is spent with his wife and two daughters, running, cycling and swimming.

Carla Haynes

Carla C. Haynes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in English and a minor in Spanish from Southern Methodist University. She earned her Master’s degree in English and Midmanagement Certificate from the University of Texas at Pan American. An educator for 32 years, she has worked with grades pre-kindergarten through postgraduate. Prior to her selection as the Director of Gifted and Talented/Advanced Placement with Harlingen Consolidated School District, she was a teacher and administrator in the Raymondville School District for 21 years. Having graduated from Raymondville High School as Valedictorian, she was gratified to serve later as Raymondville High School English Department Chair, Raymondville High School Assistant Principal and as Raymondville’s Myra Green Middle School Principal. Mrs. Haynes is also active in her community. She serves as Advisory Board Member on the Valley Land Fund and has been President of her P.E.O. chapter. She is a member of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee of her church. She and her husband have two grown daughters, one an Honors graduate of SMU and the other a Professional Program of Accounting Master’s graduate of the University of Texas-Austin. She looks forward to applying her high school and university-level English teaching experience in the Marine Military Academy classroom.