Social Science Faculty

Department Chair
Dr. Jada Thacker

Jada Thacker is an MMA alumnus from the class of 1971, and is a former MMA Teacher of the Year. He earned his masters degree at Texas A&M University, his doctorate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License with Auxiliary Sail endorsement. He is an award-winning teacher, having been included numerous times in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teachers. He is the author of the novels, Finally, The Pawn and Choosers of the Slain, and has recently completed an innovative U.S. History textbook, Dissecting American History: A Theme-Based Narrative. He served as a combat infantryman in Vietnam, and is also a graduate of Naval Aviation Schools Command. He is a former naval officer and a current member of the United States Power Squadrons, holding advanced certification. He teaches Political Science DE, U.S. History, and Marine Science courses at MMA.

Robert Swinnea

Scott Swinnea is a Harlingen native who graduated from Harlingen High School. He attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Tx. Where he earned his bachelors degree in criminal justice. Swinnea was a three-year letterman for the Bobcat football team and was voted team captain his senior year. Swinnea was accepted to the Texas Department of Public Safety (State Police) training school in February of 1996. After graduating from the six-month para-military academy, he was assigned the duties of a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper in Weslaco, Tx. Swinnea served the citizens of Texas for four years before coming to MMA in July of 2000. At MMA, Swinnea teaches World Geography and is also the head football coach.

Erasmo Molina

Erasmo Molina has been a teacher and coach for the past thirty-three years. He has taught in numerous school districts throughout the valley, serving as History/Government teacher and Basketball Coach. As Head Basketball Coach, he has recorded over 350 wins. A native of Edinburg, Texas, he graduated from Pan American University with a Masters degree in Educational Administration. A writer in his spare time, he has written numerous articles that have been published in Texas Coach magazine. He has lectured in several basketball clinics, including the South Padre Island Basketball Clinic, and the Region 7 Texas High School Coaches Association meeting at Texas A&M Kingsville. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association for 4 years. He has been nominated to coach the Texas High School South Basketball All-Star team 4 times.

After teaching for one year, Molina was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War era. He served with the US Army in Germany where he attained the rank of Sgt(E-5). While there he traveled extensively in his spare time, experiencing the wonders of Europe. These great experiences have become very valuable in the classroom

In addition to serving as Government/Economics teacher and basketball coach at the Marine Military Academy, Molina also serves as Special Assistant Coach to the RGVSilverados, CBA professional basketball team. The professional major league experience has truly been rewarding. This experience has really been beneficial when also working with younger high school athletes.

Playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren are Molina's favorite activities in his spare time. He also enjoys attending his children's basketball games, as both his son and daughter are Head Basketball Coaches. Son, Brian, is the Head Basketball Coach at Harlingen South High School. Daughter, Lyrissa, is the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Lyford High School. Since wife, Liz, is a travel agent, the opportunity to travel is always there.

Joe A. Sousa

Joe A. Sousa is a native of Portugal, but grew up in California. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from UCLA, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from City University, and is a graduate of the Air Force Air Command and Staff College. Upon graduating from UCLA, Mr. Sousa received an Air Force commission, and in 1982 began a 22-year career as an Air Force pilot. During his time in the Air Force, he accumulated over 3000 flying hours as a B-52 pilot, and aircraft commander, and as a T-38 and T-37 flight instructor. His other Air Force experience included a tour as a planner on the Pacific Air Forces staff in Hawaii, and as an academic instructor at the Air Force Joint Warrior School in Las Vegas. Mr. Sousa retired from the Air Force in 2003, and has been a History and Geography teacher at MMA ever since. He is married to a native of Harlingen, and he and his wife Rebecah have two children.

E-mail Academics (academics@mma-tx.org)