Shelby County Today

April 19, 2021 – Stephen F. Austin State University graduate Richard Robichaux has landed a role in the new Disney+ show “Big Shot,” an original series streaming April 16.

“Big Shot,” which stars John Stamos and Yvette Nicole Brown, is the story of second chances for a hot-headed coach (Stamos) who loses his big time collegiate coaching job in the NCAA and has to start all over by teaching at a girl’s private high school.

“Big Shot,” a new Disney+ original series streaming April 16, stars John Stamos and Yvette Nicole Brown and also features SFA theatre alumnus Richard Robichaux ’96, far right, playing the role of a school counselor.

“It is also a story of second chances for his relationship with his daughter and for every character in the show who seem to all be trying to start something new,” Robichaux said.

Robichaux, who graduated from SFA in 1996 with a B.F.A. in theatre, has been seen in the films “Boyhood,” which was nominated for six Academy Awards and won the Golden Globe for Best Picture; “The Book of Love,” with Jason Sudeikis and Jessica Biel with all original music by Justin Timberlake; “Bernie,” opposite Shirley MacLaine, Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey; as well as extensive television credits, including “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Recent credits include “Ocean’s 8,” the ABC comedy “Speechless,” and “Where’d You Go Bernadette?” with Cate Blanchett, marking Robichaux’s fourth film with award-winning director Richard Linklater.

"To say the School of Theatre is proud to have Richard as both an alumnus and a Friends of Theatre member goes without saying,” Cleo House, School of Theatre director, said. “Richard is such a great example of the longstanding tradition the School of Theatre has of turning out top-notch graduates who go on to be successful."

In “Big Shot,” Robichaux plays George Pappas, a school counselor, which allows him to call on his experience as an educator. In addition to continuing to earn roles on the big and small screens, Robichaux is a member of the M.F.A. acting faculty at the University of California San Diego. Playing Pappas means he “gets to be in the middle of a lot of stuff and meddle,” he said.

“Being an actual educator has been a great asset because so many of the cast are the age of the students I work with,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure to be colleagues with young actors whom I am usually only teaching.”

The series also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, Sophia Mitri Schloss, Nell Verlaque, Tiana Le, Monique Green, Tisha Custodio and Cricket Wampler. It was created by David E. Kelley, Brad Garrett, and Dean Lorey who also serve as executive-producers alongside Bill D'Elia.

Robichaux described Stamos and Brown as “everything you would want them to be.”

“Kind, genuine, thoughtful, so funny and supportive of the whole team,” he said, “especially when Covid hit and things were so hard, they were constantly texting the cast to keep up the good work and keep spirits high. They are two of the best actors in television right now, hands down.”

“Richard is one of the most pliable actors I’ve ever worked with, and that is a high compliment,” Stamos said. “On our new Disney+ show, his character George started out one way, then David Kelley decided to take a complete 180 with George. Without missing a beat, Richard created (recreated) a character to rival my Marvyn, resulting in some of my favorite scenes on our show. To act with him is like playing music with a great musician or sports with a great athlete. He listens. I throw him a fastball; he catches it, then lobs something at me that either challenges me or makes me laugh. He’s a consummate pro who I learn something from every time I act with him. He’s a great family man, and I admire that too.”

Brown described Robichaux as “joy walking.”

“He makes every day on set fun,” she said. “And he’s such a great actor that even if I know what his lines are, I never know what bit of silliness or gravitas or magic he’s going to bring to them. The gift of working with him has been a masterclass.”

Robichaux continues to keep up his teaching schedule while working on the new series.

“Since our show is only 10 episodes, and I am usually in just a few scenes per show, it hasn’t been hard on my schedule,” he said. “It shoots in L.A., so that certainly helps. Also, UCSD is one of the best research institutions in the world. I am not only encouraged but expected to do big things in my field of research.”

He said he wants SFA theatre students to know it’s possible for theatre graduates be successful on many different levels.

“I always want SFA students to know that this is possible,” he said. “I’m the perfect example. I was a first generation college student from a small town in Texas, and now I hold the endowed chair in acting at one of the most respected M.F.A. acting programs in the world, and I will also be on your TV this month. That all started with a degree from SFA.”

Robichaux came to Nacogdoches in the early 1990s from Channelview, an oil refinery suburb of Houston. He earned a Master of Fine Arts from Rutgers University, has worked with many of the top programs in the country and is a nationally recognized leader in actor training. He is an outspoken advocate for theatre education and has delivered keynote addresses at several events, including the Southeastern Theatre Conference, Texas Thespian Festival, Florida Association of Theatre Educators, Heartland Film Festival, Colorado Thespian Festival, and the Educational Theater Association's National Teacher Conference. He is also a judge for the College Television Awards presented by the Emmys. Robichaux was the head of acting at Penn State University prior to his arrival at UCSD where he teaches acting process to M.F.A. actors as well as a course on professional practice and on-camera acting.

April 9, 2021 – Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University, will retire effective May 31 after 47 years of service in both secondary and higher education.

In notifying the dean’s staff and fine arts faculty members last fall of his intended retirement, Himes wrote: “I am grateful to Stephen F. Austin State University for allowing me the honor and privilege to serve as dean of the College of Fine Arts for the past 14 years. I feel that coming together in unity, the university, the faculty and staff, and the community have allowed the college to be taken to the next level multiple times over.

“Reflecting upon my career it is obvious (to me) that every challenge has been met, every goal accomplished, every expectation exceeded, and every vision realized,” he said. “And, now, after 47 years in the profession, this is clearly the ideal time for me to retire.”

SFA President Scott Gordon praised Dr. Himes’ commitment, hard work and vision, noting the thriving and vibrant community created within the SFA College of Fine Arts.

“The leadership he has provided will continue to impact SFA students for years to come, and we are grateful for his accomplishments as dean,” Gordon said. “Dr. Himes has been an asset to our campus and the Nacogdoches community, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Himes came to SFA to serve as the fine arts dean in 2007, moving from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he was director of the School of Music and head of the Department of Performing Arts in the College of the Arts. There, he was recognized for his oversight of a construction project, doubling the fine arts endowment base, producing a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing scholarships, and attracting nearly $1 million in grants.

Following the same pattern for success, Himes has guided the schools of art, music and theatre at SFA to higher levels of achievement during his 14-year leadership.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment at SFA is currently being realized and taking shape today before the public eye, its daily evolution apparent at the corner of North Street and East College Street. In 2015, Himes released “The Transformative 2020 Vision,” a five-year plan for a multi-million-dollar project designed to “transform the College of Fine Arts into the best fine arts program in Texas.” The plan led to the approval by the SFA Board of Regents for the $50-million renovation and expansion of the Griffith Fine Arts Building currently underway. Funding was obtained through the issuance of bonds in 2019, and proceeds must be used, in accordance with the bond documents, for construction, renovation and other project-related purposes.

“With these new facilities, the College of Fine Arts will be able to fully alleviate concerns for space, grow to its potential in enrollment, be competitive with similar programs in Texas, and fully capitalize upon student markets for new programs,” Himes said. “As much as the college has grown in enrollment over the past decade, I predict an explosion of new enrollment in fine arts in the next decade, notwithstanding the immediate effects of a pandemic.”

More than two decades in the making, the $50-million Fine Arts Expansion Initiative will include complete renovations to the existing Griffith Fine Arts Building and add accessible parking, a patron drop-off zone (off East College Street) and new construction which will extend the building along North Street nearly to the corner of East College Street. The renovated and expanded state-of-the-art building will include two dance studios, two theatres, an auditorium, recording studio, sound stage, audio and video editing rooms, an art gallery, multiple classrooms, rehearsal facilities, faculty offices and the offices of the dean. The facilities will house the CFA’s sound recording technology, filmmaking, theatre, dance and musical theatre programs.

Following his arrival at SFA, Himes in 2008 established the Dean’s Circle, an external support organization of community members dedicated, in part, to nurturing potential young artists within the College of Fine Arts. The Dean’s Awards include monetary rewards to students to further their educational pursuits. Since 2008, the Dean’s Circle has presented $174,000 in student awards. Additionally, the organization established the first-ever community-established endowed professorship at SFA in 2016.

Himes was instrumental in establishing the Sound Recording Technology program within the School of Music. “I can trace this program back to April of 2007 when I came to interview,” he said. “It began as nothing more than what was known to be a good idea, and a whole lot of faith – no curriculum, no facilities, no equipment and no students. Today, the SRT program is certainly the fastest growing program in the School of Music, and is one of, if not the, fastest growing programs at the entire university.”

Among his other SFA accomplishments are involvement in the restoration of SFA’s bell carillon, creation of three endowed professorships, a permanent endowment for the College of Fine Arts’ generation of $125,000 in unrestricted monies annually, a 23% increase in enrollment within the college, successful advocacy for the new $50-million fine arts expansion underway, construction of 16 new music practice rooms, involvement in the production of the Nacogdoches 1938 documentary film project, and bringing the dance program into the College of Fine Arts.

Throughout his career, Himes has been a sought-after conference presenter and panelist. He is a published author on topics of administrative leadership and teaching effectiveness, and he has served in leadership roles in academic organizations at the national and international levels.

Himes has served his community through active engagement in the Rotary Club, was a founding member of the Nacogdoches Film Festival, and is a member of First United Methodist Church, where he actively engaged in the pipe organ restoration project.

After graduation from college in 1973, Himes began his career as a high school band director in Bluefield, West Virginia.

Himes and his wife, Cindy, plan to stay active in the Nacogdoches community and enjoy their children and grandchildren.

March 24, 2021 - In partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, SFA Hillel, a student group that builds connections with emerging adults and inspires them to direct their own Jewish journey, will host the university’s first official Holocaust Remembrance Day event, or Yom Hashoah in Hebrew, on April 8 as part of the OMA’s Diversity Week event slate.

Hungarian Holocaust survivor Dr. Zsuzsanna Ozsváth will be the event’s keynote speaker. She will share her Holocaust experience and engage in a Q&A with attendees.

Dr. Michara DeLaney-Fields, SFA’s chief diversity officer, and Rabbi Kenny Weiss, executive director of Houston Hillel, also will be introductory speakers at the event.

“The purpose of Yom Hashoah is to keep the memory of the horrific events of the Holocaust alive, and this year participants will be able to do that by listening to Holocaust survivor Dr. Zsuzsanna Ozsváth,” said Jade Gordon, co-president of SFA Hillel, formerly known as the Jewish Student Union.

“It is important to recognize this day because it is how the Jewish people keep the memory of the Holocaust alive by hearing the stories and passing them on, especially in a time like today that has become difficult for Jews all over again because of the rise in anti-Semitism.”

Ozsváth founded the Holocaust Studies Program at The University of Texas at Dallas and is professor emeritus of literature and history and the former Leah and Paul Lewis Chair of Holocaust Studies. She joined the UT Dallas faculty in 1983, initially teaching 19th- and 20th-century literature and history classes.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Zsuzsanna Ozsváth, affectionately known as Zsuzsi, share her personal memories of the Hungarian Holocaust with our students and community,” said Dr. Flóra Faragó, SFA Hillel advisor and associate professor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences. “Zsuzsi's story reflects what happened to my family and to hundreds of thousands of Jewish families in Hungary and larger Europe. Learning about the Holocaust will remind us how far we have come and yet how far we have to go to achieve justice, dignity and equality for all."

While known for her Holocaust classes, Ozsváth has published a number of articles dealing with aesthetic and ethical issues in French, German and Hungarian literature as well as with the relationship between art and totalitarian ideology. As a scholar, critic, and translator, Ozsváth has extensively written about Holocaust literature and the Holocaust in Hungary. Her memoir, “When the Danube Ran Red,” tells the chilling and extraordinary story of her childhood in Hun­gary, living under the threat of the Holocaust.

“Event participants will be encouraged to reflect on how current and historical anti-Semitism shapes the lives of Jews and non-Jews alike and learn about incredible stories of survival, loss and resistance,” Gordon said. “The hope is that this event will inspire participants to take action against anti-Semitism and other -isms that continue to impact the lives of millions in the U.S. and around the world.”

SFA Hillel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day will be held in person and via Zoom beginning at 6pm April 8. The in-person event will take place in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom on the SFA campus. Following the keynote speaker, in-person attendees will be able to participate in an activity to honor the 1.5 million children killed during the Holocaust.

As a supplement to the event, Gordon also will host a Lumberjacks Live Q&A on SFA’s Instagram account, @sfasu, at 6pm April 1. She will speak with Shirley Watterston, retired SFA lecturer of music and vocal coach accompanist, about her own history living as a Jewish individual in East Texas and personal remembrances of the Holocaust.

SFA’s Holocaust Remembrance Day was made possible through assistance from Hillel Houston and Hillel at Home.

There is no fee to attend either in person or online; however, registration will be required for Zoom attendees. To register for the Zoom event, visit form.jotform.com/210754475322150. The deadline to register is 6pm April 7.

In-person attendees will be required to abide by SFA’s mask requirement and maintain a safe physical distance.

For more information about OMA’s slate of Diversity Week events, visit sfasu.edu/oma. For SFA Hillel information and updates, follow the organization on Instagram @sfa_jsu.

March 17, 2021 - Stephen F. Austin State University announced the creation of its Distinguished High School Program Tuesday and named Nacogdoches High School as one of five partner schools across Texas.

Inclusion in the program means all students from NHS and partner schools may waive the $50 application fee, and seniors ranking in the top 30% of their class are guaranteed admission to SFA.

Students from partner schools also will automatically receive scholarship money for up to four years based on their class rank. Of those who apply to SFA from distinguished program schools, students ranking in the top 10% of their class will receive $5,000 per year, and students ranking in the 11-25% of their class with a 3.0 GPA or higher will receive $3,000 per year. Submission of a scholarship application is not required.

“At SFA, we are fully committed to student success and access, meaning we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to ensure Texans have affordable access to higher education,” said SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon. “Our newly introduced Distinguished High School Program recognizes hardworking high school students by helping them obtain their college degree in a more timely and affordable manner. We are thrilled to offer this new program.”

Other benefits for students at distinguished program partner schools include additional financial aid assistance to students with high financial need; a special, tailored campus visit; and an assigned admissions counselor to serve students throughout the college-enrollment process.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students that will both increase access and simplify the process of attending college,” said Dr. Gabriel A. Trujillo, Nacogdoches Independent School District superintendent. “Not only will our students have access to a streamlined application process, they will be eligible for automatic qualification and have an opportunity to obtain much-needed financial support.

“We’re grateful for SFA’s willingness to include Nacogdoches ISD, a move that will only improve upon a partnership that’s already proven fruitful to our community.”

Other Distinguished High Schools invited to partner in SFA’s new program include Center High School, Langham Creek High School, Little Elm High School, Tomball Memorial High School and Allen High School.

Students from distinguished program schools applying as first-time freshmen at ApplyTexas.org also should submit official SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts to the SFA Office of Admissions. For more information about applying to SFA, visit sfasu.edu/apply or call (936) 468-2504.

Stephen F. Austin State University announced the creation of its Distinguished High School Program Tuesday and named Nacogdoches High School as one of five partner schools across Texas. NHS seniors Oscar Tinoco and Ronald Castillo were recognized as two of the first program awardees and received scholarships of $3,000 per year and $5,000 per year, respectively. Pictured, from left, are interim NHS principal Dr. Kenneth Matthews, Tinoco, SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon, Castillo, and NHS deputy superintendent Michael Martin.