Shelby County Today

In conjunction with their quarterly meeting, Stephen F. Austin State University regents participated in a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building. Pictured from left are SFA regents David Alders of Nacogdoches, Karen Gantt of McKinney, Dr. Scott Coleman of Houston, Brigettee Henderson of Lufkin and Alton Frailey of Katy; Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president; SFA regent Bob Garrett of Tyler; SFA benefactor Ed Cole; SFA regents M. Thomas Mason of Dallas and Ken Schaefer of Brownsville; and SFA student regent Kate Childress of Lumberton. Approximately 1,000 guests attended the event and were able to tour the building and observe demonstrations of the state-of-the-art instrumentation and laboratories.

August 1, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University regents approved an initiative during its quarterly meeting Tuesday that will utilize alumni and industry professionals to assist in providing transformative experiences for students.

SFA recently became the second Texas institution to offer a specialized degree in banking, and now, students enrolled in the Chadwick family banking program at SFA will have the added bonus of an advisory council.

Chadwick family banking program advisory council members will serve as a link between the classroom and the banking and financial services industries, while also providing mentoring opportunities to students.

“Industry engagement is an essential part of all we do in the Rusche College of Business, and it is especially important for the Chadwick family banking program,” said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Rusche College of Business. “This advisory council will be an invaluable tool as we work to stay abreast of the latest developments in the banking industry in order to ensure graduates are successful in launching their banking careers.”

Council members will seek to strengthen educational opportunities for students and build relationships between the university and industry professionals. Dr. David Kaiser, director of the Chadwick family banking program, said this endeavor will help ensure students seeking a Bachelor of Business Administration in banking graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

“This council will help us build and maintain pathways for our students into the industry upon graduation,” Kaiser said.
 
Regents also approved five new courses to strengthen curriculum: international and intercultural communication – China; forecasting in economics and business; publication management and production; a publishing capstone course; and a practicum in professional and ethical practice. These curriculum changes will be sent to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for further approval.

Regents approved an institutional operating budget totaling about $265.8 million for 2018-19. The budget reflects a 4-percent pool for merit salary adjustments and targeted strategic initiatives.

The board approved a capital plan budget of about $10 million for 2018-19. This budget follows goals outlined in the campus 2020 master plan, strategic plan and space assessment, which includes campus infrastructure, information technology services equipment, system and security initiatives, and planned maintenance renovation projects.

Improved academic support, student life, safety and capital renewal initiatives are all targets of the capital plan. Sand volleyball courts, which will allow SFA to offer a NCAA beach volleyball team, also are among the goals.

“Our goal is to increase the number of sports available to our female students,” said John Branch, assistant director of athletic external affairs. “Beach volleyball is a popular sport and will make us competitive with peer institutions. We hope to be ready for competition by spring 2020.” 

Classrooms also will undergo technology upgrades to enhance instruction, and the number and capacity of virtual desktops will increase to provide greater access to high-quality graphic software. 

For the James I. Perkins College of Education, the first-floor lobby areas in the McKibben Education Building are scheduled for renovation. In the Forestry Building of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, about 45 workstations in the forestry geographic information system lab will be replaced. 

In 2016, SFA added a crop science course into the core curriculum that accelerated the need to build a new greenhouse at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center. At the board meeting Tuesday, regents approved a $20,000 project budget increase to construct the 7,200-square-foot, three-bay, gutter-connected greenhouse. 

Regents approved conducting an architectural assessment of property at 1401 N. Mound St., previously owned by Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. senator and permanent U.S. representative to NATO. A space assessment was conducted by the San Antonio-based firm Facilities Programming and Consulting, with recommendations for use of the historic home located on the property. A comprehensive architectural design plan will be developed in accordance with those recommendations. 

During the Tuesday meeting, the board also approved:

• ratifying $1.14 million in additional grant awards allocable to fiscal year 2018;
• policy revisions, curriculum and course fee changes, 2018-19 holiday schedule and minutes from the April meeting;
• an electrical infrastructure project that includes replacing a transmission line for the Student Recreation Center;
• a five-year agreement with three companies for debt collection services and a five-year contract extension with Accent Vending, which provides SFA’s vending services; and
• the annual audit plan.

The board received updates from Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president, regarding the university’s 95th anniversary celebration, which will take place Sept. 18.

Richards Carlberg delivered a report regarding the university’s marketing campaign, and Bentz Whaley and Flessner gave an update on the university’s fundraising campaign.

Additionally, regents heard reports from Dr. Buddy Himes, dean of the College of Fine Arts; Karen Gantt, chair of the Champions Event Committee; Craig Turnage, executive director of alumni relations and the SFA Alumni Association; the Faculty Senate; and the Student Government Association.

July 27, 2018 Nacogdoches — The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music is accepting scholarship applications for its fall classes.

The music program features the study of a variety of musical instruments and choral techniques. Upper-level musicians as well as SFA faculty and students teach private lessons and classes. Registration for fall programs also is underway.

Partial scholarships are awarded to music students based on need, according to Pat Barnett, Music Prep director. Scholarship and lesson application forms and other information about the various programs offered are available on the Music Prep website at music.sfasu.edu/prep. Deadline to apply for scholarships is August 1.

A Music Prep open house will be held from 10am to 2pm August 18 at 3028 Raguet St. Participants may register for classes during the open house.

“New and returning students and their parents are invited to attend the open house at the Prep House to speak with faculty and to register for private and group lessons,” Barnett said. “Piney Woods Youth Orchestra auditions are on the same day of the open house, and auditions begin at 10 a.m.”

The orchestra meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Mondays.

Current summer FlexLessons will end August 11, and the fall semester, which includes private lessons, will begin the week of August 20.

Students may enroll for 12 or 16 private lessons for the fall semester. In addition to the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra, Music Prep offers an adult piano class, Music Theory Adventures for beginning and intermediate students, the Choristers youth choral ensemble, and the Raguet Strings adult ensemble.

Music Prep offers private music lessons in piano, harp, violin, viola, Suzuki violin, flute, cello, trumpet, trombone, voice, percussion and more.

Private lessons begin the week of August 20 for 16-week, upper-level faculty instruction and the week of Sept. 10 for 12-week SFA music major instruction.

Mail forms to SFA Music Prep, P.O. Box 13043, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962. Call the Music Prep office with credit/debit card information at (936) 468-1291. The Prep office is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Forms may be dropped off at the office, 3028 Raguet Street.

For additional information, contact Barnett at (936) 468-1291 or musicprep@sfasu.edu, or visit the Facebook page SFA Music Prep.

July 25, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Board of Regents approved several leadership changes during its Tuesday meeting.
 
Dr. Marc Guidry was approved as associate provost for academic affairs. As a member of the SFA faculty since 1999, Guidry is familiar to many on campus. In addition to his teaching responsibilities in the Department of English and Creative Writing, Guidry has served as associate dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts since 2012. 
 
He has been a member of several campuswide committees and in 2016 received a Distinguished Grant Award from the SFA Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Guidry holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in English from Louisiana State University. 
 
Erma Nieto Brecht was appointed executive director of enrollment management. Since 2004, Brecht has served as director of admissions at Texas Woman’s University and was responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all aspects of recruiting and admissions counseling. She has 25 years of experience with documented success in increasing retention rates and enrollment. 
 
Brecht holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Houston and is scheduled to complete a doctoral degree in higher education administration in December. 
 
Additionally, regents appointed Ryan Ivey as the director of intercollegiate athletics. Ivey comes to SFA after serving as athletic director at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was responsible for 15 sports and a $12.5 million athletics budget.
 
Ivey earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and a master's degree in sports commerce from the University of Memphis, where he was a punter for the football team.  
 
From the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Dr. Joyce Johnston was appointed associate dean of the college. Formerly interim director for the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs and French professor, Johnston has been a member of the SFA faculty since 2007. She has held many roles, including director of the Pre-Law Academy for high school students, coordinator of SFA’s gender studies program and director of multidisciplinary programs. Johnston has taught all levels of French literature, language and culture; instructed graduate-level Hispanic studies; implemented study abroad trips; and served on university, college and departmental committees.
 
Dr. Troy Davis was named professor and chair of the Department of History. A member of the faculty since 1999, Davis has taught courses including the history of Western civilization, American history and history of Ireland. He received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and his master’s and doctoral degrees in modern European history from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
 
Dr. William Bruton, associate dean and professor of physics, engineering and astronomy, was named professor and director of engineering. Bruton teaches a variety of courses and conducts research at the SFA Observatory. With assistance from many students, Bruton has discovered 11 asteroids. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SFA and doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.
 
Dr. Tamara Harris was approved as associate professor and director of nursing for the DeWitt School of Nursing. For many years, Harris has worked in the medical industry in various capacities. As a nurse practitioner, she gained experience with post-operative care, patient education, and prenatal and postpartum care.
 
Dr. Deborah Dunn was named professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. Dunn worked for more than five years in the industry as a programmer/analyst for a major oil company. Prior to joining the SFA faculty, she taught at various universities and colleges while also serving in leadership roles.
 
Regents approved Dr. Ray Darville as professor and chair of the Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology. Darville has served SFA for 30 years in various roles in areas such as sociology, communication, and forestry and agriculture. He was honored as Regents Professor for 2015-16. Darville received his bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist University, master’s degree from SFA and doctoral degree from the University of North Texas.
 
Dr. Dana Cooper was approved as professor of history and SFA 101 coordinator. Cooper has been at SFA since 2007, is a former Faculty Senate chair, and was named a Distinguished Professor in 2016. The SFA 101 program helps first-time college students as they begin their university experience. Taught by faculty and staff members from across campus, SFA 101 is a one-hour course designed to enhance student success.
 
Tuesday’s meeting also included approvals of three assistant professors: Dr. Sarah Straub, elementary education, James I. Perkins College of Education; James Schaeffer, psychology, College of Liberal and Applied Arts; and Dr. Julie Bloxson, geology, College of Sciences and Mathematics.
 
Changes of status in Information Technology Services include Michael Coffee, who was named deputy chief information officer; John Parker, who was appointed director of enterprise architecture; and Meredith Baily, who was named manager of the project management office. Brandon Stringfield, security specialist, was approved as information security specialist II, and Jason Wiggins, manager of network services, was approved as assistant director of enterprise infrastructure.
 
In the Office of Student Affairs Programs, Lacey Folsom was named director of student engagement, Sylvester Harris was appointed assistant director of student engagement, and Emily Jefferson was named coordinator of disability support services.
 
Staff appointments approved during the quarterly meeting include Christopher Elliott, student athletic success trainer in SFA Athletics; Katherine Ivanic, contracting specialist in procurement and property services; and Madison Dealing, hall director in residence life.
 
Changes of status approved in the Department of Athletics are Jeffrey Byrd, from assistant head football coach to interim head football coach; and Christa Robinson, from graduate assistant to athletic strength and conditioning assistant.
 
In the Physical Plant the board approved the following changes of status: Jessica DeWitt, from project coordinator to manager of projects; Alison Ford, from supervisor of physical plant administration to manager of business; Hillary Parrish, from records administrator to manager of staff services; Johnathan Sanchez, from plant operations specialist to plant operations analyst; and Allen Singleton, from assistant manager of building trades and mechanical maintenance to manager of building trades and mechanical maintenance.
 
In the Controller’s Office, approved changes of status include Jennie Blough, from manager of accounts payable to assistant director of accounting operations; Brittney Goad, from procurement card coordinator to manager of accounts payable; and Tambra Thompson, from Accountant II to Accountant III.
 
The following changes of status also were approved:
 
· Brittany Morriss, from graduate assistant to coordinator of campus recreation (aquatics and safety)
 
· Morgan Russell, from substitute teacher to teacher at the SFA Charter School, and Ginny Watkins, from teacher to master teacher in the Early Childhood Laboratory, in the James I. Perkins College of Education
 
· Crystal Bays, from development assistant to campaign coordinator in the Office of Development
 
· Janice Ledet, from physician to interim director in Health Services
 
· Janie Richardson, from librarian I to librarian II in Steen Library
 
· Reba Carroll, from hall director to area coordinator; and Carla Chumley, from supervisor of administration to supervisor of staff services in Residence Life.
 
During the meeting, the board recognized Dr. Treba Marsh as professor emeritus of accounting. A longtime SFA faculty member, Marsh has served in the Rusche College of Business as lecturer, assistant and associate professor, professor, and chair of Schlief School of Accountancy. 
 
The board approved retirements of faculty and staff with more than 80 years of combined service to the university. Retirements include Dr. Janice Hensarling, associate professor of nursing; Robert Hill, director of athletics; and Anne Uhyrek, accountant III.

This past June, Stephen F. Austin State University students from six academic disciplines dedicated about two weeks of their summer break to accomplish a variety of projects in rural Haiti. Pictured, participating SFA students are joined by youth who reside in the mountain village of Quicroif.

July 23, 2018 Nacogdoches — While many view summer break as a time to unwind and relax, others embrace it as an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while working long hours to accomplish meaningful projects. This past June, Stephen F. Austin State University students from the academic disciplines of agriculture, early childhood education, environmental science, forestry, nursing and social work did just that — dedicating almost two weeks of their summer break to accomplish a variety of projects in rural Haiti. 

This marks the second summer in which SFA has partnered with One Foot Raised, a local mission-based nonprofit organization founded by SFA alumni. While the organization was officially established in 2016, its founders, Becky and Zac Weems, have led outreach teams in the country for a decade. The Weems said they work closely with leadership from a small number of villages to learn the exact needs of residents and then work hand-in-hand with them to achieve these goals.

In partnering with SFA, the Weems said they now have access to a vast amount of knowledge and skills in the form of faculty and staff, as well as students.

This year, Dr. Angela Jones, assistant professor of nursing within SFA’s Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing, and Dr. Shelby Gull Laird, assistant professor of forestry within SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, led a team of 13 SFA students who completed tasks ranging from human health and wellness to agricultural development in three rural villages.

“The whole goal of the trip for the nursing students was to immerse themselves in health care in the context of another culture, take what they’ve learned here and see how they can adapt it to meet the needs of a community using the services is has,” Jones said. “It was absolutely a priceless experience.”

Jones and the six participating nursing students conducted health clinics and home visits in the villages of Lamonthe, Quicroif and Thomassin where they focused on basic wound care, women’s health and distributed reading glasses after conducting rudimentary vision tests using a vision chart in French Creole, the official language of Haiti.

“We used shards of a broken mirror to show them their reflection wearing the new glasses, and it was amazing,” Jones said. “That was probably our favorite thing we did.”

Students from social work and elementary education assisted in various capacities, including organizing and facilitating the projects.

“They were a tremendous help in providing support and educational games to the children of those seeking medical care," Jones said. 

Brennan Morrell, a senior nursing student, said the experience inspired him to seek ways to improve his nursing skills and gave him renewed gratitude for the American health care system.

“I kind of went into the trip with the mindset that I know everything I need to know to be a nurse right now, but in coming back I realized how much more I could do to be a better nurse,” Morrell said.

This introspection and personal growth is precisely what Jones hoped would occur.

“I really saw who they are as nurses,” Jones said. “I saw their hearts and passion.”

While overall emphasis was placed on the bipedal residents of Haiti, the four-legged variety was not neglected.

Drawing on her experience of keeping show rabbits, DeeAnna Berry, a junior studying animal science within SFA’s Department of Agriculture, developed a comprehensive brochure on rabbit husbandry that was translated into French Creole and distributed to a group of women in the mountain-top village of Quicroif. 

Berry explained that the rabbits will provide the women, all widows, with a source of food and income, as well as fertilizer for them and local farmers.

In addition to the informational brochure, Berry and Jheri-Lynn McSwain, an SFA doctoral student in forestry and Shelby County extension agent, taught the women how to determine the sex of rabbits and efficiently harvest the animals.

“Being able to travel to different places to see how they care for their crops or their livestock versus how we do it in the U.S. is a real eye opener and can show us how to be more resourceful,” Berry said. “The community was very welcoming and just wanted to help everyone.”

Students also fine-tuned the design of an existing rabbit cage to allow for better ventilation and improved health of the rabbits.

“They had built a good cage, but the limiting factor was the wire mesh for the sides,” Laird said. “They used tin, the only thing they had accessible, and the cages were too hot.”

Following an extensive search of supply stores in Port-au-Prince, Laird and Zac Weems were able to locate the wire mesh needed.

Laird emphasized that the frame of the existing rabbit cage, made of limbs sourced from surrounding trees, was of excellent quality and served as a template for the cage built by the villagers and SFA students.

While on the surface the completed projects seem discipline specific, both Jones and Laird said that SFA students of all majors contributed in a number of ways and, perhaps most importantly, learned from each other. Additionally, Laird stressed that as the needs of the Haitian villagers change, so will the focus of the projects, allowing ample opportunity for more interdisciplinary collaboration.

“While all study abroad trips are important, I think this trip’s focus on service provides something different, and the students find more meaning in what they are doing,” Laird said. “They were able to contribute to other’s learning while also learning themselves.”

Laird explained that although One Foot Raised is a faith-based nonprofit organization, all volunteers from SFA are welcome to participate.

Looking forward, Laird and Jones hope to continue their collaboration with One Foot Raised, allowing SFA Lumberjacks from across disciplines to unite for a common good.

For more information on One Foot Raised, visit www.onefootraised.org. To learn how you can be a part of the SFA summer course, contact Laird at lairdsg@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-2014.