Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Regional Heritage Research’s “More Than a Riveter” exhibit opened Thursday, April 26, at the Nacogdoches Railroad Depot.

Sophia Savage, a counseling graduate student assistant for the CRHR, and Kierstin Smith, a DeWitt School of Nursing student, created the exhibit, which aims to preserve the history of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps stationed in Nacogdoches during World War II.

At the exhibit’s opening, Savage and Smith discussed what they discovered while researching the WAACs and working with CRHR.

“Before we started this project, I didn’t think history was something I would ever be able to grasp, but after researching the WAACs and creating this exhibit, I realize that if you break history down into small pieces, you can see the full picture,” Smith said. “I understand now why history and its preservation are so important.”

In addition to Savage and Smith, Maj. Mai Lee Eskelund, SFA assistant professor of military science, spoke about what it means to be a woman in the military.

“These women who served in World War II paved the way for me to stand here today and tell you about my life,” Eskelund said. “I wouldn’t be able to serve my country if it weren’t for them.”

The exhibit showcases numerous artifacts donated from collectors and museums throughout Texas. Artifacts include a WAAC uniform and scrapbook. Savage and Smith also created posters, an oral history video and two interactive kiosks.

“More Than a Riveter” will continue through June 16. The depot is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and admission is free.

For more information on SFA’s Center for Regional Heritage Research, visit http://www.sfasu.edu/heritagecenter/.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University.

The origins and sincerity of presidential speeches are the focus of a new book written by a Stephen F. Austin State University professor.

Ken Collier, SFA professor of political science, analyzes U.S. presidential speechwriting in his new book, “Speechwriting in the Institutionalized Presidency: Whose Line Is It?”

Collier studied major presidential speeches and their numerous drafts from Franklin D. Roosevelt through Barack Obama. Collier’s inspiration for this study stemmed from research he had completed on a previous project about White House relations to Congress. “I kept coming across drafts for speeches from past presidents, and seeing all the changes made to each speech piqued my interest.”

Most of Collier’s research was conducted while visiting each president’s public library and looking through countless documents regarding speeches. Collier received grants from SFA, the libraries and the White House Historical Association to conduct his research. He also went to Washington to meet with current and former speechwriters.

“It was incredible to see how much speeches were edited to death, because policy and political advisors often took a lot of fire out of each speech,” Collier said. “People have often wondered if the president’s words are genuine. Because we, the people, have a unique relationship with the president, we want to know if the words being said are sincere.”

Ultimately, Collier’s research shows that the institutionalization of the speechwriting process has actually served the presidency well by helping presidents avoid the pitfalls of poorly chosen words.

Collier’s research provides a unique perspective into the U.S. presidency, as Collier examined how presidents use their speeches to explain important policies and decisions. “Speechwriters don’t make decisions, but they work closely with the president and key advisors as they make decisions,” Collier said.

To pre-order Collier’s book, slated for release May 4, visit https://rowman.com/lexington.

By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist for Stephen F. Austin State University.