Everything Nac

Ryan Brown-Moreno of Plano has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as Stephen F. Austin State University’s student regent during the 2015-16 academic year.

Brown-Moreno is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general business at SFA. She currently serves as secretary of Chi Omega, a member of Driving Jacks, a Jack Camp counselor and a lead Jack Walker providing campus tours to prospective students. She also is working this summer as a student intern for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. This fall, she will serve as senior class senator for the Student Government Association, as well as an SFA 101 student instructor.

“It is truly an honor to be appointed student regent,” Brown-Moreno said. “This university has made me who I am, and through this position, I hope to give back as much as I can. I am humbled by the opportunity.”

Brown-Moreno plans to graduate in May 2016 as the first Lumberjack in her family. Afterward, she hopes to pursue a career that allows her to continue to learn and meet people.

“I’ve had an incredible experience and opportunity to be involved in many ways at SFA,” she said. “I have had the privilege to work with wonderful people on campus. The relationships I have formed will provide unique insight into the opinions and thoughts of SFA students, which will be invaluable during my term.”

Brown-Moreno’s first official duty will be attending the quarterly meeting of the SFA Board of Regents July 27-28.

Participants in the Nacogdoches Boys & Girls Club’s ImageMakers photography program will display their award-winning works in an exhibition that opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

The exhibit was organized by the Nacogdoches Photographic Association and funded through a Community Outdoor Program grant provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife and administered by the gardens education staff at Stephen F. Austin State University, according to Elton Scifres, NPA member.

ImageMakers is a national program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to encourage members to learn and practice various photography methods, Scifres explained.

“The ultimate purpose is to provide children the opportunity to express themselves creatively, build confidence and learn new skills,” he said.

Winners in various categories in the local show will advance to competitions at the regional and national level. The photographs in this exhibit are the result of nine photo outing/training sessions. Twelve Boys and Girls club members participated and were mentored by six members of NPA as well as SFA Gardens staff members. The final pictures were selected by a panel of three judges: NPA members Connie Thompson and Ron Thill and Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Partain.

Categories and winners included: Nature and Surrounding – Nesha Cowart, first place; Alondra Martinez, second place. Portraits – Garrett Schmid, first place; Zayriah Davis, second place. Culture and Tradition – Daniella Hernandez, first place; Masiyah Cross, second place. Schmid’s portrait was also named “Best of Show” winner, and he was awarded a camera donated by the NPA. All other winners received trophies.

The exhibition will be on display through Aug. 29. The reception is free to the public. The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information about this exhibition and others, call (936) 468-1131.

Only a few performance dates remain in this year’s SFA SummerStage Festival featuring “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Musical” by Karen Boettcher-Tate and Bill Francoeur and “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams.

Audiences have responded enthusiastically to both productions, posting glowing reviews on social media.

“You can’t buy publicity like this,” said Scott Shattuck, director of the SFA School of Theatre. “Attendees have been spreading the word for us about how fun and colorful the kids’ show is and how Williams’ most beloved story provides a lovely escape from the everyday.”

Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Theatre will conclude its summertime live theatre season this week with a new and exciting schedule. Final performances of “The Glass Menagerie” are at 7:30 p.m. July 14 and 17. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for students/youth. Final performances of “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Musical” are at 10 a.m. July 14 and 17 and at 2 and 6:30 p.m. July 15. General admission tickets for “Emperor” are $7.50.

Free pre-show entertainment is offered starting 45 minutes before each evening performance.

For tickets or more information, visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. All performances are in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.

Dr. Keith Hubbard, associate professor of mathematics and statistics at Stephen F. Austin State University, is the latest recipient of an endowed professorship established to reward faculty members who serve as excellent mentors and teachers.

The Jim Towns Mentoring Professorship recognizes professors who instill, foster and promote a mentoring culture at SFA. The award is named for Dr. Jim Towns, a longtime SFA professor of communication studies.

Hubbard, who joined SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics in 2005, teaches graduate and undergraduate classes, including algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry and finite math. His research interests are vertex algebras and co-algebras, mathematical finance and mathematics education.

Hubbard received his bachelor’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Notre Dame University, all of which are in mathematics.

“Dr. Hubbard exudes caring and counsel for his students,” Towns said. “His commitment runs much deeper than connecting with students in the classroom. He takes the time and makes the time to listen and lead. His example is inspiring.”
Hubbard said he’s honored to follow in the footsteps of a professor who is well known for his commitment to student success, and he wants to continue Towns’ legacy.

“A university education is more about an inclusion into a supportive community where students mature intellectually, emotionally and professionally,” Hubbard said. “That kind of growth requires a deep personal investment in students as individuals—not just in their acquisition of a body of knowledge, but in their growth as adults. Mentoring is choosing to make that deep investment.”

Funding for the mentoring professorship was largely raised by Towns with the help of former students, colleagues and friends.