SFA Board of Regents approves faculty, staff changes

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents on Monday appointed an executive director of marketing and public affairs to lead the university’s strategic marketing efforts.

Shirley Luna, former associate director of SFA’s Office of Public Affairs, will now serve in the executive director position. Luna was appointed to fill the position on an interim basis in July 2011. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from SFA and currently is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership at the university. Luna previously worked as a freelance writer and as a newspaper reporter.

Also among the staff appointments approved by the Regents Monday was former SFA quarterback Jeremy Moses, who was hired as a new assistant football coach for the Lumberjacks. A two-time All American, Moses was named the 2010 Walter Payton Player of the Year, becoming the first Southland Conference athlete to receive the honor in the award’s history.

A two-time Southland Conference Player of the Year and the 2010 SLC Offensive Player of the Year, Moses led SFA to a 9-3 record and the university’s second consecutive conference title, guiding the Lumberjacks through a historical season that was capped by a return trip to the NCAA FCS Playoffs.

Regents approved the appointment of Robbie Goodrich, longtime reporter and editor at the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, who was named director of arts information in the College of Fine Arts. In her role at SFA, Goodrich is responsible for promoting performances, exhibits and other special events for the art, music and theatre schools.

The Board of Regents approved numerous other staff appointments Tuesday, including Judith Barroeta, coordinator of alumni marketing and communications; Steven Condon, athletic trainer; Stephanie Wooten, head tennis coach; Scott Wagner, assistant director of facility and member services in campus recreation; Jacqueline Cornelius-Tomsic, accountant II; Ann Drayman, nurse practitioner in health services; Beverly Morehouse, grants and contract specialist; and Julie Akers, coordinator of student publications.

The following staff appointments were approved in the James I. Perkins College of Education: Monique Nunn, project director for Deep East Texas P-16 Regional Council; Ragan Philliber and Juliana Rodriguez-Akerson, charter school teachers; and Nola Schmidt, project director of CONFIANZA.

Staff appointments within the Department of Residence Life included the following: Stephanie Ballard, Ryan Brinkman, Erin Ellis, Yvonne Hinshaw, Nechele McClinton and Jeremie Middleton, hall directors; and Kiet Le, area coordinator.

The Board of Regents also approved faculty appointments within all six academic colleges. New faculty members in the Nelson Rusche College of Business include Justin Blount and Kyle Post, assistant professors of business communications and legal studies; H. Banker Phares, senior lecturer of economics and finance; and Nikki Shoemaker, instructor of accounting.

Faculty appointments in the Perkins College of Education include Bryan Scott Bailey, assistant professor of secondary education and educational leadership; Kelli Drenner, assistant professor of kinesiology and health science; William Dwyer, visiting assistant professor of secondary education and educational leadership; and Sheila Lumar, visiting assistant professor of human sciences.

Visiting assistant professors of art Jeffery Brewer and Deitra Davis were appointed in the College of Fine Arts; assistant professors of agriculture Stacie Appleton and John Mehaffey were approved for the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

Appointments within the College of Liberal and Applied Arts included Patricia Foster, visiting instructor of psychology; Matthew Gailliot, visiting assistant professor of psychology; and Candice Kowalski, lecturer of psychology.

Five clinical instructors of nursing were appointed in the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing housed in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. They include Angel Brewer, Debra McCarthy, Marcia Nelson, David Smith and Katy Trotty. Volha Minich was appointed lecturer of biology in the college.

Changes of status across the campus also were approved, including the following in the Rusche College of Business: Stephen Bradley, from instructor and assistant director of the computer science lab to business technology coordinator; Jack Ethridge, from professor of accounting to professor and interim MPA director; Geralyn Franklin, from professor and associate dean to professor and interim dean; Mikhail Kouliavtsev, from associate professor of economics and finance to associate professor and interim MBA director; and Michael Stroup, from professor of economics and finance to professor and interim director of the Gerald W. Schlief School of Accountancy.

The following changes of status were approved in the Perkins College of Education: Cyndra Krogen-Morton, from adjunct faculty member to visiting lecturer of kinesiology and health science; and Raquel Skidmore, from administrative assistant to academic adviser.

Approved changes of status in the College of Fine Arts included Scott Harris, from associate professor of music to associate professor and interim director of the School of Music. Additionally, Gene Moon was promoted to assistant professor of music.

In the Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Paul Weatherford’s status changed from laboratory associate-Waters of East Texas to laboratory associate-Soils Lab.

Changes of status within the College of Liberal and Applied Arts include Julie Brotzen, from adjunct faculty member to lecturer of psychology; and Michael Martin, from associate professor of English to associate professor and director of the division of multidisciplinary program.

Within the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the following changes of status were approved: Mike Janusa, from professor and chair of chemistry to professor, chair and interim director of the Science Research Center; and Deborah Pace, from professor and chair of mathematics and statistics to professor, chair and interim associate dean of the college.

Other changes of status at SFA include the following:

Campus Recreation – Travis Lankford, from casual employee to coordinator of campus recreation – sports clubs and camps;

Counseling and Career Services – Binta Brown, from counselor to director of career services; and Brandi Hampton, from administrative assistant to coordinator of career services;

Disability Services – Margaret Hilton, from staff interpreter and coordinator to senior interpreter and coordinator of deaf and hard-of-hearing services; and Tiffany Rivers, from assistant director to director of disability services;

Multicultural Center – Amanda Flores, from assistant director to interim director;

Residence Life – Amy Tedesco, from hall director to area coordinator;

Student Affairs – Lacey Claver, from assistant coordinator to coordinator of student activities; James Maple, from head coach of the pom squad to head spirit coach; and Jason Williams, from assistant coordinator of spirit programs to head spirit coach.

The following SFA retirements also were approved: Joe Gotti, professor of agriculture; Gary Frields, professor of art; Sylvia Bierschenk, director of arts information; Judith Lauter, professor of human services; and Michael Rustad, supervisor of building trades.

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SFA Board of Regents selects firm to study campus water usage

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents has selected the Tyler-based firm Freese and Nichols to study on-campus water resources, usage and distribution in accordance with the Campus Master Plan.

Freese and Nichols was selected from three firms invited to make presentations during Sunday’s meeting of the board’s Building and Grounds Committee. The Board of Regents approved the selection based on the committee’s recommendation at its quarterly meeting Monday.

Founded in 1894, the engineering, architecture and environmental science firm is the oldest in the state and has earned awards for its higher education projects. Past clients include Texas Christian University, Kilgore College, Texas State Technical College, Texas Wesleyan University and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Freese and Nichols will partner with the Nacogdoches firm Hydrex Environmental for its local resources and expertise.

The study will include an assessment of the university’s current and future water usage, along with considerations for water conservation and distribution. A significant portion of the water purchased by the university is used for irrigation, according to Danny Gallant, vice president for finance and administration.

The Board of Regents also approved a renovation of the Music Recital Hall inside the Wright Music Building. The $170,000 project will be funded through a combination of private donations, higher education (HEF) funds and designated funds.

“The Music Recital Hall serves as a performance venue for SFA music students and guest artists, as well as a teaching facility for courses in the music major and in the core curriculum,” said Dr. Richard Berry, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

The lighting system in the hall was installed when the hall was constructed in 1969, and only minor aesthetic upgrades were made during the 1998 renovation of the music building.

The Board of Regents also approved the following items during the business meeting:

· Undergraduate curriculum changes in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science;

· Annual audit plan, audit charter and report;

· Continuation of the educational Leadership Scholarship program;

· Grant awards for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013; and

· Numerous policy revisions related to building and grounds, financial affairs, and academic and student affairs.

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Student-directed ‘Tunnel of Love’ featured in SFA’s Downstage Theatre

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present a student production of Jacquelyn Reingold’s “Tunnel of Love” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. All performances are in the Downstage Theatre, located on the first floor of the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

The one-act play, directed by Emory junior Vanessa Hendricks, is “a bizarre comedy about Susie, her boyfriend and a special problem,” according to Hendricks.

The cast features Friendswood freshman Anna Drake in the role of Susie; The Woodlands sophomore Nick Pinelli as Gary; Sugarland sophomore Daniel Miller as Dr. Checkup; and Amarillo sophomore Mary Collie, Woodville freshman Aaron Sanderson, Baytown freshman Stephen Davis in the ensemble, along with international exchange student Ingunn Kristjansdottir of Iceland.

Katy sophomore April Gore is stage manager; Little Rock, Ark., junior Ashley Black is scenic designer; Wylie senior Brian Butler is costume designer; Nacogdoches sophomore Amanda Warren is lighting designer; Terrell senior Whitney Daniel is sound designer; and Allen sophomore Bridgett Ochoa is assistant scenic designer.

Hendricks is a theatre major with a minor in political science. In her third year at SFA, she has directed and acted in several plays, including “The Tarantino Variation,” “Small World,” a scene from “The Last Night at Ballyhoo” and a scene from “Rhinoceros.” She has served as assistant director for “Medusa’s Tale,” “For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls” and “Animal Farm.” She performed in “How I Became a Pirate,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” the 2012 Festival of New American Plays’ “Brilliants” and the Downstage production of “Women and Wallace.” She is a member of the Student Production Advisory Committee.

“Tunnel of Love” is recommended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $3. For tickets or more information, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

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SFA’s First Friday Film Series features “Waste Land”

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The film “Waste Land,” artist Vic Muniz’s collaboration with pickers of recyclables in Brazil’s giant garbage dump, will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts’ First Friday Film Series.

Photographer Vic Muniz is shown at Jardim Gramacho, Rio de Janeiro’s metropolitan landfill, which receives more trash daily than any landfill in the world. Muniz’s photographs of pickers of recyclables here is the subject of the documentary film “Waste Land,” which will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at the Cole Art Center as part of the SFA School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts’ First Friday Film Series.

Filmed over nearly three years by acclaimed documentarian Lucy Walker, “Waste Land” follows renowned artist Muniz as he journeys from his home base in Brooklyn to his native Brazil and the world’s largest garbage dump, located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, according to information at www.wastelandmovie.com.

There, Muniz photographs an eclectic band of “catadores,” who are self-designated pickers of recycleable materials. Muniz’s initial objective was to “paint” the catadores with garbage. However, his collaboration with the inspiring characters as they recreate photographic images of themselves out of garbage reveals both the dignity and despair of the catadores as they begin to re-image their lives, according to the website.

“The film offers stirring evidence of the transformative power of art and the alchemy of the human spirit,” the site said.

Since its premier at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010, the film, which is unrated, has won awards at more than 25 film festivals.

All films in the First Friday Film Series are free. “Waste Land” is sponsored by Dr. Sergio Moreira and his wife, Samantha, a member of the Friends of the Visual Arts. Films are presented by the SFA Art Galleries, SFA Friends of Visual Arts and the Nacogdoches Junior Forum.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. All film screenings are free. For information, call (936) 468-1131.

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Madrigal Singers to present concert

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Madrigal Singers in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in Cole Concert Hall in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

The SFA Madrigal Singers will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in Cole Concert Hall.

The SFA Madrigal Singers is a highly select 16-voice ensemble comprised of members of the A Cappella Choir.

“Through the Singers’ many performances, especially during the Christmas season, their reputation reaches throughout the East Texas area,” said Tim King, director of choral activities at SFA and the group’s director. “However, it is through their wide-ranging concert repertoire comprised of music from all musical periods – Renaissance to present day – that exhibits the group’s extensive talent, precision and artistry.”

The concert music will range from the Renaissance composer Josquin des Pres to American jazz artist and composer George Shearing. The feature number on the program is Johannes Brahms’ Neue Liebeslieder (New Love-song Waltzes) showcasing Bruno Ribeiro and Martha de Luna on piano.

The performance is part of the SFA School of Music’s Concert Series. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, call (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

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October 25: NPD Crime Report

This is a complete list of reports responded to by the Nacogdoches Police Department

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October 25: Nacogdoches County Booking Report

This is the report from the Nacogdoches County Jail that lists the arrests made from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day.

Inmates can send letters to be posted on Everything Nac:
Everything Nac
PO Box 630091
Nacogdoches, Texas, 75963-0091

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October 25: Sheriff Office Daily Activity Log

This is the report from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office that list the reports from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day.

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Woden High School cleans house in poster contest again

Woden High School Art Teacher Diane Harrell and Senior Lacey Browning receive checks in the amount of $150 for this year's Poster Contest.

NACOGDOCHES – Organizers of Scare on the Square are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Scare on the Square Poster Contest, Woden High School Senior, Lacey Browning. Art classes from throughout the county are invited to participate in the annual competition. This year we had over 300 entries, from three-area high schools, one middle school and the SFA Charter School. “It was a tough decision, we had so many great entries,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien. Woden Art teacher Diane Harrell was thrilled that Lacey won the competition. This is the fifth year in a row the winning design has come from Diane’s class. The winning poster is used to promote the event all over town. Also both Lacey and Woden High School received checks in the amount of $150.
The contest is organized annually by Scare on the Square volunteer, Teresa Darby & Jessica Patterson, of downtown retailer Glass Castles. “I cannot thank Teresa and Jessica enough for their hard work in reaching out to all of our area schools,” said O’Brien. If you would like a copy of the Scare on the Square poster you can pick up a copy of this year’s poster in the Main Street Office, located at 202 E. Pilar Street, Room 319 or visit any of our downtown retailers to catch glimpses of all of our entries.
Honorable Mentions in each grade category went to:
12th: Melanie Gore, Woden
11th: Danielle Foley, Woden
10th: Shelby Toney, Woden
9th: Preston Mannel, Woden
8th: Morgan Ray, Excelsior
7th: April Dorsett, Woden
6th: Sydni Taylor, Martinsville
5th: Aleiza Belista, SFA Charter
These students all won “Scare Packages” to get free entry to various activities and prizes during this year’s Scare on the Square event. This year’s downtown Halloween celebration will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27th, and will include trick-or-treating, a costume contest, a haunted house at G. Patterson studio, Pet Costume Contest, a petting zoo, games and much more!
For questions about Scare on the Square please contact Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien at 936-559-2573 or send her an email at obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us. You can also become a fan of Scare on the Square on facebook! For contest registration forms visit www.ci.nacogdoches.tx.us and click on “Scare on the Square” on the homepage.

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Dean’s Circle Awards honor accomplishments of SFA fine arts students, faculty

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle recently recognized its 2012 Winner’s Circle award recipients at a reception held in the home of newly elected District 11 state Rep. Travis Clardy and his wife, Judy.

Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes, left, dean of the SFA College of Fine Arts, and Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn, right, recognized sponsors of the 2012 Winner’s Circle awards, including Travis Clardy, who hosted the reception and fundraiser in his home, Kayla Rhodes, mortgage lender for Region’s Bank, Jan Dawley, branch service leader with Regions Bank, and Gary Stokes, CEO of Nacogdoches Medical Center. Other sponsors were Cal-Tex Lumber Company, First Bank and Trust and Flashback Café.

This year’s award recipients, announced and honored in April, were re-introduced at the reception. Winners were Emily Grogan, who received the Cole Dean’s Award in Art; Joshua Zinn, who received the Ledbetter Dean’s Award in Music; Brady Weldon, who received the Sidnell Dean’s Award in Music; and Grace Hartke, who received the Schmidbauer Dean’s Award in Theatre.

Also receiving special recognition was Regents Professor of Art William E. Arscott, who was presented with the Dean’s Circle Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award for his work in cinematography.

Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn recognized program sponsors Cal-Tex Lumber Company, Nacogdoches Medical Center, Regions Bank, the law firm of Clardy Davis & Knowles, First Bank and Trust and Flashback Café. The Clardys were also presented with a gift for having opened up their home for the program, and Clardy was commended as having been elected as the new state representative representing Nacogdoches, Cherokee and Rusk counties.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the Dean’s Circle with current and former students, faculty and supporters of the College of Fine Arts donating items for a silent auction.

The Dean’s Circle is an auxiliary group of community members founded in 2008 and dedicated, in part, to nurturing potential young artists within the College of Fine Arts, according to College of Fine Arts Dean Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes.

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