Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University President Scott Gordon has named the individual who will fill the newly created role as the university’s first chief marketing communications officer.

Graham Garner currently serves as chief officer for communications, marketing and external relations at The State University of New York in Morrisville, located 30 miles southeast of Syracuse. He developed and launched the institution’s first-ever major market research project and led the subsequent brand revitalization. He also initiated and managed strategy and tactics for digital advertising and social media campaigns.

“Graham Garner is known among higher education leaders for building a brand based on the perspective of education as a public good that can benefit from private enterprise as it brings value to individuals, communities and industries,” Gordon said. “He is well-respected for his ability to see trends on the horizon and to lead organizational change that benefits the entire institution.”

Gordon said the chief marketing communication officer role was created to replace the marketing efforts led by the Carlberg Agency, based in Houston, since 2013.

“We believe our marketing efforts will be more impactful if they are based on work that originates here on our campus,” Gordon said. “Graham will work to coordinate our marketing efforts across campus, including athletics, enrollment and fundraising.”

Prior to his employment with SUNY, Garner was a reporter for the Idaho State Journal and won an Idaho Press Club award for coverage of gubernatorial candidates. He went on to work in alumni relations for Idaho State University, where he was promoted to director of alumni relations before also heading offices of development, web communications and university relations. He later led marketing efforts at Wartburg College in Iowa for five years, including serving as vice president for marketing and communications.

“I am honored and excited to join SFA’s leadership and communications teams and expand on the successes the institution has earned,” Garner said. “The diversity of experiences and perspectives at SFA is rich, and I believe there are great opportunities ahead to share those stories as part of a larger effort to expand and elevate the university’s reputation.”

Garner holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration degree and completed coursework for Doctor of Education in higher education leadership from Idaho State University.

As the chief marketing communications officer, Garner will be responsible for significantly enhancing the university’s visibility and increasing awareness and understanding of its mission, vision and academic programs.

For more information about SFA, visit www.sfasu.edu/about-sfa/newsroom.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program will livestream this semester’s Repertory Dance Company performances, featuring guest artists, three faculty pieces and the theme “Vitality,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 through 26 and 3 p.m. Feb. 27.

“Our concert this year encompasses strength, power and unity throughout each piece,” said Mandi Moore, assistant professor of dance at SFA. “This year’s process has been a true test to our company and the arts to safely create, rehearse and produce a show during a pandemic. We are grateful to our resilient choreographers and dancers for working together to create ‘Vitality.’”

The guest artists for the three performances are Angela Bacarisse, professor of costume design at SFA; Jared Doster, former dancer with Pilobolus Dance; and Keith Haynes, lecturer of critical media practices at University of Colorado Boulder.

Skyler Morgan, a senior dance major from Mount Pleasant who is a Repertory Dance Company member, said bringing this show to life has helped her gain insight into both dancer and choreographer perspectives.

“I have been dancing for about 22 years now, and nothing compares to this dance program,” Morgan said. “Even through COVID, I feel as though I never stopped learning. My experiences with my amazing professors and all the opportunities presented to us by the guest choreographers have put me in such a good headspace to further my career upon my graduation in May.”

The performances will primarily feature modern dance, but the audience also will get to enjoy hip hop, jazz and step dance. Some of the choreography will incorporate multimedia elements and projection, or the ability to project energy outward to the audience. The concerts also will feature historic spoken text and improvisation.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines, only the performers’ immediate family members may attend the concerts in person in the HPE Complex, Room 201.

Students, faculty, staff and the public can watch online by making a donation in any amount at sfasu.edu/rdc. Donors will receive an email the week of the performances containing the livestream link. Donations also will be accepted at the door.

“Normally, the revenue we generate from ticket sales funds the next Repertory Dance Company performance,” said Heather Samuelson, dance program co-coordinator and assistant professor in SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. “Because in-person attendance is greatly limited this year, we’re asking the public to help us support the future growth and success of these students.”

For more information, email Samuelson at samuelsoh@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/rdc.

By Jo Gilmore, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Hans Williams, dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, was elected president of the Texas Forestry Association during the organization’s virtual meeting in October 2020.

“Dr. Williams brings a unique set of qualifications to his role as president at TFA,” said Rob Hughes, TFA executive director. “He has 27 years of experience in leading discovery and understanding about trees and silviculture as an educator. This expertise will help guide the TFA and its members during an unprecedented time.”

The association serves as the voice for the forest industry, promoting an economic, social and political climate that advances forestry in Texas through education, political action and public relations. It also serves the broad needs of forest landowners, producers and consumers with the goal of enhancing and perpetuating Texas’ forest resources.

Williams holds a doctoral degree from Auburn University with an emphasis in forest ecophysiology and seedling quality. His achievements and awards include the Kenneth Watterson Teaching Excellence Award and Kenneth Nelson Distinguished Professorship.