Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation will host the Fall Faculty Showcase to highlight faculty research projects funded by CARRI grants. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.

Chosen by the center’s steering committee, nine proposals with awards totaling more than $215,000 were selected to serve the surrounding rural region through strategic developments or programs for real-world application, tourism attraction to our rural region, and partnerships that support a robust workforce in Deep East Texas.

The event will offer a chance for the public to learn about the projects through video presentations, tabling opportunities, and networking with the grant recipients and attendees.

“This event provides a chance for the SFA and surrounding communities to learn about the incredible projects from our dedicated faculty members,” said Mary Ann Rojas, CARRI executive director. “Each faculty member and their project demonstrates economic impact, measurable outcomes and student engagement, which aligns perfectly with CARRI’s mission.”

Topics to be covered during the presentation range from cancer treatment developments, microplastic pollutants, and teacher scholarships.

Additionally, CARRI recently announced a partnership with IPC International that provided select SFA engineering faculty members a four-day training session in August facilitated by IPC. A faculty member who participated in the recent training session will be present to discuss their experiences in the trainings and the newfound partnership.

Completion of the IPC training allows SFA’s engineering faculty to incorporate credentialling courses to provide students the skills directly applicable to electronics, such as soldering, electronic assembly, and cable and harness fabrication.

SFA established CARRI in fall 2021 to engage faculty, staff and students in research projects that support academic programs and boost regional economic development. Since its establishment, the university has awarded numerous scholarships to rural SFA students and stipends to faculty members for innovative research projects. It also was rated the top rural-serving higher education institution in Texas by The Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges in 2022.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact CARRI at CARRI@sfasu.edu, or visit sfasu.edu/CARRI.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 37 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business recently awarded the inaugural Sanner-Berry Business Professorship to Dr. Justin Blount, professor in the Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies. The new professorship was created through an endowment by Christine “Chris” Sanner Berry and James “Jim” Berry, both 1985 graduates of SFA.

Professorships are designed to honor distinguished faculty members and provide financial support to attract and retain exceptional educators while supporting them in their professional endeavors. Endowed professorships, such as the Sanner-Berry Business Professorship, are most often established through the generosity of donors and provide financial support to the recipient on an ongoing basis.

“This professorship means so much to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the Berrys’ generosity,” said Blount, who was also selected as one of the inaugural recipients of SFA’s Scholarly Excellence Award in April.

Blount earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law. A licensed attorney in Texas and Oklahoma, Blount’s main research interests are corporate governance and social responsibility.

“I work very hard to develop rigorous learning experiences for students while maintaining a very active research agenda,” Blount said. “The Sanner-Berry Business Professorship is a wonderful reward for that hard work and also enables me to continue impacting Lumberjacks through my research and teaching.”

The purpose of the endowment is to retain and attract quality faculty members to the Rusche College of Business, said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the college.

“A great education starts with great professors,” Bisping said. “We are fortunate to have outstanding professors in the Rusche College of Business who impact thousands of students throughout the course of their careers. The generosity of Jim and Chris will help ensure that we are able to continue to attract and retain for our students outstanding professors such as Dr. Blount.”

The Berrys established the endowment because of their strong belief in education.

“We have always believed in the importance of education, both formal education and through life experiences,” said Chris, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and broadfield communication with an emphasis in photojournalism. “Whatever the means of learning that people experience — university, trade or apprenticeship — education offers the opportunity to expand their horizons and, by doing so, creates even more opportunity for the next generation.”

This professorship is one way the Berrys can ensure future Lumberjacks have the opportunity to learn from accomplished faculty members just as they did.

“As we reflected on the continued importance of getting the best professors and instructors at SFA to maintain and grow the Lumberjack experience, we became convinced this was a significant way to help make that impact,” said Jim, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and is a retired partner and past vice chair for Deloitte & Touche. “We know the endowment will serve Lumberjacks for years to come.”

For more information on the Rusche College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY

Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 37 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications