Everything Nac

For nearly two weeks this summer, 16 students from various colleges and areas of study at Stephen F. Austin State University traveled to 14 cities on mainland Greece to study the country’s history, culture, economy and politics, as well as learn how to become a global citizen through travel.

Dr. Perky Beisel, professor of history, led the interdisciplinary trip for students studying history, English and creative writing, cinematography, mass communication, business, psychology, biology, political science and education. Linda Reynolds, director of SFA’s East Texas Research Center, also traveled to offer assistance and insight.

From May 10 through 21, the group visited many iconic sites and museums in such cities as Thessaloniki, Philippi, Vergina, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Bassae, Kalamata, Ancient Sparta, Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Haidari and Athens.

Among the large number of sites visited, favorite locations according to students included the Temple of Epikourios Apollo on a remote mountain top in Bassae, the seaside town of Nafplio and the landscape of the monasteries at Meteora.

“The trip to Greece was an eye-opening and life-changing experience,” said Erin Odom, early childhood education senior. “It was such a great opportunity to see a different part of the world and experience a different culture. My favorite parts of the trip were interacting with the locals and finding a hidden access point to the ocean in Nafplio.”

Though the group had a hefty itinerary, students had time to experience the culture on their own. According to Beisel, this time led students to become connoisseurs of street food stands, which may have sparked a newfound love for oregano potato chips for some.

“Students learned how to travel and appreciate the opportunity of exploring another culture, even if they didn’t fall in love with traveling internationally,” Beisel said. “They learned how to appreciate differences and the value of going outside oneself by trying to speak a very foreign language, eat different foods and use different currencies. I’d say most embraced the daily experiences and the travel as a whole.”

To prepare for their travel, Beisel met with the students each week throughout the spring semester to discuss travel procedures, packing and currency and to practice language and food identification. Each student also was required to present on one of the sites they were going to visit.

“It was an amazing trip,” Beisel said. “I wish I could take more students tomorrow. I greatly appreciate the support of the Office of International Programs’ staff members, who helped every step of the way. Special thanks to the Department of History and Dr. Lorenzo Smith, SFA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, for providing funding to defray the students’ travel costs.”

For more information about SFA’s study abroad opportunities, visit sfasu.edu/international.

By University Marketing Communications

During a special meeting of The University of Texas System’s Board of Regents today, Regents elected to assume management and operational control of Stephen F. Austin State University effective July 28. This action will pave the way for the university to officially affiliate as a member of the UT System Sept. 1.

Kevin Eltife, UT System Board of Regents chair, and James B. Milliken, UT System chancellor, expressed thanks during the meeting to SFA’s board and the Lumberjack community for their role in and support of this union.

“It’s with immense gratitude I thank Chairman Eltife and Chancellor Milliken, as well as state legislators Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Travis Clardy, for their continued support of this affiliation,” said SFA interim President Gina Oglesbee. “Today marked another step toward our university joining a best-in-class system.”

Today’s vote confirmed that the UT System would assume management and control responsibilities of SFA, including but not limited to its operations, real property and other assets.

The vote was also a requirement of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges’ continued accreditation of SFA. The accrediting body recently approved SFA’s request for a change in governance from the SFA Board of Regents to the UT System Board of Regents. As a condition of continuous accreditation, SACSCOC required that the UT System assume management and control of SFA no later than July 28.

For information on the full affiliation process, visit sfasu.edu/system.

As one of its final duties, the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents named Dr. Dan Bruton, professor of physics and director of the SFA Planetarium, the 2023-24 Regents Scholar.

The title of Regents Scholar is the highest honor the university can bestow upon a faculty member. The honor is reserved for faculty members who are exemplary role models to the university community. The title is not an academic rank but an honorary title held for the duration of the recipient’s service to the university.

As part of the recognition, Bruton received a $2,000 grant to support his research efforts, which involve the search for minor planets as well as engineering design projects.

Previously named Regents Professor, SFA’s Regents Scholar program was established in 1979. Bruton will be the last to receive this recognition as SFA joins The University of Texas System this fall and becomes governed by the system’s board.

“As the final recipient of the Regents Scholar award, I am filled with profound gratitude and a heightened sense of responsibility,” Bruton said. “Joining the ranks of distinguished individuals who have received this honor before me is a humbling experience. Receiving this award is truly a highlight of my career, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues and mentors who have helped me reach this point.”

Bruton earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics from SFA in 1988 and 1990, respectively, and obtained his doctoral degree in physics from Texas A&M University in 1996. Shortly after, he joined the SFA faculty and now teaches astronomy, engineering and physics courses. A recipient of SFA’s Teaching Excellence Award in 2003, Bruton was integral in the establishment of SFA’s engineering program, including the electrical engineering and mechanical engineering degree programs.

“Throughout his service as a faculty member, associate dean, director of the planetarium, director of engineering, and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accreditation team leader, Dr. Dan Bruton has performed and led with conviction, compassion and excellence,” said Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics. “He is a servant leader, a visionary and a trusted colleague.”

Bruton also helps develop curriculum for younger students, including STEM Academy educational modules on engineering for the Nacogdoches and Lufkin independent school districts. He has involved students in Near Space projects that take instruments to the edge of space with high-altitude balloons, and he is currently working with students on an engineering design project for the collegiate Society of Automotive Engineers’ Baja national competition.

“Fostering a curiosity for science among all generations in the community is of utmost importance,” Bruton said. “Embracing curiosity not only fuels our thirst for knowledge but also empowers us to understand the world around us and tackle its challenges.

“By nurturing this inquisitive spirit, we inspire lifelong learners, promote scientific literacy and pave the way for innovative solutions that can positively impact society and create a brighter future for all. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with both K-12 students through our planetarium educational programs and assist college students in achieving their career aspirations in engineering and physics.”

Bruton has worked with students to discover 11 new asteroids and make observations of over 40 other minor planets. He also has written free astronomy educational computer programs and made them available online. In addition, he educates the whole community through SFA Planetarium programming.

“Dr. Bruton has the unique ability to build and sustain sound relationships, serving as a valuable, dependable resource to countless students and colleagues across the SFA campus and beyond,” Childs said. “I have great respect and admiration for him, and I believe he is the quintessential SFA Regents Scholar.”

By University Marketing Communications

John R. “Bob” Garrett ’75, former Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents chair; SFA alumnus; and president and CEO of Fair Oil Company of Texas Inc., Broadway South Development, and Fair Management, will give the commencement address during the university’s graduation ceremony Saturday, Aug. 5.

Originally from West Texas, Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from SFA and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Tyler. He was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the SFA Board of Regents in 2007 and served two terms. During his tenure, Garrett approved more than $400 million in campus improvements and helped SFA’s academic and athletic programs rise in prominence, which contributed to enrollment growth and institutional success.

In 2018, Garrett was honored with the T.B. Butler Award as Tyler’s most outstanding citizen. In 2021, he received SFA’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Garrett remains active in the energy industry as well as residential and commercial real estate development. He serves as president of the R.W. Fair Foundation, chair of the board of Southside Bank/Southside Bancshares and member of the admissions committee for UT Tyler School of Medicine. He is past president of the Texas Association of Builders and a past member of the governor’s Task Force on Appraisal Reform.

“Having worked closely with Bob Garrett for 12 years during his service on the SFA Board of Regents, I am honored for him to deliver the last ‘independent’ SFA graduation speech,” said interim President Gina Oglesbee. “Bob is an inspiration to the SFA community, and his love for SFA is evident.”

SFA’s August commencement ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 5 in Johnson Coliseum. Doors will open an hour before the ceremony. Each graduation candidate will be allotted 15 free guest tickets, which are needed for entry into the event.

Degrees to be awarded include 239 bachelor’s degrees, 101 master’s degrees and five doctoral degrees. Nearly 80 students will graduate with honors, including 21 cum laude, 20 magna cum laude and 36 summa cum laude. Four students will graduate with the university scholar designation.

For more information, visit sfasu.edu/commencement.

By University Marketing Communications