Everything Nac

Dr. Raymond J. Jones III, Stephen F. Austin State University assistant professor of entrepreneurship in the Rusche College of Business, will serve as the interviewer for the third installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring “Shark Tank” star, entrepreneur and FUBU founder Daymond John.

Jones has a PhD in management from the University of North Texas, an MBA from St. Bonaventure University, and a BA in political science from Mercyhurst College. Before arriving at SFA in 2019, Jones was a professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Jones also has extensive experience in the private sector, including starting his own businesses, serving as a board member and consultant for entrepreneurial companies, and several years working in the finance sector. He currently teaches courses in entrepreneurship, business policy and strategic management.

The lecture takes place at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 28 in Kennedy Auditorium. After a private VIP reception, Jones will sit with John for a Q&A, primarily focused on John’s core of expertise – building companies and brands.

“Daymond is an authentic American entrepreneur,” Jones said. “He found his passion, followed it relentlessly, and convinced other people that his vision was worthy of their support. Having now been successful for three decades, Daymond has what it takes to deliver a compelling lecture that should inspire both students and faculty. I look forward to hearing what he has to say and consider it an honor to share the stage with him.”

John established streetwear brand FUBU in the early 1990s and has been on an upswing ever since. He is celebrating his 12th season as an original cast member on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning business reality show “Shark Tank.” John is also an author of five bestselling books, including New York Times’ bestsellers “The Power of Broke” and “Rise and Grind,” and recently released the Audible Original, “Founding FUBU.”

The Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Tickets are available at Nacogdoches’ Charles Bright Visitor Center, 200 E. Main St., or on campus at the Baker Pattillo Student Center information desk. For more information about the lecture series, visit sfasu.edu/rusche.

By Richard Massey, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host an event celebrating one of the most life-changing moments for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as part of its National Coming Out Day celebration.

“National Coming Out Day is an annual awareness day to support members of the LGBTQ+ community who have publicly come out,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director. “By supporting and encouraging those within the community to share their story, our hope is that others in the community will feel they are able to live their lives openly and safely.”

The come-and-go event will feature giveaways and snacks provided by the OMA. Members of SFA’s LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus also will be present with informational resources.

“Celebrating National Coming Out Day is important not only in upholding our mission to create a welcoming campus, but also so that our students within the LGBTQ+ community know they are supported and see that support in action,” Beavers added.

The national event began Oct. 11, 1988, exactly one year after half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, according to the Human Rights Campaign website.

The National Coming Out Day celebration will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

For more information on OMA events, visit sfasu.edu/oma.

By Christine Broussard, marketing communications coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Sciences and Mathematics recognized Dr. Harry Downing, professor and former chair of the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy, for the generous gift of support he made to the college in honor of his late wife.

The Harry and Carolyn Downing Physics Resource Commons and the Harry and Carolyn Downing Engineering Resource Commons were unveiled during a ceremony celebrating the legacy his support will leave for students in the college. The rooms offer students a workplace to use between and after classes, as well as lounging areas complete with refrigerator and microwave access. His gift will also be used to support scholarships for students in physics and engineering.

“For many years, spaces like this have proven very valuable academically to our students, and because of the proximity to the department’s faculty offices, more academic bonding has occurred between our students and faculty,” Downing said. “I am very thankful many of the upper administration and the Board of Regents attended the dedication, and I was touched by their presence and words.”

Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president; David Alders, SFA regent from Nacogdoches; and Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, spoke at the ceremony.

“Together, Harry and Carolyn have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our students through their generosity,” Childs said. “By naming the Harry and Carolyn Downing PRC and the Harry and Carolyn Downing ERC, it provides our students with a memorable space for them to gather together, study and enjoy.”

Visit sfasu.edu/physics to learn more about the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy.

By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University