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SFA to honor teaching excellence


TOP (L-R): Dr.Elton Scifres, Ms. Cay McAninch, Dr. Linda Bond BOTTOM (L-R): Dr. Chris Comer, Dr. Gary Wurtz, Dr. Lesa Beverly

Stephen F. Austin State University will honor six faculty members at the Teaching Excellence Convocation on Wednesday, April 13, in the Regents Suites A and B in the Baker Pattillo Student Center. A reception for the honorees will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by the Teaching Excellence Convocation at 4 p.m.

Each of the six colleges at SFA selects a recipient based on enthusiasm for teaching, quality of lectures and assignments, interest in and availability to students, knowledge of subject matter, commitment to continuous improvement, and contribution to the quality of teaching within SFA through assistance and encouragement of other faculty.

Dr. Elton Scifres, professor of management, was selected from the Nelson Rusche College of Business. He received a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College, a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a doctorate from Louisiana State University. Scifres joined the SFA faculty in 1993.

Cay McAninch, lecturer of early childhood and elementary education, was selected from the James I. Perkins College of Education. She received a bachelor's and master's degree from SFA. McAninch joined the SFA faculty in 2008.

Dr. Linda Bond, assistant professor of advertising and news writing, was selected from the College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Bond received her bachelor's degree from Texas Tech, a master's degree from the University of Texas-Permian Basin and a doctorate from Texas A&M University. She joined the SFA faculty in 2002.

Dr. Chris Comer, associate professor of wildlife management, was selected from the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. Comer received a bachelor's degree from Carleton College, a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. He joined the SFA faculty in 2005.

Dr. Gary Wurtz, associate professor of music, was selected from the College of Fine Arts. He received a bachelor's degree from West Texas State University and a master's degree and doctorate from the University of North Texas. Wurtz joined the SFA faculty in 1992.

Dr. Lesa Beverly, associate professor of mathematics, was selected from the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Beverly received a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia's College at Wise and a master's degree and doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She joined the SFA faculty in 2004.

The Teaching Excellence Award was instituted at SFA in 1994.