Nelson Rusche
Distinguished Lecture Series

Dennis Quaid

Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid, best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” will bring star power and business policy insight as SFA's upcoming Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series speaker. 

Quaid will discuss his advocacy for Texas film and television industry incentives, offering firsthand insights into the intersection of entertainment and economic development. As part of the “True to Texas: Let’s Bring Productions Home” campaign, Quaid joined fellow Texas stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton and Renée Zellweger in championing Senate Bill 22 during the 89th Texas Legislature in spring 2025. The landmark bill, which took effect Sept. 1, dramatically increased funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, allocating $300 million every two years to attract major film and television productions to the Lone Star State.

Watch the event on YouTube

April 13, 2026: SFA News, Quaid, Patrick offer insights on Texas film industry at SFA lecture series event

In 2002, A. Nelson Rusche's gift endowed the Rusche College of Business and continues to provide scholarships and educational programs. Funded by this gift, the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series is a biennial event established in 2016 by Dr. Tim Bisping, former dean of the Rusche College of Business.

Designed to bring scholars and business leaders to SFA's campus and discuss timely issues, the series honors Rusche's vision of educating the next generation of business leaders while enriching the SFA and Nacogdoches communities.