Standley named dean of graduate studies at SFA

Dr. James Standley

Long-time academic dean Dr. James Standley has been named dean of graduate studies at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Standley joined the SFA faculty in 1979, serving as founding dean of the College of Applied Arts and Sciences. When it merged with the College of Liberal Arts in 2006, he became the first dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Before returning to teaching in 2007, Standley was the longest serving dean at any public university in the state. Standley also will continue to serve as director of the Office of Institutional Accreditation at SFA.

"Dr. Standley brings valuable administrative experience and institutional perspective to the position of Dean of Graduate Studies," said Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs. "I believe Dr. Standley will provide the leadership necessary for success in reaffirmation and continued growth and improvement in graduate programs."

Standley earned his Bachelor of Science in sociology and psychology from SFA in 1965 and received his Master of Art degree in criminology from Sam Houston State University in 1968. He then earned his doctoral degree in sociology from Texas A&M University in 1973 and is a 1985 graduate of the Harvard University Management and Leadership in Higher Education Institute. In 1995, he was honored as Texas A&M University's Outstanding Sociology graduate.

During his tenure at SFA, Standley has served as dean or interim dean of four colleges, including the College of Applied Arts and Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and the College of Fine Arts.

Standley said he plans to continue the program's current growth and build on its educational potential.

"This is an exciting time at SFA for students who want to enhance their training and skills through graduate study," Standley said. "SFA offers wide-ranging and innovative graduate and professional programs of distinction.

"Students will be challenged by our dedicated faculty in these programs to go beyond the boundaries of their current knowledge and make new discoveries."