Former SFA professor earns exemplary service award

Dr. Janie Owens Kenner

Dr. Janie Owens Kenner, former professor of fashion merchandising at Stephen F. Austin State University, received the Edna Wilkin Teagarden Award for Exemplary Service in Human Sciences at the annual Human Sciences Honors Convocation.

The Teagarden Award is the highest honor the SFA School of Human Sciences bestows upon a human sciences graduate. The award recognizes professionals who demonstrate a dedication to the profession; make exemplary contributions in the field; develop and implement human sciences concepts and principles in a professional role; and display a commitment to SFA and the School of Human Sciences.

Kenner received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from SFA in home economics education. She earned a doctoral degree in textiles and clothing from Texas Woman's University in 1990.

Kenner's career at SFA spanned 30 years. She started as a lecturer and research assistant and eventually was promoted to professor. Kenner received the College of Education Teaching Excellence Award in 2004, and the School of Human Sciences Teaching Excellence Award in 1997 and 2004. She is a member of the Phi Upsilon Omicron and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

As a lifetime educator, her interests include cultural clothing, textiles and historic costumes. She continues to serve the fashion merchandising program by securing clothing donations and mentoring current students.

Kenner also has served as a home economics teacher with the Huntington and Nacogdoches ISDs and as a home demonstration agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Kenner resides in Nacogdoches.