Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. Hans Michael Williams was named dean of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture during the Board of Regents quarterly meeting Tuesday.
Williams joined the SFA faculty in 1993 and has served in various roles, including interim dean and associate dean of the college as well as associate professor and professor of forestry.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity entrusted to me by the Board of Regents, university administration, and college faculty and staff members and students,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty and staff members as we create innovative ways to enhance the professional development of our students and serve as an important source of information for the citizens of Texas on the management of our agricultural and natural resources.”
Williams served as Regents Professor, the highest honor SFA bestows upon faculty members, from 2010-11. His achievements and awards include the Kenneth Watterson Teaching Excellence Award and Kenneth Nelson Distinguished Professorship.
Williams received his Bachelor of Science in forestry from Purdue University, Master of Science in forestry from Clemson University and doctoral degree from Auburn University. He will assume the role of dean Sept. 1.
Within the College of Forestry and Agriculture, regents also approved Dr. Matthew McBroom as associate dean of the college. McBroom began his career at SFA as a graduate research associate in 1995. In 2016, he was promoted to professor of forest hydrology.
Longtime SFA professor of agriculture Dr. Dale Perritt was named professor emeritus of agriculture by the Board of Regents following 36 years of service to the university. Perritt is retiring from the university on Aug. 31.
Perritt has taught agricultural development and courses in agricultural systems management at SFA. He has served as chair of the Department of Agriculture and coordinator of the agriculture science teacher program at SFA for teaching certification in Texas public schools.
Perritt was awarded the SFA Alumni Foundation's 2009 Distinguished Professor Award, the 2010 Agriculture Educator of the Year award and the Texas AgriLIfe Extension Service “Man of the Year” in 2014.
In the James I. Perkins College of Education, Dr. Stacy Hendricks was approved as assistant professor of secondary education and associate dean, and Dr. Christina Sinclair, associate professor of kinesiology and health science, was named associate dean for assessment and accountability.
Hendricks joined SFA’s Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership in 2011 after serving 18 years in public education as a teacher and administrator and working as project director of the Consortium for Excellence in Rural Teacher Preparation for English Language Learners in 2010. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University, master’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.
Sinclair joined SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science after moving from the University of Northern Colorado where she worked for 12 years. Sinclair graduated with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio, with a master's degree in education from Sul Ross State University and with a doctorate in physical education from the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Troy Davis, professor of history to professor, was named interim chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, and Kelly Noe, associate professor of accounting was named interim director of the Schlief School of Accountancy in the Nelson Rusche College of Business.
Faculty appointments approved by regents included Amanda Breitbach, assistant professor of art, and Dr. Cleo House, associate professor of theatre and director of the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts. House also was granted tenure by the board.
Drs. Aaron Moulton and Samuel Sutherland were appointed assistant professors of history in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and Pushkar Ogale was appointed assistant professor of computer science in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.
Staff appointments approved within the Department of Athletics include Alejandro Rodriguez, athletic trainer, and Morgan Spearman, assistant softball coach.
In Residence Life, regents approved staff appointments for Erin Pratico, hall director, and Elizabeth Roshell, coordinator of Residence Life programs.
Additional staff appointments include Benito Telesca, assistant director of Campus Recreation; Will Honea, coordinator of records management and publications in Steen Library; and Jennifer Hopson, nurse practitioner in Student Affairs Support Services. Former substitute teachers Holly Franz and Amanda Scanlan were approved as teachers for the SFA Charter School.
Approved changes of status within the Department of Athletics include Desmond Haymon, from adjunct faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science to assistant men’s basketball coach; Casey Watkins, from graduate assistant to coordinator of athletic operations; and Alexander Vanvalkenburgh, from athletic trainer to head athletic trainer.
Regents also approved the following changes of status: Wesley Berg, from visiting assistant professor of art to assistant professor of art; Stacy Little, from programmer/analyst I to programmer/analyst II, Information Technology Services; and Karrie Roberson, from web design specialist to database administrator, Steen Library.
Ginger Kelso, associate professor of human services, was granted faculty development leave for one academic year to pursue additional training and experience in special education within public schools.
The board approved the retirements of the following faculty and staff members with 184 years of combined service to the university: Tim Clipson and Keaton Grubbs, professors of business communication and legal studies; Richard Langley and John Moore, professors of chemistry; Michael Pickard, professor of computer science; Alan Sowards, professor of elementary education; and Nagalpura Viswanath, visiting professor of human services.