Axe ’Em, Jacks!
The appointments of three Stephen F. Austin State University faculty members to serve in interim leadership roles were approved by the Board of Regents during a regularly scheduled meeting today.
Matthew Beauregard, professor of mathematics and statistics, was named interim chair of the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy. Beauregard holds a degree from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Arizona at Tucson. He joined the SFA faculty in 2014.
Kevin Langford, associate professor of biology and director of pre-health professions programs, is serving as interim chair of the Department of Biology. Langford joined the SFA faculty in 2002 and holds degrees from SFA and a doctoral degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Chay Runnels, associate professor of human sciences, was approved to serve as interim director of the School of Human Sciences. Runnels holds degrees from the University of Texas and a doctoral degree from SFA and joined the SFA faculty in 2005. She replaces Dr. Lynda Martin, whose retirement was approved by regents.
Also in the education college, Ginney Love Watkins, a master teacher in the Early Childhood Lab, was approved as a visiting assistant professor of human sciences. Kelly Finnerud, who previously served as a teacher aide and substitute teacher, was appointed to a teaching position at the Charter School. Ande Wallace also was approved as a Charter School teacher.
Elizabeth Gound’s promotion to assistant professor of elementary education was approved by regents, and Tonya Jeffery and Kevin Jones were approved as new assistant professors of education studies. Other approvals included Jill Pruett, clinical instructor of human sciences; Elaine Turner, assistant professor of human services and educational leadership; and Robyn Whitehead, assistant professor of kinesiology.
Appointments in the College of Sciences and Mathematics included Jeremy Becnel, a professor of mathematics and statistics, who was approved to serve as a professor of computer science. The appointment of Dipak Singh as an assistant professor of computer science also was approved.
Jordan Baker, Morgan Benton, Sherry Cheever and Ashley Goar were approved as clinical instructors of nursing
New faculty members in the College of Fine Arts included Margaret Fay, visiting assistant professor of music, and James Taylor, lecturer of sound recording technology.
In the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Christine Bishop and Ronald Rush were approved as assistant professors of social work. Gregory Smith is a lecturer for languages, cultures and communication, and Spencer Willardson is an assistant professor of government.
In Human Resources, John Wyatt was promoted from assistant director to associate director. The promotions of Lisa Balty and Deja Peterson from human resources representatives to senior human resources representatives were approved, as was the promotion of Kimberly Odems, from specialist III to senior human resources representative.
Tanner Boyd and Colleen Gallagher were approved to serve as assistant general counsels to the university. Deborah Rossler was approved as construction project manager in the Physical Plant.
The appointment of Marcus Walker as assistant football coach was approved by regents, as was the promotion of Aidan Pool, from athletic training graduate assistant to athletic trainer.
Faculty development leave was approved for Jane Long, mathematics and statistics, for the spring 2022 semester.
Regents approved the retirement of Gary Kronrad and his appointment as Professor Emeritus of forestry and environmental science. Other retirements approved included Neill Armstrong, secondary education; Larry Bishop, English and creative writing; Regina Brown and Cynthia McCarley, nursing; Deborah Cady and Robbie Steward, human services; Jere Jackson, Center for East Texas Studies; Marcus Madden, University Police Department; and Karren Price, government.