Judy A. Abbott, PhD

Dean, James I. Perkins College of Education

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

What drew you to the higher education world?

Institutions of higher education are places that foster curiosity, places that not only “allow” questioning but “encourage” questioning. Consequently, whether attending an institution of higher education as a student or serving an institution of higher education as faculty, the expectation is to question, to inquire, to explore possibilities. This makes institutions of higher education fertile ground for changing lives and for creating new knowledge. Now that’s the life that I want to live!

What do you enjoy most about your role at SFA?

As the dean of the largest college on campus, I know that the faculty and staff are making a difference in the lives of many, many students — undergraduate, graduate and doctoral. And the lives of the faculty and staff within the college are enhanced by the interactions with our students. It is the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning that makes my daily life as dean so enjoyable. I see how students develop relationships with faculty — those relationships change lives!

What do you hope students gain from SFA?

My hope is that the students at SFA will develop their curiosity. When SFA faculty and staff are at their best, they are facilitating learning experiences that connect with the passions and interests of students. Learning, within this approach, is never a chore; rather, learning becomes joyful, meaningful, more self-initiated and self-motivating.

What are you passionate about outside of your role at SFA?

I am deeply involved in education initiatives within the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and across the city and county of Nacogdoches. As chair of the Chamber education committee, I work with business and civic leaders who commit a portion of their professional and personal lives to supporting the education and leadership development of the young people in our area. Those young people are the future leaders of our community!

Education and Experience