Sworn In

Graduation is always a cause for celebration, but Zach Stewart ’14 had extra pep in his step on his SFA graduation day.

As he walked across the stage at Johnson Coliseum to receive his diploma, citizens in his hometown of Grandview, about 175 miles northwest of Nacogdoches, were voting to elect him to the city council.

“I tell people my graduation gift to myself was a council seat,” Zach joked.

Reflecting on that milestone, Zach now has another achievement for which he is extremely proud — at age 26, he was sworn in as the mayor of Grandview in May.

As one of Texas’ youngest mayors, Zach’s passion for his hometown has grown stronger through the years, and so has his dedication to helping the place where he grew up prosper.

“Although I’m young, people encouraged and supported me to run for public office,” Zach said. “I felt I could make a difference here, and I know the community and the issues we face. It seemed like the city was ready for a change, and I felt I was up for the challenge.”

Grandview, with a population of about 1,700, is full of charm, historic places and friendly faces. Strolling down the city’s red-bricked main street, Zach is greeted by nearly every passerby. Some people simply say hello while others inquire about city planning.

“I’m still not accustomed to hearing, ‘Hey, Mr. Mayor’ when walking around town,” Zach said. “I’m more used to being called Robert and Kathrine’s kid.”

Robert, Zach’s dad, serves as president and CEO of Grandview Bank, where Zach also works as an assistant vice president and information technology specialist. Zach balances his time at the bank with his role as mayor with the help of city staff members, particularly David Henley, the city manager.

“David and I work together to ensure Grandview’s needs are met,” Zach said. “David typically carries out the details while I focus on the big picture.”

Zach and Henley’s teamwork has brought about new growth to Grandview in the few short months Zach has been in office.

“It’s really good to have someone like Zach with us,” Henley said. “He’s young and new, and he’s brought innovation and knowledge to city hall, especially when it comes to things like technology.”

Zach’s mother, Kathrine ’82, is the principal of Grandview Elementary School. She and her twin sister, Ruth Meriwether Oates ’82, were Twirl-O-Jacks while at SFA. Kathrine said they choreographed most of the “Wabash Cannonball” routine that is still performed today.

“I love that when I visit SFA I can see the Twirl-O-Jacks still using our routine. One of my favorite things about SFA is it’s all about the traditions,” Kathrine said. “And when Zach chose to attend the university, it was like he was carrying on our family’s tradition.”

Zach’s family has strong ties to SFA. In addition to his mother and aunt being alumnae, his grandmother, Betty Stoker Meriwether ’52, who was Miss SFA her senior year, met her future husband, Tom Meriwether ’49, when they worked together on the staff of the Stone Fort yearbook.

After visiting the campus, Zach realized that he, too, belonged at SFA. He enrolled in 2011 as a political science major with a minor in radio/TV. He said his professors served as mentors and, through their expertise, he began to see politics in new ways that greatly influenced him.

“I can’t imagine having better relationships with professors than I had at SFA,” Zach said. “I benefited so much from what I learned in class and through social activities. I understand why most of my family members are Lumberjacks!”

While at SFA, Zach immersed himself in organizations that helped him grow as an individual and leader. He joined the Lumberjack Marching Band his freshman year, which provided opportunities to witness once-in-a-lifetime events — like traveling with the basketball pep band, the Roaring Buzzsaws, to San Diego in 2014 to watch the Lumberjacks defeat Virginia Commonwealth University during overtime at the NCAA tournament.

“I came back from that trip without a voice because I cheered so much,” Zach said.

After his SFA graduation, he returned to Grandview to serve two terms on the city council. He said the lessons he learned at SFA taught him to look at Grandview beyond the city’s limits.

“While there’s really no class that teaches you how to run a city, I learned to look at politics and issues from several viewpoints,” Zach said. “I think that’s helped me get where I am today.”

His knowledge has helped him not to be afraid to be heard. During council meetings, Zach often introduces conversations regarding how the city might grow, from encouraging business startups to renovating brick streets.

“We are and always have been a small town, but times are changing,” Zach said. “We want to keep the old-town, historic feel while bringing in some ‘new’ as well. I’m young, and I love it here, but I also know we have to stay current. I think Grandview can preserve its past while embracing its future. That’s among my goals.”

Although most individuals in their mid-20s would find the pressure of balancing an executive role at a bank and being mayor too much to manage, Zach seems to take it in stride. He said his parents’ encouragement and support help him stay grounded, and the family’s belief in serving the community pushes him to continue, even when challenges arise.

“Many city government jobs either don’t pay very well or don’t pay at all,” Zach said. “People who decide to run for office or who serve on commissions or boards often do so because they want what is best for their city. I have a year and a half remaining as mayor. I don’t know what I’ll do after it’s complete, but I hope to continue in some capacity in public service. Maybe, I’ll eventually land in Austin or D.C. As long as I believe I can make a difference, I intend to keep serving.”