VOLUME 14 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2014 The Magazine of Sam Houston State University INSIDE Spotlight: Campus Expansion p2 Homecoming through the years p26 HOMECOMING 2014 The Great Katsby BEARKATS VS. MCNEESE 3PM OCTOBER 11, 2014 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT tepping onto our beautifully manicured and maintained campus, students and visitors alike experience something special about Sam Houston State University. Often described as “warm, friendly and inviting,” the environment provides a Scongenial atmosphere where students, faculty, and staff excel at work and education. In today’s world, the resources and infrastructure supporting the intellectual maturation of students are evolving quickly in response to changing demographic, societal, and technological trends. The nature and very speed of these changes are making a profound impact on the university’s academic and physical landscapes. In February of 2013, updates to the Campus Master Plan were approved to accommodate continuing enrollment growth, innovative academic and research partnerships, and changing housing and student life trends. Much thought and consideration were given to the conceptual and design phases of the plan to ensure SHSU’s culture, with its unique sense of community, is not only maintained but fortified. In this issue of the Heritage, we are proud to share with you our progress and provide an interesting glimpse into SHSU’s changing landscape: SHSU President Dana G. Hoyt and John M. Hoyt, ’75, were married • The expansion of the nursing program to the SHSU-The Woodlands Center to on August 4, 2014, in Horseshoe Bay, address the growing demand for degreed nursing professionals in our region; Texas, in the presence of family and close • The completion of a master plan for the development of a criminal justice complex, friends. Innovation Plaza, which will be located on a highly desirable and visible property Mr. Hoyt owned and operated HGS along Interstate 45; Self-Storage in Waco where he retains business interests. He has been actively • The fall opening of the new Student Health & Counseling Center with expanded engaged with the university for many services to promote the health and well-being of our students; years as a contributor and through • The opening of University Camp, a first-rate facility, to be used as a retreat site for volunteer leadership capacities. A student organizations, leadership training programs and institutional initiatives. member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he The facility is hosting its first Bearkat Camp for incoming freshmen this August. has served as member of the President’s Circle, Sam Houston Memorial The integration of knowledge with workforce needs and the rapid advancement Museum board, the Share the Vision of information technology will continue to challenge the assumptions underlying Campaign Leadership Council, and the the traditional higher education model. But, as we build upon Sam Houston State’s Alumni Association board, for which strong culture and organizational structure—embracing and fostering innovation and he served as president. Mr. Hoyt is a collaboration—the university’s proud legacy will continue even as its programs and Life Endowed Member of the SHSU aspirations evolve. Alumni Association and has established endowments for academic and athletic programs at the university. Dr. Hoyt has served as president of Sam Houston State University for four years and previously held the position of vice president for finance and Dana G. Hoyt operations. Under her leadership, the President university has experienced impressive growth in enrollment and academic programming. During this time, Sam Houston has been recognized nationally for innovative programs and its focus on student success. The Hoyts are making Huntsville their primary home. SPOTLIGHT Innovation Plaza: A Creative Presence Editor 2 For SHSU Julia May In the future, relocating some criminal justice programs to [email protected] prime real estate north of Huntsville will provide a “win-win” Writers situation for several entities. Jason Barfield Jennifer Gauntt Julia May New Health And Counseling Center Paul Ridings 5 A new building opening in the fall means more services for Photography SHSU students, as well as faculty and staff. Brian Blalock Design Amy Bass-Wilson [email protected] Masthead Design Nursing Program To Expand To The Ford Design 8 Woodlands Vice President for SHSU will offer the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at University Advancement SHSU-The Woodlands Center next year. Frank R. Holmes [email protected] Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications University Camp: A Place For Kristina K. Ruiz 10 [email protected] Meaningful Bearkat Experiences Incoming students who take part in Bearkat Camp now Associate Vice President for Development have a beautiful new location at which to learn about SHSU Thelma Mooney [email protected] traditions, spirit and pride. Director of Marketing and Communications SECTIONS Bruce O’Neal [email protected] Carry The Vision Director of Alumni Relations 16 Hootie Murray’s desire to honor his teammates leads to a Charles Vienne reunion with support for the Bearkat baseball program. [email protected] Fundraising award reflects ‘Overall Improvement.’ Eye On The Kats 21 Bowling team makes history, Bearkats win Commissioner’s The goal ofHeritage is to keep you informed Cup, Fall preview about Sam Houston State University. Heritage is published twice a year by the Office of University Advancement for alumni, donors and friends of SHSU. To contact the Office of University Alumni Look Advancement please call 936.294.3625 25 Homecoming through the years, SHSU to recognize alumni or visit shsu.edu/giving. achievements and service, Inaugural ‘Founders Day’ a success, Class Notes, In Memoriam ON THE COVER VOLUME 14 NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2014 BOARD OF REGENTS In a “then-and- now” illustration, THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM The Magazine of Sam Houston State University Shirley Taylor Donna N. Williams, Chairman .............. Arlington Vernon Reaser III .................................. Bellaire waves to the crowd .......... ................................... INSIDE Ron Mitchell, Vice Chairman Horseshoe Bay Rossanna Salazar Austin Spotlight: Campus in front of the Expansion p2 Charlie Amato ................................ San Antonio William F. Scott .................................Nederland Homecoming through Walker County the years p26 Courthouse Dr. Jaime R. Garza ........................... San Antonio Anna Sandoval, Student Regent ........... San Marcos during the 1955 Kevin J. Lilly ....................................... Houston Brian McCall, Chancellor ......................... Austin Homecoming David Montagne ................................ Beaumont Parade. SUMMER 2014 1 AInnovation Creative Presence For SHSU Plaza s enrollment grows at Sam Houston State University, along with the Aneed for new programs to meet the increasing demands of an educated workforce, the university is continually evaluating space for expansion. With its location within the city of Huntsville, there is not much “wiggle room” for expanding beyond its current boundaries. One option is to tear down existing structures and replace them with newer, taller buildings. However, for the existing facilities that are still in workable condition and serving their purpose, that option is not feasible. 2 SHSU Heritage Magazine By Julia May AInnovation Creative Presence For SHSU Plaza Thanks to the good relationship SHSU has with other agencies and organizations, there is help to address the growth issue for the foreseeable future. Last year, the Texas Legislature authorized the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to transfer to the university approximately 78 acres of land in a parcel on Highway 75 North. “The land is a very desirable piece of property right along Interstate 45,” said Al Hooten, SHSU executive vice president for administration. “It will give great visibility to the university in the areas where we want to grow.” Plans are to build a criminal justice complex at the location, which has been named Innovation Plaza, with initial structures for the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, and a training facility for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. SUMMER 2014 3 All the programs The veterans museum will lease approximately six acres from are currently housed SHSU to develop a Presidential Park. on campus at the “It will also benefit TDCJ in that there is a large contingent George J. Beto of their employees who will receive training at the site,” said Criminal Justice Hooten. “This was a critical element for them.” Center. The university has contracted with Broaddus Planning, an Once those award-winning firm who is recognized as a premier campus programs have planning, urban design and facility programming practice. been relocated, the Officials at SHSU want the area to have a distinct campus existing space will feel. be remodeled and “We plan to have lots of green space to facilitate pedestrian repurposed for movement. We want this to be a place where individuals can academic use. walk around and develop creative ideas,” said Hooten. “It’s our “We had been hope that a company looking for property might want to build Existing 78 acres on which to locate a production facility an integrated, multi-purpose complex with a criminal justice at the location, based focus,” said Hooten. “As various options didn’t pan out, by on an innovative happenstance, representatives