College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Chair Council Minutes
November 7, 2011
The meeting began at 2:30pm in room 273D of the Ferguson Building. People in attendance included the following:
Dr. Rick Abel (Government)
Dr. Ron Anderson, Psychology
Dr. Freddie Avant, Social Work
Dr. Troy Davis (History)
Ms. Dixie Groll, Dean’s Office
Dr. John Hendricks (Communication)
Dr. Brian Murphy (Dean)
LTC Todd Reichert (Military Science)
Dr. Mark Sanders (English)
Dr. Owen Smith (College Council)
Dr. Louise Stoehr (Modern Languages)
Dr. Jerry Williams (Sociology)
Dean Brian Murphy reminded the chairs that an NCATE meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to review compliance
issues. He next provided an update on two ad hoc committees. The Alumni Networking committee has completed its work
and the event is scheduled for Thursday at 4:00. The goal is for students to receive advice from alumni on career
preparation. The Strategic Planning Committee has developed a set of goals that will guide deliberations. These goals
have been distributed via email to the faculty and all are encouraged to submit input to the departmental representative.
Dean Murphy informed the chairs on discussions concerning tweaks to the assessment process. The current discussion
among deans is to adopt several uniform goals that will be measured across colleges using the same metrics. Dean
Murphy delivered an update on the Center for a Livable World. Dr. William Forbes is directing the center and is
spearheading a number of initiatives: a book written by SFA faculty is nearing publication; a project for the city of Kilgore
is close to agreement; a presentation to the mayor of Nacogdoches about the future development of the city will take
place this month; a new degree of Sustainable Community Development will be launched next semester; and the college
is involved in a consortium formed by Johnson & Johnson about partnering business and education on sustainability.
Dean Murphy inquired if the chairs had any questions about the tenure and promotion process. He circulated a list of
candidates and requested the chairs to review it for accuracy. Dean Murphy gave a synopsis of international activities
occurring within the College. First, the Board of Regents approved a core curriculum pilot project sponsored by the
College for study abroad. The Office of International Programs will take leadership of the program and establish
partnerships with several regional universities. The initial study abroad program to London will occur in Summer 2013.
The conference on the future of the transatlantic relationship was highlighted at the recent meeting of the Board of
Regents. A faculty-led book will be composed based on the event’s recommendations. Finally, the success of the
transatlantic conference has inspired preparations for another event next year focused on the Middle East.
The chairs discussed coordination of scholarships. It was agreed that departments would request more information from
candidates and send out notices by mid-January. A couple of concerns were expressed: (1) many faculty are under the
impression that all will be receiving bonus payments; and (2) greater communication should exist with the Office of the
Registrar and it would be advisable to have a university-wide committee work with the office to solve some vexing issues.
Dean Murphy promised to raise these two issues at the upcoming Deans Council.
The meeting adjourned at 3:12 pm.