In the Alcalde #1

Here's a look back at what’s in the Alcalde:

Professor of Education and Kappa Delta Pi counselor/advisor T. S. Montgomery.

"The purpose of Kappa Delta Pi to encourage high scholastic standards and desirable personal characteristics, to recognize outstanding contributions to education.... Delta Theta chapter...was secured May 5, 1936." (1941 Alcalde, p.231)

Regents Approve SHSU Program Changes, Promotions, Tenure

A new degree, program changes, a building name change, and faculty promotions and tenure were all approved Friday for Sam Houston State University by its governing board. The Texas State University System Board of Regents took the action during its regular quarterly meeting in San Marcos.

...Sam Houston State University was authorized to re-name Academic Building II, which houses the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, in honor of Margaret Lea Houston, the wife of General Sam Houston.

"The re-naming of the building would honor Mrs. Houston's contributions to our state and her family's legacy, and it would recognize her as one of the most significant women in Texas history," [SHSU President James] Gaertner told the regents.

"Moreover, it would strengthen and enhance university tradition, while giving distinct identity to the facility, which is across the street from the Sam Houston Memorial Museum where two of the Houston family residences are located," he added.

Physical Plant update: May 2009

The Physical Plant sneaked in another update recently and here’s a brief recap of what’s happening:

University Dining Facility
Status: In Design
Programmed Amount: $7,250,000
Start Date: Summer 2009
Substantial Completion Date: To be determined

Demolition of Lawrence and Mitchell houses
Status: Asbestos Abatement in Progress
Programmed Amount: $200,000
Start Date: May 20, 2009
Substantial Completion Date: In 90 days

Energetic Material Research Facility
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $175,0100
Start Date: April 15, 2009
Substantial Completion Date: June 30, 2009

University Camp Caretaker’s Cabin
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $130,000
Start Date: October 4, 2008
Substantial Completion Date: April 2009
(Part of the University Camp)

Applied Forensic Science Research Building
Status: Under Construction
Programmed Amount: $250,000
Start Date: December 4, 2008
Substantial Completion Date: April 2009
(Part of the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility)

On the procurement front, SHSU recently awarded D&M Paint Company the bid to paint the interior of Allen House in preparation for its conversion to offices.

Book takes a historical look at Huntsville

From the Item:

Last year, Jeff Littlejohn partnered with the Walker County Historical Commission and began to research a book of photographs chronicling the story of Huntsville from its establishment to the mid-20th century.

The result is Huntsville, the latest installment in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. The book will hit stores May 4.

Huntsville will be available May 4 at online bookstores and local bookstores. Author Jeff Littlejohn will be featured at a book signing at the Huntsville Hasting’s on May 30 from 1-3 p.m.

Writing on the Wall celebrates 130

On April 21, 1879 – 130 years ago today – Sam Houston Normal Institute was officially authorized by Governor Oran Roberts (SHNI opened that October). To celebrate, can you identify the building or location where we took the photo of the number 130 as part of the exciting buildingshsu scavenger hunt:

We were surprised to find during our March 8, 2009 visit to campus that something was now covering the Ø on this building. Bonus points if you can identify what that object is.

(Yes, we know our Texas history – it’s also the 173rd anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto today, too.)

Psychological Services Center Open House

The SHSU Psychological Services Center (PSC) will celebrate the move to its new location with an open house celebration on Friday, May 1 from 3-6 p.m.

Today@Sam reports that the PSC opened in 1999 and its staff

including approximately 12 doctoral students per semester and several licensed psychologists, offers affordable therapy for both adults and children with problems such as anxiety disorders, depression and behavior problems, or who need grief counseling or anger management.

Appreciating the Peabody Library

TV's Michael Oder discovered a bit of history on campus recently. He shares his story of finding a pamphlet and, in turn, learning something about the Peabody Library:

The pamphlet is a short history on the Peabody Library and Sam Houston State University. Only 9 pages long, it showcases a small window into the early, developmental years of my University.

Writing on the Wall #3

We go for a third letter (thus completing the word “the”) in the big buildingshsu scavenger hunt. Can you identify the building or location where we took the photo:

Here’s another haiklu:

The building of his fancy
Would another name be as sweet
It is (one of) the east

Open House for CHSS Building

Sam Houston State University will host a ribbon cutting and open house for the $30 million College of Humanities and Social Sciences building on Friday, March 20. The ceremony for the largest academic building on campus will be at 1:30 followed by an open house from 2:30-4:00. The ceremony will include remarks by College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean John de Castro, President James F. Gaertner and Chancellor of the Texas State University System Dr. Charles Matthews.

KatFans: Fixing Austin Hall?

A discussion has started at KatFans discussing the state of Austin Hall, SHSU’s oldest building:

I've been going by Austin Hall a lot recently, and every time I've gone by I've noticed more and more stuff on the outside of the building that's been falling into disrepair (missing shutters, peeling paint, huge chunks missing from the pillars on the back side, etc). Because of Austin Hall's historical significance for the university and for the state, I've made my new goal in life to get Austin Hall repaired and restored.

I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to find any state funding that may be set aside for preservation of historical sites (Austin Hall has the Texas Historical Commission medallion on the back part of the building). I've been looking on the THC's website, but really haven't been able to find anything. Does anyone here know anything about any money that may be set aside for this by the state?