Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Archie McDonald, professor of history at Stephen F. Austin State University, will be the university's commencement speaker Aug. 12 at SFA.

The Beaumont native holds a bachelor's degree from Lamar University, a master's degree from Rice University and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University.

McDonald joined the SFA Department of History faculty as an assistant professor in 1964. His courses at SFA focus on Texas history and Civil War Reconstruction.

A prolific writer and highly sought after public speaker, McDonald's credits include nearly 40 books and publications, three newspaper column series and a weekly commentary on Red River Radio, National Public Radio. McDonald serves as executive director of the East Texas Historical Association and edits the association's East Texas Historical Journal.

He is the recipient of the SFA Alumni Association's Distinguished Professor Award, a Regents Professor, a fellow of the East Texas Historical Association and Texas State Historical Association, and recipient of an SFA Faculty Achievement Award. The Texas Historical Commission twice honored McDonald with the Texas Award for Historical Preservation.

During the commencement ceremony, more than 600 graduates will receive degrees including 489 bachelor's degrees, 132 master's degrees and four doctorates. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. in William R. Johnson Coliseum.