Stephen F. Austin State University

Three candidates have been named as finalists to fill the role as dean of the College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Roger Chandler, associate professor and head of the Department of Fine Arts and Graphic Arts at Northwestern State University of Louisiana at Natchitoches, is the first candidate to interview for the position.

Chandler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn., as well as a Master of Arts degree from the University of California at Riverside and a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado at Denver. His doctorate degree is from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Since 2004, Chandler has moved Northwestern’s Fine and Graphic Arts department from associate membership to full membership in the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. During his tenure, graduate enrollment increased by 60 percent and undergraduate enrollment increased by 10 percent, while the university’s general population decreased due to implementation of higher admissions standards.

From 1996 to 2003, Chandler served as associate professor and chair of the Department of Fine Art at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood.

Chandler’s interviews will conclude on March 29.

The second candidate for dean will begin interviews in Nacogdoches on April 4. Dr. James Braswell currently serves as academic dean at San Jacinto College Central in Pasadena.

Braswell earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce, a Master of Music Education degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma at Norman.

During Braswell’s tenure, the college has added two new buildings and completed major renovations to the Fine Arts building and library. As academic dean, he has a central role in strategic planning, budget and personnel management, and development of instructional programs.

Prior to his service at San Jacinto College, Braswell was professor and head of the Department of Music at Valdosta State University in Georgia. He served on the music faculty of the University of Georgia for 11 years.

Braswell served as the editor of the Southeastern Journal of Music Education from 1989 to 1994.

The final candidate, Dr. A.C. “Buddy” Himes Jr., will begin interviews on April 9. Himes is the director of the School of Music and head of the Department of Performing Arts for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He holds a doctoral degree from the University of North Texas.

Himes joined the University of Louisiana faculty in 1995 and has led the faculty in an effort to streamline and modernize the curriculum, teaching methodologies and technology. During his tenure, enrollment in the School of Music has increased 58 percent.

While serving as chair of the music department at Louisiana College from 1986 to 1994, Himes oversaw the renovation of the fine arts building and obtained more than $1 million in grant funding for the $2.3 million project.

Himes has served on the board of directors of the National Association of Schools of Music and as a visiting evaluator for the Commission on Accreditation for the association. He has published more than 30 articles in music and higher education periodicals.

The dean of the College of Fine Arts provides leadership for SFA’s schools of art, music and theatre. The dean is responsible for planning, program development, accreditation, student and faculty recruitment and retention, and fundraising.

Dr. Richard Berry served as dean of the college until his appointment as associate provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2006. Dr. John Goodall, professor of oboe and music theory, is serving as interim dean.