Stephen F. Austin State University

Two faculty members will be honored for outstanding achievement at the Stephen F. Austin State University Foundation's 18th annual gala at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at The Fredonia. Dr. John T. Moore, chemistry professor, is the recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching, and Dr. Jimmie L. Yeiser, T.L.L. Temple chair and professor of forestry, is the recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award for Research

Moore earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina-Asheville. He received his master's degree from Furman University and his doctoral degree from Texas A&M University.

Moore has taught chemistry at SFA for the past 35 years. He serves as interim chairman for the chemistry department and is the co-director of the Teaching Excellence Center at SFA.

"Dr. Moore is committed to and has demonstrated an outstanding record of professional leadership and achievement," said Michael Janusa, professor and chair of the chemistry department. "He has the character and leadership that we should establish as a role model for professors at SFA. He combines excellence in teaching with complete loyalty, dedication, and love for Stephen F. Austin State University."

Moore has developed chemistry courses for students seeking elementary education certification and secured more than $350,000 in Eisenhower Program grants from the U.S. Department of Education/ Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which he used to provide science and math professional development activities and materials for elementary teachers in Nacogdoches ISD. This course is now required for students seeking certification at either the elementary or middle school level.

Moore is the author of "Chemistry for Dummies," which was ranked as the eighth best-selling science book in the nation by "Nature" magazine in July 2005. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the National Science Teachers Association, as well as a regional director of Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas.

Yeiser received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Kentucky and his doctorate from Texas A&M University. He joined the faculty in SFA's Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture in 1999.

Yeiser has significant research experience with loblolly pine, slash pine and longleaf pine, as well as cherrybark oak and sweetgum. His research has included efforts to improve the composition of food plots for wildlife and to control yaupon, a brushy plant that forms an almost impenetrable barrier within pine forests, reduces diversity by shading-out less competitive plants, and creates a fire hazard.

"Dr. Yeiser has gained international recognition for his work in forest regeneration, specifically in forest vegetation management and forest
fertilization," said Dr. Scott Beasley, dean of the college. "His research has been instrumental in the development of virtually all of the herbicides currently approved for silvicultural use."

Yeiser is a member of the College's Faculty Council, Curriculum Committee, Computer Committee, and Awards Committee. He also is active in the Society of American Foresters, Weed Science Society of America and The Southern Weed Science Society.

Entertainment for the event will be provided by the Tom Houston Combo of Nacogdoches and Sha'on and the Girls of New Orleans.

Proceeds from the gala help build the permanent endowment created by the SFA Foundation to honor faculty achievement.

Tickets are $160 per person for orchestra seating and $110 per person for ballroom seating. For more information, call (936) 468-2114.