ĢƵ

ĢƵ Story: The History of Stephen F. Austin State University

Presidents

Dr. Baker Pattillo, President 2006-18

Baker Pattillo
Dr. Baker Pattillo, President 2006-18

“The words of Mirabeau Lamar are etched in stone on the side of one of our ĢƵ buildings: ‘The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy. The work we commit to on our campus truly has the power to make an impact across our state and nation.’”

What drew you to the higher education world?

I met Dr. Ralph Steen, the third president of ĢƵ, when he was the commencement speaker at my high school graduation ceremony. I remained in contact with him after I enrolled at ĢƵ, and he became a mentor to me and assisted me as I began my career in higher education. Dr. Steen was an inspirational leader, and it is always my goal to continue his legacy of making a positive impact in the lives of ĢƵ students.

What do you enjoy most about your role at ĢƵ?

My entire adult life has revolved around ĢƵ, and having a role in leading the university is the most fulfilling job I can imagine. Working with colleagues from across the campus to develop and implement a vision for the future of ĢƵ is an inspiring and humbling challenge. I am continually impressed by the determination and ingenuity that faculty and staff members invest in maintaining the quality of our university and the opportunities for our students.

What do you hope students gain from ĢƵ?

For many of our first-generation students, obtaining a university degree is much more than just an academic goal; it is a lifelong dream sometimes shared with several generations of family members. It is my goal to assist our campus in delivering high-quality educational opportunities for all Lumberjacks in a beautiful and safe environment that allows for every possible support mechanism so that ĢƵ students achieve their goals.

What are you passionate about outside of your role at ĢƵ?

My passion for ĢƵ extends through every member of my family. My wife, Janice, is also an ĢƵ alumna and is former chair of the Department of Elementary Education. My daughter, Paige — also an ĢƵ alumna and former feature twirler for the Lumberjack Marching Band — is an attorney. Her husband, Todd Brown, is not an ĢƵ alumnus, but he is a lifetime member of the ĢƵ Alumni Association and associate dean of the ĢƵ ĢƵ. Even my grandson, Jackson Baker Brown, is an ĢƵ student in our Early Childhood Research Center. Spending time with my family is the most important thing to me, but with our shared interest in ĢƵ, much of our time together revolves around the university.

Education and Experience

Academic experience

  • University President - Stephen F. Austin State University (2006-2018)
  • Vice President, University Affairs - Stephen F. Austin State University (1982-2006)
  • Vice President, Student Affairs - Stephen F. Austin State University (1979-1982)
  • Dean, Student Services - Stephen F. Austin State University (1972-1979)
  • Director, Placement and Student Financial Aid - Stephen F. Austin State University (1970-1972)
  • Assistant Director, Placement and Student Financial Aid - Stephen F. Austin State University (1966 – 1970)

Education

  • Ph.D. - Texas A&M University (1971)
  • Master of Education - Stephen F. Austin State University (1966)
  • Bachelor of Science - Stephen F. Austin State University (1965)

Awards / achievements

  • Former chairman, Southland Conference Board of Directors
  • Member, National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors
  • Member, NCAA Board of Governors


To learn more about Dr. Pattillo's time at ĢƵ, read from the Spring 2019 issue of Sawdust Magazine.