Roger Van Horn, a dentist in Nacogdoches for over 30 years, is also serving his third term as mayor of Nacogdoches. Mayor Van Horn took some time to discuss what it is like to be the mayor in a town the size of Nacogdoches.
Mayor Van Horn began by discussing the two types of city government in Texas, a strong manager commission government and a strong mayor commission government. Nacogdoches is run by a strong manager commission government, which consists of four city commissioners and the mayor.
The mayor described his job as the chairman of the city council. “Our job is to set policies,” said Van Horn. There are five votes in the city commission and the mayor’s vote is the same as any other commissioner. In Nacogdoches the mayor’s term runs two years and the commission is set up so that every year half the members are up for election. Also, the Nacogdoches city commission members don’t receive any pay. The mayor says that this limits what he can do as mayor.
Mayor Van Horn still continues his dental practice along with being mayor. “It’s a good time in my life, my kids are raised, my bills are paid,” he said. “And so I can practice dentistry a little less.” The mayor says he spends about three to four hours a day and all day Friday playing mayor. “It’s the exact opposite of dentistry,” he said.
Van Horn talked about the slow process of government. “As a dentist I get closure 15 times a day. I see a problem, the patient agrees, I fix it, they pay,” said the mayor. “On the city council you never get anything done quick.” Van Horn believes the process to be frustrating. He also believes the slow process is an important part of government. “I am finding though, that the process may be slow, but it should be,” he said.
The city council meets every second Tuesday. Mayor Van Horn urged people to come to the meetings. He joked about how boring some of the meetings can be. “We’ve got a real yawner tonight and it will last about 20 minutes; we’re voting on some grants for sidewalks,” said Van Horn.
Mayor Van Horn seemed to be fun and laid back. He wore a black blazer with a dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck. He was very animated as he talked. He discussed how he came to Nacogdoches with much enthusiasm. Van Horn was born in Oklahoma. He said he knew he had wanted to move to a smaller town, just he wasn’t sure where at the time. While traveling, his family became stranded in Nacogdoches for a weekend. The locals of Nacogdoches were very friendly and open to his family. So much so, that when they left they decided that this was the home they had been looking for.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Mayor by Daphne Taylor
Standing behind the podium in front of the News Writing class, Mayor Roger Van Horn took his reading glasses off and put them back before starting his presentation. Currently working on his third term as mayor of Nacogdoches, Van Horn is moreover a dentist with a full-time practice.
“I’m getting better at it. I had potential, but I didn’t know how to be mayor,” said Van Horn. He rubbed his hands together as the class laughed. He let the students of Stephen F. Austin know that the job hasn’t always been easy to handle. His job as mayor is a three to four day job as well as all day Friday. Nacogdoches is operated on a strong manager commission government in which the citizens elect the city commissions. The mayor is the chairman of the City Commission.
Mayor Van Horn said that one thing he had to learn was to set his personal philosophy for the city. It’s about the process and thinking broadly about the city. “It’s so hard to get closure, it’s different and frustrating,” said Van Horn. As a dentist he can go and find the problem and instantly fix it, but as a mayor it’s more of a process.
“That’s not how I make a living. I make a living as a dentist,” said Van Horn. He’s been a dentist for 40 years and said he randomly got into that particular field. He got an interview and was offered a job.
“It’s a good time of my life,” said Van Horn. The mayor at least wants to have five terms, but if he happens to not get voted back he said he would do something. He did say that he liked teaching. The mayor will keep himself busy one way or another.
“Get involved,” said the mayor to the students. Not just on campus, but in the community. Even though Stephen F. Austin students are temporary, it’s nice to do something to benefit the current community where someone resides. The mayor said to the class that even though he’s been the mayor since 2007, he’s getting better. He stood in front of the class not as if he’s better than everyone else, but as a person who knows that mistakes will be made and nobody’s perfect.
“I’m getting better at it. I had potential, but I didn’t know how to be mayor,” said Van Horn. He rubbed his hands together as the class laughed. He let the students of Stephen F. Austin know that the job hasn’t always been easy to handle. His job as mayor is a three to four day job as well as all day Friday. Nacogdoches is operated on a strong manager commission government in which the citizens elect the city commissions. The mayor is the chairman of the City Commission.
Mayor Van Horn said that one thing he had to learn was to set his personal philosophy for the city. It’s about the process and thinking broadly about the city. “It’s so hard to get closure, it’s different and frustrating,” said Van Horn. As a dentist he can go and find the problem and instantly fix it, but as a mayor it’s more of a process.
“That’s not how I make a living. I make a living as a dentist,” said Van Horn. He’s been a dentist for 40 years and said he randomly got into that particular field. He got an interview and was offered a job.
“It’s a good time of my life,” said Van Horn. The mayor at least wants to have five terms, but if he happens to not get voted back he said he would do something. He did say that he liked teaching. The mayor will keep himself busy one way or another.
“Get involved,” said the mayor to the students. Not just on campus, but in the community. Even though Stephen F. Austin students are temporary, it’s nice to do something to benefit the current community where someone resides. The mayor said to the class that even though he’s been the mayor since 2007, he’s getting better. He stood in front of the class not as if he’s better than everyone else, but as a person who knows that mistakes will be made and nobody’s perfect.
The Mayor by Nicole Rolls
Mayor Van Horn sheds light on his life as mayor of Nacogdoches and being a local dentist. Being 65 years of age has certainly not slowed him down one bit. He is an ambitious man who likes to be productive and active in all that he does, rather than take the easy way out and retire.
Mayor Van Horn has lived in Nacogdoches for 30 years and has served three terms as Mayor. He has been a licensed dentist for 40 years and loves it. His goal is to stay in office for five terms at least, while still practicing dentistry. He said as mayor he does not get paid, so dentistry is his main source of income. Mayor Van Horn splits up his week so that he can perform at both “jobs” and give each a respectable amount of time as needed.
He says that he likes being mayor, but sometimes it can be very frustrating. It can take weeks to months for a policy to make its way into action, which Mayor Van Horn is not used to being a dentist. He likes how in dentistry he finds a problem and can fix it, giving him closure. But with politics, he said, “Government is slow, but it should be, “ and that we as the general public have to be patient and let the process run its course. The benefit of being in a small town is that one can make a difference in affecting some part of that town pretty easily, then say a big city. Mayor Van Horn said that he tries to “make decisions that are best for the whole” when it comes to councils and big decisions. He hopes that “the people are confident in the process,” and feel that they are getting a say and not being forgotten; a sort of trust process to the people.
Mayor Van Horn believes that young people should get involved now in politics where they live. Being mayor, he wishes more people would vote and be engaged in what is going on in their town. He worked his way up to the position he is in now when he was younger and has seen the benefits that have come from that. Mayor Van Horn says that he loves being mayor and is “getting better at it” all the time. Every term that he has served he gets more knowledgeable about how to be mayor and the responsibilities that come with the title. When asked what he will do when he is no longer mayor he said simply, “ I don’t know…I will do something.” He has thought about the possibility of teaching or becoming a manager at the public dental clinic as options.
Mayor Van Horn has not always lived in Nacogdoches, but continues to serve this town proudly everyday.
Mayor Van Horn has lived in Nacogdoches for 30 years and has served three terms as Mayor. He has been a licensed dentist for 40 years and loves it. His goal is to stay in office for five terms at least, while still practicing dentistry. He said as mayor he does not get paid, so dentistry is his main source of income. Mayor Van Horn splits up his week so that he can perform at both “jobs” and give each a respectable amount of time as needed.
He says that he likes being mayor, but sometimes it can be very frustrating. It can take weeks to months for a policy to make its way into action, which Mayor Van Horn is not used to being a dentist. He likes how in dentistry he finds a problem and can fix it, giving him closure. But with politics, he said, “Government is slow, but it should be, “ and that we as the general public have to be patient and let the process run its course. The benefit of being in a small town is that one can make a difference in affecting some part of that town pretty easily, then say a big city. Mayor Van Horn said that he tries to “make decisions that are best for the whole” when it comes to councils and big decisions. He hopes that “the people are confident in the process,” and feel that they are getting a say and not being forgotten; a sort of trust process to the people.
Mayor Van Horn believes that young people should get involved now in politics where they live. Being mayor, he wishes more people would vote and be engaged in what is going on in their town. He worked his way up to the position he is in now when he was younger and has seen the benefits that have come from that. Mayor Van Horn says that he loves being mayor and is “getting better at it” all the time. Every term that he has served he gets more knowledgeable about how to be mayor and the responsibilities that come with the title. When asked what he will do when he is no longer mayor he said simply, “ I don’t know…I will do something.” He has thought about the possibility of teaching or becoming a manager at the public dental clinic as options.
Mayor Van Horn has not always lived in Nacogdoches, but continues to serve this town proudly everyday.
The Mayor by Tiffany Occhiogrosso
Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn showed a humorous side during an interview on Tuesday. While describing his jobs, both mayor and dentist, he added insights into his life.
This is Van Horn’s second term as mayor. His first term he ran unopposed, and claimed he had potential during that election, but he didn’t know how to be mayor. “But I’m getting better at it,” he said with a grin on his face.
One of Van Horn’s frustrations is the strong-manager city commission government of Nacogdoches, which limits his power. His vote is the same as the other four commissioners on the city commission. It is the job of the city manager to run the city on a daily basis.
But Van Horn kept his humor about him. Describing the coming commission meeting while laughing, Van Horn said, “Don’t come tonight – it’s going to be a bore.”
Van Horn serves his civic duty by being mayor. He compared being a mayor to being a dentist: being mayor, “People aren’t afraid of you.” Another contrast is the pace – as he leaned forward to slap the podium in front of him, “In the city you never get anything done. It’s so hard to get closure.”
Yet Van Horn still has faith in the process. His hope is that people will trust the process, because politicians really are serving the best interest of their constituents.
Van Horn became a dentist by mere chance: his college roommate was interviewing for a dentist job, and Van horn decided to interview as well. Today he has a private practice in town.
Van Horn came to live in Nacogdoches by much the same means: chance. In the 1970s while he and his wife were looking for a place to live between Kansas City and Houston their car broke down in Nacogdoches. After being warmly welcome by friendly residents, they decided to move here.
Van Horn hopes to commit five terms as mayor of Nacogdoches, “If they’ll have me.”
This is Van Horn’s second term as mayor. His first term he ran unopposed, and claimed he had potential during that election, but he didn’t know how to be mayor. “But I’m getting better at it,” he said with a grin on his face.
One of Van Horn’s frustrations is the strong-manager city commission government of Nacogdoches, which limits his power. His vote is the same as the other four commissioners on the city commission. It is the job of the city manager to run the city on a daily basis.
But Van Horn kept his humor about him. Describing the coming commission meeting while laughing, Van Horn said, “Don’t come tonight – it’s going to be a bore.”
Van Horn serves his civic duty by being mayor. He compared being a mayor to being a dentist: being mayor, “People aren’t afraid of you.” Another contrast is the pace – as he leaned forward to slap the podium in front of him, “In the city you never get anything done. It’s so hard to get closure.”
Yet Van Horn still has faith in the process. His hope is that people will trust the process, because politicians really are serving the best interest of their constituents.
Van Horn became a dentist by mere chance: his college roommate was interviewing for a dentist job, and Van horn decided to interview as well. Today he has a private practice in town.
Van Horn came to live in Nacogdoches by much the same means: chance. In the 1970s while he and his wife were looking for a place to live between Kansas City and Houston their car broke down in Nacogdoches. After being warmly welcome by friendly residents, they decided to move here.
Van Horn hopes to commit five terms as mayor of Nacogdoches, “If they’ll have me.”
The Mayor by Taylor Hannum
A trip from Houston left Roger Van Horn’s car broken down on the side of the road in a town that he would one day become mayor. Roger Van Horn was born and raised in Tulsa but he always knew he wanted to live in a town with a population of 10,000 to 15,000 with a university. So he and his wife made a list of possible towns from Kansas City to Houston where he could practice his dentistry. They made the trip all the way down to Houston and then all the way back up to Kansas City when they unintentionally came upon their new home, Nacogdoches.
Van Horn has not always been Mayor Van Horn. He was first and foremost a dentist. He started his practice here in Nacogdoches almost 40 years ago and has remained here ever since. “I was rooming with a guy in Missouri who had wanted to be a dentist for a long time, for four years, he was a lot more organized than I,” said Van Horn. “And he was going out for an interview and I thought that sounds good, I might go try that. And I did, I took up my application and strangely enough I got accepted in the interview.” And at that point Van Horn made a big decision for his career choice and became a dentist.
Van Horn has been mayor of Nacogdoches since 2007 and is now serving his third term. For his second term election he did not have an opponent. “The reason I decided to be mayor is sort of an accumulation of my life in Nacogdoches with civic work. I started way back as the President of Jaycees, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Planning Consumer Department and then ran for office as mayor,” said Van Horn as he held his glasses. He enjoys the contrast of dentistry to being the mayor. He spends a few hours Monday through Thursday and all day Friday doing mayor work.
The pace of being a mayor is completely opposite of being a dentist. Van Horn finds closure every 15 minutes at his dentist office, but he hardly finds closure with the city when he is working as mayor and finds it to be very frustrating. “I hope that by being chair of the city commission that the people have confidence in the process,” he tells people when they ask what it is like to be mayor. Van Horn believes the biggest contribution he can make to the city is by making the people trust the process of the government.
Van Horn does not actually have all the power in the city. He only counts as one out five votes when it comes to issues. Nacogdoches has a “strong manager commission government” compared to most cities in Texas that have a “strong mayor commission government”. And since Nacogdoches has that type of government, the mayor does not run the city day to day. Some would say it places the manager as the “CEO of our city.” So, Van Horn is limited to what he can do for the city. He would like the many people that come up to him at the local grocery stores to complain about something, to keep in mind that he does not have all the power and may not be able to help.
Van Horn enjoys what he does and hopes to continue being mayor for another two terms to have completed a full five terms. When asked what he plans to do after being mayor he chuckles as he responds, “Well, you know that’s a good question. I’m not sure how to answer that.” He wouldn’t mind teaching or continuing in his dentistry as a manager. But, he will find a way to serve the people no matter what will be happy doing so.
Van Horn has not always been Mayor Van Horn. He was first and foremost a dentist. He started his practice here in Nacogdoches almost 40 years ago and has remained here ever since. “I was rooming with a guy in Missouri who had wanted to be a dentist for a long time, for four years, he was a lot more organized than I,” said Van Horn. “And he was going out for an interview and I thought that sounds good, I might go try that. And I did, I took up my application and strangely enough I got accepted in the interview.” And at that point Van Horn made a big decision for his career choice and became a dentist.
Van Horn has been mayor of Nacogdoches since 2007 and is now serving his third term. For his second term election he did not have an opponent. “The reason I decided to be mayor is sort of an accumulation of my life in Nacogdoches with civic work. I started way back as the President of Jaycees, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Planning Consumer Department and then ran for office as mayor,” said Van Horn as he held his glasses. He enjoys the contrast of dentistry to being the mayor. He spends a few hours Monday through Thursday and all day Friday doing mayor work.
The pace of being a mayor is completely opposite of being a dentist. Van Horn finds closure every 15 minutes at his dentist office, but he hardly finds closure with the city when he is working as mayor and finds it to be very frustrating. “I hope that by being chair of the city commission that the people have confidence in the process,” he tells people when they ask what it is like to be mayor. Van Horn believes the biggest contribution he can make to the city is by making the people trust the process of the government.
Van Horn does not actually have all the power in the city. He only counts as one out five votes when it comes to issues. Nacogdoches has a “strong manager commission government” compared to most cities in Texas that have a “strong mayor commission government”. And since Nacogdoches has that type of government, the mayor does not run the city day to day. Some would say it places the manager as the “CEO of our city.” So, Van Horn is limited to what he can do for the city. He would like the many people that come up to him at the local grocery stores to complain about something, to keep in mind that he does not have all the power and may not be able to help.
Van Horn enjoys what he does and hopes to continue being mayor for another two terms to have completed a full five terms. When asked what he plans to do after being mayor he chuckles as he responds, “Well, you know that’s a good question. I’m not sure how to answer that.” He wouldn’t mind teaching or continuing in his dentistry as a manager. But, he will find a way to serve the people no matter what will be happy doing so.
The Mayor by Maegan Prejean
Imagine being a dentist in the morning and running the town by noon. Roger Van Horn deals with all kinds of sticky situations day by day. Whether it’s cleaning teeth or keeping the city streets clean he’s always on the job.
Roger Van Horn is a dedicated 65-year-old citizen who spends his days getting involved in the Nacogdoches community. In the morning he performs dental work, and by noon he is mayor of a strong manager commission government setting policies and goals. He feels being mayor is a gift he has been given.
Although the mayor makes no money Van Horn doesn’t want to give up because he enjoys his job and said,” I am getting better at it all along.” The first time he ran for mayor he ran unopposed. This is his second term and he has learned that it is not always about him. “I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” he said. He didn’t have put an end to his personal morals, but as mayor he has learned to think about what is best for the city of Nacogdoches.
Mayor Van Horn was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He doesn’t mind the population difference in Nacogdoches though. It makes him feel good to know all of the people in his community because he knows they care about him as much as he cares about them. When he first moved to Nacogdoches he went to every ribbon cutting ceremony and tried on clothes in every men’s clothing store to meet new people. Now that he is so widely know in the city he is often approached. He said citizens usually don’t come up to him to talk about positive things. People usually want to talk about a problem they have. “In my life they either ask me about a pot hole or they’re taking something out of their mouth for me to check,” he said. He pretended to take teeth out of his mouth and the audience laughed. He feels this city is a great size because being mayor he can affect things and talk to people.
Mayor Van Horn is learning how to give his time to the community. As he stood behind the podium and held on tight he said, “Being Mayor Roger Van Horn is not about the process, it’s about thinking of more broadly what’s good for our city.” The city works together to make decisions based on what is good as a whole and will benefit the city.
After his term is up as mayor, Van Horn would like to do some service work somewhere. He likes to see students get involved in the community. Helping the community doesn’t have to be through service work. He said taking time out to coach a softball team or simply attending a city commission meeting counts as being involved. City commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm in downtown Nacogdoches.
Roger Van Horn is a dedicated 65-year-old citizen who spends his days getting involved in the Nacogdoches community. In the morning he performs dental work, and by noon he is mayor of a strong manager commission government setting policies and goals. He feels being mayor is a gift he has been given.
Although the mayor makes no money Van Horn doesn’t want to give up because he enjoys his job and said,” I am getting better at it all along.” The first time he ran for mayor he ran unopposed. This is his second term and he has learned that it is not always about him. “I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” he said. He didn’t have put an end to his personal morals, but as mayor he has learned to think about what is best for the city of Nacogdoches.
Mayor Van Horn was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He doesn’t mind the population difference in Nacogdoches though. It makes him feel good to know all of the people in his community because he knows they care about him as much as he cares about them. When he first moved to Nacogdoches he went to every ribbon cutting ceremony and tried on clothes in every men’s clothing store to meet new people. Now that he is so widely know in the city he is often approached. He said citizens usually don’t come up to him to talk about positive things. People usually want to talk about a problem they have. “In my life they either ask me about a pot hole or they’re taking something out of their mouth for me to check,” he said. He pretended to take teeth out of his mouth and the audience laughed. He feels this city is a great size because being mayor he can affect things and talk to people.
Mayor Van Horn is learning how to give his time to the community. As he stood behind the podium and held on tight he said, “Being Mayor Roger Van Horn is not about the process, it’s about thinking of more broadly what’s good for our city.” The city works together to make decisions based on what is good as a whole and will benefit the city.
After his term is up as mayor, Van Horn would like to do some service work somewhere. He likes to see students get involved in the community. Helping the community doesn’t have to be through service work. He said taking time out to coach a softball team or simply attending a city commission meeting counts as being involved. City commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm in downtown Nacogdoches.
The Mayor by Cameron Mebane
Roger Van Horn has been the mayor of Nacogdoches since May 2007. He has been a dentist with his own full-time practice since the 1970s.
He says that some of the biggest decisions he has made in his life were random. When he was in college in Missouri, he was unsure of what he wanted to do. His roommate was readying himself for a dentist interview and Van Horn decided to apply as well. He still has no idea why he got accepted. Later, he was looking for a small town with around 50,000 to 60,000 people with a university. On his way back north, he drove through Nacogdoches and his car broke down. The people were so kind and took care of them for three or four days. He got to know several people over those few days and realized as they were leaving Nacogdoches, that this is where he wanted to live.
As mayor, Van Horn is the chairman of a strong manager city commission. There are four other commissioners. He said, “My vote is no different from the rest of the commission. We have five votes.” This is different from other cities, such as Houston, where they have a strong mayor system of government. He spends three to four hours a day and all day Friday working as mayor. He spends most of his time as a dentist.
Going from being a dentist to being mayor, caused some frustration for Van Horn. He said, “For me, the pace of it is really frustrating. I get closure 15 times a day.” He sees a problem and fixes it right away as a dentist. He said, “The city…you never get any closure.” Also, when he runs his dentist office, he can change policy repeatedly whenever he wants to. He doesn’t have to ask anyone. Being mayor is not like that.
He encourages students to get involved by going to the city commission meetings, volunteering, and giving to the community.
Mayor Van Horn is a natural at public speaking. He never seemed nervous when speaking in front of about 25 students. He even said that he is considering becoming a teacher after his terms as mayor are over.
He says that some of the biggest decisions he has made in his life were random. When he was in college in Missouri, he was unsure of what he wanted to do. His roommate was readying himself for a dentist interview and Van Horn decided to apply as well. He still has no idea why he got accepted. Later, he was looking for a small town with around 50,000 to 60,000 people with a university. On his way back north, he drove through Nacogdoches and his car broke down. The people were so kind and took care of them for three or four days. He got to know several people over those few days and realized as they were leaving Nacogdoches, that this is where he wanted to live.
As mayor, Van Horn is the chairman of a strong manager city commission. There are four other commissioners. He said, “My vote is no different from the rest of the commission. We have five votes.” This is different from other cities, such as Houston, where they have a strong mayor system of government. He spends three to four hours a day and all day Friday working as mayor. He spends most of his time as a dentist.
Going from being a dentist to being mayor, caused some frustration for Van Horn. He said, “For me, the pace of it is really frustrating. I get closure 15 times a day.” He sees a problem and fixes it right away as a dentist. He said, “The city…you never get any closure.” Also, when he runs his dentist office, he can change policy repeatedly whenever he wants to. He doesn’t have to ask anyone. Being mayor is not like that.
He encourages students to get involved by going to the city commission meetings, volunteering, and giving to the community.
Mayor Van Horn is a natural at public speaking. He never seemed nervous when speaking in front of about 25 students. He even said that he is considering becoming a teacher after his terms as mayor are over.
The Mayor by Samantha Emerson
For most people involved in politics, their campaign for a government position has been a major part of their life plan. For Roger Van Horn, like several of his other major life decisions, campaigning for mayor was something that just spontaneously came to him.
Roger Van Horn has been serving as Nacogdoches’ mayor since May of 2007, this year being his third term. But unlike most big city politicians, Van Horn does not receive a paycheck for his time. Instead, he dedicates most of his time to his family dentistry practice, “This position came at a good time. I work three to four hours a day as mayor, and all Friday,” he said.
The city of Nacogdoches also runs their government much differently from other cities like Houston and Beaumont; Rather than running a “strong mayor government,” Nacogdoches relies on a “strong manager commission government.” In Nacogdoches’ case, the mayor doesn’t operate the town, but is the chairman of the city commission, with all different commissioners taking care of different aspects of the city government.
As Van Horn begins to explain his journey from his beginnings in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the position of Nacogdoches mayor, I can’t help but notice how cordial and inviting he is. He is genuine and casual, and throughout our talk he stops several times to scratch his head or take off his glasses, making him more relatable then I would expect any mayor to be.
When asked about his life up until his candidacy as Nacogdoches’ mayor, he stayed humble about his life’s achievements. For example, he didn’t always dream of being a dentist. “I knew I wanted to work for myself, I knew I liked science, I knew my grades wouldn’t get me into medical school,” Van Horn said. In his junior year of college he interviewed for a dental school on a spur of the moment decision and was accepted. He said he never regretted his decision to become a dentist but he has had struggles with his practice that only led him to one conclusion. He said, “I found out it wasn’t the profession that was the problem, it was the dentist that was the problem. I was too wrapped up in money.”
So If Roger Van Horn grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated his life to dentistry, and spent time during the Vietnam Era in Germany, how did he end up as the mayor of Nacogdoches, Texas? For Van Horn, the decision was as simple. Roger decided he wanted to open up a practice in a college town that had less than 50,000 students and was located between Kansas City, Missouri and Houston. All it took was a brief stay in Nacogdoches and an invite to a Sunday school party to convince him that Nacogdoches would be the new home to his family. Some time later, after serving as the President of Jaycees and on the chamber of commerce, he thought that maybe mayor would be a good spot for him. “It’s just where I like to serve. It’s a gift I’ve been given I suspect,” he said.
He explained that being the mayor of a small town can be equally as frustrating as governing a much larger area like Houston. With the small budget that Nacogdoches is provided, it is difficult to finance and finish city projects. “In Nacogdoches it is so hard to get closure. It’s frustrating, but the process should be slow and tedious,” he said. He then explained the extent of the city’s budget and many of the personal issues he has to put aside in order to make decisions best suited for the city.
Initially, Roger Van Horn doesn’t fit the stereotype of a big time mayor, but as we talk, I realize that no one is better suited for the position than he is. In Nacogdoches people aren’t afraid to approach him their concerns, no matter how trivial they may be. “In Kroger people stop me all the time to ask me about a pot hole or take something out of their mouth for me to check,” he laughed. Not only can he fix Nacogdoches sidewalks and that cavity that’s bothering you, he does it with an attitude that commands attention. No matter what he is doing, he does everything with genuine concern for the people around him. And he loves doing what he does. When asked what his future plans are, he explained with a smile, “I will be engaged, doing something. I want to serve.”
Roger Van Horn has been serving as Nacogdoches’ mayor since May of 2007, this year being his third term. But unlike most big city politicians, Van Horn does not receive a paycheck for his time. Instead, he dedicates most of his time to his family dentistry practice, “This position came at a good time. I work three to four hours a day as mayor, and all Friday,” he said.
The city of Nacogdoches also runs their government much differently from other cities like Houston and Beaumont; Rather than running a “strong mayor government,” Nacogdoches relies on a “strong manager commission government.” In Nacogdoches’ case, the mayor doesn’t operate the town, but is the chairman of the city commission, with all different commissioners taking care of different aspects of the city government.
As Van Horn begins to explain his journey from his beginnings in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the position of Nacogdoches mayor, I can’t help but notice how cordial and inviting he is. He is genuine and casual, and throughout our talk he stops several times to scratch his head or take off his glasses, making him more relatable then I would expect any mayor to be.
When asked about his life up until his candidacy as Nacogdoches’ mayor, he stayed humble about his life’s achievements. For example, he didn’t always dream of being a dentist. “I knew I wanted to work for myself, I knew I liked science, I knew my grades wouldn’t get me into medical school,” Van Horn said. In his junior year of college he interviewed for a dental school on a spur of the moment decision and was accepted. He said he never regretted his decision to become a dentist but he has had struggles with his practice that only led him to one conclusion. He said, “I found out it wasn’t the profession that was the problem, it was the dentist that was the problem. I was too wrapped up in money.”
So If Roger Van Horn grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated his life to dentistry, and spent time during the Vietnam Era in Germany, how did he end up as the mayor of Nacogdoches, Texas? For Van Horn, the decision was as simple. Roger decided he wanted to open up a practice in a college town that had less than 50,000 students and was located between Kansas City, Missouri and Houston. All it took was a brief stay in Nacogdoches and an invite to a Sunday school party to convince him that Nacogdoches would be the new home to his family. Some time later, after serving as the President of Jaycees and on the chamber of commerce, he thought that maybe mayor would be a good spot for him. “It’s just where I like to serve. It’s a gift I’ve been given I suspect,” he said.
He explained that being the mayor of a small town can be equally as frustrating as governing a much larger area like Houston. With the small budget that Nacogdoches is provided, it is difficult to finance and finish city projects. “In Nacogdoches it is so hard to get closure. It’s frustrating, but the process should be slow and tedious,” he said. He then explained the extent of the city’s budget and many of the personal issues he has to put aside in order to make decisions best suited for the city.
Initially, Roger Van Horn doesn’t fit the stereotype of a big time mayor, but as we talk, I realize that no one is better suited for the position than he is. In Nacogdoches people aren’t afraid to approach him their concerns, no matter how trivial they may be. “In Kroger people stop me all the time to ask me about a pot hole or take something out of their mouth for me to check,” he laughed. Not only can he fix Nacogdoches sidewalks and that cavity that’s bothering you, he does it with an attitude that commands attention. No matter what he is doing, he does everything with genuine concern for the people around him. And he loves doing what he does. When asked what his future plans are, he explained with a smile, “I will be engaged, doing something. I want to serve.”
The Mayor by Paige Beasley
When Roger Van Horn was young he never imagined that he would one day be one of the most influential and recognizable figures in a small town in East Texas. Born and raised in Tulsa, OK, Van Horn began his professional career as a dentist. A road trip through Texas in the 1970s unexpectedly brought him to Nacogdoches, where he has spent the past 30 years.
After arriving in Nacogdoches, Van Horn quickly became involved in civic affairs, which eventually led to his election of mayor of the city in May 2007. As mayor, Van Horn said that he does not run everyday operations of the town, but he serves as chairman of the city commission. “The commission’s job is to set policy and approve things done by the city manager.” Van Horn said.
Van Horn explained that it is the mayor’s job to run the meetings and they are allowed put any item on the agenda that they please. “But in terms of power,” Van Horn said, “my vote is no different that the rest of the commissioners.” The Nacogdoches City Commission is made up of five commissioners; one elected from each of the four wards, and the mayor, who is elected citywide.
But serving as mayor is not how Van Horn makes his living. Since he first came to Nacogdoches, Van Horn has had his own full-time dentist practice. However he has not always wanted to be a dentist. “I was not passionate about teeth,” Van Horn joked about deciding to become a dentist. He said that he was a junior in college, and all he knew was that he had pretty good grades, liked science, and he wanted to work for himself. He knew he could not go to medical school, and so he decided to follow his roommate to interview to be a dentist. “Strangely enough, I got accepted in the interview,” Van Horn laughed, and although he has considered different options over the years, he has never really regretted the decision to become a dentist.
Since he has been elected as mayor, Van Horn has learned to divide his time between his two passions. Most mornings and afternoons are spent in the dentist office, and he practices his duties as mayor during midday and late afternoons. Van Horn explains that he enjoys doing both things because the pace of being a mayor and working as a dentist are completely different.
He said that the pace of being a mayor is really frustrating to him. “At the dentist office I get closure fifteen times a day, but with the city you never get anything done!” Van Horn said exasperatedly. “Because what the government does effects so many people, the process is very important,” and he explained that that is why it sometimes takes things a long time to get done.
“It shouldn’t be done quick,” Van Horn explained. “It is my job to hear the voice of the people and to do as much fact-finding as I can before I cast my vote.” He believes that the most important part of his job is just listening to what that people want and making the best decision for the city based on the information he collects. Although the citizens will not always get their way, Van Horn wants them to be assured that their opinions do matter to him. Van Horn said, “People ask me about being mayor, and all I can tell them is that I hope that by being chair of the city commission that people have confidence in the process.”
After arriving in Nacogdoches, Van Horn quickly became involved in civic affairs, which eventually led to his election of mayor of the city in May 2007. As mayor, Van Horn said that he does not run everyday operations of the town, but he serves as chairman of the city commission. “The commission’s job is to set policy and approve things done by the city manager.” Van Horn said.
Van Horn explained that it is the mayor’s job to run the meetings and they are allowed put any item on the agenda that they please. “But in terms of power,” Van Horn said, “my vote is no different that the rest of the commissioners.” The Nacogdoches City Commission is made up of five commissioners; one elected from each of the four wards, and the mayor, who is elected citywide.
But serving as mayor is not how Van Horn makes his living. Since he first came to Nacogdoches, Van Horn has had his own full-time dentist practice. However he has not always wanted to be a dentist. “I was not passionate about teeth,” Van Horn joked about deciding to become a dentist. He said that he was a junior in college, and all he knew was that he had pretty good grades, liked science, and he wanted to work for himself. He knew he could not go to medical school, and so he decided to follow his roommate to interview to be a dentist. “Strangely enough, I got accepted in the interview,” Van Horn laughed, and although he has considered different options over the years, he has never really regretted the decision to become a dentist.
Since he has been elected as mayor, Van Horn has learned to divide his time between his two passions. Most mornings and afternoons are spent in the dentist office, and he practices his duties as mayor during midday and late afternoons. Van Horn explains that he enjoys doing both things because the pace of being a mayor and working as a dentist are completely different.
He said that the pace of being a mayor is really frustrating to him. “At the dentist office I get closure fifteen times a day, but with the city you never get anything done!” Van Horn said exasperatedly. “Because what the government does effects so many people, the process is very important,” and he explained that that is why it sometimes takes things a long time to get done.
“It shouldn’t be done quick,” Van Horn explained. “It is my job to hear the voice of the people and to do as much fact-finding as I can before I cast my vote.” He believes that the most important part of his job is just listening to what that people want and making the best decision for the city based on the information he collects. Although the citizens will not always get their way, Van Horn wants them to be assured that their opinions do matter to him. Van Horn said, “People ask me about being mayor, and all I can tell them is that I hope that by being chair of the city commission that people have confidence in the process.”
The Mayor by Keidrick Goss
Mayor Roger Van Horn makes his living off of his full time dentist practice in Nacogdoches, but thoroughly enjoys serving the city of Nacogdoches as mayor.
Roger Van Horn was born and raised in Tulsa, OK and ended up in Nacogdoches on a whim. He arrived in Nacogdoches in the 1970’s and began his dentist practice. In May 2007 he was elected mayor and is now in his third term.
There are two types of city governments: strong manager commissioner government and strong mayor commissioner government. Nacogdoches has strong manager commissioner government. So the mayor does not operate the city from day to day. “The mayor is the chairman of the city commission,” said Van Horn.
Being the mayor is not a paying job, but Van Horn loves to do it. “The reason I decided to be Mayor is sort of a culmination of my life in Nacogdoches and my city work,” said Van Horn, while holding his glasses in one hand and using the other hand to gesture. “It’s just what I like to serve, it’s a gift I have been given I suspect.”
Even though Mayor Van Horn is now in his third term, things were not always great for him as mayor. For one thing he did not know what he was doing coming into the mayor position. “I had potential when I ran the first time but I didn’t know how to be mayor, and I’m getting better at it all and all,” he said.
Another thing that has hindered his experience is his frustration with some of the things that go on in the city. He said that the income stays the same so they have to raise sales taxes. They get one penny from sales taxes and 50 cent per $100 of evaluation. In dealing with these frustrations he has learned to put aside his own views. “I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” he said. “Being mayor is not about Roger Van Horn, it’s about the process, it’s about our city, it’s based on the facts.”
Even though he loves being mayor, he makes his living off of being a dentist. He said that he works three or four hours a day as mayor and all day Friday, and for the rest of the time he’s doing dentist work. He decided to do dentistry very randomly in his college years and it has followed him to today. There was a moment when he didn’t like it, he said. But he realized that it wasn’t the occupation it was the dentist.
When asked what he would do after he was done being mayor, he said, “I don’t know the answer to that, but I will doing something. Finding some way to serve.”
Roger Van Horn was born and raised in Tulsa, OK and ended up in Nacogdoches on a whim. He arrived in Nacogdoches in the 1970’s and began his dentist practice. In May 2007 he was elected mayor and is now in his third term.
There are two types of city governments: strong manager commissioner government and strong mayor commissioner government. Nacogdoches has strong manager commissioner government. So the mayor does not operate the city from day to day. “The mayor is the chairman of the city commission,” said Van Horn.
Being the mayor is not a paying job, but Van Horn loves to do it. “The reason I decided to be Mayor is sort of a culmination of my life in Nacogdoches and my city work,” said Van Horn, while holding his glasses in one hand and using the other hand to gesture. “It’s just what I like to serve, it’s a gift I have been given I suspect.”
Even though Mayor Van Horn is now in his third term, things were not always great for him as mayor. For one thing he did not know what he was doing coming into the mayor position. “I had potential when I ran the first time but I didn’t know how to be mayor, and I’m getting better at it all and all,” he said.
Another thing that has hindered his experience is his frustration with some of the things that go on in the city. He said that the income stays the same so they have to raise sales taxes. They get one penny from sales taxes and 50 cent per $100 of evaluation. In dealing with these frustrations he has learned to put aside his own views. “I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” he said. “Being mayor is not about Roger Van Horn, it’s about the process, it’s about our city, it’s based on the facts.”
Even though he loves being mayor, he makes his living off of being a dentist. He said that he works three or four hours a day as mayor and all day Friday, and for the rest of the time he’s doing dentist work. He decided to do dentistry very randomly in his college years and it has followed him to today. There was a moment when he didn’t like it, he said. But he realized that it wasn’t the occupation it was the dentist.
When asked what he would do after he was done being mayor, he said, “I don’t know the answer to that, but I will doing something. Finding some way to serve.”
The Mayor by Briana Garlow
As full time activist in the community as the Mayor of Nacogdoches Dr. Van Horn still has time to continue his dentistry practice. He works about four hours a day from 8 A.M. –noon in the mornings and all day on Fridays. Although many citizens might believe that their tax dollars are paying for his seat on the city council in actuality Dr. Van Horn receives no salary as the Mayor of Nacogdoches. Nacogdoches runs the city on a 57 million dollar budget. “There are four enterprise departments, which trash, sewer, water and airport have to support themselves”, Dr. Van Horn said. Every January SFA and city officials go to Washington to ask for funding. The funding received is for the city not for city-governed salaries. He described the process of funding and the trip to Washington with excitement and made direct contact with every student in the room. Nacogdoches government runs on the common characteristics of Dallas or Houston but runs its government on a strong manager commission, which limits Dr. Van Horn’s authority. His main job as the mayor is to set policies and he is very involved in listening to the citizen of Nacogdoches at city council meetings.
“I had to learn that being mayor is not about Roger Van Horn its about the process, thinking broadly what’s good for our city”, he said. He firmly placed his hands in an cross position and took his time to make emphasize on describing the process of Nacogdoches government.
At the age of 65 –year-old Van Horn sees him self, filling five success terms if re-elected. Dr. Van Horn is on his second term as the Mayor of Nacogdoches.
He wants to continue his career in dentistry or with something. He says he gets, “bored about half a day.” He hopes to be engaged with something and finding some way to serve.
He loves going to the local Kroger grocery store while shopping enjoying conversations with citizens about either their dentures or the local neighborhood problems.
He told the Stephen F. Austin students to “find something in your community where you can give of your self.” Dr. Van Horn continued to speak with the local college students regarding the importance in a firm voice to “ Yes Vote! Yes get involve not just to vote, get involve with the community where you go to school.” The city council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday 5:30 in the afternoon downtown at city hall.
“I had to learn that being mayor is not about Roger Van Horn its about the process, thinking broadly what’s good for our city”, he said. He firmly placed his hands in an cross position and took his time to make emphasize on describing the process of Nacogdoches government.
At the age of 65 –year-old Van Horn sees him self, filling five success terms if re-elected. Dr. Van Horn is on his second term as the Mayor of Nacogdoches.
He wants to continue his career in dentistry or with something. He says he gets, “bored about half a day.” He hopes to be engaged with something and finding some way to serve.
He loves going to the local Kroger grocery store while shopping enjoying conversations with citizens about either their dentures or the local neighborhood problems.
He told the Stephen F. Austin students to “find something in your community where you can give of your self.” Dr. Van Horn continued to speak with the local college students regarding the importance in a firm voice to “ Yes Vote! Yes get involve not just to vote, get involve with the community where you go to school.” The city council meetings are held every first and third Tuesday 5:30 in the afternoon downtown at city hall.
The Mayor by Ashley Land
Most people would not think of their car breaking down as a good thing; however, for Roger Van Horn it was a blessing in disguise.
Van Horn always wanted to live in a small town with a university. On a trip from Houston back to Kansas City, his car broke down in Nacogdoches, Texas, in front the dealership of the vehicle he owned.
“They were so nice, they took us to hotel Fredonia and put us up in a room,” Van Horn said.
Not long after they got settled into their room, he received a phone call from Dr. Walker, a surgeon in Nacogdoches. Dr. Walker came and picked them up and took them to a Sunday school party.
Van Horn and his family were in town for three or four days, were taken care of, met many people, and he knew before they left that this was the town he wanted to move his family to.
Van Horn was born in Tulsa OK, has been in Nacogdoches since the 1970s, has a full time dental practice, and is the mayor of the town. Van Horn is currently serving his third term as mayor of Nacogdoches.
“I like to serve” Van Horn said. He only spends three or four hours a day as mayor with a full day on Fridays. The other times he is in his dental office.
Van Horn talks about the differences in the processes between being mayor and having his dental practice. With his dental office he can change the policies however and whenever he wants and does not have to go through anyone to do so.
“My dental staff knows that when it get to pushing and shoving, I will ask them to glance out the window and see who’s name is on the sign out there,” Van Horn said with a laugh and his hands in his pockets. “With government that is not true, which is a good thing sometimes.”
Van Horn talked about that how a mayor of a small town like Nacogdoches is different than that of a larger city like Houston. Nacogdoches is a strong manager commission style of government and the mayor is there to head up the meetings and serve as the chairman on the city commission. Another thing with being mayor in a small town, it is strictly service-based and he does not get paid.
Van Horn is serving his community not only as a mayor but also as a dentist. As mayor he has to set aside his personal beliefs and choose what is best for the city of Nacogdoches, even if it is not what he believes is the best thing.
From a simple thing like a car breaking down, a man and his family found what they call home. Nacogdoches: a small town, with a university, a place Roger Van Horn moved his family to, started his dental practice, and serves his community as mayor.
Van Horn always wanted to live in a small town with a university. On a trip from Houston back to Kansas City, his car broke down in Nacogdoches, Texas, in front the dealership of the vehicle he owned.
“They were so nice, they took us to hotel Fredonia and put us up in a room,” Van Horn said.
Not long after they got settled into their room, he received a phone call from Dr. Walker, a surgeon in Nacogdoches. Dr. Walker came and picked them up and took them to a Sunday school party.
Van Horn and his family were in town for three or four days, were taken care of, met many people, and he knew before they left that this was the town he wanted to move his family to.
Van Horn was born in Tulsa OK, has been in Nacogdoches since the 1970s, has a full time dental practice, and is the mayor of the town. Van Horn is currently serving his third term as mayor of Nacogdoches.
“I like to serve” Van Horn said. He only spends three or four hours a day as mayor with a full day on Fridays. The other times he is in his dental office.
Van Horn talks about the differences in the processes between being mayor and having his dental practice. With his dental office he can change the policies however and whenever he wants and does not have to go through anyone to do so.
“My dental staff knows that when it get to pushing and shoving, I will ask them to glance out the window and see who’s name is on the sign out there,” Van Horn said with a laugh and his hands in his pockets. “With government that is not true, which is a good thing sometimes.”
Van Horn talked about that how a mayor of a small town like Nacogdoches is different than that of a larger city like Houston. Nacogdoches is a strong manager commission style of government and the mayor is there to head up the meetings and serve as the chairman on the city commission. Another thing with being mayor in a small town, it is strictly service-based and he does not get paid.
Van Horn is serving his community not only as a mayor but also as a dentist. As mayor he has to set aside his personal beliefs and choose what is best for the city of Nacogdoches, even if it is not what he believes is the best thing.
From a simple thing like a car breaking down, a man and his family found what they call home. Nacogdoches: a small town, with a university, a place Roger Van Horn moved his family to, started his dental practice, and serves his community as mayor.
The Mayor by Austin Beesley
The current Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn might not have been here if it wasn’t for that amazing Nacogdoches hospitality. Living in Germany during the Vietnam War he decided that he wanted to live in a small town with a university in it. While driving from Houston with his family, their car broke down in Nacogdoches in front of a car dealership where “they were so nice they took us over to the hotel Fredonia, and got us a room”, Van Horn said. When leaving Nacogdoches for the first time, Roger and his wife knew immediately that Nacogdoches was the place for them.
Being the mayor though is not how Roger Van Horn makes a living. He has been a dentist for nearly forty years. His busy schedule consist of doing dentistry work from 8a.m. to noon, then mayor business for about two hours, then back to seeing patients at his practice and then finally back to being the mayor but he said he “loves the contrast” between his two professions.
He started way back as president of Jaycees, then president of the chamber of commerce, chairman of planning of zoning department, and then he ran for office as mayor. “It’s just where I like to serve and it’s so different then sitting in a chair and fixing teeth,” Mayor Van Horn said. But one frustrating thing as being mayor he expressed is the pace of how things get done. Being a dentist, a patient comes in, states the problem, and when the patent leaves the problem is fixed; but on the other hand, working for the city and trying to get closure is very difficult. Mayor Van Horn said “not to get impatient with the government” because the process is so important that it has to take a long time and has to be done right because it affects so many people.
One of the hardest speed bumps to overcome in being mayor is to “ set aside my personal philosophy for the city, not my morals, but my personal philosophical and political I had to learn to set it aside,” Mayor Van Horn said.
Roger Van Horn’s own personal goal is to serve five terms as mayor in Nacogdoches and when asked what he will do after being the mayor and a dentist he replied honestly “ I don’t know”, but he will do something for the fear of being “bored”.
Being the mayor though is not how Roger Van Horn makes a living. He has been a dentist for nearly forty years. His busy schedule consist of doing dentistry work from 8a.m. to noon, then mayor business for about two hours, then back to seeing patients at his practice and then finally back to being the mayor but he said he “loves the contrast” between his two professions.
He started way back as president of Jaycees, then president of the chamber of commerce, chairman of planning of zoning department, and then he ran for office as mayor. “It’s just where I like to serve and it’s so different then sitting in a chair and fixing teeth,” Mayor Van Horn said. But one frustrating thing as being mayor he expressed is the pace of how things get done. Being a dentist, a patient comes in, states the problem, and when the patent leaves the problem is fixed; but on the other hand, working for the city and trying to get closure is very difficult. Mayor Van Horn said “not to get impatient with the government” because the process is so important that it has to take a long time and has to be done right because it affects so many people.
One of the hardest speed bumps to overcome in being mayor is to “ set aside my personal philosophy for the city, not my morals, but my personal philosophical and political I had to learn to set it aside,” Mayor Van Horn said.
Roger Van Horn’s own personal goal is to serve five terms as mayor in Nacogdoches and when asked what he will do after being the mayor and a dentist he replied honestly “ I don’t know”, but he will do something for the fear of being “bored”.
The Mayor by Ambreishia Lewis
As he walked into the room, we wondered, who is this man? He came in and shook everyone’s hand like a politician. However, when he spoke, he came off as nice and friendly like a family friend or doctor. To our surprise we later found out that he was both. This man was Nacogdoches mayor Roger Van Horn: a small time politician on his third term and surprisingly, a full time practicing dentist.
Van Horn, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, came across dentistry the same way he came across Nacogdoches; randomly. “ When driving back from Houston one night, our car broke down in Nacogdoches, right in front of the dealership.” Van Horn and his family later checked into the Hotel Fredonia, where they quickly invited by Dr. Walker and his wife to attend a party. After staying in Nacogdoches for three days, he and his wife decided that they needed make Nacogdoches their home.
After years of serving the community with his dentist office and serving smaller positions in city government, Van Horn decided to run for mayor. “ I enjoy serving the community, so I decided to run for mayor, and I won,” he said Van Horn became Mayor in May 2007 and is now serving his third term in office. He balances his days by being mayor for three to four hours a day four days a week and dentist two to three hours a day. He dedicates all day Friday to his mayoral duties.
Though he enjoys serving his community, he does know about the frustrations of being mayor of a small town with a strong manager commission. “Mayors are the chairmen of the city commission. But the City Manager is the boss of the city.” He explained how the process of getting things in a small town could be difficult. “ Being mayor is the exact opposite of being a dentist,” he said “ In dentistry, I can fix the problem and the customers pay and we are through. It is so hard to get things done in city government.”
However, Van Horn does enjoy governing a small town because of his ability to connect with the citizens and actually see the changes in the city that he helps make compared to larger cities in the state. “ In Houston, Mayor White is the main man, the boss, he is the president of Houston,” he said “ It not like that in Nacogdoches.” Van Horn explained that in strong manager commission, the mayor just work with other commission members, which gives him limited power.
But with the power that he does have, Van Horn understands the power as citizens and university students have over the community. He encouraged all citizens and all university students to get involved. He said do not do so by just voting, but get involved outside of the university and help someone in the community. That small contribution to the community can equal up the great things that Van Horn does as mayor.
Through the frustrations and the dentist appointments, Mayor Van Horn loves serving his community. He has learned that he has to set aside his own “personal philosophies on politics” and support what was best for the greater good of the community.
So as this man finishes speaking and begins to leave, we now know who he is. Now we know wonder, how could we serve our community and be active citizens of Nacogdoches?
Van Horn, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, came across dentistry the same way he came across Nacogdoches; randomly. “ When driving back from Houston one night, our car broke down in Nacogdoches, right in front of the dealership.” Van Horn and his family later checked into the Hotel Fredonia, where they quickly invited by Dr. Walker and his wife to attend a party. After staying in Nacogdoches for three days, he and his wife decided that they needed make Nacogdoches their home.
After years of serving the community with his dentist office and serving smaller positions in city government, Van Horn decided to run for mayor. “ I enjoy serving the community, so I decided to run for mayor, and I won,” he said Van Horn became Mayor in May 2007 and is now serving his third term in office. He balances his days by being mayor for three to four hours a day four days a week and dentist two to three hours a day. He dedicates all day Friday to his mayoral duties.
Though he enjoys serving his community, he does know about the frustrations of being mayor of a small town with a strong manager commission. “Mayors are the chairmen of the city commission. But the City Manager is the boss of the city.” He explained how the process of getting things in a small town could be difficult. “ Being mayor is the exact opposite of being a dentist,” he said “ In dentistry, I can fix the problem and the customers pay and we are through. It is so hard to get things done in city government.”
However, Van Horn does enjoy governing a small town because of his ability to connect with the citizens and actually see the changes in the city that he helps make compared to larger cities in the state. “ In Houston, Mayor White is the main man, the boss, he is the president of Houston,” he said “ It not like that in Nacogdoches.” Van Horn explained that in strong manager commission, the mayor just work with other commission members, which gives him limited power.
But with the power that he does have, Van Horn understands the power as citizens and university students have over the community. He encouraged all citizens and all university students to get involved. He said do not do so by just voting, but get involved outside of the university and help someone in the community. That small contribution to the community can equal up the great things that Van Horn does as mayor.
Through the frustrations and the dentist appointments, Mayor Van Horn loves serving his community. He has learned that he has to set aside his own “personal philosophies on politics” and support what was best for the greater good of the community.
So as this man finishes speaking and begins to leave, we now know who he is. Now we know wonder, how could we serve our community and be active citizens of Nacogdoches?
The Mayor by Nikki Barajas
Roger Van Horn, born in Tulsa, Ok, has come about important decisions in his life by mistake. Following his roommate to an interview for dentistry lead him to his dentist career and his car breaking down in Nacogdoches lead him to live here. But, standing at a podium in front of 20 students, Van Horn’s presence does not seem like a mistake.
His voice boomed throughout the room, drowning out random buzzes of students’ phone’s on vibrate. He stood confidently and spoke with his hands about his position of mayor and frustrations he has.
Van Horn first clarified the type of government that the city of Nacogdoches has.
He said, “The mayor does not operate the town, the mayor is the chair of the city commission.”
Because of this, the mayor is limited in what he can do. Every decision is controlled by a vote of the board. So, to make ends meet, Van Horn has a dentist practice here in Nacogdoches. He manages to be both a dentist and the mayor by breaking up his day into four parts. A few hours in the morning he works as a dentist, then in the early afternoon as mayor, then again as dentist, lastly in the evening he works again as mayor.
The first term Van Horn ran as mayor he was unopposed but his second term he did have someone to run against.
“I didn’t know how to be mayor, I didn’t know how to do that,” he said about his first term, “but I’m getting better at it.” He said that naturally he is more qualified the second time than he was the first.
Van Horn expressed his support of students of Stephen F. Austin to be active in the Nacogdoches government. He urged students to get involved in the community where they go to school in.
When asked about what he plans to do after being mayor, Van Horn, smiling and amused by this question, replied that he did not really know what was next.
“I went through this emotional crisis about getting my medicare card. I was down there at the social security office thinking ‘why am I here with all these old people?’” He joked.
Van Horn has been offered a job at the public dental clinic off Highway 7 as a manager and said that this may be an offer he would like to take. He also considered teaching for a while.
“I committed in my mind to five terms [of mayor] if they allow it. If they don’t want me I’ll have to figure out something else to do,” Van Horn said. However, he does plan to stay engaged and involved after his time as mayor is over and finding some way to keep serving.
His voice boomed throughout the room, drowning out random buzzes of students’ phone’s on vibrate. He stood confidently and spoke with his hands about his position of mayor and frustrations he has.
Van Horn first clarified the type of government that the city of Nacogdoches has.
He said, “The mayor does not operate the town, the mayor is the chair of the city commission.”
Because of this, the mayor is limited in what he can do. Every decision is controlled by a vote of the board. So, to make ends meet, Van Horn has a dentist practice here in Nacogdoches. He manages to be both a dentist and the mayor by breaking up his day into four parts. A few hours in the morning he works as a dentist, then in the early afternoon as mayor, then again as dentist, lastly in the evening he works again as mayor.
The first term Van Horn ran as mayor he was unopposed but his second term he did have someone to run against.
“I didn’t know how to be mayor, I didn’t know how to do that,” he said about his first term, “but I’m getting better at it.” He said that naturally he is more qualified the second time than he was the first.
Van Horn expressed his support of students of Stephen F. Austin to be active in the Nacogdoches government. He urged students to get involved in the community where they go to school in.
When asked about what he plans to do after being mayor, Van Horn, smiling and amused by this question, replied that he did not really know what was next.
“I went through this emotional crisis about getting my medicare card. I was down there at the social security office thinking ‘why am I here with all these old people?’” He joked.
Van Horn has been offered a job at the public dental clinic off Highway 7 as a manager and said that this may be an offer he would like to take. He also considered teaching for a while.
“I committed in my mind to five terms [of mayor] if they allow it. If they don’t want me I’ll have to figure out something else to do,” Van Horn said. However, he does plan to stay engaged and involved after his time as mayor is over and finding some way to keep serving.
The Mayor by Shelbe Blacklock
Oklahoma native Roger Van Horn, spoke about his experiences serving his third term as mayor of Nacogdoches.
The mayor, taking off his eyeglasses, began by telling of the government system that’s in Texas, “I need to tell you this so some of the things I talk about later will make sense,” he said. Emphasizing the strong manager city commission government in Texas, Mayor Van horn said, “The manager is the CEO, the boss of the city.” He told tell how he the system operates similar to a board of directors of a bank and how his commission makes big decisions in the city.
“You need to come to a city commission meeting sometime. If you’re having trouble with sleeping you should come tonight,” jokes the mayor, “It is really going to be boring.”
Mayor Van Horn goes on to tell how he is able to balance being mayor of a city as well as working as a dentist. “I make a living as a dentist, I have for nearly 40 years,” he said joking about the contrast in the way people treat him as a dentist apposed to the way he is treated as mayor. “People aren’t afraid of you, they actually look at you in the eye and talk. It’s a neat contrast,” he said smiling. “The people can talk to you, I like that a lot” said the mayor. He joked about being stopped in Kroger, “Rarely do they want to see you about something they are proud of,” he jokes. “They usually have a problem when they stop you in the produce section.”
He wants people to get involved and get active in the government and community. The mayor also told how the pace of being mayor is very slow. “I hope that the people have confidence in the process” he said hoping that they get something out of it. Unable to stay still the mayor, pacing back and forth, said, “Being a mayor is not about Roger Van Horn. It’s about the process, it’s about thinking more broadly what we can do for our city.”
The mayor, holding his hands in his black blazer, ponders on where he would like to be once he has fulfilled his term as mayor. “You know I am not sure, I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said. While scratching his head, the mayor said he is not sure what he will do but it will have something to do with teaching something in life. He has been offered a job here in Nacogdoches at a local dental clinic as a manager. He is considering it. “I have committed in my mind to five terms if they allow it,” he said. “If they don’t want me I will have to figure out something else to do.”
The mayor said he would be finding some way to serve his city and community. He said the quicker you learn to give a little time to someone who needs something, you find it to be very rewarding.
The mayor, taking off his eyeglasses, began by telling of the government system that’s in Texas, “I need to tell you this so some of the things I talk about later will make sense,” he said. Emphasizing the strong manager city commission government in Texas, Mayor Van horn said, “The manager is the CEO, the boss of the city.” He told tell how he the system operates similar to a board of directors of a bank and how his commission makes big decisions in the city.
“You need to come to a city commission meeting sometime. If you’re having trouble with sleeping you should come tonight,” jokes the mayor, “It is really going to be boring.”
Mayor Van Horn goes on to tell how he is able to balance being mayor of a city as well as working as a dentist. “I make a living as a dentist, I have for nearly 40 years,” he said joking about the contrast in the way people treat him as a dentist apposed to the way he is treated as mayor. “People aren’t afraid of you, they actually look at you in the eye and talk. It’s a neat contrast,” he said smiling. “The people can talk to you, I like that a lot” said the mayor. He joked about being stopped in Kroger, “Rarely do they want to see you about something they are proud of,” he jokes. “They usually have a problem when they stop you in the produce section.”
He wants people to get involved and get active in the government and community. The mayor also told how the pace of being mayor is very slow. “I hope that the people have confidence in the process” he said hoping that they get something out of it. Unable to stay still the mayor, pacing back and forth, said, “Being a mayor is not about Roger Van Horn. It’s about the process, it’s about thinking more broadly what we can do for our city.”
The mayor, holding his hands in his black blazer, ponders on where he would like to be once he has fulfilled his term as mayor. “You know I am not sure, I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said. While scratching his head, the mayor said he is not sure what he will do but it will have something to do with teaching something in life. He has been offered a job here in Nacogdoches at a local dental clinic as a manager. He is considering it. “I have committed in my mind to five terms if they allow it,” he said. “If they don’t want me I will have to figure out something else to do.”
The mayor said he would be finding some way to serve his city and community. He said the quicker you learn to give a little time to someone who needs something, you find it to be very rewarding.
The Mayor by Fernando Verver
For a Tulsa native, Roger Van Horn made himself comfortable in the small town of Nacogdoches. Van Horn moved to Nacogdoches, TX after serving in the military for six years. Having the dream of settling down in a small college town made Nacogdoches the right spot for him.
Since his junior year in college, Van Horn had the passion to become a dentist and for 40 years he has practiced that profession. But being a dentist is not all that Van Horn wanted. He was president of the Jaycee of Nacogdoches and other civic organizations and worked his way up. In May of 2007 the city of Nacogdoches voted Van Horn mayor. Mayor Van Horn is now in his third term and says that he loves it.
Mayor Van Horn says that being mayor is a great thing. He has people always come up to him to talk and he loves to listen. Laughing about it, Mayor Van Horn said he likes when people randomly stop him at Kroger’s to talk to him. He said that being mayor is like a gift that he has to serve. It’s something that he enjoys. Mayor Van Horn spends about 3-4 hours a day and all day Friday on mayor stuff and the rest working on teeth.
According to Mayor Van Horn, being mayor can be fun but very frustrating. Running a strong manger commission government, which is when the mayor has his board to make the decisions with him for the city, can be difficult. Passing laws on smoking in public places, sidewalks and highway crossovers can make citizens upset at points. “ The thing that I had to learn as mayor was to set aside my philosophy,” he said. “I had to learn to put things aside for what’s best for Nacogdoches.” His hope was that the people have confidence in the process, that they listen and trust him. “Being Mayor is not about Roger Van Horn, It’s about the process!” said the mayor.
Mayor Van Horn was asked on his view of the students here at the university and he replied that it’s hard to get them interested. When running for mayor he was told to not worry about the student vote because they never vote. “I want students get involved more. Volunteer yourself more in your community,” he said.
After his term, Mayor Van Horn said that he doesn’t know what will come next. “I was offered manager of a dentist clinic to run it but I’ m still is undecided,” he said with a laugh.
Since his junior year in college, Van Horn had the passion to become a dentist and for 40 years he has practiced that profession. But being a dentist is not all that Van Horn wanted. He was president of the Jaycee of Nacogdoches and other civic organizations and worked his way up. In May of 2007 the city of Nacogdoches voted Van Horn mayor. Mayor Van Horn is now in his third term and says that he loves it.
Mayor Van Horn says that being mayor is a great thing. He has people always come up to him to talk and he loves to listen. Laughing about it, Mayor Van Horn said he likes when people randomly stop him at Kroger’s to talk to him. He said that being mayor is like a gift that he has to serve. It’s something that he enjoys. Mayor Van Horn spends about 3-4 hours a day and all day Friday on mayor stuff and the rest working on teeth.
According to Mayor Van Horn, being mayor can be fun but very frustrating. Running a strong manger commission government, which is when the mayor has his board to make the decisions with him for the city, can be difficult. Passing laws on smoking in public places, sidewalks and highway crossovers can make citizens upset at points. “ The thing that I had to learn as mayor was to set aside my philosophy,” he said. “I had to learn to put things aside for what’s best for Nacogdoches.” His hope was that the people have confidence in the process, that they listen and trust him. “Being Mayor is not about Roger Van Horn, It’s about the process!” said the mayor.
Mayor Van Horn was asked on his view of the students here at the university and he replied that it’s hard to get them interested. When running for mayor he was told to not worry about the student vote because they never vote. “I want students get involved more. Volunteer yourself more in your community,” he said.
After his term, Mayor Van Horn said that he doesn’t know what will come next. “I was offered manager of a dentist clinic to run it but I’ m still is undecided,” he said with a laugh.
The Mayor by Megan Kelley
Nacogdoches was not on Roger Van Horn’s radar until his car broke down in front of a car dealership in the 70s. After staying a few days he and his wife headed back to Kansas City and decided then that Nacogdoches was the place for them. Van Horn shared personal and professional experiences Tuesday in an interview.
Van Horn opened his dental practice and has had it running for over thirty years. Most recently to be a part of the community Van Horn became mayor of Nacogdoches in 2007 and is now on his third term.
Being mayor many would think that he ran Nacogdoches. That is far from the truth. A strong manager committee governs Nacogdoches, Van Horn explained. The county is divided into four sections and each ward elects their own commissioner. Out of the commissioners one is elected to become mayor. As mayor he is the chairman of the city commission and the town is actually ran by the city manager.
Being mayor many would think they were paid. Van Horn said that his position is not a paying one. Not being paid would turn many people off, not Van Horn. His love for government and being able to help the community is conveyed in the smile he gave when speaking about the topic.
While Van Horn’s love for the community is easily seen he did share his frustrations. Living in a small town it is hard to bring in new ways to help revenue and he has had to watch his personal preference.
“I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn had to learn that it was not about him. It was about the city and people of Nacogdoches.
“I had to learn to think what is best for the city of Nacogdoches,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn has learned to be tough when it comes to making decisions for what is best for the town and not individuals. People are not always the happiest with decisions the commission has made but Van Horn reminded us that they are out to help the community.
“You need to give all elected a shot, give them a chance,” Van Horn said. “It’s a tough job.”
As for what is next for Van Horn he is unsure. He said that at one point he committed he would stay in the mayor position for five terms if allowed. Even if not elected to five terms Van Horn has some idea of what he would like to do.
“I wouldn’t mind teaching. I love teaching,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn encourages young people to get out and be part of the community.
“I would tell you start right now being engaged doing something,” Van Horn said. “The quicker you learn to give a little of your time because somebody needs something you’ll find the rewards are great.”
Van Horn opened his dental practice and has had it running for over thirty years. Most recently to be a part of the community Van Horn became mayor of Nacogdoches in 2007 and is now on his third term.
Being mayor many would think that he ran Nacogdoches. That is far from the truth. A strong manager committee governs Nacogdoches, Van Horn explained. The county is divided into four sections and each ward elects their own commissioner. Out of the commissioners one is elected to become mayor. As mayor he is the chairman of the city commission and the town is actually ran by the city manager.
Being mayor many would think they were paid. Van Horn said that his position is not a paying one. Not being paid would turn many people off, not Van Horn. His love for government and being able to help the community is conveyed in the smile he gave when speaking about the topic.
While Van Horn’s love for the community is easily seen he did share his frustrations. Living in a small town it is hard to bring in new ways to help revenue and he has had to watch his personal preference.
“I had to learn to set aside my personal philosophy for the city,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn had to learn that it was not about him. It was about the city and people of Nacogdoches.
“I had to learn to think what is best for the city of Nacogdoches,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn has learned to be tough when it comes to making decisions for what is best for the town and not individuals. People are not always the happiest with decisions the commission has made but Van Horn reminded us that they are out to help the community.
“You need to give all elected a shot, give them a chance,” Van Horn said. “It’s a tough job.”
As for what is next for Van Horn he is unsure. He said that at one point he committed he would stay in the mayor position for five terms if allowed. Even if not elected to five terms Van Horn has some idea of what he would like to do.
“I wouldn’t mind teaching. I love teaching,” Van Horn said.
Van Horn encourages young people to get out and be part of the community.
“I would tell you start right now being engaged doing something,” Van Horn said. “The quicker you learn to give a little of your time because somebody needs something you’ll find the rewards are great.”
The Mayor by Blake Williams
The city of Nacogdoches Mayor Roger Van Horn spoke to an SFA class in his casual attire looking comfortable. He talked to us about the responsibilities of a Mayor and also a Dentist with a full-time practice in Nacogdoches since the 1970s.
Van Horn, when asked what he likes the most about being a mayor, answered, “You can really affect things in the community.” Being a mayor of a city does not mean that you have control of everything in that city but you are one vote, which means something, he said.
Mayor Van Horn, a native of Oklahoma, was introduced to dentistry in the 1970s after driving from Houston in which his car broke down, ”right in front of the car dealership” in Nacogdoches where he discovered that the city wasn’t so bad and was comforted by friendly people all around the city.
On his third term as being mayor he is getting better. “I was more qualified the second time then I was the first time,” he said. This is fairly normal to say because most people get better in time as they pursue through the years what they plan to excel in.
The one thing that Mayor Van Horn had to work on the most was being able to put his personal views aside for the good of the community. The one thing that he agrees with is the two-year term for mayor. “Having two-year terms is good for the city. That way if you didn’t like something your representative is acting then they will not be in office for four years.
Mayor Van Horn was an educational speaker towards the government in Nacogdoches in which he came off friendly and open with the listeners to their questions and gave sufficient amount of information.
Van Horn, when asked what he likes the most about being a mayor, answered, “You can really affect things in the community.” Being a mayor of a city does not mean that you have control of everything in that city but you are one vote, which means something, he said.
Mayor Van Horn, a native of Oklahoma, was introduced to dentistry in the 1970s after driving from Houston in which his car broke down, ”right in front of the car dealership” in Nacogdoches where he discovered that the city wasn’t so bad and was comforted by friendly people all around the city.
On his third term as being mayor he is getting better. “I was more qualified the second time then I was the first time,” he said. This is fairly normal to say because most people get better in time as they pursue through the years what they plan to excel in.
The one thing that Mayor Van Horn had to work on the most was being able to put his personal views aside for the good of the community. The one thing that he agrees with is the two-year term for mayor. “Having two-year terms is good for the city. That way if you didn’t like something your representative is acting then they will not be in office for four years.
Mayor Van Horn was an educational speaker towards the government in Nacogdoches in which he came off friendly and open with the listeners to their questions and gave sufficient amount of information.
The Mayor by Michael Garcia
A young man who was unsure of his career at the end of college is now serving the citizens of Nacogdoches, in more ways than one.
Walking into class was different than usual, a sophisticated older man stood in front of the class and not knowing who he was, it was apparent that he was going teach us a lot. Upon sitting in my seat a classmate told me who he was, “He’s the mayor” she said. It’s always excited to listen to people who are successful in their business or career field. To be able to learn from this man was going to be a treat.
Roger Van Horn, born in Tulsa Oklahoma, has been the mayor of Nacogdoches since May 2007. He is also a dentist with a full-time practice in Nacogdoches since the 1970’s. Knowing his accomplishments even made me more interested in how he became successful.
I’m not into politics or government in any way but listening to a man of his statue would help me gain knowledge of working in a high positioned job. When he began to talk, his good character gave me the notion that he wasn’t going to bore me to sleep. Hearing him talk about how the politics are in Nacogdoches it still kept me focused and interested, because he let us know how the people should help make the city function better. His humor on how meetings can be boring really made him seem more of a citizen than a politician trying to push the seriousness about working for the city.
Mayor Horn also gave good advice about reporting the facts on important issues the Mayor and the city deals with. He said, “Hold people accountable…they need to be,” when the media publishes false information. My idea of the mayor’s job is to run everything and to fix every problem the city is dealing with. It makes sense when he informs us that mayors have different jobs due to the size of the city. Texas has two types of government, which are strong management commission government, and strong mayor commission government. Nacogdoches has strong management commission government due to the small size of the city, and the mayor does not operate the city everyday but is chairman of city commission and runs the meetings. He also can put any issue on the agenda to discuss. Another important fact he taught us about how the city is operated is that the process of fixing issues is that nothing ever gets done in a timely fashion, which he said is a good thing. Every aspect of a problem can be examined with a solution that will help the people and the city. Money is a big issue and Mayor Van Horn tells us that every city wants money. It’s important because every city has needs, no matter how big it is.
Trying to steady my camera steady, it came to my attention that Mayor Van Horn has been talking for more than 20 minutes and I have yet to doze off to sleep. One piece of information I wanted to know was how much money a mayor makes a year. He talked about the difference from working as the mayor and as a dentist, and he informed us he lives off being a dentist. It’s noticeable now that being in a government isn’t always bringing in a lot of money. His position as the mayor is about serving the people and finding ways to make Nacogdoches operate better.
Being tempted to ask many questions about his life, the class understood that he may have other places to be, but one question that was asked by yours truly was, “How did you decide to be a dentist?” Being a dentist isn’t one dream or passion a lot of people have growing up. He said when he had the opportunity to be interviewed to work in the dentist field he was accepted and went along with the job. He later understood that he loves working with people.
Mayor Van Horn is a kind man who is in a position to give people relief that he will not hurt how the city is operated. I can see that he is very smart and very understanding of the people. All mayors need to have the servant’s heart the Mayor Van Horn possesses and I will happily vote for him to continue his position as mayor of Nacogdoches.
Walking into class was different than usual, a sophisticated older man stood in front of the class and not knowing who he was, it was apparent that he was going teach us a lot. Upon sitting in my seat a classmate told me who he was, “He’s the mayor” she said. It’s always excited to listen to people who are successful in their business or career field. To be able to learn from this man was going to be a treat.
Roger Van Horn, born in Tulsa Oklahoma, has been the mayor of Nacogdoches since May 2007. He is also a dentist with a full-time practice in Nacogdoches since the 1970’s. Knowing his accomplishments even made me more interested in how he became successful.
I’m not into politics or government in any way but listening to a man of his statue would help me gain knowledge of working in a high positioned job. When he began to talk, his good character gave me the notion that he wasn’t going to bore me to sleep. Hearing him talk about how the politics are in Nacogdoches it still kept me focused and interested, because he let us know how the people should help make the city function better. His humor on how meetings can be boring really made him seem more of a citizen than a politician trying to push the seriousness about working for the city.
Mayor Horn also gave good advice about reporting the facts on important issues the Mayor and the city deals with. He said, “Hold people accountable…they need to be,” when the media publishes false information. My idea of the mayor’s job is to run everything and to fix every problem the city is dealing with. It makes sense when he informs us that mayors have different jobs due to the size of the city. Texas has two types of government, which are strong management commission government, and strong mayor commission government. Nacogdoches has strong management commission government due to the small size of the city, and the mayor does not operate the city everyday but is chairman of city commission and runs the meetings. He also can put any issue on the agenda to discuss. Another important fact he taught us about how the city is operated is that the process of fixing issues is that nothing ever gets done in a timely fashion, which he said is a good thing. Every aspect of a problem can be examined with a solution that will help the people and the city. Money is a big issue and Mayor Van Horn tells us that every city wants money. It’s important because every city has needs, no matter how big it is.
Trying to steady my camera steady, it came to my attention that Mayor Van Horn has been talking for more than 20 minutes and I have yet to doze off to sleep. One piece of information I wanted to know was how much money a mayor makes a year. He talked about the difference from working as the mayor and as a dentist, and he informed us he lives off being a dentist. It’s noticeable now that being in a government isn’t always bringing in a lot of money. His position as the mayor is about serving the people and finding ways to make Nacogdoches operate better.
Being tempted to ask many questions about his life, the class understood that he may have other places to be, but one question that was asked by yours truly was, “How did you decide to be a dentist?” Being a dentist isn’t one dream or passion a lot of people have growing up. He said when he had the opportunity to be interviewed to work in the dentist field he was accepted and went along with the job. He later understood that he loves working with people.
Mayor Van Horn is a kind man who is in a position to give people relief that he will not hurt how the city is operated. I can see that he is very smart and very understanding of the people. All mayors need to have the servant’s heart the Mayor Van Horn possesses and I will happily vote for him to continue his position as mayor of Nacogdoches.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Keidrick Goss
By BRIANA GARLOW
Keidrick Goss, Ennis junior, came to SFA in hopes of finding a promising future with a great education and professional career in accounting. While attending his first year Keidrick became more interested in theatre then accounting.
Switch his major to Theatre made a dramatic change in his life caused him to love theatre even more in college. His major is very important on campus. These students take lots of preparation for the play productions, which can be very time consuming around a personal life of a student. He signed a contract in the beginning of the semester to have a great work ethic and perform in a least one-play production put on by the theatre department. In 2008 he was a part of the Downstage play of Defacing Michael Jackson as the character Red and Yellow. In 2009 he was part of the Ugly Duckling as Carol.
The 20-year-old biracial male has starred in many major performances in Turner Auditorium over the pass three years at SFA. Keidrick’s racial background consists of Hispanic, Black, and Indian descent. He comes from a very talented family of five siblings. He has been acting since middle school in many small productions. His oldest sister is a professional singer.
Kendrick plans to be a very well rounded actor like his role model, Will smith. “ I plan to move to Chicago or New York to become a actor or an acting coach.”
Keidrick is willing to make much more improvement in his career, although he is not trained in dance and has never been a part of an acting studio. He is look forward to learning more about his talent. “Theatre is what I want to do for the rest of my life”, he said.
Look forward to the theatre sensation wowing much more audiences around the United States.
,
Keidrick Goss, Ennis junior, came to SFA in hopes of finding a promising future with a great education and professional career in accounting. While attending his first year Keidrick became more interested in theatre then accounting.
Switch his major to Theatre made a dramatic change in his life caused him to love theatre even more in college. His major is very important on campus. These students take lots of preparation for the play productions, which can be very time consuming around a personal life of a student. He signed a contract in the beginning of the semester to have a great work ethic and perform in a least one-play production put on by the theatre department. In 2008 he was a part of the Downstage play of Defacing Michael Jackson as the character Red and Yellow. In 2009 he was part of the Ugly Duckling as Carol.
The 20-year-old biracial male has starred in many major performances in Turner Auditorium over the pass three years at SFA. Keidrick’s racial background consists of Hispanic, Black, and Indian descent. He comes from a very talented family of five siblings. He has been acting since middle school in many small productions. His oldest sister is a professional singer.
Kendrick plans to be a very well rounded actor like his role model, Will smith. “ I plan to move to Chicago or New York to become a actor or an acting coach.”
Keidrick is willing to make much more improvement in his career, although he is not trained in dance and has never been a part of an acting studio. He is look forward to learning more about his talent. “Theatre is what I want to do for the rest of my life”, he said.
Look forward to the theatre sensation wowing much more audiences around the United States.
,
Briana Garlow
By Keidrick Goss
Briana Garlow, Mesquite sophomore, has her own clothing line. She is partnering with a friend to pave a new way in the clothing world.
The clothing line is called JB Jeans, which consists of shirts and jeans now but she plans on adding more items in the near future. “We plan on launching more urban gear, we want to be the new entrepreneurs”, says Briana when talking about the direction in which her clothing line is going. She is partnering with her friend Joe Rayson to bring both the male and the female sides of fashion into her line, “he knows what the guys want and I know what the girls want.” The clothing from the line is in the beginning stages right now with a release date planned for Feb 2010.
Along with the clothing line, Briana has other big dreams for the future. She auditioned for the Real World with hopes of getting in, and she is a radio personality. “I’m an all American radio personality”, says Briana in reference to the many years she has been a personality on the radio.
Briana’s radio name is Shorty Breezy and can sometimes be heard on 88.5 FM KEOM, “I don’t know where it’s gonna take me, but I hope it will take me far.”
Briana Garlow, Mesquite sophomore, has her own clothing line. She is partnering with a friend to pave a new way in the clothing world.
The clothing line is called JB Jeans, which consists of shirts and jeans now but she plans on adding more items in the near future. “We plan on launching more urban gear, we want to be the new entrepreneurs”, says Briana when talking about the direction in which her clothing line is going. She is partnering with her friend Joe Rayson to bring both the male and the female sides of fashion into her line, “he knows what the guys want and I know what the girls want.” The clothing from the line is in the beginning stages right now with a release date planned for Feb 2010.
Along with the clothing line, Briana has other big dreams for the future. She auditioned for the Real World with hopes of getting in, and she is a radio personality. “I’m an all American radio personality”, says Briana in reference to the many years she has been a personality on the radio.
Briana’s radio name is Shorty Breezy and can sometimes be heard on 88.5 FM KEOM, “I don’t know where it’s gonna take me, but I hope it will take me far.”
Ambreishia Lewis
By Savannah Sowell
How do students who attend private schools really feel about their strict stipulations? Ambreishia Lewis, Dallas sophomore said, “I went to a private school my whole life, from kindergarten through twelfth grade.”
Lewis attended an Episcopalian private school. “We broke the rules all the time, our senior year we ran that damn place.” When asked about the cost of tuition Ambreishia said it was “$10,000 a year” to attend her private school in her high school years.
For two years growing up Ambreishia had to balance her private school education with something many high school students do not. “I was a caretaker in my home because I lived with my grandparents," she said. Having to balance her studies with cooking and cleaning for her grandparents and younger brother helped instill valuable skills in Ambreishia that will be useful to her later in life.
She says that because of this she is still very close with her grandparents and refers to herself as a grandma. “I go to bed early, anything that happens after two a.m. is trouble," she said.
After graduating from her private school, Lewis enrolled at Stephen F. Austin
State University and is majoring in radio and telvision production. “When I first
came to Nacogdoches I was like what is this? This is crazy, there is only one street here,“ she said.
Since moving to Nacogdoches she has became fond of the small town life Nacogdoches has to offer. “My dream is to work for the Dallas Cowboys,” she said,so hopefully Ambreishia will be relocating back to her roots in Dallas after concluding her education at SFA.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fernando Verver
By: Brooke Maser
For Fernando Verver, Fort Worth senior, music has always held a close place to his heart. His journey with music began as a seventh grader in his junior high band. Finding an instrument to suite him was somewhat of a struggle. He eventually found a mouthpiece on an instrument that fit him, the trumpet.
Hard practice paid off as Verver went on to make the high school concert and marching band. He won many awards throughout his high school career. Award winning was not unusual for Verver. His senior year he received a first place medal at state for his solo and ensemble. He also won a gold medal and the title of best musician/performer in his high school.
Nothing was out of reach for Verver as he made it to SFA to play in the jazz band. Still playing his trumpet, he was a member of the SFA jazz band his freshman through junior year. Verver recently quit the jazz band. He said, “ Practices and stuff really got to me and my time was done, I just needed to concentrate on my fraternity and school.” He said that band is more of a hobby now and not a priority.
Instead of attending practices Verver has more free time. There is more time to study, hang out with the fraternity, play sports, and participate in outdoor activities, says Verver. He enjoys spending his time playing softball, football, golf, and fishing. Just because he is not in the band anymore he still remembers every aspect of it and it will always be a part of him and something that he loves.
Austin Beesley
By: Michael Garcia
Life brought Austin Beesley talent in the game of baseball, but through life’s struggles, he learned life is more than just sports.
Austin Beesley, Lancaster senior, moved to Weatherford, Texas around the age of 10 or 11 because his parents, who were also teachers, did not want him to go to the rough high school. Beesley played every sport in high school but stayed with baseball and tennis. He is passionate about baseball, and is a right- handed pitcher with side arm, and hand-over-hand styles. In High School he loved to hit but kept working on his pitching to hopefully play collegiately.
After high school Beesley was able to go to junior college for tennis and baseball but chose to pitch at Howard Junior College in Big Spring instead. He transferred to Weatherford Junior College and pitched there as well. His Weatherford team made it to Regionals but the team was disqualified for a brawl against New Mexico Junior College. Beesley and the team were involved in the nation’s first team brawl in a junior college and regional game.
When summer came around Beesley played select/collegiate summer ball against professional baseball and collegiate players. After his sophomore year at Weatherford he decided to transfer to a SFA to enjoy the last two years of college. While at junior college there was only baseball and school, and he wanted to experience the full college lifestyle. Beesley’s father played basketball and football collegiately and his sister that played tennis and softball collegiately as well. During his experience of playing baseball Beesley has been able to become friends with professional and collegiate players. With all his experience in baseball, he would make a great coach. With all the pitching Beesley has done over his lifetime his shoulder has been stressed so he has been taking time off baseball to enjoy life’s many opportunities.
Life is full of pain and let downs, and most people find it hard to bounce back up and continue where they left off. Athletes go through the struggle of injuries in their sport careers, but some see that life is full of other outlets. Usually many athletes consider their sport their life, but for athletes like Austin Beesley, they realize life is more than just sports; it’s a chapter in life.
Nikki Barajas
By: Cameron Mebane
Angela "Nikki" Barajas, Humble sophomore, described herself as a hypochondriac. She said that she wakes up nightly thinking that she is going die and that when most people get a pain, they just assume they hurt themselves somehow. Nikki’s “mind immediately goes to the worst possible situations like “Oh, God, I’m going to have a heart attack…”
Nikki thinks that being a hypochondriac started during an incident when she was 13 years old. She said that one night she couldn’t breathe and started having panic attacks weekly. She went to the doctor and they prescribed some anti-anxiety medicine that didn’t seem to help. Nikki never went to therapy for being a hypochondriac and has tried to keep it a secret.
She reads the labels on all medicines and worries about all of the side effects. She is worried that some medicines that she has taken will have latent side effects. One of her past medications has a side effect of a stroke before the age of 20 and Nikki turns 20 in two months. She goes to the doctor “quite frequently, usually up to 5 to 10 times a year.”
She said that being a hypochondriac has “plagued” her for about six years. She has a fear in the back of her mind that one day, something will really be wrong and people will assume that she is just a hypochondriac.
Angela Bradley
By: Tiffany Occhiogrosso
Angela Bradley, Clarkston, MI senior, is a non-traditional student who knows more about life than the majority of SFASU students.
Bradley is a wife, a mother and a full time employee as well as student at SFA. She moved to Gary, TX with husband David Dziesinski Jr. Four years ago, and had son Calix Alva in February 2009.
With a one-hour one-way commute time from home to SFA, Bradley can only take classes Tuesdays and Thursdays this semester. With a husband, a baby, and a house to take care of, extra time is sparse.
To Bradley, school now is not much more difficult than it was as a traditional student. Due to work now and then, “It was always a class here, a class there,” said Bradley. “When you’ve got bills, work is more important.”
In this economy, Bradley’s priority doesn’t look so bad. In Michigan, husband David was laid-off from GM, which filed for bankruptcy and was bailed out by the federal government in late 2008.
This year, Bradley was laid off from her job at an oil field company due to 10 percent pay cuts and a slow environment. In the expert words of Bradley, “The economy sucks right now.”
As a wife, mother, worker and student, Bradley has much to juggle. However, Bradley still appears in classes every Tuesday and Thursday. Perhaps traditional SFASU students may learn a thing or two about priorities and time management from Angela Bradley.
Daphne Taylor
By: Paige Beasley
Daphne Taylor, LaMarque sophomore, has always had a passion for the Lord. This passion, mixed with her passion for singing, makes her a perfect member of the on-campus gospel ministry, Soul II Soul.
Soul II Soul is a group of musically talented students who are interested in sharing God’s Word through music. Taylor, a journalism major, got involved in the group in the fall of 2008, when she was a freshman on campus and was looking for a group that would incorporate her hobbies and interests. “I saw a flyer for the group,” she said, “and I love to sing, so I joined!”
And she has loved it. Not only does she get to sing, but all of her friends are in the group as well. “All of my best friends are in Soul II Soul, and it’s just a really neat environment,” Taylor said. She also loves that the group helps in her spiritual growth. “The group helps me because I am around a lot of people, and I see their faith and it makes me want to be like them,” she said. Taylor believes that being surrounded by strong Christian people makes her strive to live the Christian lifestyle.
If anyone is interested in joining Soul II Soul, the group is always open to new members. “There are not any requirements to joining,” Taylor said, “anyone can come to the meetings and get involved.” Soul II Soul meetings are held at the Baptist Student Ministry on East College from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Daphne Taylor, LaMarque sophomore, has always had a passion for the Lord. This passion, mixed with her passion for singing, makes her a perfect member of the on-campus gospel ministry, Soul II Soul.
Soul II Soul is a group of musically talented students who are interested in sharing God’s Word through music. Taylor, a journalism major, got involved in the group in the fall of 2008, when she was a freshman on campus and was looking for a group that would incorporate her hobbies and interests. “I saw a flyer for the group,” she said, “and I love to sing, so I joined!”
And she has loved it. Not only does she get to sing, but all of her friends are in the group as well. “All of my best friends are in Soul II Soul, and it’s just a really neat environment,” Taylor said. She also loves that the group helps in her spiritual growth. “The group helps me because I am around a lot of people, and I see their faith and it makes me want to be like them,” she said. Taylor believes that being surrounded by strong Christian people makes her strive to live the Christian lifestyle.
If anyone is interested in joining Soul II Soul, the group is always open to new members. “There are not any requirements to joining,” Taylor said, “anyone can come to the meetings and get involved.” Soul II Soul meetings are held at the Baptist Student Ministry on East College from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Shelbe Blacklock
By: Taylor Hannum
Shelbe Blacklock, Villeplate, La., freshman, has been playing musical instruments for five years. She first learned how to play during the summer of her freshman year of high school. She was in her school band for four years. “I’ve been playing the flute for five years, piccolo for five years, piano for five years,” said Blacklock. She has played many types of music such as classical, jazz and improvisation. She has also tried many other instruments including the trombone, guitar and trumpet. She is always open to trying new instruments.
Blacklock has also been in three jazz bands, Jazz 1, Jazz 2 and Jazz 3. She has also auditioned for many bands. She advanced to area band when she auditioned for it. Blacklock has shared her musical talents with other people as well. “I’ve taught a friend how to play before,” she said. “She played clarinet and she was transitioning to flute, so I taught her how to play.” Blacklock looks up to Herman Mann, a flute player, as a professional role model. She also enjoys watching YouTube videos online of flute players.
Blacklock was not the only musically inclined member in her family. Her brother also played the trombone and a couple other family members played the flute. They don’t compare to her musicals feats though. She’s “just different”, as she puts it. Blacklock plans to continue her musical career next semester as she tries out for SFA’s band.
Ashley Land
By: Megan Kelley
Ashley Land, Kenefick sophomore, left her hometown to attend Applied Life Christian College in Hot Springs Village, AK where she received more than an education but also a love for radio production.
Land left her hometown for Hot Springs Village in August of 2005. When she got to college she became involved in Christian services. Students could commit a few hours a week to a program on campus. Through the program Land found the college radio station, KALR.
When she was promoted to promotions, director Land became involved in the behind-the-scenes of the radio station. She helped organize activities, write promos and create advertisements. After a month of being behind the scenes Land was given the opportunity to have a radio show with her best friend, Christiana Urban.
For two hours every weekday listeners could tune into Drive at 5 with Chris and Danie. Callers could request songs, give input to subjects brought up or just call in for shot-outs. Land and Urban decided to change the name to Chris for Christiana and Danie for Danielle, Land’s middle name.
After a year of working for the station Land moved back to Kenefick and then decided to start back to school at Stephen F. Austin. she had a hard time finding what she wanted to do for a career.
“I started out in nuclear science, but then found out I’d be in school for too long so changed my major to criminal justice,” she said.
After realizing criminal justice wasn’t what she wanted to do Land was stumped. A friend is reminded her how much she loved the radio business. Land has been in the radio/TV Broadcasting program at SFA for two years and feels right at home there.
“I’m kind of ahead of the game since I’ve already worked for a radio station,” she said.
Land plans to graduate in December, 2011. After graduation she wants to work for a country music station. Having worked behind the scenes in production and in front of the microphone, Land wants to host her own radio program like she did at KALR.
Samantha Emerson
By: Nicole Rolls
Samantha Emerson, Plano, freshman, dreams of becoming a sports writer once she graduates from SFA. Regarding her future career, Samantha said, “No matter what I do in life I always want to work in the sports industry.” She would love to work for either ESPN or the NCAA as a correspondent getting to cover all the games and interview the players. But, if becoming a correspondent doesn’t work out, she said she would like to help sports companies put together ads to help them promote and market their company. As long as Samantha is working for or with a sports company/network she said she would be happy.
Since Samantha was a child she has always been involved in sports, but also had a passion for writing. She always thought “Writing was always something I would be involved in,” but didn’t know how that would come about. Her writing background started in high school where she wrote for her school’s yearbook. Writing for the yearbook, Samantha found this an enjoyable pass time, so her mom suggested to her to combine her two talents of sports and writing into sports journalism.
At SFA Samantha is double majoring in journalism and sports marketing. She is still very active in playing sports and enjoys going to sporting events around campus.
As far as what her friends think about Samantha’s career choice, most don’t understand her motivation. She said that most of her friends are choosing majors that will earn them a lot of money, but aren’t truly passionate about the subject. Samantha said that she is determined to work in the sports industry, even if she doesn’t make a lot of money; it’s something that she is passionate about and would enjoy doing for many years to come.
Maegan Prejean
By:Blake Williams
Maegan Prejean, Lake Charles, LA/Sophomore, opened up her home to family members affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Prejean moved to Austin, TX in her freshmen year in high school after being raised in Lake Charles, LA.
After Hurricane Rita Maegan and some of her family were forced to go back due to a death in the family because of the hurricane. “We went back to Lake Charles after Hurricane Rita because my uncle was trapped and his house and died, so we went back to burry him,” she said. Before the hurricanes hit the gulf coast area some of her family members came to stay with her and her parents in Austin because during that time they had a mandatory evacuation but unfortunately some of her family members stayed to ride out the storm since they were accustomed to them already.
After the Hurricane her uncle was trapped in his home. The next-door neighbors had their generator running inside the house and the generator blew up and Maegan’s uncle inhaled all the fumes from the generator. He later on died due to the chemicals that he took in.
Maegan had 30 of her family members living with her and her family for several weeks after Hurricane Rita because their homes were destroyed. Maegan’s cousin still to this day lives in a F.E.M.A trailer after only getting $2,000 for the disaster. Her cousin is still fighting with F.E.M.A today, trying to get everything situated.
Nicole Rolls
By: Samantha Emerson
What would an average college student say her “dream job” is? A fashion designer, actress, or a CEO of a Fortune 500 company? Nicole Rolls, Lewisville, sophomore has a very different career goal. Nicole dreams of being a police officer.
When asked why she made the decision to go into the criminal justice system, Nicole explained that she has had hands on experience with the police force. “My uncle is a cop and I took a couple courses with the police department in my hometown last year and it was really fun. “
Most people might think that Nicole may be disillusioned by the portrayal of police officers on television shows like Law and Order, but Nicole seems to know exactly what she is getting herself into. “I got to go to the shooting range and work with the SWAT team,” she said, “I want a challenging job, not an easy desk job, but something physical and challenging and different every day.”
For someone so petite and seemingly timid, Nicole doesn’t seem to fit the stereotype of a physical and daring street cop, and her decision surprised many of her closest friends. “My parents were surprised at first, and my friends would say to me, ‘You don’t seem like the girl to be tough enough, you’re kinda small to be a big macho cop.” But it seems that Nicole is determined to prove everyone wrong. She was told in high school that she needed a “back up plan,” so she is majoring in journalism and her minor is criminal justice. Once she turns 21 she plans to apply to the police academy, where she will train rigorously for six months before graduating. She explains that she is more timid but that her training at the police academy will help toughen her up for the day – to –day struggles she will face as a street cop.
When asked if she has any fears about being working in a violent enviroment, Nicole addresses the issue with a cool boldness and a fresh sense of humor. “I kind of like the whole danger aspect, it’s exciting,” she said, “I joke about getting shot on the first day at the Academy because knowing my luck, I would get shot in the arm. But that’s just something that comes with the job.”
Nicole may think she’s timid, but for someone who’s so sure of something so dangerous, she is well on her way to being one of the most daring police officers the Lone Star State has ever produced.
Blake Williams
By: Maegan Prejean
Blake Williams, New Orleans, LA, senior had a near death experience in 2005 when he survived Hurricane Katrina.
On August 26, 2005 Blake, his parents and grandmother took all precautions while waiting on the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. “We did a little grocery shopping before the stores closed down,” Williams said. There had been other hurricane warnings before Katrina, so as their other family members evacuated to Baton Rouge, LA, his family decided to ride this hurricane out. “Hurricanes in the past were not that bad, so we stayed home and boarded everything up,” Williams explained.
“We were all downstairs as the water was coming in. We gathered everything important before the water got too high and ran upstairs,” Williams said. Blake’s grandmother has diabetes and her medicine bag was downstairs. His mother quickly ran downstairs and grabbed the bag. By this time the water was knee level.
Blake and his family waited the storm out over night. When they woke up the next morning they opened up a bedroom window upstairs, and sat on the rooftop to get air. The city was filled with water. New Orleans was in quarantine and no one was allowed to leave.
Blake contacted his godparents in Dallas. They were not allowed to enter the city until four days after the storm. While Blake waited on his godparents his father heard noises coming for the neighbor’s attic. Their elderly neighbor was trapped inside her one story house. Blake and his father kicked the door down and carried their neighbor on their shoulders through the water. The Williams family and their neighbor walked to a nearby high school for shelter because their house had too much water damage and smelled rotten.
After four days Blake’s godparents were finally able to get through the city. Blake and his family left all of their belongings and went to Dallas. “The traffic was backed up for miles and it took us several hours to get to Texas,” Blake explained.
Blake was unable to check the condition of his house right after the storm because another hurricane arrived in Louisiana. “Four weeks later I went back to New Orleans and my house had collapsed,” he said.
The Williams family had no other choice but to move permanently to Dallas. That was Blake’s senior year of high school and he had to transfer to a school in Dallas after being out of school for a month. “It was hard to move to another school because I didn’t know anyone and it was my senior year,” he said.
The Williams family now resides in Dallas. F.E.M.A gave his family money for the damage their house suffered and they used that to start their lives over in Texas. Last year in August his family finally got back on their feet and purchased a new house. Blake and his family still go back to New Orleans every holiday.
Tiffany Occhiogrosso
By: Angela Bradley
Tiffany Occhiogrosso, Dallas sophomore, is not just hunting for a major; she is also hunting for her dog. Dusty, the family Weimaraner, has encouraged Tiffany to participate in hunting trials.
A Hunting Trial is a competition for dogs and their owners in which the owner runs the dog to point for birds. Birds are neck-rung and buried in a field earlier that day. Once the competition has started a judge will fire a gun to let the dogs know the hunt has begun. The dog will then follow owner’s commands and a scent to find the birds. “It’s all about commands and how well the dog listens to you,” Tiffany said.
Tiffany’s dog belongs to the American Kennel Club. “When my family got the dog we decided that we wanted to show him and hunt him, and we just started doing it,” Tiffany explained. The dogs’ previous owners were members of the Trinity Valley Weimaraner Club, a place where Tiffany volunteers.
The hunting trials start at the end of October and generally run until March. Tiffany returns home to Dallas once a month where she competes. Tiffany and Dusty also compete in water retrieving. “We show him also, we just don’t like it as much,” Tiffany added, “it’s not as much fun.”
When Tiffany, 19, is not hunting, she is living on campus in Wisely Hall. Public relations is her major at the moment but she is still technically hunting for her future. She is “trying to figure it out.”
Savannah Sowell
By: Ambreishia Lewis
Savannah Sowell, San Augustine junior, is a queen: literally. She is the current Miss Texas 2009 and a very involved pageant coach. This broadcast news major has been competing in pageants for over 13 years and will be traveling to Detroit, Michigan to compete in the Miss Galaxy pageant in July. Sowell does not just see pageants as a thing to do on the weekends, she said, “It’s a way of life”.
But this small town girl is no Tara Conner or Carrie Prejean. Sowell knows the responsibility that comes along with being a crown holder. “When you decide to compete, you have to make a conscience effort to sustain from all of that” she said. This former Diamond Doll and Jack Camp counselor also hopes to encourage other young girls to be involved in pageants. “I want them to grow up in pageants and enjoy them,” she said.
Even as a queen, Sowell sometimes feels intimidated by competitors from larger cities like Houston or Dallas. But knowing herself and skills she responds with “more of an effort to prepare and be ready to compete”. This aspiring news anchor hopes to take these elements from her pageant days and use them to become a top news anchor after graduating from SFA.
Paige Beasley
By: Daphne Taylor
Paige Beasley, Waco freshman, is a member of Sigma Phi Lambda (Sisters for the Lord). “It’s important to show your faith by example,” said Paige about her faith and her choice to be a part of Sigma Phi Lambda.
This organizational at Stephen F. Austin has a “God focus.” Paige attended the interest meeting with friends and was immediately interested in the organization and what they stand for. As a part of the Sisters for the Lord, they have weekly meetings, devotions and praise and worship. Last week, the organization hosted “Granolas for God” where the women walked along the campus and passed out granolas with Bible scriptures. “I want to be someone who people say is different. I want to live and grow by my faith,” Paige said. Her main focus is on Sigma Phi Lambda, but in due time she wants to be apart of another organization that’s Christian oriented.
Paige is currently majoring in public relations and wants to work in the field when she’s done with college. She wants to work with the media of a big company and be their spokesperson. She knows she wants to work in this field, but isn’t sure about her dream job. For the time being, Paige will continue her education at Stephen F. Austin being a Sigma Phi Lambda lady.
Taylor Hannum
By: Shelbe Blacklock
Taylor Hannum, Montgomery freshmen, has been modeling professionally for nearly two years now. Taylor was discovered only two years ago after she was a finalist in a modeling contest in Dallas. Although she did not win, Hannum was referred to a modeling agency in Houston knonw as the Neal Hamil Agency. This is where she got her big break.
Once she got her modeling contract with the Neal Hamil Agency, Hannum attended Mayo Hill Centre for Modeling where she learned how to walk, pose, and present herself like a model. Since then, Hannum has had numerous jobs such as modeling in ads for Academy sports store in December 2008, and she was also featured on the cover of Gloss Magazine in the fashion section of the Houston Chronicle.
Even as a newcomer in the modeling world, 5 feet 9 inch Hannum has done nearly 15 photo shoots and over 20 shows on the runway for her agency. “Ultimately I would like to be on the cover of Vogue,” said Hannum.
With her composite card in hand, weekly and sometimes monthly, Hannum heads off in search of her next big modeling job. Balancing school and professional modeling, Hannum said, “I do keep my education first because you can always do something with a degree.”
Megan Kelley
By: Ashley Land
Megan Kelley, Garrison, senior, has always loved photography. “I started taking pictures in the eighth grade, and by the time I graduated I knew that photography was what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. In 2005 Kelley left Garrison for Carthage to attend college at Panola Junior College, with a major in photography.
In the fall of 2007 with her associate’s degree in science, Kelley transferred to the University of North Texas. When Kelley began school at UNT she changed her major from photography to photojournalism. “I found out that photography was in the art department and was studio weird photography, which I did not like,” Kelley said. “I chose photojournalism because it better suits my personality and I can have fun with it.”
In January 2009, with 99 credit hours Kelley made the decision to transfer to Stephen F Austin State University. “I was stupid! Never transfer with that many hours!” Kelly exclaimed.
Kelley is working on her senior year at SFA and has what she considers a “small photography business.” Kelley has started taking pictures for different occasions such as weddings, senior pictures, sports etc. “It has really taken off, more than I expected it too,” she said. Kelley said that if she had to choose a favorite type of picture, it would probably be of sports like basketball and track. “It’s fun and there are so many different angles and ways to expand the play.” She said.
When Kelley graduates she wants to move out of state, work for a magazine and travel all over the world. She also wants to have her own photography business and studio one day.
Michael Garcia
By : Austin Beesley
Michael Garcia Royce City, was sophomore, tragically charged down in pursuit of basketball fame and ends up shooting his free throws in a different career.
Garcia at a young age was subject to change. Born on the east side of Dallas, Garland was his home for almost ten years until the atmosphere of his hometown became too dangerous to stay. “ The neighborhood was really bad, too many bad things were happening close to our house,” Michael said. After being robbed on numerous accounts, the Garcia family moved to a nice country house in Royce City hoping for a better life. At the age of 10, Michael started to play basketball in his backyard and became to love the game.
The start of his new and promising career was when Garcia caught his high school basketball coach’s eye. Only in the eighth grade, he was moved to the junior varsity team of his high. With a true love of the game Michael moved up the in the standings on his high school team but took a turn for the worse his senior year.
He was taking a charge in one of his last games his senior year, when the opponent crashed into him and practically finishing Garcia’s basketball career, “ When the guy charged he stepped on my foot and I just felt my ankle roll backwards. It was really rough,” he said. Although, recovering from his injury, playing basketball was just not the same.
Michael soon found a dance crew that filled that void from basketball. Dancing in a crew named the Untouchables, Michael is the newest member and said that the crew is like a family so doesn’t feel like he’s the newest member. Michael’s style is one-of-a-kind on his crew, because he is the only one who has an old school flavor. “I mostly do robotics and all the old school dances but the rest of the crew are into all the new dances like krumpn,” Michael said. The Untouchables will be competing in SFA’s first Best Dance Crew put on by KRumpn SLO Dance Organization.
The contest starts on November 2 and will be held the next two Mondays after that and consists of three dances with the first being a prop dance, the second is a tribute to Michael Jackson and the last dance is a surprise to even the dance crews. The Crew that wins the competition will receive $1,000 and bragging rights to the whole school. Michael and the Untouchables will being going against some stiff competition like fraternity step teams and the actual SFA dance crew the Jack Attack.
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