Craycraft Named To
Texas State University System Post

Kenneth R. Craycraft, dean of the College of Education and Applied Science at Sam Houston State University since Sept. 1993, has been named vice chancellor for academic affairs for The Texas State University System, effective June 15.

The Texas State University System, the third largest university system in the state, is comprised of eight component universities with an enrollment of over 57,000 students. Member institutions include Angelo State University, Lamar University-Beaumont, Lamar Institute of Technology-Beaumont, Lamar State College-Orange, Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Sam Houston State University, Southwest Texas State University, and Sul Ross State University.

The system has provided assistance in the areas of construction and legal support, according to Lamar Urbanovsky, chancellor of the system. The new vice chancellor position has been established to fill a need for assistance in academic affairs, he said.

"We view ourselves as a resource for all our component members," said Urbanovsky. "In the position of vice chancellor for academic affairs, Dr. Craycraft will help coordinate academic activities throughout the system, including grant proposals, raising the profile of teacher education programs, and other issues relating to academics that will occur. We feel that his experience and knowledge in these areas will be beneficial to the system as a whole, and we are very happy that he is joining us."

The system is governed by a board of regents composed of nine members appointed by the governor. An administrative staff headed by the board-appointed chancellor, is based in Austin, where it administers the central activities of the system.

"The Texas State University System is fortunate to have exemplary programs and faculty within each of the member universities," said Craycraft. "I look forward to being an integral part of the system's continued growth and evolution."

Upon assuming his new responsibilities, Craycraft first plans to familiarize himself thoroughly with the diverse academic programs to assess how he can better serve and enhance the system's mission.

"Dean Craycraft has provided outstanding service to Sam Houston State University during his years as dean of our College of Education and Applied Science, and I am confident that he will continue to provide this excellent service to The Texas State University System," said Sam Houston State University President Bobby K. Marks. "We at Sam Houston State University are fortunate that we will still be working with him in his new position."

Craycraft was first associated with Sam Houston State as an undergraduate student. He was graduated from the university in 1971 and received the bachelor of arts degree in elementary education. He earned the master of education degree in school and university administration from Stephen F. Austin State University and holds a doctorate in education from Indiana University.

He began his career as a fourth grade teacher in Conroe and has served as a member of the faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University, Indiana University, and Bowling Green State University prior to coming to Sam Houston State.

While at SHSU, he has served as coordinator of elementary education, chair of the Division of Teacher Education, and assistant dean for teacher education. He has been the dean of the College of Education and Applied Science since 1993.

Craycraft has written numerous publications and has been co-author of several texts, including "The Legal Handbook for Texas School Administrators," which was published last fall.

In 1999 he was appointed to the State Board for Educator Certification by Gov. George W. Bush. The board governs the standards of the education profession and oversees all aspects of public school educator certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct.

In addition to his official duties at Sam Houston State, Craycraft has been active in a number of professional organizations as well. He is president of the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities and former president of the Texas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education.

He also belongs to the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the American Association for the Colleges of Teacher Education. He has served on the National Council for the Social Studies to the Early Childhood Advisory Board, Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Dean's Advisory Board for the Commissioner of Education for the TEA.

Craycraft is currently serving an appointment by The Texas State University System Board of Regents to develop a system-wide initiative promoting excellence in educator preparation.

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SHSU Media Contact: Julia May
Feb. 11, 2000
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