Six To Be Honored For Service

A Sam Houston State University former president and a former head football coach, as well as several others who worked in education, are among those who have displayed outstanding commitment not only to SHSU but their respective communities as well and have been selected to receive the 2006 SHSU Alumni Association Service Awards.

Lunelle Anderson, Bobby K. Marks, Ron Randleman, Herman Smith, Gene Sollock and Robb M. Stevenson will be honored at a luncheon on April 28, at 11:30 a.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom, for their fulfillment of the university's motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service."

Tickets for the event are $18 for Alumni Association members and $22 for non-members. Reservations can be made by contacting the Alumni Relations Office by phone at 936.294.1841 or by e-mail at alumni@shsu.edu.

Lunelle Anderson

An “Outstanding Educator In America,” Lunelle Anderson worked in the profession for 38 years as a classroom teacher and in higher education.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master’s degree from SHSU, as well as an associate’s degree from Lon Morris.

The Dean of Women Emerita at Southwest Texas State, now Texas State University—San Marcos, Anderson worked to break down the barriers between the San Marcos residents and TSUSM students by encouraging volunteerism for the students and being an active volunteer herself.

She is a former member of the Texas Historical Commission, creator of the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, past president of the Texas Women’s Foundation, former chair of the San Marcos Ethics Review Commission and is a board member of the San Marcos American Cancer Society, among others.

An endowment was established in Anderson’s name in 1996 at TSUSM, and among her accolades are being named to the San Marcos Women’s Hall of Fame in 1990, one of the Outstanding Women in San Marcos in 1977 and recently being honored for her 50-year membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of educators with which she also served as past president.

“The manner in which she deals with fellow educators is to be envied—charm, grace, dignity and gentle persuasion,” a nomination letter said. “She gets the job done, whatever it may be, and all involved are pleased.”

Bobby K. Marks

Sam Houston State University’s president for six years, Bobby K. Marks was affiliated with the university for 41 years as instructor, professor, College of Business Administration dean and academic vice president.

Now President Emeritus, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Lamar University, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Texas and a doctoral degree from the University of Arkansas.

Under his leadership, SHSU established doctorates in educational leadership and in forensic clinical psychology, positioned the university for the Carnegie “Doctoral Intensive” classification, oversaw three new building construction projects, as well as four major renovations and focused his efforts on increasing the use of technology for instructional programs, student retention, fund-raising and international activities.

“In every way imaginable he has helped our university progress toward greatness,” said a nomination form. “He has served SHSU in uncountable ways.”

Marks’ community endeavors include serving on the Walker County United Fund board of directors, as president of the Walker County Industrial Development Corporation, as chairman and founding board of directors of the Huntsville Leadership Institute, as a charter member of Elkins Lake Baptist Church, and on the advisory board of directors for the Texas Prison Museum Historical Society, among many others.

Ron Randleman

The five-time “Coach of the Year” for the Sam Houston State University football team, Ron Randleman led the Bearkats for 23 years as the “winningest” head coach in the university’s history.

A graduate of William Penn College in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Iowa in 1969 with a master’s degree, Randleman created the Annual Football Auction at SHSU to raise funds for his team, a program that now earns between $30,000-50,000 annually; formed the Kat Pack Booster Club; and served as SHSU’s athletic director for a period.

“Ron has enjoyed many meaningful accomplishments, but his greatest legacy is the quality of young men he has brought to our university,” said one nomination letter. “That, coupled with his personal interest and dedication to their well-being, has resulted in an excellent graduation rate for our athletes throughout the years.”

His efforts within the community, including serving as a member of the Rotary Club, the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, earned him the Huntsville Item's “2004 Citizen of the Year” award.

“Through his commitment to Huntsville and Sam Houston State University, he has made our community a better place to live,” his nomination form said.

Herman Smith

The past president of the Alumni Association, Herman Smith is a sub-contractor with EMB and Associates of Huntsville, who contracts with the Legislative Budget Board to perform public school performance reviews. A former superintendent with the Bryan school district, he retired from public education after 31 years of service.

Smith received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SHSU, in 1974 and 1976 respectively, in music education. He also earned his doctorate from Texas A&M University.

He has been active on the Alumni Association board of directors since 1997, has been an association “Century Club/Joint Century Club” member since 1987 and served on several committees for the university’s educational leadership and counseling department, also teaching nine courses as an adjunct professor during the summer from 2001-2004.

Outside of his work for SHSU, he has participated in the United Way of Brazos County, served as an ex-officio member on the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, was on the Hunt County Memorial Hospital advisory board and has been a part of numerous different Rotary Clubs, among other affiliations. “

“Herman was always very professional and accomplished a great deal during his time as president of the Alumni Association,” said one nomination supporter. “He has a deep love for the university that is exhibited in his work.”

Gene Sollock

An educator who worked in the field in various capacities for over 32 years, Gene Sollock has given many presentations on agriculture for universities and extension agencies and also has been featured in several media outlets his agricultural knowledge.

He received both is bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SHSU in agricultural education in 1952 and 1961, respectively.

An “Outstanding Alumni” in the department of agricultural sciences, Sollock has served on the SHSU Alumni Association board, has given numerous guest lectures to agriculture students, is a “Lifetime Member” of the Alumni Association and is a long-time contributor to the President’s Annual Fund.

After his retirement from education, Sollock became more involved with community endeavors, serving as the director of the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo, president of the Iola Cemetery Association, Iola Lions Club, has provided scholarships for Iola students to attend SHSU and has volunteered both his land and time to educate legions of others on various aspects of agriculture.

“Gene Sollock is not only a dedicated educator, he is a generous and caring individual, working tirelessly for the betterment of his community and supporting youth through a variety of measures,” his nomination form said.

Robb M. Stevenson

“If you were to look up the name Robb Stevenson in the dictionary, you’d find the following attributes: philanthropist, community advancer, unselfish, loyal, hardworking, dedicated, caring, and topping the list, a Bearkat,” Stevenson’s nomination form said.

The owner of Stevenson Beer Distribution Company for 37 years, who earned his bachelor’s degree from SHSU in 1966, Stevenson supports the university “quietly and with great fervor.”

He is actively involved with SHSU athletics through the Bearkat Partners organization, as well as golf tournaments for the Rodeo Club, Lettermen Association, softball team and Kat Pack; the agricultural sciences department by co-sponsoring the department’s golf tournament and sponsors prizes and buckles for the Rodeo Club; and is a “Lifetime Member” of the SHSU Alumni Association.

In the community, he is a sponsor of the Walker County Fair Association and is involved with Fair on the Square, Lobster Fiesta, the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce and is a scholarship sponsor for a Hispanic student through the Catholic Church of Trinity, as well as “various education venues helping our youth to learn responsibility,” several nomination forms said.

“Robb Stevenson is really a ‘behind-the-scenes’ type of person, freely giving while expecting little attention in return,” a letter said.

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
April 5, 2006
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