Setting Standards of Excellence
Sam Houston State University faculty are recognized as world leaders in a variety of diverse fields. New faculty immediately have an opportunity to make an impact. Students have the opportunity to see firsthand what commitment, hard work, and talent can accomplish.
USA Today ranks SHSU in the Top 50 in the US for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness on campus.” Projects include making the earth a greener place, a safer place (from criminals) a less annoying place (getting rid of fire ants!) and a more beautiful place (by sharing Picasso's works with the world.)
Biodiesel research program - An SHSU research group is providing the expertise to convert select grounds crew equipment to biodiesel fuel. The source for these new biofuels is organic material (primarily plant sources). There could be many opportunities to use what is essentially a waste product to power urban equipment.
Bio Reactor - This project is to develop a piece of equipment that can be put into a region where there is no electricity or water treatment services and produce clean water from a contaminated source. The unit incorporates biological and engineering technology to extract contaminants to yield safe water. The project takes contaminated water to produce safe water for normal uses other than drinking.
Institute for the Study of Violent Study Groups - Responsible for gathering data from common data sources to analyze and predict where terrorism attacks might occur all around the world. “Best data source on terrorism.” according to MIT, Department of Defense and Penn State.
Invasive Species -Invasive species are species that are displaced, usually by human activity, that become major ecological and economic pests (ex. red imported fire ants and the Formosan termite). GIS technology is being used to study these problems.
Rural Crime Laboratory - A regional Rural Crime Laboratory to be built to reduce the waits and backlogs that our area law enforcement agencies are experiencing.
Applied Forensic Research Facility - Researchers in forensic anthropology and forensic biology are working to develop new standards for specifying the circumstances and identification of human remains resulting from foul play, natural disaster, and accidents within the context of the piney woods ecosystem.
Climate Change - An aquatic ecologist at SHSU is starting research in the effects of climate changes on aquatic ecosystems.
Nationally Recognized Picasso Project - Over 5 Million Users Worldwide. Online Picasso Project chronicles the Spanish artist's 50,000 works. This project has caught the attention of international media, having been featured on PBS, in the British The Guardian newspaper, and in Spanish media.
A Sampling of Our Renowned Faculty
Dr. Vincent Webb
Dr. Vincent Webb, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice, received the Academy of CJ Science Outstanding Book Award of the year for Policing Gangs in America.
Dr. Gaylene Armstrong and Dr. Todd Armstrong
Drs. Gaylene Armstrong and Todd Armstrong shared the Outstanding Young Criminologist Award, American Society of Criminology.
Dr. Gaylene Armstrong has been ranked the third most published female criminology faculty member in the U.S.
Dr. Janet Mullings
Dr. Janet Mullings, Associate Dean of the College of Criminal Justice, has been recognized as being in the top 20 female criminology faculty members in the U.S.
Dr. Ilonka Rus
Dr. Ilonka Rus, Assistant Professor of Piano, has performed at Carnegie Hall.
Dr. Judy Nelson
Dr. Judy Nelson, Assistant Professor in the Educational leadership and Counseling Department, was awarded the Texas School Counselor Association Outstanding Counselor Educator of the Year.
