Dr. Ben Doughty, former Associate Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences & Arts and Professor of Physics & Astronomy at East Texas A&M University, was named Professor Emeritus of Physics & Astronomy by the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System at their May 1 meeting.
 
An emeritus award is an honor that is presided over by The Texas A&M University System, and according to their rules governing the process, “emeritus status shall be conferred upon retired individuals who have made significant contributions to the university through long and distinguished service.” In order to be considered for distinction, the academic department must first nominate a person to the dean of the college. If the dean agrees, the decision is passed to the provost and up to the president. The president then recommends the candidate to the chancellor for a decision by the Board of Regents.
 
“In the last 40 plus years, I have been fortunate to serve as a faculty member, a department head on 3 separate occasions, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and as an Associate Dean under Dr. Sal Attardo,” said Dr. Doughty. “The faculty and staff of the Physics Department have been outstanding and have been great to work with.  I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the university and feel great loyalty to this institution.”
 
Dr. Doughty has served A&M-Commerce since his hiring in 1968. He came to campus after finishing his doctoral degree just days before summer classes were to begin. Doughty feels that the university has had a lasting impact on his family and considers Commerce a great place to raise a family. His wife and daughter earned B.S. degrees from “Old E.T.”, his daughter gained her Ph.D. at A&M-Commerce and his son a B.A.  He says the town and university are intertwined in a positive and meaningful way.
 
“You always hope to have a positive impact on your students,” said Doughty. “I realize that this award is recognition of my long service to the university, and it is great to be honored. Despite the obvious jokes from those around me, ‘before the man on the moon, older than dirt, etc.’, it has been a very enjoyable process. My wife, Nancy, who is a big fan of mine, also appreciates the honor.  I am very grateful to Dr. Matt Wood for tactfully and aggressively encouraging me to seek the recognition and to Dr. Blount and Dr. Jones for supporting my nomination.”
 
Read more at PRIDE Online: http://sites.tamuc.edu/news/archives/3983