NISD Education Foundation Banquet Nov. 10

Navasota Independent School District Education Foundation is hosting their annual fundraiser banquet Thursday, Nov. 10, with special speaker and Navasota alum, Dr. R. Bowen Loftin.

Since 2003, the NISD Education Foundation has awarded $1,026,482.23 to students and staff of NISD. Tax deductible contributions from parents, staff members, alumni, local businesses, professional organizations and civic groups are used to fund programs and activities that promote innovative methods of teaching and the enhancement of the educational experience for the students of NISD. 

About the speaker

Dr. R. Bowen Loftin grew up in Navasota and attended Mrs. Anderson’s kindergarten and Navasota public schools, graduating from Navasota High School in 1967.  

After graduation, Dr. Loftin attended Texas A&M University (class of 1971), followed by obtaining a Master’s and a Ph.D. from Rice University (1975) in physics. His entire professional career has been in higher education and a love for students was the motivation for this career and the reason he still engages with students at every opportunity.  

Loftin served two Texas A&M University campuses, Texas A&M University at Galveston (2005-2009) and Texas A&M University (2009-2014), In February 2010 he became the 24th President of Texas A&M University in College Station, where he was also Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering. From June 2009 to February 2010 Bowen served as the university’s Interim President. In May 2005, Bowen was named a Vice President of Texas A&M University with the assignment to be the Chief Executive Officer of Texas A&M University’s branch campus in Galveston, Texas. Loftin also served the University of Missouri as CEO, President and Chancellor.

Throughout his career he has received numerous distinguished awards including: The University of Houston-Downtown Awards for Excellence in Teaching and in Service (twice); the American Association of Artificial Intelligence Award for an Innovative Application of Artificial Intelligence; NASA's Space Act Award; the NASA Public Service Medal; the 1995 NASA Invention of the Year Award; and the IEEE Virtual Reality Conference Career Award. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 technical publications. In 2020, Dr. Loftin was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University.

Not only can you show your support by purchasing tickets for the dinner, you can also contribute to the silent auction by donating or bidding on items at the dinner. For more information call 936-825-4207.