Dr. Sara Michie

The James M. Garrett Scholarship was established in 2013 by Dr. Sara Michie, his former student and SFA graduate.

Dr. James Garrett, who taught for 37 years, holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Arlington State College and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin. Garrett joined the SFA faculty in 1967. During his tenure at SFA he occasionally taught summer school at The University of Texas at Austin and at Baylor University. He retired in the summer of 2005.
Garrett’s list of SFA accomplishments include being named recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Professor Award by the SFA Alumni Association, 2003 SFASU Foundation Excellence Award, the 1991-92 SFA Student Government Association Outstanding Professor for the University Award, and the 1982-83 SFA Student Government Association Outstanding Professor from the School of Sciences and Mathematics Award. He was also the first professor to receive the SFA Regents Professor recognition for teaching in 1980. Garrett also was the founding sponsor of the SFA Chemistry Honor Society.
He authored and co-authored more than 20 publications and papers. He served as a reviewer for The Journal of Chemical Education from 1980 to 1995, and continues sharing his knowledge as a consultant and mentor for numerous chemistry faculty members at universities, junior and community colleges. He was recognized as a Danforth Associate by the Danforth Foundation of St. Louis, Mo.; from 1979 to 1985. The University of Florida also honored him with the Center of Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship in 1966-67. Garrett received a Research Grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston from 1969 to 1973.
He was a member of the American Chemical Society for 39 years and held the positions of secretary of the East Texas region, publicity chairman, chairman elect and chairman.
Garrett’s primary focus was making sure his students left SFA with the knowledge that would help them achieve success in their professions. Many of his former students have become doctors, dentists, pharmacists, research scientists and faculty members at universities. Some former students currently serve as members of the SFA faculty.
Garrett and his wife Mary Beth have been married for 50 years (as of 2016). They are members of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Nacogdoches where he serves as a deacon. Together they have three children- Dr. James B. Garrett, a 1990 SFA graduate who is a research chemist in San Diego, Calif.; Laura Garrett Davis, a 1991 and 1992 SFA graduate and former third grade teacher whose husband Dr. Jad Davis is a 1992 SFA graduate; and Wendy Garrett Sowell, a 1992 SFA graduate who teaches kindergarten in Bryan, Texas.