Press Release received from Nacogdoches Alumni Association
The Nacogdoches Alumni Association is proud to honor Dr. Jack Hammitt as our Distinguished Alumnus of 2026.
Dr. Jack Hammitt is pictured above.
Jack attended SFA demonstration school, Central Elementary, TJR and graduated from NHS in 1958. He enjoyed math and physics while in school. He played football (#22, running back), basketball and track (sprinter) and lettered in football and track. In the summer of ’58 he began math studies at Stephen F. Austin College where he earned a Bachelor of Mathematics in 1966 and a Master in Education in 1981. Later Jack concluded a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M University at College Station. He also earned a Superintendent Certificate in 1981. Jack worked in the private sector and taught simultaneously. Additionally, he officiated basketball and football for 20 years. He taught math and physics at Hudson and Nacogdoches ISDs. Jack served at Katy ISD in Jr. High and high school principal positions for 20 years until his retirement in 2000.
Some of Jack’s memorable students include Bud Wright, Wade Miller, Mark Thompson, Stan Sisco, Sherry Sweat, and John Patton. But his most favorite student was his daughter, Heidi, whom he tutored in math.
A story Jack loves to tell is about a 7’ 1” SFA basketball player, named George Johnson. In 1966, while Jack was working for Gound Chevrolet, George brought his Volkswagen in for services (Can you imagine watching this guy climb out of a Volkswagen!). Well as you can imagine, Jack struck up a friendship with George. In turn, George gave Jack and Nelda his season tickets to SFA basketball games that year.
If at all, Jack said he would like to be remembered as honest and fair. Wife, Gloria says: “he is a bit humble too”!