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Matthew McConaughey takes new role as professor at University of Texas

Matthew McConaughey is the latest professor to join the University of Texas' staff.

Photo courtesy of the Moody College of Communication

There's little doubt that Matthew McConaughey bleeds burnt orange. Among the positions the Austin A-lister holds at the University of Texas are: minister of culture, unofficial assistant coach of both the football and basketball teams, and owner of the finest suit ever fashioned out of burnt orange fabric.

Now, the Academy Award winner can add professor to his resume. On August 28, UT's Moody College of Communication announced McConaughey has been appointed a professor of practice beginning in the fall 2019 semester.

McConaughey has been a visiting instructor in the Moody's Department of Radio-Television-Film since 2015. The Academy Award winner, who actually graduated from the RTF program in 1993, began his tenure co-teaching the Script to Screen, a film production class.

According to UT, McConaughey "developed the course’s curriculum, which provides a unique, behind-the-scenes view of each stage of a film’s production" alongside Scott Rice, who teaches the course with McConaughey.

“It’s the class I wish I would have had when I was in film school. Working in the classroom with these students gives me a chance to prepare them,” McConaughey said in a release. “Making movies, turning words on paper into film, is both a science and art — no matter the time or generation."

It's easy to see why UT would want a bonafide Hollywood superstar on staff, but according to Noah Isenberg, chair of the RTF, McConaughey is a gifted teacher.

“He has a passion for teaching, and for all things cinematic, that is palpable, even infectious,” Isenberg said.

The university also offered a sneak peek at this semester's syllabus. Students in the fall 2019 course will be studying The Gentlemen and Mud, the acclaimed film by Austin-based director Jeff Nichols, and in which McConaughey stars. Nichols is also scheduled to speak to the class.

“We are proud to welcome Professor McConaughey to officially join our world-class faculty,” said Moody College Dean Jay Bernhardt. “Matthew cares deeply for our school and our students, and we are thrilled that he shares his time and talent to help prepare the next generation of media leaders and innovators.”

Professor McConaughey ... well that sounds alright, alright, alright.

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RIP Pete

Dallas businessman and former Schepps Dairy owner Pete Schenkel dies

Courtesy photo

Pete Schenkel

Dallas businessman Pete Schenkel, a philanthropist and former owner of Dallas-based Schepps Dairy, passed away; he was 88.

Born and raised in South Dallas where he worked on his father's dairy farm, Schenkel worked his way up from a Schepps Dairy deliverer to become an owner of the company in 1987. He went on to serve as President and owner of Southern Foods, which later sold to Suiza Foods and became Dean Foods, for which he also served as president and board member.

A statement from the city of Dallas says that Schenkel "leaves a legacy where he will be remembered for sharing his success with others and for his steadfast commitment to serve with pride and humility. Pete was unwavering in his dedication to making Dallas one of the safest large cities in the United States and was instrumental in promoting our economic growth and social vibrancy. We will strive to carry on his legacy by continuing to make Dallas a better place for all."

Founded by Harmon "Hymie" Schepps in 1942, Schepps Dairy traded hands and emerged from a bankruptcy under the primary ownership of Schenkel, who was Schepps' business partner. In 2000, the company was acquired by Suiza Foods Co., which then merged with Dallas-based Dean Foods the following year.

Schenkel was also involved in Dallas politics from the '80s to the '00s, both with sought-after endorsements as well as working on campaigns for mayoral candidates such as Jack Evans and Ron Natinsky.

In 2017, he was honored with an award from the NFF Gridiron Club for his role in helping bring football back to the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. He fought to keep the annual Texas-Oklahoma rivalry game at Cotton Bowl Stadium and has been the key negotiator in keeping the game there ever since.

Schenkel served on many influential boards that helped shape Dallas and North Texas, including chairing the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors and the Methodist Health Care Foundation. After retiringm he remained active in nonprofit circles, helping direct a charitable fund with his wife, the Pat and Pete Schenkel Charitable Trust. He also served on the board of the Dallas Blue Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families of Dallas police officers killed or wounded in action.

His multiple awards and commendations including receiving the 82nd annual Linz Award for civic service in Dallas in 2011, as well as a Russell H. Perry Award from Dallas Baptist University, which lauded Schenkel for adhering to the highest ethical standards and being loyal to and respectful of friends and customers, as well as his modesty, shying away from the spotlight and shining it on others instead.

He's survived by his wife Pat, three children and seven grandchildren.

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