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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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Animal News

Wills Point, Texas man charged with cruelty for abandoning 18 animals

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Lucas Wayne Penrod, charged with animal cruelty

Another animal cruelty case has emerged from Van Zandt County, resulting in the arrest of a Wills Point man: Lucas Wayne Penrod was charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals, a 3rd degree felony.

It began on Friday, October 24, when the Wills Point Police Department performed a welfare check at a mobile home within the city limits. Officers became concerned when they heard multiple dogs barking along with a foul odor of animal waste.

On October 25, after obtaining a search warrant, Wills Point PD and the SPCA of Texas ACI Unit entered the residence and found multiple animals living in deplorable conditions.

The mobile home was filled with trash and animal feces. The team discovered a total of 8 cats, 2 guinea pigs, 4 adult dogs, and 4 puppies, cruelly confined to the unsanitary living conditions on the property.

Two dogs were confined to filthy crates with no access to water.
Three puppies were in a small bathroom covered in urine and feces; one of the puppies was deceased and decomposing.
The guinea pigs were found in a cage without access to food or water.

Most of the animals showed signs of long-term neglect and were in dire need of urgent medical intervention. The animals were seized by the SPCA of Texas and transported to the organization's Dallas location for veterinary care.

Dog in cage Wills Point Lucas Wayne Penrod Dog abandoned in Wills Point by Lucas Wayne Penrod.SPCA

On October 26, Lucas Wayne Penrod, the owner of the animals, contacted an SPCA of Texas Investigator regarding the animals. The Investigator determined that Penrod had unlawfully allegedly abandoned the animals, failing to provide them with proper care, resulting in the death of one of the puppies and the critical state of the surviving animals.

On October 28, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Penrod, who was apprehended by Tyler Police Department and booked into the Smith County Jail with a $50K bond. Penrod was charged with Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals, a 3rd degree felony.

On November 1, at a civil custody hearing at the Van Zandt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 courthouse in Wills Point, Penrod relinquished custody of the 18 allegedly abandoned, cruelly treated animals to the SPCA.

"The squalid conditions these beautiful animals were living in were abhorrent--locked in spaces without food or water, in their own excrement," said SPCA of Texas ACI Unit Chief Investigator Courtney Burns, CAWA. "This is some of the worst mistreatment of domestic animals I've seen in my extensive career in animal cruelty investigations. In no small part, these pets owe their lives to the Wills Point Police Department. If it wasn’t for their quick thinking to involve us right away, I don't think the animals would have made it."

"This case perfectly illustrates the team effort that investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Texas is," Burns added. "We are extremely thankful to the Tyler Police Department for their efficient assistance in apprehending Penrod so that he can be brought to justice in the timeliest manner possible. And we are especially grateful to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and court system with whom we continue to partner to get justice for abused animals in their jurisdiction."