Sherman, Texas – Associate Professor of Theatre Liz Banks will present a lecture titled “Adventures in New York” at Austin College. A reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the lecture following at 5 p.m. in Wright Campus Center, Mabee Hall. The event, sponsored by the Bernice S. Melvin Sabbatical Lecture Series, is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
Liz Banks received a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University, a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University, and a master of fine arts degree from the University of Kansas.
The Johnson Center's Bernice S. Melvin Sabbatical Series honors Professor Emerita of French Dr. Bernice Melvin, who taught at Austin College from 1980 until her retirement in 2015. As a department chair, dean of Humanities, and Johnson Center director, Bernice was an indefatigable supporter of faculty autonomy and research and fostered a collegial environment of scholarly creativity and innovation across all Austin College divisions and disciplines.
The Robert and Joyce Johnson Center for Faculty Development and Excellence in Teaching schedules several events throughout the year, with presentations by Austin College faculty and guest lecturers.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
