Carl James Pfaffenberg

Beloved educator, mentor, and friend

Dr. Carl J. Pfaffenberg, age 80, passed away in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was a true original, with an unapologetic candor and charm. Carl may have shocked a few over the years with his offbeat sense of humor, but those who really knew him understood the kindness that was underneath. When faced with challenges, mishaps, or problems, he would always shrug and say, “Next.”  He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Pfaffenberg.

Originally from Michigan, Carl was a proud Spartan who earned both his B.A. in Hotel, Motel, and Club Management and his M.B.A. in International Marketing from Michigan State University. He later completed his Ph.D. in Human Ecology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville — an achievement that marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in academia.

Dr. Carl Pfaffenberg served as an Associate Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2004 until retirement in 2015. Despite his quirks, or maybe because of them, students in the Hospitality Administration respected him, and they always knew where he stood. His courses spanned topics like Casino Management, Lodging, Cost Control, and Alcohol Responsibility, and his commitment to student growth was unwavering. Prior to joining SFA, he held academic positions at the University of Tennessee and the University of Hawaii - Manoa. He was also the first Driving Jacks faculty advisor.

Before entering academia, Carl enjoyed a successful career in the hotel industry, including roles as General Manager for Clarion Hotels and a Food & Beverage Director for Holiday Inn in East Lansing. He received the Gold Award for property excellence in 1991. Additionally, he served in the US Navy.

Dr. Pfaffenberg’s research contributions in casino gaming, alcohol education, and hospitality ethics were widely respected, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and invited presentations around the world. During his career, he served on the boards of Nacogdoches Main Street, East Texas Restaurant Association, and the Association of Casino Educators. 

With his wife Sherry, Carl was deeply committed to the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) and he had a heart for helping incarcerated people thrive outside of the prison system. During the holidays, Carl and Sherry could often be seen bundled up outside retail stores, ringing the bell in support of the Salvation Army. For years on Valentine’s Day, Human Science faculty might be surprised in the middle of class by Carl’s deep baritone, accompanied by other members of an all-male, barbershop-style quartet.

Beyond the classroom and the conference hall, Carl was a spirited fan of the Detroit Lions and Michigan State University sports — loyalties he wore proudly in every season. His quirky humor and generosity will be fondly remembered by his former students, colleagues, and friends across the country.

Dr. Pfaffenberg’s influence continues through the lives he touched and the students he inspired. Maybe Carl would say “I’m not gone, just off to annoy someone else. NEXT!” His presence will be deeply missed, but his impact will remain.

He is preceded in death by his parents Carl Pfaffenberg and Thelma Carr, and his beloved dog, Caesar.

Contributions in Carl’s memory can be made to the SFA Hospitality Administration program (sfasu.edu/give) or to NacFoster Rescue (nacfosterrescue.com/donate).

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
 

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