Being a public servant is much more than just a job to Jerry Streater–it is the essence of his being.
He graduated from SHSU in 1961 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and, in 1972, began selling cars, kick starting what would become a very successful career in the automobile business. He is now part owner of Streater-Smith Nissan and Honda in Conroe.
Streater was elected to serve on the Conroe City Council for eight years, during which he served as chairman of the city’s finance and personnel committees. He also served as vice-president of the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society and chairman of the board of the Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce.
“Throughout his life, Jerry has demonstrated a sincere interest in and commitment to public service,” a nominator said. “He has provided strong leadership as a business owner, in work with civic organizations, as an elected member of city government and through philanthropic activities.”
Prior to enrolling at SHSU, Streater played baseball and football at Navarro College on a scholarship. When he moved to Huntsville, he gave up his favorite sport in order to work to pay for college.
But because of their love of Bearkat baseball, Streater and his wife, Sandra, established an endowment fund to provide scholarships for Bearkat baseball players.
“Jerry and his wife, Sandra, have been generous supporters of the university, including previous Capital Campaign efforts,” one nominator said. “They are members of Saint James Episcopal Church, where he served a member of the vestry, and he currently serves on the finance committee and the long-range planning committee.”
Streater and his wife have four children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.