SFA University
January 28, 2026 - Stephen F. Austin State University’s calendar of events and key dates for January 28 to February 9. This calendar is not intended to be comprehensive; click the calendar links below for more events.
Women's Basketball vs. McNeese State University: 6:30 p.m. January 29 Johnson Coliseum. SFA’s women’s basketball team will compete against McNeese State University.
SFA Piano Trio Recital: 7:30 p.m. January 29. Wright Music Building, Cole Concert Hall. Jennifer Dalmas, professor of violin; Evgeni Raychev, cello instructor; and Minhae Lee, assistant professor of piano; will present a piano trio recital, featuring: Beethoven's "Ghost Piano Trio,” “Cafe Music” by Paul Schoenfield and “Trio in G Minor” by Bedrich Smetana.
‘Greetings from Texas (or somewhere in between)’: January 30 to March 29. The Cole Art Center, Reavley Gallery. “Greetings from Texas (or Somewhere in Between)” presents works by Heather Sundquist Hall that examines landscape, identity and the shifting impressions of place. Using gouache as her primary medium, Hall creates compositions that balance precision and spontaneity, capturing moments that feel both rooted and in transition.
James P. Connolly: 7:30 p.m. January 30 Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium. Nationally recognized stand-up comedian James P. Connolly will perform as part of SFA’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts University Series. Connolly is known for his clean, high-energy comedy and engaging storytelling. He has appeared on “America’s Got Talent,” Comedy Central, HBO and Netflix, and can be heard regularly on SiriusXM comedy channels.
Men’s Basketball vs. McNeese State University: 6:30 p.m. February 2 Johnson Coliseum. SFA’s men’s basketball team will compete against McNeese State University.
SFA Piano Week: February 3 to 6 Wright Music Building, Cole Concert Hall . SFA will host SFA Piano Week which will feature guest faculty from the United States and South Korea and will include recitals, public masterclasses and group lessons.
Children’s Show: ‘Pete the Cat' 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. February 5 Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium “Pete the Cat,” presented by Main Street Theater and part of SFA’s Children Series, examines the adventures of Pete, a groovy blue cat.
January 15, 2026 — Stephen F. Austin State University announced today an intentional enrollment strategy for fall 2026 amid unprecedented demand from prospective students.
As of January, first-time undergraduate applications are up more than 50% compared to this time last year, and SFA has already surpassed last year’s total application count, which set a record.
In response, the university plans to limit growth in the incoming first-time, first-year student class to 10%, representing nearly a 40% increase in that population since 2024. This enrollment strategy allows SFA to continue growing while preserving academic quality and student experience.
“Everyone wants to be a Lumberjack right now,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Our responsibility is to ensure that every student who chooses SFA receives the personal attention, academic excellence and campus experience that define this university.”
In addition to the first-time, first-year student class limitation, SFA will implement updated housing policies that better align with student needs beginning in fall 2026. Key changes include:
- Revised on-campus living requirement: The requirement to live on campus will apply only to first-time, first-year students. Previously, this policy extended to students with fewer than 60 credit hours.
- Streamlined off-campus exemptions: SFA will expand and simplify off-campus permit criteria, making it easier for students to request and secure alternative housing options. Returning students will no longer be required to submit an off-campus waiver.
In February, the university will present a new residence hall project and a comprehensive campus master plan to The University of Texas System Board of Regents, outlining future investments in campus housing, parking garages, academic facilities and other critical infrastructure needed to support long-term growth and enhance the student experience. As enrollment grows, the university will continue developing a plan to ensure additional faculty and staff lines are available to support students and maintain strong academic quality.
To secure their place in the fall 2026 class, prospective students are encouraged to act now by completing required enrollment steps, including submitting their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA; providing meningitis vaccination records; and meeting Texas Success Initiative, or TSI, requirements. Incoming students who complete these steps will be eligible to apply for housing and orientation later this spring.
Transfer and graduate students will not be subject to any enrollment limits.
For more information, contact SFA’s Office of Admissions at (936) 468-4732 or admissions@sfasu.edu.
About Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
For 10 years, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cooking Matters program has provided families in Nacogdoches new ways to manage health and budgeting while cooking. This year’s curriculum, “Food Smarts: A Cooking and Nutrition Class,” concluded after six weeks of nutrition education, equipping a new group of participants with practical skills to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.
November 24, 2025 – For 10 years, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Cooking Matters program has provided families in Nacogdoches new ways to manage health and budgeting while cooking. This year’s curriculum, “Food Smarts: A Cooking and Nutrition Class,” concluded this week after six weeks of nutrition education, equipping a new group of participants with practical skills to prepare nutritious, affordable meals.
Hosted by SFA’s Department of Allied Health Studies in partnership with the East Texas Food Bank, the six courses featured valuable lessons in nutrition and cooking taught by students enrolled in SFA’s “Community Nutrition” class. Following the completion of each of the six courses and a grocery store tour during week five, all participants received a free bag of groceries to re-create the meal at home. The final week closed with a Thanksgiving potluck graduation November 17 at the Nacogdoches Helping Other People Eat, or HOPE, food pantry’s resource center.
“Collaborating with the East Texas Food Bank and HOPE pantry is allowing students to create sustainable changes for individuals and families in need,” said Justin Pelham, food, nutrition and dietetics clinical assistant professor. “This program gives back to our community and our students by providing hands-on experience to complement lecture-based content. Students gain valuable skills and take what they learn to practice while educating people who need it most in Nacogdoches.”
The first five weeks of “Food Smarts” consisted of Pelham’s students providing nutrition education lessons followed by chef instruction. The fifth lesson featured a grocery store tour at the Nacogdoches Walmart, where students gave in-store instruction on shopping.
This year, 10 graduates completed the program. With one in three Nacogdoches residents living in poverty, the program provides vital resources and education to underserved communities while offering SFA students invaluable real-world teaching experience.
Cooking Matters continues to make a difference by helping families prioritize their health while sticking to a budget. For more information on SFA’s dietetics and nutritional sciences programs, visit gosfa.com/dietetics-nutrition.
Stephen F. Austin State University recently established the Nu Xi chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students as well as faculty and staff who were first-gen college students. Nearly 50 students and eight faculty and staff were inducted into the inaugural cohort this month.
November 17, 2025 - As the number of first-generation college students continues to rise at Stephen F. Austin State University, so do the opportunities to recognize their success. With the establishment of the Nu Xi chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, SFA’s first-generation students now have an honor society of their own.
“We are so excited to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of first-generation Lumberjacks,” said Dr. Ja’Von Long, Nu Xi chapter faculty advisor and director of student development and support at SFA. “As a former first-gen college student, myself, I know how much they’ve overcome just to enroll in college. To qualify for an honor society on top of that shows the excellence, resilience and leadership these students have and will carry with them beyond graduation.”
Nearly 50 first-generation college students were inducted into the inaugural cohort of SFA’s Nu Xi chapter this month. To qualify for Tri-Alpha membership, students must:
• be a current degree-seeking student at SFA
• come from a family in which neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree
• have at least 30 credit hours
• and hold an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Roughly 40% of SFA’s graduates each year are first-generation students. First-generation students are those whose parents or guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Many of these SFA students also qualify as low-income, defined as being eligible for a Pell Grant. The percentage of Pell Grant-eligible undergraduates at SFA exceeds both state and national averages, as well as those of peer institutions.
Josephine Damian, criminal justice junior from Houston and the first president of the Nu Xi chapter, said she’s excited about building a legacy at SFA and establishing resources that will benefit future members for years to come.
“Serving as an inaugural member and president is an honor and an opportunity to truly build something from the ground up,” Damian said. “It’s a representation of a community dedicated to supporting first-gen students and faculty.”
The chapter also includes a mentoring component that allows faculty and staff who were first-generation college students to join. Eight SFA faculty and staff members were inducted into the inaugural cohort this month.
“This creates another support system for our first-generation students because these faculty and staff members share similar experiences,” said Dr. Veronica Beavers, associate dean of students - Student Development and Access Services. “Many of them are connected to initiatives that support first-gen Lumberjacks, from participating in Generation Jacks to assisting with first-generation workshops and other student success efforts across campus. Our faculty and staff have been amazing at helping students overcome challenges, and this new initiative offers yet another opportunity for them to connect with and uplift our students.”
Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement who helped Long and Beavers establish the Tri-Alpha chapter at SFA, said the new inductees are a source of pride for their families and an inspiration to future first-generation students.
“The students, faculty and staff inducted into the Nu Xi chapter of Tri-Alpha embody what it means to break barriers and create new pathways for others,” Willis said.
“They understand the significance of this responsibility and embrace it with purpose and dedication. They are trailblazers and role models. I look forward to seeing the Nu Xi chapter continue to grow.”
Tri-Alpha was founded March 24, 2018, at Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and has grown to more than 150 chapters nationwide.
For more information on Tri-Alpha, visit 1stgenhonors.org. For more information on first-generation student support at SFA, visit sfasu.edu/firstgen.
November 5, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University will host SFA Day at Center High School on Wednesday, November 12, bringing Lumberjack spirit and educational opportunities to Shelby County.
The day's events will include academic information sessions from 2pm to 3pm, giving Center High School students the chance to explore SFA's academic programs, scholarships and student life. Staff members will be available to answer questions and provide resources for students interested in continuing their education at SFA.
Later in the afternoon, the SFA Tennis team will host a clinic at 5pm for members of the Center High School Tennis team. The clinic is also open to the public, offering community members the opportunity to learn from collegiate athletes and coaches.
The event is a collaboration between Stephen F. Austin State University, Center High School, and the Bone Hill Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and strengthening regional partnerships.
"SFA Day at Center High School is a great example of how our university connects with students and communities across East Texas," said Dr. Kent Willis, SFA's senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. "We're proud to showcase the opportunities available at SFA while building relationships that help students see a pathway to success close to home."
About Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers' college in Texas' oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges - business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor's degrees, more than 40 master's degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
October 29, 2025 –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources will host an Earth Science Day event from 10am to 2pm November 8 in the Cole STEM Building atrium.
This free event is open to the public. Visitors who have minerals, rocks or fossils they would like to have identified are encouraged to bring them for a free identification service. There will be geology-themed activities for all ages, including dinosaur races, cupcake geology and an augmented reality sand table.
“Our annual earth science celebration is designed to increase awareness and help our community gain a better understanding of the planet we call home,” said Dr. Wesley Brown, chair of the department. “The enthusiastic faculty and students are eager to open the Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources’ doors to the community and answer all earth-science-related questions.”
The influence of geosciences spans across science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, as well as the humanities, according to Dr. Liane Stevens, associate professor of earth sciences and geologic resources.
“Our lives are so intertwined with the Earth that we often don’t realize the many ways that earth science impacts us,” Stevens said. “Beyond accessing resources and planning for natural disasters, earth scientists are working to protect our planet and environment.”
For more information, contact Stevens at stevenslm@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-2024.
A Jack Walker leads a campus tour for students and their families at Stephen F. Austin State University. SFA recently broke its single-day application record with 2,700 submitted applications. The university is waiving application fees through December 1.
October 22, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University recently broke its single-day application record with 2,700 submitted applications thanks in part to Free College Application Week.
Administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board the second full week of October, the initiative helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost.
“This is part of the statewide push to make college more accessible for all Texans, with SFA leading the way,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. “SFA will continue to waive application fees through December 1.”
Willis credited the record-breaking numbers in part to SFA’s 2023 affiliation with The University of Texas System, which has expanded the university’s reach, reputation and resources.
“This milestone is a tangible result of our partnership with the UT System,” Willis said. “Our Purple Promise program and transfer pathway initiatives are opening doors for rural, first-generation and transfer students who want to earn their degrees at SFA.”
Purple Promise, which covers tuition and fees for high school and transfer students with a family income of $100,000 or less, and expanded transfer pathways from community colleges are helping more Texans access an SFA education.
Many students have shared that these initiatives have made earning a college degree not only possible but deeply meaningful — especially for those who are the first in their families to attend a university or who come from small, rural communities. For many, SFA’s supportive and connected campus culture has been a deciding factor in their college choice.
“It was the small-campus feel, the energy on campus, and how involved the faculty are with students that really drew me to SFA,” said Kason Cauley, a first-year human resource management student from Denton.
Billy Stewart, a kinesiology transfer student from Tyler Junior College, said the encouragement of his former high school coaches — who are also SFA alumni — helped guide his decision to become a Lumberjack.
“The friendly campus environment and amazing academic support and mentorship opportunities, along with being part of the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance, have all made my transition to SFA seamless,” Stewart said.
SFA faculty and staff are working hard to share the qualities Cauley and Stewart love about being a Lumberjack with prospective students across the nation.
“For years, many have seen SFA as Texas’ best-kept secret,” said Dr. J.D. Salas, director of SFA’s School of Music. “Today, our faculty and staff are working hard to change that by showing students across Texas and beyond just how much they matter here.
“Every new student who joins our campus brings a spark of curiosity and possibility,” Salas continued. “They don’t just fill our classrooms — they energize our community with fresh perspectives that fuel innovation and growth.”
Like faculty, staff and students, Willis said he’s excited about the university’s momentum.
“This means more highly qualified applicants, more opportunities and a stronger Lumberjack community.”
To apply to SFA by December 1 and have your application fee waived, visit sfasu.edu/apply.
About Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
Concert featuring award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae beginning at 8pm October 17 at the Intramural Fields.
October 8, 2025 –– Stephen F. Austin State University has a full calendar of events for Homecoming 2025, including the annual bonfire, drone show and concert featuring award-winning country duo Maddie and Tae beginning at 8pm October 17 at the Intramural Fields.
The fun begins today with the launch of SFA Alumni Association’s online Homecoming Auction 2025. Through October 19, participants can bid on items ranging from custom SFA creations to exciting travel packages. All proceeds go toward SFA Alumni Association student and alumni programming.
Sigma Chi fraternity will begin building this year’s bonfire on Friday at the Intramural Fields, located at the corner of Starr Avenue and Wilson Drive, and complete it early the week of Homecoming, which kicks off October 13 with a student-focused celebration at the Surfin’ Steve fountain in Sesquicentennial Plaza.
Events open to the public begin with Campus Recreation’s Homecoming 5K, which starts at 5:30pm October 15 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The cost to register for the 5K is $15 for students; $20 for faculty, staff and alumni; and $25 for community members. A one-mile route costs $5 for all participants. Entry fees will fund SFA scholarships.
Homecoming week continues with a blood drive scheduled from 11am to 5pm October 16 in Baker Pattillo Student Center Regents’ Suite A. That same day, SFA’s Ladyjack volleyball team faces Houston Christian University at 6pm in Shelton Gym.
The Student Activities Association’s annual SFA Homecoming bonfire lighting; drone show presented by Sky Elements; and pep rally featuring the Lumberjack Cheer and Dance Teams, Lumberjack Marching Band and Twirl-O-Jacks begin at 8pm October 17 at the Intramural Fields. Maddie & Tae will take the stage at 9pm. This event is free and open to the community.
Game day kicks off with the Alumni Association’s Homecoming flap “Jack” breakfast from 7:30 to 10am October 18 at The Fredonia Hotel. The Homecoming parade follows at 10am in downtown Nacogdoches.
After the Ladyjack volleyball team plays the University of the Incarnate Word at noon in Shelton Gym, the Lumberjack football team takes center stage when it faces Nicholls State University at 6pm at Homer Bryce Stadium.
The Alumni Corner Tailgate, hosted by the Alumni Association, begins at 3pm at the Pineywoods Dining Hall Pavilion on the corner of East College Street and Wilson Drive.
To view full details on SFA Homecoming events, visit sfasu.edu/homecoming.
Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid will bring star power and policy insight to Stephen F. Austin State University this spring as the speaker for the fifth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. Best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” 1998 remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” Quaid will speak at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
October 2, 2025 - Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid will bring star power and business policy insight to Stephen F. Austin State University this spring as the speaker for the fifth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. Best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” 1998 remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” Quaid will speak at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
Quaid will discuss his advocacy for Texas film and television industry incentives, offering firsthand insights into the intersection of entertainment and economic development. As part of the “True to Texas: Let’s Bring Productions Home” campaign, Quaid joined fellow Texas stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Billy Bob Thornton and Renée Zellweger in championing Senate Bill 22 during the 89th Texas Legislature in spring 2025. The landmark bill, which took effect Sept. 1, dramatically increased funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, allocating $300 million every two years to attract major film and television productions to the Lone Star State.
“The film and television business generates significant revenue, and thanks to SB 22, Texas has a real opportunity to become the next Hollywood,” said Dr. Jason Reese, interim dean of SFA’s Nelson Rusche College of Business. “Dennis Quaid is the perfect Texan to discuss how our students can build successful careers in entrepreneurship, business and leadership in the film industry right here in East Texas.”
The bill also provides additional incentives to projects that partner with higher education institutions. This will be particularly important as SFA launches the LED volume production studio in its new entrepreneurship building. Featuring technology to create realistic and immersive virtual environments for film, television and video production, the studio will be available for collaborative projects and entrepreneurial ventures across SFA’s areas of study as well as East Texas communities.
“SFA’s new LED volume studio will be a game-changer for East Texas, opening the door to cutting-edge virtual production capabilities that were once only available in major film hubs,” Reese said. “This facility will not only enhance hands-on learning across disciplines — from media and STEM to agriculture and aviation — but also create new opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives to collaborate, innovate and attract film and television projects to our region.”
Established in 2016 to honor the legacy of A. Nelson Rusche, who gifted $5 million to the Rusche College of Business, the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series brings high-profile figures to SFA to inspire and inform. Past speakers include Candace Nelson, guest Shark for ABC’s “Shark Tank” and founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes and Pizzana, in 2024; Daymond John, “Shark Tank” star and FUBU founder, in 2021; Tony Hawk, skateboarding champ, in 2019; and Jeb Bush, former Florida governor and presidential candidate, in 2016.
Free tickets for the event will be available starting Jan. 2 at the Charles Bright Visitor Center downtown, and on campus at the Baker Pattillo Student Center Information Desk and the McGee Business Building, Room 137.
For more information about the lecture series, visit the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series webpage.
Stone Fort Museum
September 17, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University’s Stone Fort Museum will host the Old Stone Harvest Fest from 4pm to 8pm October 25 at the museum on SFA’s campus.
According to Carolyn Spears, Stone Fort Museum director, the family-friendly event will feature traditional cooking demonstrations, heritage crafts and live music.
“Old Stone Harvest Fest is about savoring the past while we celebrate the future,” Spears said. “We welcome everyone to join us for an evening of music, food and hands-on fun.”
The event will consist of a jelly-making demonstration using native plums from the museum’s Spanish Colonial Demonstration Garden and paired with Dutch oven cornbread. Owen Flynn, chef and owner of O’Geez food truck, will share tips on foraging and using local ingredients as he prepares a traditional stew.
Guests can enjoy live music from the local acoustic band Camino Real de Nacogdoches, followed by alternative country rock performances from Sons of Atlantis and an open mic showcase celebrating local talent. Visitors are also invited to weave a bookmark in the heritage handcrafts makerspace and explore the museum’s current exhibit, Fabricating Fashion.
Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact museum staff members at (936) 468-2408 or stonefort@sfasu.edu.
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