SFA University
January 3, 2019 Nacogdoches – Registration is underway for private lessons and group classes offered for the 2019 spring semester by the Music Preparatory Division of the School of Music at Stephen F. Austin State University.
In addition to the usual 16-week private lessons for young students in piano, harp, violin and Suzuki violin, viola, voice, bass, clarinet, classical guitar, saxophone, composition, flute, trumpet, jazz piano, cello and music theory, Music Prep again offers adult piano classes in the coming spring, according to Pat Barnett, director of the Music Preparatory Division.
Music Prep offers 12 weeks of musical study with SFA music major students. Lessons in violin, cello, clarinet, classical guitar, piano and jazz piano, trumpet, voice, percussion and other instruments upon request are offered. The student instructors are referred by their major professors and have a high level of mastery of their instrument, Barnett explained.
Group classes offered are Music Theory Adventures, taught by Laura Treadaway; Adult Beginner Piano Class taught by Matthew Malaga; Adult Intermediate Piano Class, taught by Dr. Ping-Ting Lan; Pineywoods Youth Orchestra, directed by Dr. Evgeni Raychev; and The Raguet Strings, directed by Brenda Josephsen. The Raguet Strings is recruiting interested members to join the adult ensemble.
Registration forms for the 2019 spring semester are available on the Music Prep website at www.music.sfasu.edu/prep and are being accepted now. The forms may be downloaded and turned in to the Music Prep office. Sixteen-week private lessons begin the week of January 14, and 12-week private lessons begin the week of February 4. Contact the Music Prep office at (936) 468-1291 for more information.
Shirley Watterston and Dr. Robert Blocker, a former chairman of the SFA Department of Music, founded the SFA Music Preparatory Division in 1980.
Since 1982, Stephen F. Austin State University’s East Texas Pine Plantation Research Project, initiated by Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, has worked to improve the management of East Texas forestlands and the Western Gulf Coast region through collaboration with private landowners and extensive data collection. Examples of ongoing projects include the development of growth and yield models for intensively managed pine plantations and the incorporation of environmental factors. As the project looks into the future, Dr. Yuhui Weng, assistant professor of forest biometrics and ETPPRP director, seeks to expand partnerships and research projects beyond Texas’ pineywoods.
January 2, 2019 Nacogdoches — After more than three decades, the East Texas Pine Plantation Research Project, initiated by Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, continues to make breakthroughs in the management of East Texas forestlands and the Western Gulf Coast region.
The long-term research program partners with private forest landowners to gather precise scientific data to develop modern tools to optimize the growth, health and management of the region’s forests.
While industry partners benefit from scientific insight, SFA forestry students profit from the ability to conduct hands-on research in the field.
After joining the college in 2016, Dr. Yuhui Weng, assistant professor of forest biometrics and ETPPRP director, set a goal to expand partnerships and research projects beyond Texas’ pineywoods to serve timber producers across the Western Gulf Coastal Plain.
“Our research is highly focused on the needs of timber producers in the Western Gulf Coast region,” Weng said. “Because of our expertise in factors influencing forest productivity in the region, we are able to provide more region-specific, data-driven guidance than other universities who may be located on the southeastern U.S. coast.”
Examples of ongoing projects include the development of growth and yield models for intensively managed pine plantations and the incorporation of environmental factors, such as climatic change into the management of pine plantations in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain.
Weng explained that productivity of forest plantations is primarily determined by site quality, stand age and stand density. The ETPPRP established numerous permanent experimental plots in pine plantations across the region that are measured for growth and health every three years.
This data provides an accurate evaluation of the dynamic, temporal changes in site quality, stand density and presence of disease and has been used to develop mathematical tools to predict future plantation productivity and health.
Since the program’s launch, more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports have contributed to the body of knowledge of factors affecting the region’s timberlands.
This year, the ETPPRP will partner with the Western Gulf Tree Improvement Program to develop growth and yield models for a variety of genetically unique loblolly pine varieties, which are known for their rapid growth.
In December, representatives from four participating timber companies, as well as prospective partners, visited the SFA campus for an annual meeting to review program accomplishments in 2018.
Among the developments are two peer-reviewed publications that provide participants with insight into the early response of loblolly pines to tree thinning operations in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain, as well as trends in fusiform rust infections and their relationship to tree and stand characteristics in East Texas pine plantations. According to the U.S. Forest Service, fusiform rust is a widespread and highly damaging disease that affects loblolly and slash pine species.
Moving forward, Weng said he hopes to gain more forest industry partners to continue to expand the scientific knowledge and productivity of the region’s forestlands.
For more information on the ETPPRP, contact Weng at (936) 468-1354 or wengy@sfasu.edu
Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.
December 21, 2018 Nacogdoches – The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House, Stephen F. Austin State University’s historic downtown gallery, will be open during regular gallery hours for most of the holiday season.
Regular hours are from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Additionally, the art center will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and Dec. 26. The gallery will be open regular hours Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 27 through 30, which is the last day for both current art shows. The gallery will be closed after Dec. 30 through Jan. 23 while new exhibitions, including “Caddo Contemporary: Present and Relevant,” are installed. The shows open on Jan. 24. Also opening that day is an exhibition of photographs by Frank Dituri.
Exhibitions currently showing feature artwork by Kymia Nawabi and the SFA School of Art’s biennial exhibition of jewelry and metalwork.
“Kymia Nawabi: Not for Long, My Forlorn” features a series of large-scale drawings that “acted as meditations on life and death channeled through ravenous, otherworldly beings and animals that inhabit a purgatory-like space,” according to the artist.
Works selected for inclusion in the 10th annual Art Metals/Jewelry Competition and Exhibition can be seen in the upstairs Reavley Gallery.
A vintage Christmas display, which features antique ornaments, decorations, dolls and toys of bygone eras. shows through Dec. 30.
The exhibitions are free and open to the public and are sponsored in part by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, William Arscott, Nacogdoches Junior Forum and The Flower Shop. The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For additional information, call (936) 468-1131.
December 18, 2018 - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents accepted the resignation of Dr. Baker Pattillo during a meeting Friday. Pattillo informed the Board of Regents of his plans to retire from the position effective Jan. 1, 2019.
“Dr. Pattillo would like to rest and enjoy his family as he recovers,” said Brigettee Henderson, chair of the board of regents. “The board has accepted his retirement with gratitude for the 52 years of service he has provided to SFA.”
Dr. Steve Westbrook, who was named acting university president on Oct. 30, has been appointed interim president.
Pattillo served as SFA president from 2006 until October. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from SFA and spent more than five decades working at the university beginning in 1966.
Visitors to the SFA planetarium in the Cole STEM Building now have more opportunities for scientific discovery with the addition of two new planetarium shows, starting December 15. Public shows are offered every Saturday with group shows available throughout the week upon reservation.
December 17, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s planetarium in the Cole STEM Building will begin offering new shows December 15, providing audiences with additional opportunities for scientific discovery.
With public shows every Saturday and group shows available throughout the week upon reservation, the planetarium provides a wide range of subjects sure to interest any visitor. New shows will be offered December 15 through January 26, with a break December 23 through January 6 for the holidays.
Presented at 3 p.m., “The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket” is geared toward children ages 5 to 8 but is open to all ages. Tickets are $3.
“In this adventure-packed journey through the solar system, you will experience flying through the rings of Saturn, a lightning storm on Jupiter and a landing on the dwarf planet Pluto,” said Ed Michaels, planetarium director. “This is a great children’s show that explores the spectacular worlds of our solar system.”
Two additional shows will be offered. “The Secrets of Gravity – In the Footsteps of Albert Einstein” lets audiences travel space and time while uncovering the secrets of gravity and will be presented at 4:30 p.m. “Dark Universe,” a show examining deep space, dark matter and dark energy, will be presented at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children, students, and faculty and staff with ID and will be available for purchase at the planetarium box office 30 minutes before each show.
To learn more about the shows offered, view the schedule or make a reservation, visit planetarium.sfasu.edu/home.
A group of Stephen F. Austin State University students spent the semester creating “Qué Tiene la Música: Canciones, Poemas y Dibujos de Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy,” a book of poetry, song lyrics and art pieces for their History of Latin American Culture course.
December 10, 2018 Nacogdoches — A group of Stephen F. Austin State University students spent the semester creating “Qué Tiene la Música: Canciones, Poemas y Dibujos de Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy,” a book of poetry, song lyrics and art pieces for their History of Latin American Culture course.
Dr. Juan Carlos Ureña, professor of Spanish, instructed his students to select song lyrics and poems to accompany art produced by Luis Enrique Mejía Godoy, a prominent Nicaraguan musician and artist. Godoy’s work covers topics on Nicaraguan popular culture, including love, nature and life’s struggles. His art honors historic Latin American heroes and fighters.
Ureña, who is a musician himself, said he tries to incorporate genuine Latin American art and music into his teaching. “I have always combined art with literature and culture.”
Godoy’s art is heavily influenced by the pre-Colombian era and contains many faces and symbols that pay homage to indigenous cultures and folklore, according to Ureña.
Throughout the semester, students in Ureña’s course studied the cultural, poetic and historical aspects of various songs. They then paired many of the songs with the different art pieces they complemented.
“Students had to study the lyrics of songs and the meaning of the art,” Ureña said, “and I think it helped them better understand how the arts influence culture.”
The class members collaborated for five weeks with the LaNana Creek Press to produce 50 artistic copies of the book containing the songs and artwork. A commercial version of the book also will be available for purchase in the spring.
A majority of the proceeds from book sales will go to families and individuals in Nicaragua who have been affected by the political unrest the nation is facing. “This book was created in solidarity with the Nicaraguan people, and it was created to promote their culture,” Ureña said.
“It was really nice to bond with my classmates and also work together to see the final product. Just looking at the book reminds me of the time I spent with my classmates, so it's been a very beneficial project,” said Cynthia Villarreal, a psychology major with a minor in Spanish.
Students played a key role in the creation of the book, as they decided on its look and style, including the type of paper used. Charles Jones, director of the LaNana Creek Press, taught students how books are made with a printing press. During the semester, students visited the press and gained experience. Many helped print pages, glue bookbindings and create the book covers.
Overall, the project accomplished one of Ureña’s main objectives: Students finished the class with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role art plays in culture.
For more information on SFA’s Department of Languages, Cultures and Communication, visit sfasu.edu/langcomm.
By Emily Brown, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
December 6, 2018 Nacogdoches — As a final countdown commenced, attendees at Houston’s 99th annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree-Lighting Ceremony at City Hall turned their attention to the event’s centerpiece — a 65-foot-tall white fir tree located in Hermann Square. Although not cloaked in purple lights and Lumberjack regalia, the Christmas tree standing in the heart of Texas’ largest city holds a distinct connection to Stephen F. Austin State University.
Earlier this year, Nacogdoches native and SFA forestry alumnus David Robinson traveled to Southwest Oregon to hand select the towering tree destined to become the cornerstone of Houston’s holiday celebrations.
“It was an honor, and I hope I get to do it again,” said Robinson, field supervisor of urban forestry for the City of Houston. “I got to see a part of the country I’ve never seen before, and it’s just amazing.”
The tree, harvested from private timberland near Medford, Oregon, is one of many large conifers from the region that will be transported across the country and displayed in large city centers.
Robinson said the City of Houston has a relationship with an individual based in the Pacific Northwest who collaborates with industrial timber companies and private landowners to locate potential large-scale Christmas trees.
“The trees are marked with GPS coordinates, and he returns during the next five to six years to fertilize and shape the tree,” Robinson said. “Once ready, the trees are marketed to cities like Houston, shopping malls or anyone in the market for a big Christmas tree.”
While much of the initial correspondence regarding desired tree specifications, such as height, is conducted through phone or email, Robinson said it is necessary to see the tree in person to make the final decision.
“We check things that don’t translate well through email and pictures, such as tree quality and different kinds of potential hazards,” Robinson said.
Following final selection, the tree is felled and transported via helicopter from the forest to a landing site, where it is placed on a flatbed truck for transport.
Robinson explained that after it arrived in Houston, the tree was trimmed and placed in a 5-foot-deep culvert buried in the ground. Due to the sheer size of the tree, guide wires are used, and the culvert is filled with gravel to stabilize it.
“Despite the size, aftercare is not too dissimilar from the way in which families care for their own live Christmas trees at home,” Robinson said.
While aftercare may be similar, decorating a tree that size reaches a whole new level of Christmas spirit.
According to Stella Pereira, office manager for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, more than 3,000 individual LED lights adorn the tree.
Although the final honor of lighting the tree went to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Robinson said his own family has a tradition of selecting and decorating a tree to look forward to. He added his family’s Christmas tree will, of course, be a live tree.
Stephen F. Austin State University education students collaborated with staff members from the Center for Regional Heritage Research and Steen Library to print historical artifacts in 3D. Students utilized these artifacts to build lesson plans and teach at Woden High School.
December 5, 2018 Nacogdoches — History can seem like a difficult subject to learn, but Stephen F. Austin State University secondary education students and staff members in the Center for Regional Heritage Research and Steen Library are using 3D printing to help bring history to life.
During the fall semester, students in a sociocultural and historic perspectives in American education course taught by Dr. Amber Wagnon, SFA assistant professor of secondary education and educational leadership, collaborated with staff members from the CRHR and Steen Library to print in 3D bowls from the Caddo Native American tribe and handles from a cannon recovered from wreckage of the La Belle ship of French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, the Sieur de La Salle.
Drs. Robert Selden, research associate, and Mark Barringer, director of college research and associate professor in history, helped with the project. Selden discussed the 3D-printing process with the students who then printed other items.
“At SFA, 3D printing is a relatively new tool and is an asset we have on our campus,” Wagnon said. “It’s important for our teacher candidates to think about meaningful ways to utilize technology in the classroom. Teaching is a field in which collaboration is important, and I was excited the students were able to work collaboratively with other groups.”
After learning the 3D-printing process, education students created lesson plans, which they taught at Woden High School. SFA interdisciplinary studies sophomore Julisa Valdez of Houston said this project taught her patience and how to be flexible in the classroom.
“We had a lot of technology problems at first, which was frustrating, but it happens to teachers every day, so the best you can do is be flexible and patient,” Valdez said. “Prior to this collaboration, I had only worked with kids in elementary or early middle school, but working with high school students had a different atmosphere. Students were ready to learn and asked a lot of great questions. This experience has made me realize what I could do to become a better teacher.”
Not only did this project introduce students to new technology, but it also brought them into the field where they gained experience with classroom management, learning theories, diversity, planning and teaching.
“I believe we learn through doing. My students want to be educators, and I want to give them the opportunity to start that journey as early as possible,” Wagnon said. “I wanted them to have the opportunity to utilize and practice the theoretical tools we spent the semester examining.”
For more information about SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education, visit coe.sfasu.edu.
December 5, 2018 Nacogdoches — Dr. Treba Marsh, Stephen F. Austin State University professor emeritus of accounting, will offer the commencement address during the university’s two fall graduation ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 15.
Marsh served SFA from 1991 through 2018 in various roles, including as the interim director and director of the Schlief School of Accountancy and as the Temple Inland Endowed Professor. Her close relationship with SFA accounting alumni and accounting firm partners has resulted in the contribution of thousands of scholarship dollars for accounting students, as well as a growing number of internship placements and job offers.
Dr. Kelly Noe, associate professor and director of SFA’s Schlief School of Accountancy, said Marsh has been a major influence within the Rusche College of Business and the Schlief School of Accountancy.
“Dr. Marsh not only changed my life, but also changed the lives of many students. She was like my work mom,” Noe said. “She was and still is an amazing mentor, and her work in the Schlief School of Accountancy has helped make our program what it is today.”
Marsh is a two-time SFA alumna, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in management. She received her doctoral degree from Louisiana Tech University.
She has served as president of the Southwest Region of the American Accounting Association, Chapter Advocate for the Southwest Region of Beta Alpha Psi, chair of the Texas Society of Public Accountants Educators’ Conference, Historian of the Federation of Business Disciplines, and in other positions with national and regional organizations.
“Dr. Marsh has had a profound impact on students. There are many certified public accountants out there today because Dr. Marsh identified their potential and gave them guidance to change their career path for the better,” Noe said. “She was the most student-friendly professor I know. She always did what was the best for students. Nobody will be able to fill her shoes.”
Marsh was named an outstanding accounting educator by the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Southwestern American Accounting Association, and she was awarded outstanding faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi numerous times. She received the 2013 National Author Award from the Association of Government Accountants.
Marsh has published more than 70 research papers and presented at professional meetings, including the American Accounting Association, Decision Science Institute, Clute Institute, and other regional and national conferences.
SFA’s fall commencement ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Johnson Coliseum with candidates from the James I. Perkins College of Education and the College of Fine Arts. Candidates from the colleges of business, liberal and applied arts, forestry and agriculture, and sciences and mathematics will participate in a 2 p.m. ceremony.
Approximately 1,070 degrees are expected to be awarded, including 864 bachelor’s, 200 master’s and six doctoral degrees. Almost 270 students are expected to graduate with honors, including 87 cum laude, 74 magna cum laude, 103 summa cum laude and 60 university scholars.
November 30, 2018 Nacogdoches – The estate of the late Nancy Delaney will fund two endowed scholarships for deserving students within Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Art and College of Fine Arts.
The scholarships will be funded in part through proceeds from a jewelry sale planned for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 8, at The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.
An artist and musician, Delaney, whose husband, Creighton, was chairman of SFA’s art department in the 1960s, amassed an extensive jewelry collection during a lifetime of worldwide travel. It was her desire, as stipulated in her will, that her estate establish the Creighton H. Delaney Endowed Scholarship for a financially needy student in the Department of Art and the John N. Staley and Margaret Anderson Staley Endowed Scholarship for a financially needy female student in the College of Fine Arts. Her estate, along with proceeds from the sale of her jewelry, will fund the scholarships. The Staleys were Nancy Delaney’s parents.
The sale will accept only cash or check.
SFA’s historic art gallery, Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. Exhibitions showing through the end of this year include SFA’s Biennial Juried Art Metals and Jewelry exhibition, “Kymia Nawabi: Not For Long, My Forlorn” and a vintage Christmas decoration, ornament and toy display.
For more information, call (936) 468-1131.
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