SFA University
Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Geology will join the American Geosciences Institute in celebrating Earth Science Week with an event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, on the third floor of the Miller Science Building. During an open house, guests will have the opportunity to use the augmented reality sand table. Photographer Paul Brandes, geology professor and current president of the Houston Gem and Mineral Society, will present “Epic Earth, The Art of Geology” at 6 p.m.
October 2, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Geology will join the American Geosciences Institute in celebrating Earth Science Week during an event from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, on the third floor of the Miller Science Building.
For the open house event, visitors who have minerals, rocks or fossils they would like to have identified are encouraged to bring them for a free identification service. Guests also will have the opportunity to use an augmented reality sand table and create their own artwork.
At 6 p.m., photographer Paul Brandes, geology professor at Lone Star College-Montgomery and current president of the Houston Gem and Mineral Society, will present “Epic Earth, The Art of Geology” in Miller Science, Room 335.
“Our first Earth Science Week 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 doors of the Department of Geology to the community and answer all Earth science-related questions.”
This year’s theme, “Earth as Inspiration,” emphasizes artistic expression as a unique, powerful opportunity for geoscience education and understanding, according to Dr. Liane Stevens, assistant professor of geology.
”The Earth is inspirational in so many ways – from children who are inspired to collect rocks, to those who travel to see grand scenery, to those who conduct research,” Stevens said. “The faculty and students in the Department of Geology are excited to work together to share our inspiration with the public.”
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Stevens at stevenslm@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-2024.
By Joanna Armstrong, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 27, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 11 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.
SFA horticulture alumnus Dr. Andrew King will present, “You Can Take the Boy out of East Texas, but You Can’t Take the Azaleas Out of His Garden: Growing Ornamentals in a Challenging Environment.”
King was raised in Tenaha, Texas, on a small retail nursery that was founded in 1915 by his great-grandfather. Through four generations, the nursery has remained in the King family. His father, mother and grandmother all instilled in him a love of horticulture. When it was time to further his education at the university level, it was an easy decision. King received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with an emphasis in horticulture from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2004, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University in 2010 and 2015, respectively.
He has served as a lecturer in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at TAMU since January 2016, teaching many of the plant production courses, including nursery management and production, and plant propagation, as well as some introductory courses, such as garden science. Recently, he has introduced a class titled “Wild Edible, Cultivated and Poisonous Herbs” that focuses on the medicinal, poisonous and culinary aspects of plants that people often overlook. His research interests include plant propagation, trialing plant materials and nursery crop improvement.
The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.
Parking is available at the PNPC and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St. For more information, call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Agriculture received a $3,000 student recruiting grant from the U.S. Poultry Foundation during the 2018 International Poultry Expo held in Atlanta, Georgia. The grant will assist the SFA Department of Agriculture in hosting its annual College Experience Day, as well as other recruiting efforts. Pictured, representatives present Dr. Joey Bray, chair of SFA’s Department of Agriculture and director of poultry science, second from right, with the grant check.
September 26, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Agriculture received a $3,000 student recruiting grant from the U.S. Poultry Foundation during the 2018 International Poultry Expo held in Atlanta, Georgia.
The grant will assist the SFA Department of Agriculture in hosting its annual College Experience Day, as well as other recruiting initiatives. The department’s College Experience Day draws hundreds of high school students from across the region to engage in hands-on agricultural activities at the university’s 642-acre Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center. Among the unique initiatives offered during the event is the opportunity for high school students to tour the SFA Broiler Research Center, which works closely with the poultry industry to discover, evaluate and interpret better methods of poultry production.
The foundation awarded recruiting grants totaling $282,500 to 35 colleges and universities across the United States with either a poultry science department or a poultry studies program. The student recruiting program dates to 1994 when the foundation was established to provide annual recruiting funds to attract students to poultry studies and ultimately into careers in the poultry industry. The grant was made possible, in part, from an endowing foundation gift from Frost, a CPA firm.
Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University timbersports team, the Sylvans, won the second annual Lumberjack Match held at the Ouachita County Fair in Camden, Arkansas. During the competition, the Sylvans competed against three other universities in a series of physical timbersport events. Pictured from left are Cheyenne Tant, Katie Adams, Blaine Turner, Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Brody Capps, Ian Erickson, John Mike Arnett and Keith Ballard.
September 18, 2018 Nacogdoches — Members of the Stephen F. Austin State University timbersports team, the Sylvans, personified the university’s mascot during the second annual Lumberjack Match held at the Ouachita County Fair in Camden, Arkansas.
During the Lumberjack Match, participating universities competed in a range of traditional timbersport events, such as crosscut sawing, bowsawing, log chopping, and axe and knife throwing.
The Sylvans placed first in men’s crosscut sawing; men and women’s bowsawing; Jack and Jill crosscut sawing; single buck crosscut sawing and knife throwing. The team took second and fourth place in women’s crosscut sawing and axe throwing, respectively.
“Our students were professional and did an excellent job representing the university and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, associate professor of forestry at SFA and Sylvans faculty advisor.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello finished in second place, followed by Louisiana Technical University and Louisiana State University.
September 13, 2018 - Two historic milestones are being celebrated this month at Stephen F. Austin State University. In addition to the 95th anniversary since its founding in 1923, the university has marked its first enrollment of more than 13,000 students.
The total enrollment increased more than 4 percent, from 12,614 students in fall 2017 to 13,144 students this fall. An increase in undergraduate students, from 10,985 to 11,398, accounts for a portion of the increase, along with more than 100 additional students in the graduate school, which currently enrolls 1,746.
“It is extremely gratifying to achieve this goal during the academic year when we will celebrate all that the university has accomplished in its 95-year history,” said Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president. “I am grateful to everyone across campus who has worked toward the university’s commitment to opening our classrooms to serve more students, as we provide opportunities that transform lives and expand the pipeline of talent that fuels progress in our region and across the country.”
Erma Brecht, who joined the university in June as executive director of enrollment management, said the university’s efforts to establish meaningful and sustained enrollment growth will continue. She said a focus on partnerships with community colleges to offer a seamless transfer process for their students into targeted programs, as well as serving as a dual-credit provider to East Texas high schools, contributed to the current increase in undergraduate enrollment.
“Both of these initiatives align with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s plan to increase the percentage of Texans who hold a certificate or degree,” Brecht said. “SFA is increasing degree completions with high-need populations by serving diverse groups, including nearly 1,200 economically disadvantaged graduates in 2017.”
The coordinating board’s strategic plan 60X30TX (60 by 30 TX) aims that by the year 2030 at least 60 percent of Texans ages 25 to 34 will have a certificate or degree, with at least 550,000 students completing a certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s from a Texas institution of higher education.
Enrollment in SFA’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts increased 16.5 percent, from 2,672 to 3,113. Other enrollments numbers include: College of Fine Arts, from 920 in fall 2017 to 962, a 4.6 percent increase; Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, from 800 to 826, a 3.3 percent increase from fall 2017; Rusche College of Business, from 1,848 to 1,890, a 2.3 percent increase; and in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, from 2,406 in fall 2017 to 2,426, an increase of almost 1 percent. Enrollment in the Perkins College of Education declined slightly, from 3,968 in fall 2017 to 3,927, a decrease of 1 percent.
Enrollment in SFA’s graduate programs increased by more than 100 students, from 1,629 in fall 2017 to 1,746 this fall. Dr. Pauline Sampson, dean of the graduate school, said the increase is a result of the efforts of the deans of each college, as well as faculty members, to be extremely responsive and proactive in recruitment efforts.
“Weekly reports are sent to all program coordinators and deans with information on graduate student applicants,” Sampson said. “This allows coordinators to reach out to students and follow-up with them to assist in finishing the application process. This personal contact means a lot to potential Lumberjacks.”
SFA’s previous all-time high 12th-class day enrollment was 12,999 students registered in fall 2012.
The university will celebrate its 95th anniversary, and its historic enrollment number, during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, in the Student Center Plaza. Sen. Robert Nichols and Nacogdoches Mayor Shelley Brophy will participate in the event. Parking for visitors will be available in the Student Center parking garage.
September 13, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University will celebrate its 95-year history at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 18, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. The event will pay homage to a tradition that dates all the way back to SFA's opening day – birthday cake – along with a newer tradition: purple ice cream.
“At the end of the first day of classes 95 years ago, the faculty, staff and students enjoyed cake in celebration of the 50th birthday of SFA's first president, Dr. Alton W. Birdwell,” said Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president. “We are inviting members of the SFA and Nacogdoches communities to gather with us and commemorate this anniversary in the same manner.”
State Sen. Robert Nichols is expected to attend, along with other elected officials.
SFA’s History
In the opening years of the 20th century, local citizens set about convincing the Texas Legislature to open a state college in Nacogdoches.
Toward that end, the group created an illustrated pamphlet titled "Twenty-Three Reasons Why Stephen F. Austin State Normal College Ought to be Located in Nacogdoches." Among these revelations – the city offered a delightfully mild climate, cheap electricity and a good sewage system, rare natural beauty, a progressive business spirit, ample entertainment facilities, a high moral tone, and three two-story hotels. The 23rd reason given was that Nacogdoches "links old Texas with the new."
A prime example of this link on the campus today is the newly opened Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building, a $46.4 million facility that supports the study of physics, engineering, astronomy and computer science, which sits next to the Stone Fort Museum, a replica of the house built by legendary Texas pioneer Gil Y’Barbo.
Nacogdoches was selected as the site of the newly chartered school in 1917, but progress was delayed by World War I. On Sept. 18, 1923, SFA welcomed its first students to class, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A Year of Celebration
The university's 95th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the coming academic year, and planning is underway for a variety of special events and activities, according to Jill Still, SFA vice president for university advancement and chair of the 95th anniversary planning committee.
"There will be many opportunities for students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of SFA to join in the celebrations surrounding this important milestone," Still said. "Our 95th anniversary year is an appropriate time to honor SFA's proud traditions and, as we look toward the celebration of our 100th anniversary, the new and exciting initiatives that will help ensure the continued success of our institution for many years to come."
September 12, 2018 – The Music Preparatory Division in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will host its annual fall Middle School All-Region Choir Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 15, in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.
The choir camp is designed to help East Texas area middle school students learn their UIL all-region competition music, according to Pat Barnett, director of the Music Preparatory Division.
Dr. Michael Murphy, director of choral activities at SFA, is the combined conductor for the camp. Clinicians are Charlotte Davis, Music Prep faculty, soprano I; Amanda Sheriff, graduate student, soprano II; Jennifer Weems, NISD choir instructor, alto; Nita Hudson, lecturer of voice and opera, tenor; and Dr. Chris Turner, assistant professor of voice, bass.
Accompanists are Linda Parr, Donna Dear, Nio Ajero, Kaden Harman and Mary Cooper, piano. The Music Preparatory Division's Advisory Board is in charge of arrangements. Nicole Stewart, Lufkin High School choir director, is the overall camp director.
All participants should bring Region 21 All-Region music, pencil, water and a snack. Concessions will be available for purchase during scheduled breaks. The dining hall in the Baker Pattillo Student Center will be open and serving brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost per student is $20. Registration is accepted by calling (936) 468-1291 or by email at pbarnett@sfasu.edu.
September 11, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University and Houston Community College will kick off the semester and their interior design partnership with an open house showcasing HCC’s Central campus facilities from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. September 19 in the Learning Hub Building, Room 100, on the HCC Central campus.
Students, faculty, staff, interior design alumni and community members are invited to attend the free event.
Sally Ann Swearingen, SFA associate professor of interior design, said the event is a celebration.
“We are excited to celebrate this collaboration and welcome the incoming class to this unique program,” Swearingen said. “The open house will provide a great opportunity to network and familiarize students with the campus.”
The two institutions began a partnership in 2017 that allows HCC students the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree in interior design from SFA while remaining at the HCC campus.
Students who have graduated from HCC in interior design and have completed the core course requirements have the opportunity to enroll in the last 42 hours of SFA interior design courses either online or face-to-face on the HCC campus. Also, the partnership allows a fast-track approach with 78 approved HCC course hours that transfer to SFA.
Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in interior design at an accredited university such as SFA are allowed to take the first portion of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam, which is the industry’s professional certification. After six months of experience, students will be able to take the final portion of the exam, Swearingen said.
For more information, visit sfasu.edu/hms/103.asp or hccs.edu/sfa/.
Event parking will be available at the garage located on La Branch and Alabama streets.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 7, 2018 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host its annual Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 6 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. in historic Nacogdoches.
The sale will feature a variety of hard-to-find, “Texas-tough” plants, including Texas natives, heirlooms, perennials, shrubs and trees, with an emphasis on pollinator-friendly plants, as well as exclusive SFA introductions. The featured plants are extensively trialed before being offered to the public and are produced by SFA Gardens’ staff members and volunteers.
This popular event benefits the SFA Mast Arboretum, PNPC, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and Gayla Mize Garden, along with educational programs that are hosted monthly at the gardens. SFA Gardens’ educational programs reach more than 15,000 participants annually.
Parking will be available at SFA’s Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center, located at 2428 Raguet St. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon for their plants.
For more information and a list of available plants, call (936) 468-4404, or visit sfagardens.sfasu.edu two weeks before the sale.
September 7, 2018 Nacogdoches — A new initiative involving Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business and corporate leaders will help support student success and provide a link between the academic and corporate worlds.
Through this new launching partnerships program, corporate partners can have a consistent and lasting impact on the Rusche College of Business’ students, programs and facilities.
“The launching partnerships initiative is special because everyone wins,” said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Rusche College of Business. “Employers have new opportunities to get to know our students, and students have the opportunity to network with business professionals. As a whole, the Rusche College of Business wins because all aspects of this program advance our Learn, Launch, Lead mission.”
Building business networks for students is a key goal of the college. This partnership will provide opportunities for corporate partners to visit classes multiple times per year to meet with students, discuss job opportunities and share insight into the business world.
Additionally, the college will host corporate events dedicated to the partner company to give business leaders an avenue to meet with students one-on-one. Corporate partners also will be recognized with special signage within the college’s McGee Business Building.
Dr. Trey Turner, executive director of development, said this initiative aligns with the university’s SFA Envisioned Strategic Plan to provide transformative experiences for students and increase connections.
“The launch of the new corporate partner initiative creates an ideal opportunity to secure new sponsorships from business and industry, as well as increase the visibility of these new corporate partners on campus,” Turner said. “The additional funds and collaboration that stem from these partnerships will create exciting new experiential-learning opportunities for many SFA students.”
To learn more about this endeavor, contact Bisping at (936) 468-3101 or bispingto@sfasu.edu.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
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