SFA University
Students of the 2022 iMAS Academy enjoyed a variety of investigations in mathematics and science.
March 23, 2023 – Registration is open for day and overnight camps offered by the Stephen F. Austin State University STEM Research and Learning Center.
The iMAS Academy explores investigations in mathematics and science. This hands-on, minds-on camp focuses on scientific inquiry through dynamic teaching and learning experiences led by SFA faculty members and master teachers at no cost to students.
The day camp will be held June 12-16 and the overnight camp will be held July 16-21. Camps are for students 14 to 17 years old prior to the start of camp. Both camps will be hosted at the Cole STEM Building on the SFA campus.
Applications close May 3 with teacher recommendations due by May 9. Announcements of acceptance will be made May 15. Applications can be found at gosfa.com/imasapp.
The iMAS Academy is grant-funded through the Texas Workforce Commission and includes room and board, materials, prizes, snacks and a T-shirt.
For more information, email stemcenter@sfasu.edu, or call (936) 468-5814.
The Sylvans, Stephen F. Austin State University’s timbersports team, claimed top honors at the 64th annual Southern Forestry Conclave, marking the fifth consecutive conclave SFA has won.
March 16, 2023 – The Sylvans, Stephen F. Austin State University’s forestry club and timbersports team, claimed top honors at the 64th annual Southern Forestry Conclave, marking the fifth consecutive conclave SFA has been crowned. The event was hosted by Louisiana Tech University March 9-11 at the Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, Louisiana.
The accomplishment marks the eighth win of the past nine conclaves and 17 wins total.
“I told the team going into this year’s Conclave there was only one team we needed to worry about this year – SFA,” said Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Bone Hill Distinguished Professor of Silviculture and Sylvans faculty advisor. “Winning the previous four conclaves wasn’t by chance. We’d put in the practice, worked hard to earn and raise money for the right equipment, did our homework, and learned our events inside and out.”
“The Sylvans team has the right culture and is focused on collegiality, fun and sportsmanship,” he continued. “We all bought in and truly worked together as a team. The significance of claiming top honors at this year’s conclave validated our core beliefs: we have one of the best undergraduate forestry programs in the country, the best students and a successful club culture.”
Consisting of 28 students — and with the help of Stovall, 10 alumni and the team’s coach, Chelsea Lopez — the Sylvans scored 293.5 points overall. Clemson University placed second with 236 points. The margin of victory stands as the largest in the event’s 64 years, according to Stovall. Louisiana Tech University finished in third place with 216.5 points.
The Sylvans finished first in both physical and technical events. The physical events are based on the historical logging and forestry events, using tools such as axes or saws. Technical events are based on subjects learned in forestry courses, testing the academic preparation of the students and their ability to recall and deploy information in the field.
Along with the hours of work the competitors practiced to reach their goal, which totaled more than 100 practices in an academic year, Stovall credits this year’s win to something more special: the team’s camaraderie.
“The students genuinely love learning about the events and working with each other as a team to see how good they can become,” he said. “They teach and coach each other, and they are all each other’s biggest fans. The level of sportsmanship they displayed with each other and in support of the other clubs was really phenomenal. As an advisor, I’ve got it easy with this group. I trust them and know they’ll do everything they can to succeed. They’ve made me work harder so I don’t let them down.”
While the Sylvans primarily comprise forestry students, all majors are welcome to join. For more information on the Sylvans, visit sylvanstimbersports.com, or contact Stovall at stovalljp@sfasu.edu.
February 27, 2023 — Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program and Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation are hosting a series of workshops this summer on inquiry science lab solutions for high school teachers.
These workshops are designed to help teachers facilitate and prepare true inquiry-based labs, use lab technology and equipment in an inquiry setting, and maintain a safe laboratory environment.
There will be three different topic-focused workshops: biology, June 5-9; physics, June 20-23; and chemistry, June 26-30. All sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The workshops will be held on the SFA campus and led by university faculty and staff. Participation is free, and lunch will be provided daily. Lessons shared will meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills requirements and Next Generation Science Standards.
Attendees will receive a $100 stipend per day of full participation and up to $500 worth of laboratory supplies. To be eligible for the workshops, teachers must be public high school science teachers from the deep East Texas region with confirmed fall 2023 assignments in biology, chemistry or physics.
Applications close March 1, and acceptance emails will be sent by March 15. Spots are limited.
To get more information and request the application link, call (936) 468-3960 or email jacksteach@sfasu.edu.
February 21, 2023 - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents celebrated Presidents Day by officially electing Dr. Steve Westbrook the 10th president of the university. Here, Westbrook signs the Bible all previous SFA presidents signed before him while surrounded by his family: wife, Dayna, and sons, from left to right, Reed and Bryce. In addition to friends, family and past regents, Dr. William R. Johnson, SFA’s fourth president, and relatives of the late Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA’s eighth president, attended the board meeting. Westbrook will serve until his retirement May 31. He is not a candidate for the 11th president’s position.
February 20, 2023 — College-bound students and their families are invited to Stephen F. Austin State University’s in-person, on-campus Showcase Saturday event February 25, which offers participants a unique opportunity to experience life as a Lumberjack.
“Showcase Saturday is more than a campus visit — it’s a chance for you to be immersed in the full Lumberjack experience,” said Dr. Steve Westbrook, SFA president-elect. “I welcome prospective students and their families to our beautiful campus for the chance to learn about our academics, ask questions, and take their first steps toward making SFA their future home.”
SFA’s Showcase Saturday provides an opportunity for college-bound students to spend a day experiencing university life firsthand, touring the campus and having all their college questions answered.
In addition to a high-energy Lumberjack experience, participating prospective students will receive discounted and complimentary tickets to a School of Theatre production and a men’s basketball game, respectively. They also will receive a free SFA T-shirt at check-in.
Registration and check-in will begin at 10 a.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Plaza. Several optional early-bird sessions will be ongoing between check-in and the day’s opening program, which is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Those include a student services fair, campus tours and special interest sessions covering a range of topics, like Veterans Affairs, the Hazlewood Act, and being a first-generation college student and family, among others.
During the opening program, students will attend presentations by college representatives based on their academic major of interest.
Come-and-go events will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. These include an academic fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center, tours of residence halls and the recreation center from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and a #JacksGetInvolved student organization fair from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the student center atrium.
A student leader meet and greet also will be available from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in the student center, and tours of our Health and Wellness Hub will be ongoing throughout the day in the Tucker Building.
Thirty-minute breakout sessions will run from 1:45 to 3 p.m. and will cover such topics as financial aid, first-year and transfer admissions, and both Residence Life and Dining Services. A session for parents of admitted students also will be available.
Optional tours of academic facilities will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and will allow participants to visit the DeWitt School of Nursing Complex, Todd Agricultural Research Center, A.L. Mangham Jr. Regional Airport, and the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center.
To register for SFA’s Showcase Saturday and for more information, visit sfasu.edu/showcase.
Cutline: Attendees chat with faculty and staff during Stephen F. Austin State University’s Showcase Saturday academic fair. The university will host its in-person spring Showcase Saturday, February 25 on campus.
February 16, 2023 - Stephen F. Austin State University recognized the outstanding academic achievements of a select number of students by naming 923 to the President's Honor Roll for fall 2022. To qualify for the President's Honor Roll at SFA, the student must have earned a 4.0 semester GPA in 12 or more semester hours while a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student.
Below are the students from Shelby County on the President’s List. To view the full list, visit https://sfasu.meritpages.com.
Center:
Jase Bird (Majoring in General Business)
Camryn Crouch (Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies)
Mitchell Fountain (Majoring in Engineering Physics, Minoring in Mathematics)
Kamryn Holt (Majoring in Art)
Kase Hooper (Majoring in Kinesiology)
Katherine Nichols (Majoring in General Studies)
Anthony Tello (Majoring in Art)
Joaquin:
Michalla Byrd (Majoring in Communication Science & Disorders)
Cheyenne Howard (Majoring in Art)
Shelbyville:
Yolanda Caporali (Majoring in Criminal Justice)
Dawson Jackson (Majoring in Mathematics)
Timpson - Skylar Causey (Majoring in Nursing)
February 16, 2023 - Stephen F. Austin State University recognized the outstanding academic achievements of a select number of students by naming 1,500 to the Dean's List for fall 2022.
To qualify for the Dean's List at SFA, the student must have earned a semester GPA over 3.5 in 12 or more semester hours while a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student. Below are the students from Shelby County on the Dean's List. To view the full list, visit https://sfasu.meritpages.com.
Center:
Naquila Barnes (Majoring in Communication Science & Disorders)
Carmen Choate (Majoring in General Business)
Christian Clark (Majoring in Kinesiology)
Hagan Crumpton (Majoring in Political Science, Minoring in Pre-Law)
Bridda Flores (Majoring in Music)
Benjamin Galindo (Majoring in History, Minoring in Public History)
Dulce Gonzalez (Majoring in Kinesiology, Minoring in Sports Business)
Aidan Hagler (Majoring in Kinesiology, Minoring in Combined Sciences)
Brendon Henson (Majoring in General Business)
Jackelyn Hernandez Cervantes (Majoring in Accounting)
Jennifer Huichapa (Majoring in Communication Science & Disorders)
Madison Kirby (Majoring in Nursing, Minoring in Human Development & Family Studies)
Jacob Liker (Majoring in Geospatial Science)
Nathaniel Morris (Majoring in Art, Minoring in Psychology)
Thazin Mu (Majoring in General Agriculture)
Aaron Triplett (Majoring in Construction Management)
Holly Wilburn (Majoring in Art)
Joaquin - Autumn Hughes (Majoring in Art)
Shelbyville - Alexis Shankle (Majoring in General Agriculture, Minoring in General Business)
Tenaha:
Jessica Alvarado (Majoring in Biology, Minoring in Psychology)
Wesley Wages (Majoring in General Agriculture, Minoring in General Business)
Timpson:
Emily Hackworth (Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies)
Alexus Wallace (Majoring in Social Work)
February 15, 2023 — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of History will host Gordon Williams, an award-winning writer, producer and director, for an event titled “Beaumont’s Black History — In Moving Pictures” at 6 p.m. February 20 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater. The presentation is part of the Robert S. Maxwell Lecture Series.
Williams will start the event with a brief presentation before screening two films — both of which he had a significant role in creating. “The Example,” on which Williams is credited as the principal writer, is an award-winning historical fiction short film based on the 1943 Beaumont race riot. The second film, “They Will Talk About Us: The Charlton-Pollard Story,” is an award-winning documentary about the oldest Black neighborhood in Beaumont. It was written, directed and produced by Williams.
A Q&A session will follow the screenings.
“The event will be part of SFA's celebration of Black History Month and will serve to highlight the history of Black communities in East Texas,” said Dr. Andrew Lannen, chair of the Department of History. “It also will highlight the talents and skills of Texas filmmakers.”
Williams, who is currently the television studio operations manager at Lamar University, has completed several other award-winning independent film projects, including “The Story of Marcus and Reyna,” “The Grater Ambition,” “Gemini” and “Do You.” He has also produced award-winning television programs, commercials and documentaries for Lamar University’s television productions.
In addition to television, Williams has ventured into sports production as a producer for Lamar University’s athletics video department. Williams is an advisor for the Jefferson County Historical Commission and was recently named to the advisory board of the Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration prior to the event is not required.
For more information, contact the Department of History at history@sfasu.edu.
February 10, 2023 — Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. March 9 in the Pineywoods Native Plant Center’s Brundrett Conservation Education Building.
Greg Grant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist for Smith County, will present “Making Scents of the Genus Narcissus.”
Grant is a lifetime member of the Southern Garden History Society, the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Texas Bluebird Society. In addition to authoring a number of gardening books, Grant writes the column, “In Greg’s Garden,” for Texas Gardener magazine; the blog, “Greg’s Ramblings,” at arborgate.com; and a weekly garden column in the Tyler Morning Telegraph. Additionally, he hosts Facebook pages Greg Grant Gardens and Rebel Eloy Emanis Pine Savanna and Bird Sanctuary.
Grant currently is working on a doctorate in forestry at SFA and, along with his wife, tends his late grandparents’ deep East Texas farmhouse, his Rebel Eloy Emanis Pine Savanna and Bird Sanctuary, a dozen laying hens, two cats, and one Jack Russell terrier.
The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month. A rare plant raffle will follow 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 2708 Raguet Street.
For more information, call (936) 468-4129 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
February 7, 2023 — Self-described poet, activist and educator Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton will serve as the keynote speaker for Stephen F. Austin State University’s ninth annual Diversity Conference, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, February 10 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
“Deborah is not only a poet but also a storyteller, coach and educator,” said Dr. Veronica Beavers, deputy chief diversity officer and director of SFA’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. “We’re thrilled to have her as this year’s keynote speaker and to be able to watch her put the weight of her experiences, activism, and unique perspectives into a keynote that speaks to this year’s theme of everyday inclusion.”
Internationally known for her written works, Mouton is poet laureate emeritus of Houston. Her recent poetry collection, “Newsworthy,” garnered her a Pushcart nomination, was named a finalist for the 2019 Writer’s League of Texas Book Award, and received an honorable mention for the Summerlee Book Prize. A German translation, titled "Berichtenswert," was released in summer 2021 by Elif Verlag.
Her most recent choreopoem, “PLUMSHUGA: The rise of Lauren Anderson,” debuted at Stages Houston in October and was recently mentioned in the New York Times fall preview. Her upcoming memoir, “Black Chameleon,” explores the use of modern mythology as a path to social commentary and has ties to the collaborative art exhibit "_____ as Myth," which was on display at Rice University in January.
Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the 2023 Diversity Conference theme “Inclusion as an Everyday Act: Setting Intentions for SFA’s Next Century” invites conference presenters to speak on how inclusion can be an approachable and livable act. Organizers will also incorporate discussions on the intended role of inclusion for SFA’s second century.
Presentations and workshops will take place throughout the day, and all will center on the daily actions one can take to create a more welcoming environment for diverse groups.
Check-in will open at 8:30 a.m. outside the student center’s Grand Ballroom before the opening session begins at 9 a.m. Developmental workshops and a discussion session will take place until the noon luncheon and keynote address.
As workshops and breakout sessions are ongoing, attendees are invited to experience several come-and-go activities, including a Diversity Art Gallery, collaborative mural art piece and beading workshop, among others.
Local nonprofit organizations also will be present during the morning sessions to share information about their inclusion and equity work within the community.
“Passive programming opportunities are new to this year’s conference,” Beavers said. “We will have sensory and relaxation stations, as well as interactive art activities within our Diversity Art Gallery. Additionally, this year's format will include expanded sessions that qualify for our DEI certification program, such as safe space training and interactive sessions.”
The conference is free and open to the public. To register for the conference and learn more, visit sfasu.edu/odei/diversityconference.
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