SFA University
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.
Stephen F. Austin State University is one of four higher education institutions in Texas where aviation sciences students can qualify to receive their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate following graduation, which will shave 500 hours off of their required hours to begin their piloting careers.
September 16, 2025 –– Stephen F. Austin State University aviation sciences students can begin their piloting careers sooner because the university is now one of only four higher education institutions in Texas authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to certify students are eligible for their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
The FAA normally requires 1,500 flight hours and a minimum age of 23 to qualify for the Air Transport Pilot certificate, a credential needed to fly for an airline. Airlines also hire pilots who have earned a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 500 fewer hours of flight time and can be earned by age 21 as pilots complete their ATP certificate requirements.
With the new FAA Part 141 Letter of Authorization, SFA’s aviation sciences students, also known as Flying Jacks, can qualify for their RATP certificate following graduation. These students have been graduating with their commercial pilot certificate and instrument and multi-engine ratings as well as their certified flight instructor certificate, depending on their training path. Now, with the addition of RATP certification, Flying Jacks can be hired by airlines and start earning salaries as soon as they graduate and reach 1,000 hours of flight time.
“This is a huge milestone and will allow us to recruit more qualified students into the program,” said Dr. Chay Runnels, director of the School of Human Sciences and Professional Studies in SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education. “The only other four-year aviation programs in Texas with institutional authority to issue the RATP certificate are Baylor, LeTourneau and Texas Woman's University. Not every flight training program is an approved Part 141 program, so this puts SFA in an elite class of flight training programs in the country.”
The multiyear undertaking to qualify for the FAA Part 141 Letter of Authorization involved an application process, inspections and a review by the FAA. Jack Gainer, SFA’s chief instructor pilot, spearheaded the effort and helped SFA reach this milestone 36 months sooner than most other universities, a testament to the program's steadfast commitment and high standards.
“This will benefit our Flying Jacks by reducing their flight hours by 500 hours and allowing them to begin their career in the airline industry much sooner,” Gainer said. “This equates to an unmeasurable earnings potential that could easily be worth over a million dollars in career earnings — and everlasting alumni pride in being a Flying Jack.”
Since its launch in 2021, SFA’s aviation sciences program has experienced remarkable growth. What began with 21 students and one faculty member has now expanded to more than 160 students, four full-time faculty members and four adjunct faculty members. The program celebrated its first full cohort of graduates in May 2025.
“This growth reflects both the strength of the program and the dedication of its leadership,” Runnels said. “Under the direction of Aviation Sciences Program Director Allen Wilson, our faculty work closely together to recruit and retain students, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed. Importantly, every member of our aviation faculty brings practical, real-world aviation experience to the classroom, which allows our students to bridge theory and practice as they prepare for careers in the field.”
This semester, the aviation sciences program launched a new concentration in aviation management. Designed for students who are passionate about aviation but may not want to pursue a flying career, this concentration prepares students for a wide range of postgraduate career opportunities in the aviation industry, from airport operations to airline management.
“I’m excited about the new aviation management concentration,” Wilson said. “Within the aviation industry, it is estimated that pilots make up approximately 16% of the workforce. The aviation management degree opens up the doors to the other 84%.”
After two and a half years as director, Wilson is pleased with the program’s growth.
“It was rewarding and fulfilling to see our first graduates this past spring,” he said.
Runnels agreed and thanked HCH Aviation, the program’s private partner, for its support and Dr. Stacy Hendricks, interim dean of Perkins College of Education, for her leadership.
“I’m proud to have been part of this program since its inception and to see firsthand the time, energy and expertise our faculty have invested in both the program and our students,” Runnels said.
For more information on SFA’s aviation sciences program, visit sfasu.edu/aviation.
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.
Stephen F. Austin State University kicked off the 2025 fall semester Monday with its largest first-time undergraduate class ever. The university also celebrated its first increase in total enrollment since fall 2018. SFA’s largest freshman class, pictured, gathered for a photo ahead of last week’s Holler at Homer event.
August 30, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University kicked off the 2025 fall semester Monday with its largest first-time undergraduate class ever. The university also celebrated its first increase in total enrollment since fall 2018.
“This historic milestone reflects the growing confidence in SFA's mission, our outstanding faculty and staff, and the transformative experience we provide,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Reaching record enrollment is not just a number — it's a testament to the dedication of our Lumberjack community and the bright future ahead for every student who chooses to call SFA home.”
According to the university’s early enrollment data, SFA welcomed nearly 2,800 first-time undergraduate students, up 31% compared to last year. Transfer student enrollment increased by 16%, and total enrollment is up 7% from fall 2024.
The new fall enrollment record is a reflection of The University of Texas System’s investment to expand SFA’s Purple Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for families earning $100,000 gross income or less. It’s also a result of new initiatives like the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch to improve access, support and college readiness for students across Texas, said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA.
“Students are looking for the personal touch of a close-knit and safe campus that also provides rigorous academics, strong career preparation, and opportunities for leadership, service and social engagement at an affordable price,” Willis said. “SFA offers all that along with the power and prestige of the UT System.”
The increase in enrollment has led to an increase in semester credit hours, which are up 9% over fall 2024. This marks SFA’s highest number of semester credit hours since fall 2020 and the first annual (fall to fall) increase since fall 2021. In Texas, state lawmakers use a formula driven by weighted semester credit hours to determine the funding for public universities.
Enrollment highlights:
- 7% increase in total headcount
- 9% increase in semester credit hours
- 16% increase in first-time transfer students
- 31% increase in first-time undergraduate students
- 12% increase in first-time undergraduate applications
- 25% increase in admitted first-time undergraduate students
- 21% increase in first-time transfer applications
- 18% increase in admitted first-time transfer students
Official enrollment data reported to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will be available following the 20th class day.
Applications for the fall 2026 semester are officially open, and students can apply today at sfasu.edu/apply. High school students and their families exploring universities can learn more about SFA by visiting sfasu.edu/lumberjackfamily, scheduling a campus tour at sfasu.edu/visit, and viewing SFA’s episode of Amazon Prime Video’s “The College Tour,” which premieres September 1 at sfasu.edu/tct.
With record enrollment growth and increased interest in Stephen F. Austin State University, The University of Texas System has announced an investment of $37 million to fund deferred maintenance projects to refresh and revitalize the Nacogdoches campus.
August 28, 2025 - The University of Texas System Board of Regents allocated $37 million to fund deferred maintenance projects to refresh and revitalize Stephen F. Austin State University’s campus during their regular August meeting.
“These funds come at a pivotal moment for SFA,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “As we welcome record enrollment growth and unprecedented interest in our university, this investment ensures our facilities match the quality of the student experience we provide. We are grateful for the continued support of the UT System and look forward to enhancing one of the most beautiful campuses in Texas for current and future Lumberjacks.”
The funds will be distributed over three years, beginning in fiscal year 2026 and ending fiscal year 2028. The allocation methodology uses Permanent University Fund debt to address deferred maintenance for qualifying spaces, which excludes student housing, intercollegiate athletics or auxiliary enterprises.
“The Board of Regents is proud to continue its investments in SFA’s facilities,” said Kevin Eltife, chair of the UT System Board of Regents. “As pledged when SFA became part of the UT System, we will always ensure that our students have access to the best environments for learning and research, and we enthusiastically support President Weaver’s master plan to do just that.”
With this allocation, SFA joins peer institutions across the UT System in benefiting from $1.19 billion of PUF proceeds for capital projects addressing deferred maintenance.
“This investment could not come at a better time,” said John Branch, associate vice president for facilities services and campus operations. “As we wrap up our campus master plan process, UT System’s support allows us to immediately align these resources with the priorities identified for our campus. Their support is vital to ensuring our facilities and campus infrastructure continue to inspire and serve generations of Lumberjacks.”
Campus Master Plan Open House
SFA invites the community to participate in the campus master plan open house from 10am to 5pm September 9 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Regents’ Suite B. Guests are invited to come and go, view materials and provide feedback. At 5:30pm, Freese and Nichols, the firm leading the planning process, will deliver a presentation outlining the vision for SFA’s future campus development.
To learn more about the campus master plan scope and timeline, visit sfasu.edu/masterplan.
August 27, 2025 - A dozen business students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business wrapped up their management course by exploring sports business, entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada Aug. 11-19.
“During this study abroad trip, students experienced not only Canadian culture but also how Canadians innovate, launch businesses and celebrate sport,” said Dr. Jason Reese, interim dean of the Rusche College of Business, who led the trip with Dr. Robert McDermand, senior lecturer of sports business and management at SFA.
“Canada’s traditions are so beloved — from hockey to maple syrup to Niagara Falls — that the students immediately embraced them,” Reese said. “But they also learned important lessons like how to navigate the streets of Toronto and Montreal through public transit. Experiences like these build their confidence for future adventures abroad.”
In Toronto, students visited the waterfront, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Royal Ontario Museum before heading up the CN Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city and Lake Ontario. They also took the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour to see Niagara Falls up close.
“Niagara Falls is one of the highlights of the trip because it was something that I probably would have never done or had the opportunity to do without the study abroad trip,” said Erin Banks, sports business senior from Georgetown. “As we got closer to the falls, I had to close my eyes from all the water spraying on my face, and all I could do was laugh because I couldn’t believe that I was in this place with these people experiencing such a special adventure.”
Next, students mastered the “OK Blue Jays” dance with help from passionate baseball fans during the seventh-inning stretch of a Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre.
“Seeing Xander [Bogaerts] celebrating with strangers and everyone being united by their love for their Blue Jays was unforgettable,” said Dayanira Flores, sports business sophomore from Mission. “That moment made me realize that sports are powerful connectors, bringing people together in shared joy. I remember thinking this was the highlight of my trip because it made me feel alive — part of something bigger than myself.”
In Montreal, students learned about the 2020 launch of SportsAi, a sports analytics startup that uses artificial intelligence to automate data collection and analysis for soccer players and coaches to help them improve players’ performance.
Tarik Agday, co-founder and CEO of SportsAi, shared his story of combining his experience as a former MLS prospect for CF Montreal with his AI specialization at Polytechnique Montreal to provide real-time analysis for soccer teams.
“Tarik also told us how he overcame the challenges of introducing new technologies in an industry full of traditionalists,” McDermand said. “This showed our students how innovation, perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit can lead to a successful business supporting a sport they love.”
The CF Montreal theme continued with a soccer match between the team and DC United, which offered some students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’m a huge soccer fan, so getting to watch CF Montreal play against DC United was amazing,” said Modesto Martinez, kinesiology first-year student from Mission. “For me, going to a live soccer game and seeing the action in person was a dream come true, and I hope one day I can do it again.”
Despite their packed agenda, the students had time to enjoy some delicious meals. They returned home with a few new favorite foods.
“Trying poutine for the first time was messy but delicious, and BeaverTail pastries instantly became the best thing I’ve ever eaten,” said Madison Zaccardo, Master of Business Administration student from Lubbock.
Helena Easey, entrepreneurship senior from Cypress, said the traveling group’s small size allowed her to bond with every student on the trip.
“I learned to expand my interests into areas I never thought I would,” she said. “I’m so grateful to the Rusche College of Business for supporting its students in academic ventures such as this one.”
Reed O’Grady, management senior from Weatherford, also saw benefits to traveling with his business classmates.
“One of the convenient things about doing a study abroad with the Rusche College of Business is that you are traveling with your peers the entire trip,” he said. “I was able to not only talk with my classmates but relate on a deeper level because we were all in the same season of life, going through the same classes, and a few of us will be in the same classes in the fall.”
Ella Hollis, marketing senior from Tyler, said learning outside the classroom helped her learn more about herself.
“After coming home from this trip, I feel that I have more confidence as an individual to go out and do more in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people, whether it is for personal or business matters,” she said. “This trip created many opportunities to learn and better myself as an individual in moments that made learning more fun and enjoyable than what it could have been in just a regular classroom experience.”
For more information on SFA’s Rusche College of Business and its study abroad opportunities, visit sfasu.edu/cob.
August 13, 2025 –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a fruit research field day from 9am to 3pm September 19 featuring kiwifruit, muscadine grapes, blueberries, figs, feijoas and other fruits.
Speakers will include Dr. David Creech, director of SFA Gardens, with “The SFA Gardens’ Fruit Research Plots” and Dr. Tim Hartmann, Texas A&M University’s Department of Horticultural Sciences, with a talk on “Alternative Fruits for the Home Orchard or Commercial Field.”
The day will start at 9am with presentations at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building in the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet Street. There will be a break for attendees to leave for lunch. After the break, participants will then go to the fruit research plots at SFA Gardens around 1pm.
The cost of the field day is $15 per person. Register on-site the day of the event or in advance online at sfasu.edu/gardens.
For more information, email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
For the first time in its history, Stephen F. Austin State University has received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for a fall semester, marking a 17% increase over fall 2024 applications and a 67% rise since 2019. SFA also served more than 3,000 students during summer orientation sessions like the one pictured, marking the largest summer orientation attendance in SFA’s history.
August 7, 2025 –– For the first time in its history, Stephen F. Austin State University has received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for a fall semester, marking a 17% increase over fall 2024 applications and a 67% rise since 2019.
The surge follows The University of Texas System’s investment to expand SFA’s Purple Promise program, which covers tuition and fees for families earning $100,000 gross income or less. It’s also a result of new initiatives like the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch to improve access, support and college readiness for students across Texas.
“We’re incredibly energized by the excitement surrounding SFA right now,” said SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver. “This explosive growth speaks volumes about the momentum behind the SFA brand. Crossing the 20,000 threshold is a milestone achievement and a reflection of the academic strength, value and sense of belonging that define the SFA experience. Students and families across the state and beyond are taking notice.”
Due to the overwhelming interest, SFA added an extra in-person orientation session to accommodate students and families who plan to attend. In total, the university served more than 3,000 students during summer orientation, marking the largest summer orientation attendance in SFA’s history.
“This surge in applications and positive early enrollment data signals the strength of our strategic outreach, recruiting and marketing, as well as the appeal of our academic and student life offerings,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA. “From prospective first-year students to transfer and graduate students, more individuals are choosing SFA and committing to becoming Lumberjacks.”
These numbers and early enrollment trends show not only more applications but also stronger yield, retention and growth across first-time undergraduates, transfer students and graduate programs. The incoming first-time undergraduate class is currently on pace to be the largest in the university’s history.
“These numbers represent expanded opportunity for students and families across our region and beyond,” Willis said. “Through programs like Purple Promise, Lumberjack Transfer Alliance and Lumberjack Launch, we’re breaking down barriers and making it easier for students to achieve a four-year degree. Our recent integration into the UT System has only accelerated this progress, providing our students with even greater resources, support and connections within one of the world’s most respected public university systems.”
To learn more and apply for SFA’s fall 2025 semester, 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.
July 31, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University’s Counseling Services is now offering students, faculty and staff a new suicide prevention training program called Caring Jacks to create an environment where open conversations about suicide are met with compassion and support, helping build a community of care and connection.
“The Caring Jacks crisis response and suicide prevention training not only builds on the success of previous efforts but also aligns with The University of Texas System’s broader initiative to reduce suicide among college students across Texas campuses, ensuring that SFA remains at the forefront of mental health and crisis intervention education,” said Clare Fite, director of SFA Counseling Services.
Rooted in evidence-based, up-to-date methodologies, Caring Jacks replaces the Question, Persuade, Refer bystander intervention training Counseling Services used for over a decade.
“Since launching suicide prevention training at SFA, more students are actively engaging with crisis support services through Counseling Services, and we’ve observed positive trends in student safety and well-being,” Fite said. “These outcomes highlight the impact of awareness, education and proactive support. Together, we can reduce the stigma and risk of suicide — because at SFA, we're not just Lumberjacks, we're caring Jacks.”
Through a combination of expert-led presentations, real-life scenarios, role-playing activities and reflective discussion, Caring Jacks participants learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a suicide crisis, communicate with empathy and confidence, respond effectively and take informed action, and connect individuals to appropriate campus and community resources.
Two trainings are available. In the 50-minute introductory training, participants learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide, understand varying levels of crisis, strengthen supportive communication skills, and gain awareness of mental health resources.
For more in-depth training, Counseling Services offers a 90-minute comprehensive training. This extended session offers instruction on motivational interviewing techniques, empathetic communication and mental health first-aid principles.
Participants who complete the full training receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their preparedness to intervene and support others in crisis. To learn more about SFA's mental health resources, visit the Health and Wellness Hub webpage at sfasu.edu/thehub and the Lumberjack Wellness Network at sfasu.edu/lwn.
July 29, 2025 - Cole Tomberlain, president of The Tomberlain Insurance Group based in Longview, will give the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University’s summer graduation ceremony for undergraduates at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in Johnson Coliseum. All master’s and doctoral candidates will receive their degrees during the Graduate Studies ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, in Turner Auditorium, Griffith Fine Arts Building.
After graduating from Spring Hill High School in Longview, Tomberlain attended SFA, following in the footsteps of his parents, Chuck and Babette, and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2010. While a student, he was a volunteer firefighter and a member of the SFA chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He also participated in the Student Activities Association and cofounded Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Texas Phi Chapter.
Tomberlain’s family have been similarly active in Lumberjack life. His sister, Morgan, served as a student regent for the SFA Board of Regents. His father was president of the SFA Alumni Association Board of Directors. Simultaneously, Tomberlain served as the executive director of SFA’s Student Foundation Association.
“Mr. Tomberlain exemplifies what it means to be an SFA graduate — prepared, capable and committed to making a difference from day 1,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “When his family business needed leadership, he stepped up without hesitation at just 24 years old. He shows our graduates where dedication and an SFA education can take you.”
Tomberlain took over both Charles Tomberlain Insurance Agency and Tomberlain Properties following a family crisis in 2013. Under his leadership, the agency has earned several awards, including the Safeco Insurance Award of Excellence and the Longview Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. The agency also has received the Liberty Mutual President’s Award for 15 consecutive years and was inducted into the Foremost Insurance Hall of Fame in 2016.
Tomberlain also has earned individual recognition, including being voted the Best Insurance Agent in East Texas four consecutive years. He has served on the Liberty Mutual Central Region Advisory Council and the Safeco Insurance National Advisory Council.
“I am honored to return to SFA to speak to my fellow Lumberjacks as they transition into the next phase of their lives,” Tomberlain said. “SFA doesn’t just give you a degree, it gives you an extended family of alumni who are here to help support you on your path to success!
“While in Nacogdoches, many SFA students find out who they are meant to be and develop the dreams they will chase when they graduate,” he continued. “As they step into their next chapter, these graduates will carry with them what they learned not just in the classroom but also in their student organizations and leadership programs. I am looking forward to celebrating with them.”
In addition to his insurance work, Tomberlain has assisted with several nonprofits. He was the founding chair of Bourbon & Bowties, the official fundraiser for the Longview World of Wonders hands-on discovery center that has netted nearly $2 million for the museum. He also was a founding board member of the Young Professionals of Longview, Combat Warriors of East Texas and the East Texas Bourbon Society.
Tomberlain continues to give back to his alma mater through his service on the Business Communication and Legal Studies Advisory Council in SFA’s Nelson Rusche College of Business as well as The University of Texas System’s Chancellor’s Centurions. He received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from the SFA Alumni Association in 2019, making him and his father the first father-son duo to receive the honor. Kendall, Tomberlain’s wife, obtained her master’s degree in counseling from SFA in 2023, and their son, Liam, served as crown bearer at the SFA Homecoming football game that same year.
The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremonies, and community tickets will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the coliseum ticket office and the Fine Arts Box Office one hour before each event begins.
Degrees to be awarded include 230 bachelor’s, 68 master’s and 10 doctoral degrees. Seventy-one students will graduate with honors, including 28 cum laude, 21 magna cum laude and 22 summa cum laude. Two students will graduate with the university scholar designation.
For more information, visit sfasu.edu/graduation.
July 14, 2025 – The excitement is building at Stephen F. Austin State University, where extraordinary momentum in student enrollment has prompted the addition of a first-year student AXEcepted Day orientation session July 31.
With more incoming Lumberjacks confirming their plans to attend SFA, the university has added an extra AXEcepted Day session to accommodate the increase in participants. This marks a significant moment of growth and energy for the university, signaling that more students are choosing to say, "Axe 'em, Jacks!"
"This is a great problem to have," said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA. "We're thrilled to see so many students choosing SFA as their college home. The enthusiasm around becoming a Lumberjack is undeniable, and we’re excited to welcome each of these new students to campus."
SFA's orientation program is a crucial first step in helping students and their families transition to life at the university. During the single-day AXEcepted Day event, new Lumberjacks connect with peers, meet faculty and staff, receive academic advising, and learn about campus resources while family members get tips on how to support their students during their first year at college.
After they move in for the fall semester, first-year students will attend Lumberjack Life, August 22-23, to learn more about SFA's traditions and become familiar with campus before fall classes begin August 25.
Registration is now open for the July 31 session at sfasu.edu/register-orientation.
Students who have been accepted to SFA for the fall 2025 semester and are ready to take their next steps can find full orientation details at sfasu.edu/orientation.
"There's never been a better time to be a Lumberjack," Willis said. "This wave of interest in SFA shows just how strong our community, academic programs and campus culture really are."
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