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.
