Shelby County Today

March 6, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University is proud to announce the launch of SFA Delegates, a dynamic student ambassador program designed to provide exceptional students with the opportunity to represent SFA at special events and official gatherings, acting as the face of the university under the direction of the Office of the President.

“The SFA Delegates are all great examples of the student body of SFA,” said SFA first lady Kristi Weaver, who spearheaded the group’s creation based on similar programs she and SFA President Neal Weaver have cultivated at past institutions. “They help us represent the university in positive ways to the constituents who help the university. Dr. Weaver and I enjoy the opportunity to work with these students as they develop their skills and help them attain valuable experiences while representing SFA.”

The SFA Delegates program aims to foster a group of student leaders who embody the values of the institution at ceremonies such as graduation, holiday celebrations, and other prestigious university and community functions. Through meaningful interactions with the campus community and special guests, SFA Delegates will develop essential communication and leadership skills that complement those they’re developing in the classroom, all while enhancing their personal and professional growth. Thirteen students were selected to serve in the university’s first cohort, which began in fall 2024.

“Having students represent the university at ceremonies and events creates a meaningful and lasting impact by providing an authentic perspective on the life of a modern-day Lumberjack,” said Lacey Folsom, director of Student Engagement and the SFA Delegates advisor. “Their presence allows university supporters, stakeholders and guests to see firsthand how SFA is shaping the experiences and futures of its students. Their involvement strengthens the connection between SFA and its broader community.”

SFA Delegates maintain a close connection with the university’s Office of the President, allowing them to spend more time with the first family and connect with influential alumni and campus partners which will provide them with invaluable mentorship, advice and networking opportunities as they work toward achieving their personal and professional goals.

“The students who serve in these roles are already exceptional leaders, making a meaningful impact across campus — whether in the classroom, as leaders of student organizations, as student employees or as SFA student-athletes,” Folsom said. “However, membership in this organization will also provide opportunities for further leadership development, focusing on essential skills, such as effective communication, professional etiquette, problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork and the ability to engage with diverse audiences.”

In order to be selected as an SFA Delegates member, students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, be in good standing for academics and conduct, and attend a variety of events, such as retreat/training workshop, monthly meetings and at least one commencement ceremony each semester. 

“When expanding the SFA Delegates cohort, our focus is on selecting juniors and seniors who have actively engaged in various aspects of campus leadership and can authentically share their experiences at SFA,” Folsom said. “These students will serve as ambassadors, offering valuable insight into university life and leadership. The selection process includes a thorough application and interview, carefully evaluated by program advisors and current SFA Delegate leaders to ensure candidates align with the program’s mission and values.”

For more information about SFA Delegates, visit gosfa.com/SFAdelegates or contact Shelby DeWitt, coordinator of Student Engagement, at shelby.winthrop@sfasu.edu.

February 27, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has been selected as one of 13 in the state to participate in the Texas Computer Science Pipeline initiative, a program designed to increase the number of teachers certified to teach secondary computer science courses. Led by The University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center through its nationally recognized WeTeach_CS program, JacksTeach will coordinate the initiative locally to provide training and support to educators, ensuring students have greater access to high-quality computer science education.

As part of the TXCSP initiative, SFA will serve as a WeTeach_CS certification hub, offering professional development and certification support for current Texas educators who wish to expand their qualifications to include computer science. 

“Being chosen as a WeTeach_CS certification hub is a testament to SFA’s reputation for excellence in STEM education and teacher preparation,” said Dr. Jane Long, professor and director of JacksTeach. “The Department of Computer Science has a strong track record of preparing people for rewarding careers, and we are excited to contribute to this important initiative and help build a strong pipeline of computer science educators across Texas.”

The initiative, funded through a $10 million appropriation by the Texas Legislature, will leverage the expertise of JacksTeach, which has a strong track record of preparing secondary educators. JacksTeach allows students majoring in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics to earn a secondary teaching certification alongside their degree — an approach that directly aligns with TXCSP’s mission to upskill teachers in high-need subject areas like computer science.

“The Texas Computer Science Pipeline represents a transformative investment in the future of K-12 computing education,” said Amy Carrell, principal investigator of the TXCSP and director of WeTeach_CS. “By leveraging the expertise of WeTeach_CS and our statewide network of partners, we are equipping educators across Texas to inspire and empower the next generation of computer scientists.”

SFA’s role in the initiative builds on its longstanding commitment to teacher preparation. Through JacksTeach, students gain hands-on classroom experience early in their academic careers, benefit from dedicated faculty mentorship, and receive specialized training in high-demand fields. This innovative approach helps bridge the gap between content knowledge and effective teaching strategies, making SFA an ideal hub for supporting educators seeking computer science certification.

For more information about SFA’s JacksTeach program, visit sfasu.edu/jacksteach.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a $5 million expansion of Stephen F. Austin State University’s forestry and agriculture construction project. The expansion will add a nearly 17,000-square-foot Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building next to the planned four-story, 102,117-square-foot Forestry Building set to open in 2027. Pictured is a rendering provided by Kirksey Architecture of the new Forestry Building’s southern facade on East College Street.

A rendering provided by Kirksey Architecture shows the newly approved Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building set to be built on the north side of a state-of-the-art Forestry Building on Stephen F. Austin State University’s campus. The additional building will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture and related industries.

February 24, 2025 - The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved today an additional $5 million be added to the nearly $80 million previously allotted to Stephen F. Austin State University for the construction of new state-of-the-art forestry and agriculture buildings on campus. The expanded budget supports the addition of an Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building next to the Forestry Building’s construction site.

“This approval is a critical step in advancing our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education for students in some of the most vital industries in Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “UT System’s investment in this new facility will benefit generations of students, strengthen SFA’s position as a leader in forestry and agriculture education, and enhance our ability to contribute to critical research in environmental sciences. We are grateful for the support of the UT System and the Board of Regents as we work to bring this vision to life.”

The board’s approval increases the total forestry and agriculture project cost from $79.9 million to $84.9 million, with fund sources split almost equally between Capital Construction Assistance Project and the Permanent University Fund.

“The board’s investment in a new building for SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture was one of the first and most important commitments we made to SFA. The college offers a signature program we did not previously have in the UT System, so it was especially meaningful for us to help SFA build capacity to lead nationally in this critical area of study and research,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. 

The new Forestry Building will be a four-story, 102,117-square-foot facility housing integrated technology classrooms, research laboratories, student resource areas and faculty office spaces. The addition of 16,990 square feet for the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture and related industries.

“We are thrilled to see this transformative project move forward with the board’s approval,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “This facility will not only enhance the educational experience for our students but will also provide cutting-edge resources for our faculty’s research and outreach efforts. The addition of the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will equip students with the technical skills necessary to meet the challenges of the modern agricultural landscape, ensuring that SFA graduates are well-prepared to lead in this dynamic field.”

The project is set to provide a modern, multidisciplinary space designed for 21st-century instruction, fostering collaboration among students, faculty and industry professionals. With the inclusion of specialized agricultural engineering labs, students will gain vital experience in carpentry, mechanics and other technical skills.

With the board’s approval of the expanded budget and design plan, the abatement process of the existing Forestry Building will begin in the coming months. The building will then be razed and the new facilities constructed in its footprint. The new forestry and agricultural buildings are projected to be complete in 2027.

January 23, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University will recognize several prominent donors who have supported the institution during the 34th annual SFA Gala, slated for Saturday, January 25, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom. (https://www.sfasu.edu/giving/donor-recognition/sfa-gala)

Hosted by the SFASU Foundation, the annual black-tie event honors generous benefactors to the university; showcases the impact of their giving on the students, faculty, staff and programs; and reiterates the need for the university’s endowment.

The 2025 honorees, inducted into two of the university’s three tiers of giving, are Teresa Jill Adams of Knott, L.D. and Johnnie McWilliams of Timpson, Betty Oglesbee of San Augustine, and the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation of Nacogdoches.

Citizens 1st Bank is the title sponsor for the event. Since 1920, Citizens 1st Bank has emphasized good customer services and conservative banking practices to support the banking needs of residents of East Texas.

Fredonia Society Inductees

Teresa Jill Adams

Teresa Jill Adams came to SFA from Knott as a passionate young artist in the spring of 1977. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1979, and during her time as a student, her original passion for illustration and painting evolved to encompass studies in lithography, silk screening and printmaking.

Adams obtained a master’s degree in elementary education with a specialization in reading and taught general education, reading and fine arts to elementary students for more than 30 years. Her love for art and art education has been expressed through her involvement in numerous school art programs, most notably in her establishment of the Teresa Jill Adams Foundation, which primarily supports art education and other charitable organizations. She has set an outstanding example for SFA students and alumni through her career achievements, her generosity, and her manifest dedication and loyalty to SFA.

On Jan. 30, 2023, the former SFA board of regents expressed its admiration, gratitude and high regard for Adams by naming the art gallery in the Griffith Fine Arts Building the Teresa Jill Adams Art Gallery.

L.D. and Johnnie McWilliams

L.D. and Johnnie both finished high school in Timpson then received their bachelor’s degrees from SFA in 1964 and 1965, respectively. They followed that with master’s degrees in 1966, L.D. in biology and Johnnie in education, and were married in August 1965.

As part of their continued investment at SFA, L.D. and Johnnie have endowed three scholarships over the years. Two were in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and the third was in the James I. Perkins College of Education. They also are involved in the SFA Alumni Association and serve as alumni ambassadors.

After graduating from SFA, L.D. worked as an instructor at SFA and Blinn Community College, and Johnnie taught in Redland, Brenham, Wells and Nacogdoches. They then moved to Lake Jackson in 1969, where L.D. served as a professor and department chair for biology, as well as division director for science and mathematics at Brazosport Community College for more than 32 years. Johnnie eventually served as an assistant principal then principal at Bess Brannen Elementary for a total of 20 years.

From the time of their graduation from SFA, the McWilliams have invested in the education of students through their careers, giving and involvement. After retirement, they moved back home to East Texas in 2001, where they have enjoyed traveling the world visiting every continent. They can also be found at Lumberjack ballgames supporting their alma mater.

Betty Oglesbee

The Oglesbee family is thrilled to provide scholarships and resources for pre-health, culinary and history programs at SFA. Betty Oglesbee and her late husband, John H. Oglesbee Jr., have four sons, Dr. John Oglesbee III, Vance Oglesbee, Chris Oglesbee and Forrest Oglesbee.

Betty and John did not attend SFA, but they are long-time supporters of the university. Residing 35 miles away in San Augustine, Betty and John frequently visited the campus for historic presentations, research in special collections, fine arts events, athletic games and other gatherings. They both graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, as did their sons. While at UT, Betty was a scholar, graduating summa cum laude, and served as president of her 1955 graduating class.

Betty was involved in a variety of civic commitments over the years, including San Augustine County’s Historical Society, Chamber of Commerce, Garden Club, County Historical Commission, public library, Boy Scouts, Main Street Advisory Board and independent school district foundation.

Betty and the San Augustine County Historical Society have been actively involved in saving and promoting the development of the 1721 Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais, supported by Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Trent Ashby. Betty was honored by Gov. Greg Abbott with the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation in 2017.

An article in Texas Monthly stated that Betty is sometimes described as San Augustine’s “matriarch.” She is fondly known as “Mama Betty” by her family, which includes nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many others. She is a life-long member of the San Augustine Methodist Church.

Stephen F. Austin Society Inductees

The Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation

The mission of the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation is to provide assistance to duly-qualified public and private foundations and charities, as well as governmental organizations located primarily in Nacogdoches County. Assistance to these foundations and charities provides relief for the poor and disadvantaged; helps maintain and build public buildings, monuments and works; and supports the advancement of education, science and combating community deterioration.

Graduating from Nacogdoches High School in 1945, Charles was drafted into the army to serve as a military police officer during World War II and as a driver and typist for editor and author William F. Buckle Jr.

After the war, Bright flourished as an inventive entrepreneur who crafted an outboard motor and boat business and was instrumental in developing and patenting the famous Loco Lure for avid anglers. 

Later, Charles and his brother, N.G., formed Bright Coop Company, which revolutionized the manufacturing of poultry transportation equipment. University of Colorado’s Dr. Temple Grandin, leading animal welfare advocate at the time and U.S. government-appointed auditor, approved the unique “Bright” cage unloading system as the predominant chicken coop system used in the United States. The Brights created a lasting legacy through their lifetime of hard work, kindness and integrity.

Over the years, the Charles and Lois Marie Bright Foundation has generously supported SFA through initiatives for capital improvements, as well as investments in academic programs and scholarships.

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, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.