SFA University
Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at Stephen F. Austin State University, introduced SFA’s new Lumberjack Launch Guaranteed Admissions Program to more than 200 attendees at a ceremony May 7 on campus.
May 8, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University leaders and nearly 200 high school students from more than 15 regional partner schools promised to work together to achieve the students’ higher education goals during the introduction of SFA’s new Lumberjack Launch Guaranteed Admissions Program at a ceremony May 7 on campus.
Designed to provide a seamless transition for students from participating regional schools into the SFA community, Lumberjack Launch fosters strong connections between local schools and the university to encourage college readiness and early engagement with campus life.
“To every student in East Texas, SFA is your higher education home if you want it to be,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at the university. “SFA is your partner in success. We’re removing every barrier that you can think of standing in your way to becoming anything you want to be.”
Offering support as early as eighth grade, the program is designed to help students change their thinking from “if I go to college” to “when I go to college,” said Janna Chancey, assistant vice president for enrollment management at SFA.
By the time high school students reach their senior year, their participation in Lumberjack Launch will reduce the stress and anxiety normally associated with the college-going process, whether students in the program decide to attend SFA or another university.
“Even if you’re not quite sure you want to go to SFA, you can commit to participating in Lumberjack Launch when we visit your campus this fall,” Willis said.
Brady Taylor, superintendent of Woden Independent School District, encouraged the students in attendance to take advantage of Lumberjack Launch.
“We’ve needed a program like this for a long time. The anxiety and stress of the college transition are real,” he told students. “The Lumberjack Launch mentor program will allow you to talk to SFA students who are doing what you want to do.”
Bay Hutchins, an SFA mass communication graduate student from Willis, Texas, said, “Lumberjack Launch will ease your nerves. You’ll be one step ahead of all the other incoming freshmen.”
Damenion Miller, new superintendent of Crockett ISD, told students how his daughter had graduated from SFA two years before with an accounting degree and was a member of the university’s national champion Cheer and Dance Teams.
“College is not only within reach, SFA is ready to receive you,” he said. “This program is more than just an agreement. It is a promise to students and families. We see your potential, we believe in your future and we’re committed to removing the barriers so you can pursue your higher education dreams.”
Miller then asked the students in the audience to make a promise in return to the SFA leaders who are working to support them: “Dr. Willis, we won’t let you down,” they said.
“The promise is mutual,” Willis emphasized. “We want you to understand the value of an SFA degree, but we’re working to help you go to college period. You can’t be what you don’t see. With this program, you’ll be able to see yourself in college and see yourself as successful.”
Lumberjack Launch students receive the following benefits to support their academic, social and personal success:
- Guaranteed admission upon meeting program requirements
- Financial aid guidance and priority consideration for SFA scholarships
- Personalized mentoring and guidance from current SFA students
- Invitations to exclusive events and campus tours
- Tailored academic advising to ensure a smooth transition into university life
To participate in Lumberjack Launch, students must meet the following requirements:
- Enrollment at one of SFA’s partnering guaranteed-admissions regional schools
- Completion of required high school coursework aligned with Texas college readiness standards
- A letter of intent to enroll at SFA upon completion of current coursework
- Participation in at least two Lumberjack Launch events, which include campus visits; college readiness workshops and mentorship meetings; or athletics, arts or other enrichment activities on campus
- Submission of high school transcripts or equivalent documentation and any additional forms requested by SFA’s Office of Admissions
- Demonstration of commitment to SFA’s core values: learning, personal responsibility and community involvement
Dr. Darrell Myers, SFA alumnus and interim superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD, summed up the feeling at the ceremony.
“What a great day in East Texas, and what a great day to be a Lumberjack!”
For more information and a list of Lumberjack Launch partners, visit sfasu.edu/launch.
April 29, 2025 - Daniel Campos, Lockheed Martin quality engineer, will give the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University’s spring graduation ceremonies for undergraduates Thursday and Friday, May 8-9, in Johnson Coliseum. Campos received a Bachelor of Science in engineering physics from SFA in 2021.
“A recent SFA graduate himself, Mr. Campos is a powerful example of how support and hard work can turn dreams into reality,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Our spring 2025 graduates have demonstrated that same unwavering determination throughout their time at SFA. They are ready to create meaningful change and carry the Lumberjack spirit wherever they go.”
At age 16, Campos began working at a local restaurant and was soon promoted to a management position. But his teachers at Lufkin High School, as well as his mom, encouraged him to stay in school. He was named a National Dell Scholar and, as a Smith-Hutson Scholarship recipient, received a full-ride scholarship to SFA in 2017.
Campos said the support he received at SFA played an important part in successfully earning a degree. In addition to serving as an Orientation leader for three years, he was an active participant in the Generation Jacks program for first-generation college students.
“I am incredibly honored and beyond excited to be delivering the commencement speech for the remarkable Class of 2025,” Campos said. “This moment means the world to me, and I can’t wait to celebrate the passion, resilience and bright futures of this extraordinary group of Lumberjacks.”
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 one hour before each event begins. The four ceremonies are currently scheduled as follows — times and dates are subject to change.
• Thursday, May 8
• 3 p.m. — Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts, and Nelson Rusche College of Business
• 6 p.m. — Graduate Studies (all master’s and doctoral degree candidates)
• Friday, May 9
• 3 p.m. — College of Liberal and Applied Arts and College of Sciences and Mathematics
• 6 p.m. — James I. Perkins College of Education
Degrees to be awarded include 1,005 bachelor’s and 272 master’s degrees. Nearly 500 students will graduate with honors, including 140 cum laude, 133 magna cum laude and 220 summa cum laude. Thirty-six students will graduate with the university scholar designation.
For more information, visit sfasu.edu/graduation.
April 28, 2025 - Below is Stephen F. Austin State University’s calendar of events and key dates for April 28 to May 12.
Note: This calendar is not intended to be comprehensive; click the calendar links below for more events.
- 3K Run and Walk: 6:30pm April 30 at Circle drive outside Baker Pattillo Student Center. Join the Investiture week festivities with the 3K Run and Walk.
- Presidential Investiture Ceremony: 10am May 1 in Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium. The Presidential Investiture Ceremony marks the formal installation of a new university president. During this ceremony, the president is officially vested with the powers of their office, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the university's history. A reception will follow the ceremony.
- Plant Propagation with Dr. Andrew King: 9am May 3 at Brundrett Conservation Education Building. Join SFA Gardens for a plant propagation workshop led by Dr. Andrew King, assistant professor of ornamental horticulture at Texas A&M AgriLife in Overton.
- Choral Masterwork Concert with orchestra: 7:30pm May 3 in Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium. Join the SFA Symphony Orchestra and combined SFA choirs as they present Felix Mendelssohn’s dramatic and monumental oratorio, “Elijah.”
- A Snake Woman's Garden: 7pm May 8 at Brundrett Conservation Education Building. The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series will feature Kimberly Benton, who will share her insights about the Snake Woman’s Garden located at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site near Alto.
- Spring Commencement: May 8-9 in Johnson Coliseum. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/graduation.
- Baseball vs. University of the Incarnate Word: May 8-10 at Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex, Pilgrim’s Park. SFA’s baseball team is set to play a three-game series against University of the Incarnate Word over three days, including 6:05pm May 8, 3:05pm May 9 and 1:05pm May 10.
Look ahead:
- May 26 - Memorial Day holiday
Dr. Neal Weaver, Stephen F. Austin State University president, and Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president, shake hands after signing the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance agreement during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. Panola College’s membership in the alliance provides its students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university with guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.
April 22, 2025 – Stephen F. Austin State University has added a third partner — Panola College in Carthage — to its recently launched Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. Because of this alliance, Panola College students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university will benefit from guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.
“There are some amazing things happening here at Panola College, and we want to be a part of that,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president, during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. “We want students from Panola College to know that they have a pathway and an open door to be a part of what we’re doing at Stephen F. Austin State University.”
The Lumberjack Transfer Alliance will provide Panola College students with the following:
- Automatic consideration for SFA's Purple Promise program, which covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for incoming first-year and transfer students as long as they maintain their eligibility
- Increase from 60 to 90 transferrable hours
- Increased likelihood of seamless transfers and on-time graduations from both institutions
- Opportunities to meet with SFA advisors while completing requirements at Panola College
- Invitations each semester to tour SFA and attend recruitment events
- A one-time $500 stipend in addition to SFA's Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship for students who meet SFA’s eligibility criteria and have completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from Panola College
- Opportunities to connect with other students transferring to SFA
- Opportunities to attend SFA events, such as athletics and fine arts events
“We are proud to continue this collaboration, which reflects a shared commitment to student success,” said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president. “Together, Panola College and SFA are creating pathways for students to reach their academic goals and fulfill their potential. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the lives and futures of our students.”
In the last six years, the number of transfers from Panola College to SFA has fallen by 50%, Weaver said.
“The goal over the next six years is to not just get back to where we were but to increase it twofold,” Weaver said. “East Texas does not work if we don’t work together. With your help and with your partnership, we know that we can do a better job. We look forward to working with you.”
This event is part of a series SFA is hosting to announce its community college partners. Angelina College in Lufkin joined the alliance in February, and Tyler Junior College joined last week. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/transfer/alliance.
Dr. Juan E. Mejia, president of Tyler Junior College, and Dr. Neal Weaver, president of Stephen F. Austin State University, celebrate TJC’s entry into the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance during SFA Day at TJC April 17. The partnership guarantees TJC students ready to transfer to a four-year university admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.
April 18, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University has added Tyler Junior College to its recently launched Lumberjack Transfer Alliance, a partnership with community colleges in East Texas that features guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services to students.
During SFA Day at TJC April 17, the two institutions announced they are working together to increase the economic power of East Texas by raising the number of East Texans with college degrees through a seamless transition from junior college to four-year university.
“It is our job in higher education to create opportunities for our region, for our people, to embrace not only the education but the benefits that come with it,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “And this partnership between TJC and SFA can unlock that potential for our part of the state and the people in this region.”
Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president, said the junior college has been looking forward to the partnership with SFA because of the institutions’ similar core values, including teaching excellence, innovative programming and stellar services.
“These authentic partnerships are at the core of what TJC stands for,” Mejia said. “We want to be the organization that unites, that truly cares for our students and our communities — doing that with integrity and empowering everyone to dream and dream big. It’s not about how much we can get without giving. We want to reciprocate. We want to give to you. The door will always be open to you here.”
Attendees at the agreement signing ceremony included James I. Perkins, president and chair of the board for Citizens 1st Bank, former SFA regent and the namesake of SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education, as well as Bob Garrett, president and CEO of the Fair Oil Company of Texas Inc. and former SFA Board of Regents chair.
“What we’re doing here today is so exciting,” Perkins said. “I know each one of you really feel it here.”
Garrett shared his personal story of transferring from South Plains College in Levelland to SFA, 527 miles away.
“I had only two years to complete my college education, and I couldn’t afford to repeat any classes,” Garrett said. “SFA took 100% of my credits.”
Garrett emphasized the institutions’ goals of boosting the number of college graduates in the region by reaching students who normally don’t consider higher education.
“I’m really proud that these two institutions have come together to do that,” Garrett said. “If we’re going to meet the demands of the workforce, we need more four-year college graduates.”
Weaver said he hopes the partnership and SFA’s Purple Promise program reverse the trend of fewer TJC students transferring to SFA.
“We want to make this so easy and so possible that no student is told, ‘No,’” Weaver said. “Any transfer student who comes to Stephen F. Austin State University from a family that earns less than $100,000 a year can come without tuition and fees.”
The Lumberjack Transfer Alliance will provide TJC students with the following benefits:
• Automatic consideration for SFA’s Purple Promise program, which covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for incoming first-year and transfer students as long as they maintain their eligibility
• Increased likelihood of seamless transfers and on-time graduations from both institutions
• Opportunities to meet with SFA advisors while completing requirements at TJC
• Invitations each semester to tour SFA and attend recruitment events
• A one-time $500 stipend in addition to SFA's Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship for students who meet SFA’s eligibility criteria and have completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from TJC
• Opportunities to connect with other students transferring to SFA
• Opportunities to attend SFA events, such as athletics and fine arts events
“There is no way East Texas can be successful if we aren’t working together,” Weaver said. “We are thrilled to be here, and we are so pleased that TJC would partner with us. To the employees of both institutions that put this together, we thank you very much. What you have done is going to change people’s lives.”
This event is the second in a series SFA will host to announce its community college partners. Angelina College in Lufkin joined the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance in February. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/transfer/alliance.
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.
April 14, 2025 -Stephen F. Austin State University’s calendar of events and key dates for April 14-28.
Note: This calendar is not intended to be comprehensive; click the calendar links below for more events.
Wind Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m. April 15
Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium
Wind Ensemble will conclude their season featuring the premiere of Ben Morris’ soprano concerto performed by Bob Eason, assistant professor of saxophone. Morris is an assistant professor of composition at SFA. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth.
Easter holiday for students and faculty
April 17-21
Students and faculty will be off beginning April 17. Classes will resume April 21.
Softball vs. Louisiana Tech University
6 p.m. April 22
SFA Softball Field
SFA’s softball team is slated to play Louisiana Tech University.
Graduate Research Conference
April 22
Baker Pattillo Student Center
The Graduate Research Conference is a skill building opportunity for SFA graduate students in presenting data, public speaking and communicating with others about theory and innovative research strategies.
Symphonic and University Band concerts
7:30 p.m. April 22
Griffith Fine Arts Building, Turner Auditorium
Join the University Band under the direction of graduate conductors, and the Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. Chris Kaatz as they present a varied program sure to have something for everyone. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth.
Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition
4:30 p.m. April 25
McGee Business Building, Suite 133
Up to 10 semifinalists will be selected to compete in front of a panel of judges to pitch their business ideas, with five students advancing to the final "Shark Tank"-style competition.
Baseball vs. Northwestern State University
April 25-27
Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex, Pilgrim’s Park
SFA’s baseball team is set to play a three-game series against Northwestern State University over three days, including 6:05 p.m. April 25, 3:05 p.m. April 26 and 1:05 p.m. April 27.
Little Princess Tea Party
10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m. April 26
Pineywoods Native Plant Center
Join SFA Gardens for the Little Princess Tea Party held in the backyard of the Tucker House. Princesses and their accompanying adults will be served lunch and "tea," and will enjoy songs, stories and crafts designed to help them learn about conservation while they create lasting memories.
Look ahead:
May 8-9 - Spring commencement
Stephen F. Austin State University has appointed successful financial planner, business strategist and SFA alumnus Taylor Kovar as the first entrepreneur-in-residence at the university’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship in the Rusche College of Business.
March 25, 2025 - Stephen F. Austin State University has appointed successful financial planner, business strategist and SFA alumnus Taylor Kovar as the first entrepreneur-in-residence at the university’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship in the Rusche College of Business.
“With ACE’s entrepreneur-in-residence program, SFA continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, mentorship and business success,” said Dr. Raymond Jones, associate professor of entrepreneurship and strategy and director of SFA’s entrepreneurship program. “Taylor’s hands-on approach and extensive industry experience provide students with a unique and invaluable learning advantage.”
Kovar, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from SFA in 2009, has built several companies, including 11 Financial, Hive Marketing and Premier Pediatric Therapy, for which he achieved national accreditation and significant revenue growth.
Now, he’s bringing that expertise back to SFA by teaching a course in entrepreneurial finance, mentoring students and connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with real-world opportunities. Kovar also is collaborating to faculty-led research and helping turn student business ideas into viable ventures.
The appointment, which started at the beginning of the spring semester, also positioned Kovar to bridge the academic side of SFA’s entrepreneurship degree offerings with the small-business support ACE provides to the local community.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just learned in a classroom — it’s experienced,” Kovar said. “Being back at SFA, I am attempting to prepare students not just for jobs but also for creating their own opportunities.”
Beyond the classroom, the goal of ACE’s entrepreneur-in-residence program is to drive regional economic growth by connecting students with investors, industry leaders and funding opportunities.
“Having someone with Taylor’s track record on campus elevates our program,” said Matthew Smilor, ACE director. “His insights into scaling businesses, securing funding and navigating challenges are exactly what our students need.”
Kovar will serve as ACE’s entrepreneur-in-residence through the end of the semester.
For more information on SFA’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, visit sfasu.edu/ace.
March 17, 2025 - Below is Stephen F. Austin State University’s calendar of events and key dates for March 17-31.
Note: This calendar is not intended to be comprehensive; click the calendar links below for more events.
Tennis vs. Tarleton State University
11 a.m. March 17 at the Schlief Tennis Complex
James Vilseck Percussion Faculty Recital
6 p.m. March 17 in the Wright Music Building, Cole Concert Hall
Vilseck will present the concert “The Ox and Lamb Music Club” consisting of six percussion solos originally created for the Ox and Lamb Music Club in 2021 and 2022. The recital features compositions by Michael Burritt, Dame Evelyn Glenn, Andrea Venet, Peter Erskine, Julie Davila and She-e Wu.
Piney Woods Entrepreneurship Network Meetup
5:30 p.m. March 19 at Fredonia Brewery
During this monthly event hosted in part by the Rusche College of Business’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, community members, small business owners, entrepreneurs and SFA students are invited to connect with, learn from and help each other.
J.H. Burr Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series
4 p.m. March 20 in the Cole STEM Building, Planetarium
Dr. David Taylor, associate professor of molecular biosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, will present “Reengineering CRISPR-Cas Effectors.” The speaker series is endowed in honor of Professor J.H. Burr, who taught at SFA from 1951 to 1986, and hosts speakers who discuss topics relating to biological research. The event is free and open to the public.
“The Monarch Migration: Its Rise and Fall”
10 a.m. March 22 in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building
Part of the SFA Gardens monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series, Monika Maeckle, the founder of the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival, will present “The Monarch Migration: Its Rise and Fall.”
Bugs, Bees, Butterflies and Blossoms Festival
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 24 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center
Educators are invited to register their K-2 classes to attend the Bugs, Bees, Butterflies and Blossoms Festival, which features four Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills-aligned, nature-based outdoor activities.
Percussion Studio's Experimental Recital
6 p.m. March 26 in the Wright Music Building, Cole Concert Hall
The SFA Percussion Studio presents its first-ever experimental recital, an innovative concert showcasing student-led ensembles and solo performances. This recital provides students with an opportunity to explore and present works outside of private lessons and studio classes, offering a fresh perspective on percussion performance.
Softball vs. Houston Christian University
March 28-29 at Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex, SFA Softball Field
SFA’s softball team is set to play a three-game series against Houston Christian University over two days, including at 5:30 p.m. March 28 and at noon and 2:30 p.m. March 29.
Look ahead:
- April 8 - Children’s Series: Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
- April 22 - Graduate Research Conference
- April 29-30 - Livestock AGventure Days
- May 8-9 - Spring commencement
The spring Showcase Saturday, SFA’s premier open house event, saw the largest turnout in its history with more than 2,800 attendees at the March 1 event.
March 10, 2025 – Preliminary data for Stephen F. Austin State University shows encouraging trends across multiple areas, including enrollment, retention and student interest. With record-breaking prospective student engagement, improved fall-to-spring retention rates, and an anticipated increase in semester credit hour production, the university is experiencing positive momentum.
Last fall, SFA welcomed its largest first-time undergraduate class since 2017 — a milestone that contributed to the university’s highest fall-to-spring retention rate since 2016 at 92.3%. Additionally, early projections indicate that total undergraduate semester credit hour production for the 2024-25 academic year is expected to rise by approximately 4% after the summer session, marking the first undergraduate SCH increase in a decade.
“These numbers are a strong indicator that the work our faculty, staff and students are doing is making a difference,” said SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver. “More students are seeing the value of an SFA education, and once they arrive, they’re choosing to stay. That’s a testament to the engaging academic experience and supportive community we’ve built here in Nacogdoches.”
Interest in SFA is also on the rise. The university has received 2,000 more undergraduate applications compared to this same time last year. Additionally, the spring Showcase Saturday, SFA’s premier open house event, saw the largest turnout in its history with more than 2,800 attendees at the March 1 event. The event allows prospective students and their families to explore campus, connect with faculty members, and learn about academic and extracurricular opportunities.
“The record attendance at Showcase Saturday demonstrates the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding SFA,” said Dr. Kent Willis, SFA senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. “We’re seeing more students and families eager to experience what it means to be a Lumberjack, and that engagement is translating into increased applications and interest in our programs.”
While these figures remain preliminary, they signal a positive trajectory for SFA as the university continues its commitment to student success and growth.
Applications are still being accepted for SFA’s fall 2025 semester. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/apply.
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.
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