SFA University
February 28, 2020 Nacogdoches — Senior interior design students at Stephen F. Austin State University are showcasing their talents during the Essence of Design exhibit on display through March 28 on the second floor of the Steen Library at SFA. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
Each of the students is allotted a 64-square-foot area to create a display that showcases his or her personality, skills and design philosophy. The students’ areas are equipped with TV monitors that showcase collaborations among all SFA’s interior design classes and faculty members.
“This exhibit demonstrates what interior designers do in the real world and how much technical information is required for a design,” said Sally Ann Swearingen, associate professor of interior design and construction management in SFA’s School of Human Sciences.
The exhibit helps students prepare their portfolios for the job-search process, educate the public about interior design and experience the complete design process, from conceptualization to design development, fabrication, installation and evaluation.
Plano senior Caroline Lebeuf gained construction and troubleshooting skills while working on her double-sided display that includes sitting and shelf areas. “This was a fun way to show my love for design and my use of color and details to liven up spaces,” she said.
The interior design seniors will be available to discuss their work in person at a reception from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 29, in the same location as the showcase. Johnson Furniture is sponsoring the reception, and Lufkin Printing is sponsoring the invitations.
The exhibit also offers area high school students a chance to explore the interior design program at SFA.
“Our exhibit runs during an SFA Showcase Saturday event on March 28, so prospective students can see this exhibit and our facility,” Swearingen said. “We’re also inviting all area high school students interested in art, drafting and design to stop by and see the exhibit.”
To schedule a guided tour for future Lumberjacks or high school students, contact Swearingen at (936) 468-2048 or sswearingen@sfasu.edu.
Senior interior design students at Stephen F. Austin State University are showcasing their talents during the Essence of Design exhibit on display through March 28 on the second floor of the Steen Library at SFA. The students designed and fabricated displays to showcase their personalities, design skills and portfolios. Jordyn Graham of Mesquite designed an airport pop-up bar and gained real-world experience for her future career in aviation hospitality.
February 19, 2020 - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present Kate Hamill’s “Pride and Prejudice” at 7:30 nightly through Saturday, February 22, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Theatre students, from left, Clayton junior Colby Green, Royse City senior Bayley Owen and Red Oak senior Sedona McDonald are among the cast members in this stage adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and non-SFA students and $7.50 for youth. Tickets for SFA students are $5. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu.
The all-time favorite Super Scientific Circus returns to SFA on Friday. Feb. 28. This CPAS performance is sponsored by Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry. A few seats are still available for the 12:30 p.m. performance.
February 18, 2020 Nacogdoches – Only a few seats are still available for the afternoon performance of the widely popular Super Scientific Circus scheduled to be presented on Friday, Feb. 28, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.
The SFA College of Fine Arts’ Children’s Performing Arts Series has brought the exciting science-related show featuring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime to Turner stage many times, and every visit is always well-received by students and their teachers, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series. This year, the morning show is sold out, but limited seating is available for the afternoon, Peterson said.
The program, which targets students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is designed to “help students understand that science can be appreciated in everything we see and do,” Peterson said.
Super Scientific Circus’ appearance at SFA is sponsored by Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry.
“We want to thank Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry for helping us bring this program back to the SFA campus so East Texas area students of all ages can better understand how science can be fun,” Peterson added.
The program features circus skills, magic tricks, comedy and mime to illustrate fundamental scientific concepts such as gravity, air pressure and ultraviolet light.
Performance times are 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.
This year’s children’s series concludes on Tuesday, April 28, with the beloved story of “Cinderella,” presented by The Panto Company USA. Bullied by her two mean stepsisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball. True to the story, “Cinderella” is full of original modern songs, bursting with hilarity and has a happy ending. This show is for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and will be presented at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium.
For tickets or more information, call the Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.cpas.sfasu.edu.
February 18, 2020 Nacogdoches — Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open house Saturday, February 22, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Prospective students can visit with university faculty and staff, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during SFA’s Showcase Saturday event.
Showcase visitors can utilize the Guidebook app to stay up-to-date on the full day’s schedule. The app will show the time and on-campus location of each breakout session and special program.
“There is no better way to get to know SFA than the university’s Showcase Saturday event,” said Erma Nieto Brecht, SFA executive director of enrollment management. “We pack the day full of informational sessions and tours so prospective students and their families can learn not only about our quality academic programs but also everything from admission requirements to financial aid and residence life.”
SFA is a comprehensive, residential university located in the heart of Texas Forest Country. Approximately 13,000 students attend SFA, which is within a few hours' drive of Texas' major metropolitan areas.
Showcase Saturday event check-in will begin at 11 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center. A Student Services Fair will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the student center Spirit Lounge, located on the first floor.
Guided campus tours will be offered at 11:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. Self-guided residence hall tours also will be offered from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and again from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Opening programs begin at 1 p.m. and will provide an overview of each of SFA’s six colleges. Guests will then be able to visit with representatives from academic departments until 3:30 p.m. during the Academic Fair in the Student Recreation Center.
Thirty-minute informational breakout sessions will take place throughout the afternoon and will cover topics such as financial aid, freshman admissions, residence life, transfer admissions, orientation, VA/Hazlewood Act benefits and admitted students’ next steps.
In addition to receiving a high-energy Lumberjack experience, participating prospective students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after completing an evaluation form through the Guidebook app.
For more information about SFA's Showcase Saturday, contact the Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504, or email admissions@sfasu.edu.
February 14, 2020 Nacogdoches – A recent donation from Luminant, a subsidiary of Vistra Energy, will assist Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Forestry and Agriculture in replacing a facility that was destroyed by a November 2018 fire at the Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center.
The fire at the Beef Farm did not injure any individuals or animals, and construction of a facility to meet the needs of SFA students majoring in animal science will begin soon. Luminant donated $10,000 to the building replacement project, which has a projected cost of $900,000.
State Rep. Travis Clardy said the donation is a reflection of the emphasis Luminant and its sister company, TXU Energy, place on giving back to the communities they serve.
“I want to thank the folks at Luminant for their generous donation toward rebuilding the Beef Research Center at Stephen F. Austin State University,” Clardy said. “Luminant has been a steadfast partner for years, and with this donation, proves again their dedication to our university and students.”
The Beef Farm is an integral part of the 726-acre research center that provides hands-on experience to SFA students. Since the fire, students have conducted laboratory work in a make-shift facility with temporary pens for the cattle, making record-keeping and animal care more difficult.
“Our animal science faculty members have done a remarkable job adapting to the loss of the Beef Farm facility to fire last year,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of the college. “Luminant’s generous contribution will assist us in replacing this critical facility so we can meet our mission of supplying highly trained graduates to an industry vital to the Texas economy.”
The Beef Farm also provides service to local schools and the community through events, tours and high-school agricultural competitions. An estimated 5,300 guests visit the center each year.
“Our students are fortunate to have an opportunity to learn and conduct research in this real-world, hands-on environment,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “The transformational experiences and various public outreach events at the farm are an important part of the outstanding SFA education.”
Friends and alumni who wish to donate funds to aid in the recovery of the facility and its contents may contribute in a variety of ways. To donate online, visit www.sfasu.edu/give. Select "other," specify "Beef Farm" and follow the designated steps to complete the donation.
Checks made payable to the SFA Office of Development may be mailed to P.O. Box 6092-SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75962. Please include a note stating the contribution is for the SFA Beef Farm. Donors also may call the SFA Office of Development at (936) 468-5406 to designate a donation to the SFA Beef Farm.
For any inquiries regarding other ways to help, contact Dr. Joey Bray, chair of the SFA Department of Agriculture, or Dr. Erin Brown, professor of animal science, at (936) 468-3705.
February 13, 2020 - The Stephen F. Austin State University Beef Farm at the Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center is a home base for students studying the agricultural industry. It supports research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, and approximately 5,300 guests visit the center each year for community events, tours and high-school agricultural competitions.
Unfortunately, a barn at the Beef Farm was destroyed by a November 2018 fire.
“The fire at the Beef Farm did not injure any individuals or animals, and we plan to begin construction soon on a replacement facility to meet the needs of SFA students majoring in animal science,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.
The SFA Board of Regents recently approved the construction of a replacement barn at a projected cost of $900,000, and the university is seeking contributions to assist in outfitting the new facility with state-of-the-art equipment for students to utilize as they learn proper care of livestock, marketing of cattle, and the sale and fabrication of retail products.
Since the fire, students have conducted laboratory work in a make-shift facility with temporary pens for the cattle, making record-keeping and animal care more difficult.
“Our animal science faculty members have done a remarkable job adapting to the loss of the Beef Farm facility to fire last year,” Williams said. “Replacing this facility is a critical factor in fulfilling our mission of supplying highly trained graduates to an industry vital to the Texas economy.”
The Beef Farm includes more than 500 acres of grazing pasture for a herd of approximately 120 registered and commercial cattle.
“Our students are fortunate to have an opportunity to learn and conduct research in this real-world, hands-on environment,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “The transformational experiences and various public outreach events at the farm are an important part of the outstanding SFA education.”
Dr. Joey Bray, chair of the Department of Agriculture, said the new facility will increase the department’s ability to provide instruction in areas such as food science and food safety. It also will provide a home for the SFA Purple Premium Cattle Sale that brings more than 300 buyers to campus each fall, as well as the Lumberjack Invitational Steer and Heifer show.
“We will host the SFA Invitational Career Development events, which bring more than 4,000 high school students to campus each spring,” Bray said. “Our students, alumni and community members will be proud of the new facility and the numerous learning opportunities we provide.”
Friends and alumni who wish to donate funds to assist in the recovery of the facility and replacement of its contents may contribute in a variety of ways. To donate online, visit www.sfasu.edu/give. Select "other," specify "Beef Farm" and follow the designated steps to complete the donation.
Checks made payable to the SFASU Foundation may be mailed to the SFA Office of Development, P.O. Box 6092-SFA Station, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75962. Please include a note stating the contribution is for the SFA Beef Farm. Donors also may call (936) 468-5406 to designate a donation to the SFA Beef Farm.
For information regarding SFA’s animal science programs, contact Bray or Dr. Erin Brown, professor of animal science, at (936) 468-3705.
University one of just five Texas public schools on list
February 7, 2020 Nacogdoches – Stephen F. Austin State University has been named a 2020 College of Distinction, a national honor that recognizes the university’s success in helping students learn and succeed.
With a student-centered approach to teaching and learning, SFA students have traditionally participated in activities that allow them to apply what they learn in the classroom to the needs and interests of society, according to Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president.
“SFA places a primary focus on meeting the needs of students in an engaged learning environment,” Gordon said. “I am delighted to see the university receive the Colleges of Distinction designation. It is a fitting recognition for the outstanding manner in which SFA faculty members are delivering a well-rounded education to our students.”
The award is unique among popular college guide classifications, which typically rank schools on the basis of ambiguous numbers, such as the size of endowment, selectivity and faculty salaries. SFA’s recognition is based on the excellence exhibited in its classroom, incorporating high-impact practices throughout every student’s undergraduate education.
Such student-centered programs include first-year seminars, community-based learning programs, service-learning programs, alternative spring breaks, diversity and global-learning programs, intensive language programs, intensive writing courses, interdisciplinary programs, undergraduate research, living-learning communities and study-abroad programs.
Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction, said a truly valuable education can’t be measured solely by rank or reputation.
“Students learn and thrive best when they embrace hands-on learning in a vibrant, welcoming community,” Schritter said. “That’s why it’s so encouraging to find SFA taking such an innovative approach with its curriculum: its high-impact educational practices ensure that the undergraduate experience is worthwhile and unique.”
SFA received specific accolades for its programs in business, education, engineering and nursing, as well as career development.
“In addition to training in their academic areas, students must learn to be adaptable in an every-changing career landscape,” said Dr. Steve Westbrook, vice president for university affairs. “Our Center for Career and Professional Development equips students with job-market research and the self-reflection and networking skills needed to launch their careers.”
A national resource for school selection and quality assessment, Colleges of Distinction’s evaluation process consists of detailed interviews and research for each institution’s freshman experience and retention efforts alongside its general education programs, career development, strategic plan and student satisfaction. Schools are accepted on the basis that they adhere to four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
“Colleges of Distinction doesn’t rank schools, because we know that every student is different in what they need to best learn, grow and succeed,” said Schritter. “Instead, we value schools that embrace those differences. SFA puts the student experience first, providing all the tools and opportunities they need to become lifelong learners who are ready to take on any challenge in today’s ever-evolving society.
Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have honored school throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through a focus on the undergraduate experience. The website, CollegesofDistinction.com, and guidebooks provide dynamic college profiles, customized tools and resources for students, parents and high school counselors.
For more information, visit sfasu.edu/CollegeofDistinction
February 5, 2020 - Nacogdoches - Two new housing incentives being offered this year by Stephen F. Austin State University are designed to help students graduate sooner and take on less debt.
Plans for a Spring Transfer Housing Allowance and a Summer Student Housing Rebate approved in January by the SFA Board of Regents are part of a larger university initiative to increase enrollment and semester credit hour production, which drive funding for state institutions of higher education.
More than 20 current SFA students already are taking advantage of the Spring Transfer Housing Allowance, which can be applied during the initial spring semester either to completely offset the cost of a lower-priced residence hall or significantly reduce the cost of a more expensive facility. To qualify for the one-time allowance, students must be transferring at least 45 credit hours to SFA, have at least a 2.5 GPA and enroll for at least 15 hours during the spring semester. This year’s Spring Transfer Housing Allowance totaled $2,034, which is equal to the current cost of living in one of the three lowest-priced residence halls.
“The housing allowance is helping me tremendously this semester,” said Maegan Huddleston of Santa Fe, a transfer student from College of the Mainland majoring in communication sciences and disorders at SFA.
“At first, I didn’t think I wanted to live on campus, but now I am so glad I decided to. It has definitely helped me financially and is also really convenient for me to get to my classes. Having a meal plan has helped, too. I’ve already had a great experience living on campus, and I have met a lot of people. I am really glad I decided to live on campus for my first semester at SFA.”
The Summer Housing Rebate will allow students who reside on campus during the spring semester and complete at least 9 hours across all summer terms (including Maymester) to have the cost of their summer housing rebated if they continue their residency through the fall. The rebate will be applied to the fall semester bill and will be equal to the amount paid for summer housing.
“SFA is now laser focused on student success and finding innovative ways to decrease the cost of a college degree,” Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president, said. “With our recently unveiled tuition models, a ‘15 to Finish’ campaign and these new housing incentives, we are taking the lead in providing students with cost effective and timely degree completion options.”
The new housing incentive programs have significant benefits for both SFA students and the university, said Winston Baker, director of residence life at SFA. “They are truly win-wins. We will hopefully see an increase in transfer enrollment, semester credit hours, retention and graduation rates while lessening both the short- and long-term financial burden on our students and their families.”
These new programs can help significantly lower the amount of debt students take with them after graduation, not only by reducing overall housing costs but also by shortening the time it takes to complete a degree, according to Dr. Steve Westbrook, vice president for university affairs at SFA.
“We are diligently working to find more creative programs like these to incentivize students to take 15 or more hours every long semester in order to shorten time to degree because we know that is one of the best ways to reduce the overall cost of higher education,” Westbrook said.
For more information about the new housing incentives, contact the SFA Residence Life Department at (936) 468-2601 or via email at reslife@sfasu.edu. For more general SFA housing information, visit sfasu.edu/reslife.
Hosted by SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics
February 5, 2020 - Nacogdoches — When Camille Schrier took the stage at the Miss America competition and performed “the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide” as her onstage talent, she had a specific goal – promote STEM education.
Crowned Miss America 2020, Schrier continues to be a passionate STEM advocate and will serve as the featured speaker at the Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at noon Tuesday, April 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
The reigning Miss America, Camille Schrier, will be the featured speaker at the Women in STEM Luncheon and Style Show hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at noon Tuesday, April 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
Schrier graduated from Virginia Tech with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and systems biology and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was awarded the Engineering Champion Award by the Sigma Rho National Sorority for her efforts promoting women in engineering and technical fields.
The luncheon and style show is a scholarship fundraising event benefiting students committed to the advancement of women pursuing STEM degrees at SFA.
“Building a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is key to supporting the infrastructure of a successful STEM workforce,” said Dr. Kimberly M. Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Our keynote speaker for the Women in STEM Luncheon is an outstanding role model who utilizes her national platform and passion for science to promote her social initiative for drug safety. With style and grace, the reigning Miss America, Camille Schrier, encourages and promotes the advancement of women in STEM careers.”
Doors open at 11 a.m. for a gallery walk poster presentation highlighting STEM research accomplishments by SFA students and faculty.
A style show will follow the luncheon with selected men escorting female role models to highlight the importance of having men support women in STEM disciplines. Fashions are provided by The Town House.
The deadline for reservations is April 2. Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. For tickets, visit sfasu.edu/womeninSTEM. For more information, email kdcarmona@sfasu.edu.
By Joanna Armstrong, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
February 3, 2020 - Student success was the top priority in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Board of Regents January meeting. The board approved a number of initiatives aimed at reducing student debt and increasing the opportunity for timely degree completion.
Undergraduate students will now have the option to participate in a fixed-rate tuition and fee plan, allowing them to take up to 21 credit hours at the cost of 12 hours with no additional charge. Tuition and fee rates are variable for students who enroll in one to 11 semester credit hours, but transition to a flat rate at 12 semester credit hours.
The plan is a part of an emphasis the university is placing on its “15 to finish” program.
“By incentivizing students to take additional semester credit hours, the fixed-rate plan will help lower student debt levels, decrease the time to graduation and provide greater academic flexibility,” said Dr. Danny Gallant, vice president for business and finance. “It will create more cost transparency for students and families and simplify the billing process.”
Additionally, students entering SFA in the fall have access to a guaranteed price plan that freezes tuition and mandatory fee costs for a period of four years.
“Timely degree completion reduces the cost of a four-year degree and allows students to begin their careers and capitalize on their lifetime earning potential,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “We are looking at every possible option to make college more accessible and affordable for our students, including a variety of course delivery modes that will allow us to most effectively meet students where they are.”
Regents also approved the consolidation of various fees into a flat tuition charge of $100 per semester for undergraduate students and $75 per semester for graduate students, in an effort designed to simplify the billing process and provide greater academic course delivery flexibility.
“This will replace all course and lab fees for undergraduate and graduate students and will provide the same average level of income,” Gallant said. “It will allow students and their families to better calculate what their expenses will be.”
Scarleth Lopez, a senior psychology major from Dayton and president of SFA’s Student Government Association, believes SFA students will appreciate the initiatives approved by regents.
“I believe this will be really beneficial, especially for first-generation students,” Lopez said. “It will reduce the uncertainty that they may feel about college and incentivize them to take course loads that allow them to reach their goals in a timely manner.”
Regents also approved a price reduction for SFA’s program for registered nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Cost for the 31-semester credit hour online program will be $8,300 for participants who complete the program within four years.
Pages
