SFA University
September 19, 2017 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Bachelor of Science in human sciences with an emphasis in human development and family studies has been ranked as one of the top 20 most affordable online child development degree programs in the nation by affordablecolleges.com.
“This is a recognition of a lot of hard work on the part of the faculty members in the human development and family studies program, with the support of the School of Human Sciences, who have worked to better serve our students no matter where they live,” said Dr. Rachel Jumper, assistant professor in the human development and family studies program.
SFA’s program was ranked 18th in the nation. Affordablecolleges.com based its rankings on three measurement categories: financial, student success and program metrics.
This degree allows students who have completed courses at another higher education institution to complete the last two years of the degree at SFA. The program provides an in-depth understanding of growth, change and development of children, adults and families, and integrates a life span, multi-contextual and family systems approach. The HDFS major culminates with a 200-hour, hands-on practicum in the senior year.
“Our program emphasizes hands-on experiences working with children and families,” Jumper said. “Currently, a student in our program will experience several hands-on and community service projects throughout their major courses.”
In spring 2018 all required courses for a HDFS degree are scheduled to be online. At that time, it will no longer be necessary to have any courses at another institution, and a fully online bachelor’s degree in HDFS will be available to students at SFA.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 19, 2017 Nacogdoches — During the past 10 years, the Gilbert I. “Buddy” Low Scholarship Program has covered the cost of tuition and fees for several San Augustine High School graduates to attend Stephen F. Austin State University.
Those involved with the scholarship program recently celebrated a decade of promoting student success with a luncheon that brought scholarship donors, current and past scholarship recipients, and SFA administrators together.
Low, who graduated from SFA in 1954 and is a trial attorney with Orgain Bell & Tucker in Beaumont, credits his San Augustine teachers with preparing him for the rigors of higher education.
“When I got to SFA, I did well because of the quality education I received from my teachers in San Augustine,” Low said. “I had a job on campus and did pipeline work — hard, hot work — and saved during the summers to pay for my education. I started the scholarship program because I wanted to help students like me who really couldn’t afford to go to college be able to attend SFA and concentrate on their studies.”
Low’s pay-it-forward approach has helped 31 SFA students achieve their dream of higher education.
“During the past decade, we have selected three scholarship recipients per year to join this elite group of student leaders,” said W. Frank Newton, president and chief executive officer of the Beaumont Foundation of America, which administers the scholarship program. “From year to year, the recipients become mentors and support the subsequent year’s recipients, thus continuing the cycle of academic success.”
The scholarships are awarded based on financial need as well as potential for academic success in college. Interested students are screened by the school district and participate in an interview with representatives of the Beaumont Foundation of America.
“If not for this scholarship, I don’t think I would have been financially able to attend college,” said Ben Eberlan, 2014 San Augustine High School graduate and accounting major at SFA. “While the scholarships provide the funds to help us attend college, there is a tremendous support system in place, as well, that helps ensure our success. Everyone from university administrators to faculty members is vested in helping us graduate. If we need help, we get it.”
Twelve scholarship recipients were present at the luncheon along with eight SFA administrators, including SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo; Dr. Steve Bullard, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Jill Still, vice president for university advancement; and Drs. Janet Tareilo and Mary Nelle Brunson, associate provosts.
“The 1.5-to-1 student-to-administrator ratio at today’s luncheon is a clear indicator of SFA’s commitment to the success of the students in this program,” Newton said. “Many of these administrators have spent time teaching and know that it’s not just the availability of academic resources that make students successful — it’s also about the relationship between the students and those they look to as leaders and mentors.”
Each scholarship recipient is eligible to receive up to $11,200 per year for four years of study at SFA. In addition to paying for tuition and fees, the scholarship also provides reimbursement for books and supplies.
“When I found out I was a Buddy Low Scholarship recipient, I was overwhelmed with joy,” said Cordestine Clifton, a 2014 San Augustine High School graduate and SFA kinesiology major. “Knowing that I had this backing from the program took so much weight off me and my parents. I can go to school now and concentrate on my studies and not have to worry about accumulating debt.”
Chelsea Heidbrink, SFA student success coordinator, manages all student aspects of the program.
“I work to ensure that the students are meeting the scholarship requirements, are engaging at the university, and I help to eliminate the barriers they may face in college,” Heidbrink said. “I advocate for the students and help them in any way I can so their journey at SFA is as smooth as possible.”
During the luncheon, Pattillo addressed attendees and acknowledged Low for his support in helping students from his hometown reach their academic potential.
“Buddy Low never forgot where he came from,” Pattillo said. “His generosity combined with his expectation of success has provided the opportunity for these students to live and learn in a student-centered environment. They have already proven to be leaders among students, and there is no doubt that they will go on to become leaders in their communities and professions.”
For questions about the scholarship program, contact April Smith, associate director of development at SFA, at (936) 468-5406.
By Donna Parish, assistant director of creative services at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 14, 2017 Nacogdoches — What does a day in the life of a two- or four-person household living in poverty look like? What does it feel like to have to choose between baby formula and diapers? How can poverty affect and control even the smallest portions of life?
The Poverty Simulation, hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, aims to address these questions and others through a simulated poverty experience.
“The Poverty Simulation is designed to help participants begin to comprehend what it might be like to live in poverty from week to week,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director. “Participants will experience some of the daily challenges a family in poverty may endure through a simulated experience. I hope participants gain understanding and awareness of poverty in society. I also hope that participants become empathetic to what some families deal with day to day.”
Budgeting is a focus of the simulation; however, the psychological stress families in poverty endure also will be discussed.
The OMA partnered with the East Texas Human Needs Network, which conducts the simulation. The OMA also is interested in collaborating with other Nacogdoches organizations for volunteers. Any person interested in volunteering can sign up at sfasu.edu/oma.
Two Poverty Simulation sessions are being offered. The first will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, and the second at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, both in the Norton H.P.E. Complex on the SFA campus. The event is open to the SFA and Nacogdoches communities. It will last approximately two to three hours.
Seats are limited for this event. Preregister by Wednesday, Sept. 27, on the OMA website.
By Christine Broussard, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 13, 2017 - People wanting to earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity will soon have the opportunity to do so at Stephen F. Austin State University.
The College of Sciences and Mathematics recently received approval to offer the new degree program, and professors in the Department of Computer Science are busy planning to launch the program’s core courses in spring 2018.
According to Forbes, the cybersecurity market is expected to reach $170 billion by 2020. Additionally, data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that more than 209,000 U.S. cybersecurity jobs are unfilled.
“There is a widely recognized, very strong need for cybersecurity professionals in government, industry and education,” said Dr. Debbie Dunn, interim chair of the Department of Computer Science at SFA. “This program will provide a fundamental background in cybersecurity.”
Students will be required to complete 30 hours of coursework as well as a thesis. Courses will include general computer security, web security, defensive coding and security, reverse engineering, forensics, attack testing, and attack, defense and penetration testing.
Dr. Christopher Ivancic, graduate program coordinator in SFA’s Department of Computer Science, will teach many of the courses. His background is in software engineering, and he has experience in creating digital and forensics training for law enforcement and military personnel.
“In today’s world, cybersecurity is more than a tech problem. Employers from private businesses to government agencies are looking for people with security knowledge and skills,” Ivancic said.
Courses will be offered face-to-face, and plans are underway to include a cybersecurity lab in SFA’s new Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building.
“We are excited about the possibility of the lab,” Ivancic said. “This program will offer students hands-on learning opportunities as well as an in-depth look at the specialized field of cybersecurity. For example, professors will be able to create ‘sandboxes’ (test or staging servers) where students can work on cyber issues virtually.”
Possible career paths for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity include security analyst, security software developer, cryptanalyst, security consultant, cyber forensics consultant, malware analyst and more.
For more information, contact Dunn at ddunn@sfasu.edu or Ivancic at ivanciccp@sfasu.edu.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 13, 2017 Nacogdoches – Two Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music alumni were recognized this past summer at the Texas Bandmasters Association convention in San Antonio.
It was announced at the convention that Corey Graves, a 2007 summa cum laude graduate, was named “Young Bandmaster of the Year” by Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Fraternity, and George Little, a 2002 graduate, was elected to serve on the TBA board of directors.
“These two alumni are excellent representatives of SFA in everything they do,” said Fred J. Allen, director of bands at SFA. “They are shining examples in our profession and even to our current students.”
Phi Beta Mu is a service organization whose goals are the promotion of school bands, school musicians and the furtherance of school bands in the eyes of the public. Graves, who currently teaches in Roma ISD, said he was “humbled” by the recognition.
“Considering the incredible list of previous recipients, and the numerous music educators across the state of Texas who are making such an impact on the lives of their students and communities, it is quite humbling to be even put in the same category,” he said. “I am grateful for the recognition of what the students and faculty of Roma ISD do daily.”
Graves earned a Master of Music in Euphonium Performance from The Ohio State University as a graduate fellow in 2008. He is in his 10th year of teaching and has been with the Roma ISD since 2010. Prior to moving to Roma Middle School, he taught two years with La Joya ISD.
Graves is a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and the Region XV Middle School Coordinator. Bands under his direction have consistently received superior sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest and have also earned high levels of recognition on state, national and international stages.
Mike Brashear, TBA executive director, welcomed Little to the organization’s board, stating, “We look forward to his leadership and expertise as he represents the fine band programs from East Texas.”
“Being elected to the TBA board of directors is a very humbling and exciting experience,” Little said. “I am thrilled to have the chance to serve with such an outstanding group of fellow directors. Professionally, I know that I will learn a lot during my years on the board, and I hope to be able to contribute to best of my ability.”
TBA board members start as sergeant-at-arms, then move up through the offices of secretary, treasurer, vice president, president-elect, president and past president. Board members serve on the board for seven years and oversee all activities of the TBA, including the annual TBA Convention/Clinic held in San Antonio at the end of July.
Little is director of bands at Lufkin ISD. He is entering his 16th year of teaching and his second year at Lufkin. He taught for eight years at New Diana High School and six years at Henderson Middle School. His bands consistently earn top rankings in UIL and invitational competitions.
Both Graves and Little credited SFA with preparing them to be successful as band directors and music educators.
“SFA provided so many great opportunities for learning,” Graves said. “I have always felt that the staff was giving of their time, even after graduation, to help propel their students to success. It is a great student-centered environment that I am proud to call my alma mater.”
“SFA is, in my opinion, one of the top music schools in the state,” Little said. “There are many successful band directors that graduated from SFA. The faculty is very purposeful in what students learn as they progress through their degree plan. One thing about SFA that aids in the success of their future band directors is that professors are available for mentorship, even after you have graduated. The professional help network that Lumberjack Band alumni enjoy is second to none.”
September 9, 2017 Nacogdoches — Four Stephen F. Austin State University alumni working in health-care-related fields joined with two SFA dietetic intern graduate students this summer to provide care to more than 400 patients in Guatemala.
SFA dietetic interns Brandi Gouldthorpe of Tyler and Leslie Rowe of Gladewater worked alongside SFA alumni Leslie Goudarzi and Hannah Dunahoe, registered dietitians, Dr. Tedd Mitchell, president of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and internist, and Dr. Ben Mack, general surgeon in Longview, to help those in need.
The group spent a week interviewing patients, recording medical histories, collecting vital information, screening patients for hypertension and analyzing anthropometric measurements, which were used to educate patients on risk factors and disease processes.
“I grew up on this trip and was able to see how I could make a difference. I used my knowledge of nutrition and dietetics to change lives,” Gouldthorpe said. “Even though there were language and cultural barriers, being kind and helping others are universal. Little acts of kindness, such as a smile, a hug or asking others about their day, shows love and what really is important in life.”
The trip, organized by Refuge International, a non-profit organization that helps people by providing health care, nutrition information, clean water and education programs, stationed the SFA team at a remote clinic in San Raymundo where team members performed more than 60 surgeries.
“I learned to appreciate all we take for granted in America,” Gouldthorpe said. “There is a need to be bigger than ourselves and to use the gifts we have been given and the knowledge we have learned to give back to others.”
Dietetic graduate students are required to complete 1,200 supervised practice hours during the year to be eligible to sit for the national registered dietitian exam. This trip helped the graduate students earn those hours.
“Although the environment at the clinic was unlike any typical hospital, I learned about the roles of other health professionals who are involved in the care process,” Rowe said. “I enjoyed getting to be involved with or observe nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and surgeons. I will take this knowledge and apply it to my future rotations in similar settings.”
Rowe added that although the environment was fast-paced, she learned by example, verbal instructions and practice. “I quickly learned how to conduct intake exams and how to efficiently communicate with patients in an appropriate manner, which is very valuable for my future practice as a dietetics student and professional.”
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University
September 1, 2017 Nacogdoches – Almost 200 donors participated in a blood drive Thursday at Stephen F. Austin State University to benefit people impacted as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Due to overwhelming response, a second blood drive is now scheduled.
“We were able to take donations from 193 people,” said Collin Rutherford, SFA graduate student and Leadership and Service Programs representative. “We have 48 already signed up to donate next Thursday, September 7. The cooperation of the staff and generosity of the students made this one of the best blood drives we've seen.”
The mobile blood drive unit will be stationed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between the Baker Pattillo Student Center and Kennedy Auditorium.
For more information about SFA’s relief efforts for individuals impacted by recent storms, call (936) 468-2605 or visit sfasu.edu/harvey.
September 5, 2017 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s interior design program is partnering with Houston Community College to collect supplies for students in HCC’s interior design program who were affected by Hurricane Harvey.
In early August, SFA and HCC formed a partnership to offer Houston-area students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interior design a more convenient option to acquire their degree. HCC students can now earn an SFA degree in interior design on the HCC Central Campus.
“SFA and HCC are partners, and we want HCC students to know we are here for them no matter what happens,” said Sally Ann Swearingen, SFA associate professor of interior design. “This is our way of stepping up and helping HCC and its students through this tragedy.”
Items needed include architect’s scales, technigraph lead holders, lead pointers, ink pens, erasers, drafting brushes, drafting tape and dots, grid paper, templates, and more. Barnes and Noble gift cards also are being accepted in order to purchase textbooks. For a complete list of items, visit sfasu.edu/harvey.
SFA and Nacogdoches community members who would like to donate can bring items to the Human Sciences South Building on the SFA campus. SFA will make its first donation delivery to HCC September 14.
Swearingen said many alumni have offered to bring donations to the university campus, and donations can be mailed to the following address.
SFA Interior Design Program — Donations for HCC
615 Starr Avenue E.
Nacogdoches, TX 75962.
For more information, contact Swearingen at sswearingen@sfasu.edu.
By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
September 4, 2017 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. George Edward Hull, horticulturist from Portland, Oregon, will present “From Over the Top to Down Under: Adventures in Horticulture.”
Hull’s career spans 40 years in the horticulture field. He has researched a variety of plant-based topics, including appropriate shade tree selections for cityscapes, production positions in the Southwest, and development of new cultivars for the nursery trade and teaching positions.
Hull is a frequent speaker and writer on uses of plant materials both in this country and abroad. His current projects focus on breeding and the introduction of adapted materials for the Southwest.
Many current selections in the Phoenix, Arizona, horticulture trade have been introduced by Hull. He holds plant patents on new Tecoma hybrids, which are being offered in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He also has taught at both the community college level and spent 10 years teaching plant materials to landscape architecture students at the Herberger Institute at Arizona State University.
Hull recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, to start a new chapter in horticulture, growing things nearly impossible to grow in the low desert.
The Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series is held the second Thursday of each month and includes a rare-plant raffle after the program. The lecture is free and open to the public, but donations to the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series fund are always appreciated.
Parking is available at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center and Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet St.
For more information, call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
September 1, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas — Nineteen family nurse practitioner students from across Texas visited the Stephen F. Austin State University DeWitt School of Nursing Building last week for the first Master of Science in Nursing program orientation in the university’s history.
The new online program makes it easier for East Texas nurses to access graduate nursing education while providing much-needed primary care to citizens of Deep East Texas.
“Because I’m a single mom working two jobs with two kids, I would not have been able to go back to school if it was not for SFA’s new online program,” Shannon Weaver of Longview said during last week’s orientation. “I think for so many of us, at this point in our lives, hybrid programs or those that require in-person classes are just not a feasible option, so I love that aspect of SFA’s new program.”
The Master of Science in Nursing with focus as a family nurse practitioner requires 46 credit hours and 720 minimum clinical hours to complete. Students will be allowed to utilize preceptors for clinical experiences in their home communities, when possible.
“For similar programs at other universities, you have to be on campus so many days a week and that was just not an option for me unless I was wanting to relocate, find a new job and go to school at the same time,” said Grant Harris, a Master of Science in Nursing student and SFA graduate. “The master’s degree in nursing was just a really flexible program and great fit.”
A $750,000 grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation strengthened development of the online program, which includes a few on-campus clinical experiences.
"We could not have gained momentum if it were not for the support of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, and we are most thankful,” said Dr. Sara Bishop, director of SFA's DeWitt School of Nursing.
The SFA nursing administrators stated that access to health care is a growing concern across the nation. Many Texas counties have a shortage of primary care providers, including the counties in Deep East Texas. The leaders believe this program will connect SFA and East Texas communities through learning opportunities.
"Many of the students will be working with area nurse practitioners and primary care physicians in clinical sites where they will receive assistance and training," said Dr. Janice Hensarling, associate professor of nursing and Master of Science in Nursing assistant program coordinator. "We have already received so much support from the community, and our program will focus on the needs of rural East Texas."
According to Dr. Christell Bray, program coordinator, the first class is scheduled to graduate in 2020.
For additional information about admission requirements and other details, contact Hensarling at (936) 468-7732 or jhensarling@sfasu.edu.
By Christine Broussard, Contributing writer
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