SFA University
July 11, 2017 Nacogdoches — Stephen F. Austin State University students traveled to England, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands for a behind-the-scenes look at international media.
Students enrolled in SFA’s Department of Mass Communication’s Meet the Media course toured media organizations while abroad, including TV stations, public relations and advertising agencies, and magazine headquarters.
Dr. John Hendricks, chair of the Department of Mass Communication, expressed the benefits this experience afforded students.
“Students are exposed to vastly different cultures and experiences, which significantly broadens their understanding of and place in a global society,” Hendricks said. “Experiential learning such as an international study abroad trip motivates students to establish larger professional goals.”
During the first week, students explored London, England, and met with industry professionals from diverse media. Students toured VCCP, a creative marketing company; Chime Communications Limited, a marketing services company; Political Lobbying and Media Relations, one of Britain’s fastest-growing communications companies; Leo Burnett Company, an American globally active advertising company that is one of the largest agency networks; and Chartered Institute of Public Relations, one of the largest member organizations for public relations practitioners outside of North America.
For Sarah Fontenot, SFA senior public relations major from China, Texas, touring PLMR and the Leo Burnett Company introduced her to career opportunities.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At Leo Burnett Company, professionals discussed advertising campaigns they have worked on such as McDonald’s. It was impressive and made me excited for the future because this is what I want to do in my career,” Fontenot said.
Additionally, students visited Time Out magazine, a leading global media and entertainment business that inspires and enables people to experience the best of cities, according to the magazine’s website. SFA students toured the magazine’s editorial and advertising process and engaged in a question-and-answer session with employees.
Although he is a radio/TV major, Bobby Mauro, a senior from The Woodlands, said he enjoyed learning about different media outlets.
“It was interesting to see Time Out magazine and other media options. We learned how staff members create a cover and social media content,” Mauro said.
Broadcast media also was on the agenda. Students had a behind-the-scenes look at Sky News, a 24-hour international multimedia news company based in the United Kingdom that provides news on TV, online and mobile devices.
“Sky News, the equivalent of America’s Fox News or CNN, was most impressive, and our students were able to see firsthand how an international television news network covered the queen’s speech on the opening day of Parliament,” Hendricks said.
No visit to London is complete without sightseeing. In London’s West End, students participated in a walking tour on Fleet Street and viewed the Bride’s Church, known as the journalist’s church, and the Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph buildings. Also, students saw Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.
“The trip was exciting and intriguing,” Mauro said. “I have German and English heritage, so it was cool to walk where my ancestors walked. I was really excited about the historical aspects of the trip.”
During their second week abroad, students traveled to Belgium, Germany and Amsterdam. In Belgium, students took a walking tour of Brussels, the country’s capital and administrative center of the European Union, and Bruges, a historic location known for its architecture and arts.
Students walked Cologne, Germany, where they viewed Kölner Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral, as well as other historical buildings and picturesque locations. Here, the group also toured the German TV station n-tv, where SFA junior radio/TV major Daniel Mireles from Kingwood said the station’s use of automated cameras impressed him.
“This station is taking TV to the next level; it’s the future of TV,” Mireles said. “This visit made me realize it’s going to take hard work for me to achieve my goals, but it got me excited to move forward with my career.”
June 29, 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, July 13, in the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. Greg Grant will present “A Bright Spot in the Heart of Texas: The Idea Garden.”
Grant is horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Smith County. He also is an award-winning writer, conservationist and seventh-generation Texan from Arcadia, Texas.
Grant has authored several books, including “In Greg’s Garden: A Pineywoods Perspective on Gardening, Nature, and Family” and “Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening,” as well as co-author of “Heirloom Gardening in the South” and “Texas Home Landscaping.” “The Rose Rustlers” with Dr. William Welch is due out this fall.
Grant also writes the popular “In Greg’s Garden” column for Texas Gardener magazine and writes a monthly “Greg’s Ramblings” blog.
After receiving degrees from Texas A&M University in floriculture and horticulture, Grant attended postgraduate classes at Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University and Stephen F. Austin State University. He has experience as a horticulturist with SFA Gardens, Mercer Arboretum and San Antonio Botanical Gardens.
Grant has introduced a number of successful plants to the Southern nursery industry, including Blue Princess verbena, dwarf pink Mexican petunia, Gold Star esperanza, Laura Bush petunia, John Fanick phlox, Stars and Stripes pentas, the Marie Daly and Nacogdoches (Grandma’s Yellow) roses, among others.
Grant was presented the Superior Service Award by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, the Lynn Lowery Memorial Award by the Native Plant Society of Texas for horticultural achievement in the field of Texas native plants, and the Lone Star Land Steward Award for the East Texas ecoregion by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
He has traveled extensively to hundreds of botanical gardens throughout the United States and Europe and has given more than 1,000 lectures. He lives in East Texas and splits his time between Tyler and his grandparents’ restored dogtrot farmhouse, where he tends a small cottage garden, a flock of laying hens, and terriers Acer, Lizzie, Mollie and Sonny Boy Desalvo Fontenot.
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 Raguet Elementary School, located at 2428 Raguet Street. For more information, call (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
June 28, 2017 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Enrollment for children ages 6 through 9 is still available in Stephen F. Austin State University’s STEM Research and Learning Center’s Lil’ STEM Jacks, which runs July 25 and 26 on the SFA campus.
Lil’ STEM Jacks captures children’s attention in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by providing opportunities to learn and play in hands-on activities related to STEM disciplines.
Some of the activities in which children may participate include learning about and playing with gears, printing in 3-D, studying fossils and lessons using human simulation mannequins.
"The goal is to expose students to STEM disciplines in a way that excites them about the many possibilities in math and science," said Dr. Jana Redfield, assistant director of the SFA STEM Research and Learning Center, which is part of SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics. "Each activity provides hands-on learning, hopefully creating a spark of interest in a possible future STEM career."
The 2017 Lil’ Jacks two-day camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $30 per child and includes materials, snacks, prizes and a T-shirt. Visit cosm.sfasu.edu/stem/lil-stem-jacks to register.
June 28, 2017 Nacogdoches – Registration is continuing for Junior Jacks Theatre Camp at Stephen F. Austin State University. The popular two-week School of Theatre camp is designed for children entering third through ninth grades. This year’s camp is scheduled for Monday, July. 31, through Saturday, Aug. 12. Registration deadline is July 28.
Junior Jacks was designed as a day-camp version of the highly successful High School Summer Theatre Workshop at SFA, according to Carolyn Conn, associate professor of theatre at SFA and the camp’s director. The fun and exciting summer camp, offered in two age groups, fills quickly, and Conn suggested parents register their children early.
“We have children representing all local and nearby schools as well as many home schoolers,” Conn said. “There are also many repeat campers. Many Junior Jacks ‘graduates’ go on to attend the High School Summer Theatre Workshop at SFA. We also have former Junior Jack/High School Workshop participants who become theatre majors at SFA. The camp is a great introduction to what we offer in the School of Theatre.
Junior Jacks is a community outreach opportunity designed to not only introduce children to theatre, but it also allows the School of Theatre’s teacher certification students to work with students who are younger than high school age.
Junior Jacks campers play theatre games and rehearse plays that will be performed at the camp’s conclusion. The younger group meets from 9 a.m. to noon and the older group meets from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Play performances will be at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, in Room 160 in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.
Registration cost is $75 per student and $50 for each additional sibling within a single family. Needs-based scholarships may be available. More information and a registration form can be found at theatre.sfasu.edu, or contact Conn at (936) 468-1031 or conncs@sfasu.edu
June 26, 2017 Nacogdoches – Learning one’s lines for a play can be hard enough for any actor, but when you’re a student actor at Stephen F. Austin State University and involved in the SummerStage Festival, you will often find yourself learning lines for two different characters in two different plays … all at the same time.
Such is the case for several SFA School of Theatre actors who are appearing in both of this year’s SummerStage productions, including William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker” and the children’s show, “Ivy + Bean the Musical,” with book, music and lyrics by Scott Elmegreen and based on books by Annie Barrows.
Connor Morrison, Princeton, Texas, junior; Logan Jennings, Longview sophomore; and Zaria Harp, Mesquite junior, perform in both plays. They agree that finding the time to get everything done is as great a challenge as developing two different characters and learning lines for different plays simultaneously.
“The hardest part of repertory theatre is definitely the time management and the constant switch from show to show,” Jennings said. “Keeping ideas and characters apart from each other for each show is extremely difficult.”
“Basically after 2 p.m., I'm busy until 10 p.m.,” Morrison said. “Getting up in the morning is hard after two long rehearsals back to back. That's really the only time I have to do laundry, clean and do other things.”
The schedule of SummerStage is meant to replicate the experience students would have in a summer repertory season “in the real world,” according to Dr. Inga Meier, assistant professor of theatre at SFA and director of “The Miracle Worker.”
“One of the key takeaways is that we want them to develop the work habits and time-management skills that will help them succeed,” Meier said. “In other words, it's demanding, but it's meant to be – to better prepare them for what might come after graduation.”
Harp’s approach to juggling a hectic SummerStage schedule is to “take it one day at a time,” she said.
“I try my best to not get too ahead of myself and stress myself out,” she said. “I also do my best to stay as organized as possible. I don't trust myself to just remember things. I have to make sure that I write things down and set alarms so that I don't forget anything.
“We don't get any days off, and any extra time we have before rehearsals or in between rehearsals is spent sleeping, eating or working on another show,” she added. “It can become difficult to keep your energy up through the weeks.”
These dual roles spill over into the production demands of the plays, with students taking on multiple jobs in sound and lighting, costuming, props and set construction, among other responsibilities.
But the lessons learned and the relationships forged through such a grueling schedule have their rewards, the students agreed.
“The most enjoyable aspect of this process is the people,” Jennings said. “Everyone is so loving, and it feels just like a (not-so-typical) family. Everyone here is in it together!”
Harp said she is enjoying seeing her own personal growth as an individual and an actor.
“There have been a few times where I have felt really stressed out or really doubtful of my abilities,” she said, “but this experience has taught me that I am capable. I have also loved working with my friends and creating memories outside of rehearsals.”
“I'm incredibly stressed and always tired,” Morrison said, “but this has been one of the best summers I've ever had. These experiences are definitely going to stick with me in the future.”
The festival is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford Lincoln.
“The Miracle Worker” will be presented in the Downstage Theatre at 7:30 p.m. June 27 and 29 and July 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13; and at 2 p.m. July 15. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for students/youth.
“Ivy + Bean the Musical” will be presented in Turner Auditorium at 10 a.m. July 1 and 6; at 2 p.m. July 5, 8 and 13; and at 6:30 p.m. July 1, 8 and 14. General admission tickets are $7.50.
Both venues are in Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.
For tickets or more information, visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.
June 23, 2017 - Structural steel beams are being placed and foundational concrete poured as construction of the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building remains on schedule to be completed by fall 2018 on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.
“The project began with the demolition of Todd and Gibbs Halls. The site then had selective tree clearing and grading to prepare for foundation construction,” said Ron Watson, associate director of SFA’s physical plant department. “First-floor concrete placement and the related under-slab plumbing and electrical rough-in continue."
In response to a national call for reform in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, SFA began years ago to implement activities, courses and public outreach initiatives that would enrich STEM-related interests. That same push for STEM reform was later incorporated into the SFA 2020 campus master plan.
Enrollment for STEM-related degrees increased at SFA following the push, creating the need for more classroom and equipment space. In 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature granted SFA approximately $46.4 million in tuition revenue bonds helping fund construction of the building.
As part of the university’s 2020 master plan, the SFA Board of Regents approved the demolition of Gibbs Hall, Todd Hall and University Woods in preparation for construction of the new building and relocation of the Residence Life Operations headquarters.
“We are still using the plan outlined during the building-programming phase,” said Dr. Dan Bruton, associate dean of SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics. “The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Physics, Engineering and Astronomy will be moving into the building, but there will be multipurpose spaces that will be used by other departments as well.”
Officials in the College of Sciences and Mathematics said they have already experienced a spike in interest from potential students.
“I've also had a student tell me that he is coming to SFA specifically because of the STEM building,” Bruton said. “Students are most excited to utilize makerspaces, the maker lab, the digital media lab, huddle spaces and the planetarium.”
The construction area was recently extended temporarily to install hot and chilled water lines. A small portion of sidewalk between the McGee Business Building and Norton H.P.E. Complex will remain closed to pedestrian traffic for approximately six weeks.
Videos and updates on construction can be found on the College of Sciences and Mathematics Facebook page: facebook.com/CollegeOfSciencesAndMathematics.
Cutline: Structural steel beams are being placed this month as construction continues on the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building on the SFA campus. Officials said all projects are on schedule, and the building should be completed by fall 2018.
June 21, 2017 Nacogdoches - The following students have been named to the Dean's List at Stephen F. Austin State University for the spring semester:
Center, TX
Jannie Garcia, Social Work
Jose Garcia, Physics
Yvonne Garcia, Music
Alisha Horton, Communication Disorders
Darby Hudspeth, Interdisciplinary Studies
Jaxon Lucas, Communication Disorders
Brandon Miles, Accounting
Vanessa Renteria, Interdisciplinary Studies
Emily Rodriguez, Communication Disorders
Kaleth Salazar, Pre-Nursing
Auna Shofner, General Business
Joanna Waller, Art
Joaquin, TX
Megan McGee, Social Work
Jordan Powdrill, Engineering Physics
Ava Stephens, Interdisciplinary Studies
Allen Woodfin, Management
Ryleigh Yates, Marketing
Tenaha, TX
Bethany Barna, Interdisciplinary Studies
Joshua Hickman, Applied Arts and Sciences
Dustin Knight, History
Cinthya Leos, Interdisciplinary Studies
Clarissa Menefee, Animal Science
Zackary Ritter, Engineering Physics
Timpson, TX
Jace Archer, Computer Science
Stephen Burgay, Kinesiology
Lisa Sigler, Public Administration
To be eligible for this honor, a student must be enrolled in 12 or more semester hours and maintain a grade-point average of 3.5.
June 21, 2017 Nacogdoches - The following students have been named to the President's List at Stephen F. Austin State University for the spring semester:
Center, TX
Trista Fountain, Interdisciplinary Studies
Juan Garcia, Art
Celia Gonzalez, Interdisciplinary Studies
Whitney Haddox, Communication Disorders
James Holt, Computer Science
Taylor Hudspeth, Interdisciplinary Studies
Kimber Hughes, Social Work
Rani Jamison, Kinesiology
Julie McSwain, Computer Science
Haley Shofner, Interdisciplinary Studies
Lindsey Snell, Interdisciplinary Studies
Joaquin, TX - Samantha Cheatwood, Accounting
Shelbyville, TX - Tiffanee Vaughn, Interdisciplinary Studies
Timpson, TX
Cade Archer, Computer Science
Margo Hooper, Agriculture Development
Monica Montoya, Interdisciplinary Studies
To be eligible for this honor, a student must be enrolled in 12 or more semester hours and maintain a grade-point average of 4.0.
June 21, 2017 - The following students received degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University during the May 2017 commencement exercises:
Center, TX
Jacy Clark, Bachelor of Arts, History, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Whitney Haddox, Bachelor of Science, Communication Disorders, James I. Perkins College of Education
Robert Harrison, Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Forest Wildlife Management, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Alisha Horton, Bachelor of Science, Communication Disorders, James I. Perkins College of Education
Kimber Hughes, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Jessica Massey, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art, College of Fine Arts
Chelsea McDaniel, Bachelor of Music, Music, College of Fine Arts
Chalee Miller, Master of Education, Educational Leadership, James I. Perkins College of Education
Kimberly Payne, Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, James I. Perkins College of Education
Chloe Rogers, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Erin Scarber, Master of Science, Speech Language Pathology, James I. Perkins College of Education
Joaquin, TX
Katelyn Cockrell, Master of Science, Speech Language Pathology, James I. Perkins College of Education
Kaitlin Harris, Bachelor of Science, Human Sciences, James I. Perkins College of Education
Zachary McDaniel, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Thomas Permenter, Bachelor of Arts, Information Technology, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Jordan Powdrill, Bachelor of Science, Engineering Physics, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Tionnee Turner, Bachelor of Science, Health Science, James I. Perkins College of Education
Tenaha, TX
Jordan Latrache, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, James I. Perkins College of Education
Timpson, TX
Mallory Strahan, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
June 20, 2017 - Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business offers students the opportunity to study abroad in France and Austria through partnerships with two business schools.
Since 2013, SFA business students have had the opportunity to study at either Groupe Sup De Co La Rochelle in France or MCI Management Center Innsbruck in Austria, which are both business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Lone Wittliff, lecturer in SFA’s Department of Management, Marketing and International Business, was instrumental in bringing these partnerships to fruition and continues to work as a liaison in helping SFA students enroll in this exchange program.
“Our students meet others from all over the world and gain cultural understanding and experiences,” Wittliff said. “For many of them, this is the highlight of their college experience with memories to last a lifetime.”
Since its inception, 21 SFA students have studied abroad with 18 studying in France and three in Austria. SFA also has hosted nine French students.
During this semester long program, SFA students enroll in various courses abroad that count toward their SFA degree plan.
“Students not only learn the essential business skills that will help them advance in their careers, but they also gain cultural experiences that will help them stand out to employers,” Wittliff said. “Much of the student body at both schools in Europe is international. This gives our students incredible insights to cultural differences and understandings and provides them with the opportunity to make lasting friendships.”
All College of Business students, except accounting majors, are eligible for the program. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and have completed various introduction business foundation courses. Students meeting the criteria may be eligible for a $1,200 scholarship from SFA’s Office of International Programs.
Those with a 3.0 GPA may receive an additional $1,000 scholarship from the College of Business. Participation in the college’s Student Success Passport Program also may provide additional scholarship opportunities. For this program, students pay SFA tuition, and room and board fees are approximately the same or less in France and Austria than in Nacogdoches.
For more information, contact Wittliff at lwittliff@sfasu.edu.
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