SFA University
February 20, 2017 - Stephen F. Austin State University administrators, Nacogdoches city and county government leaders, and members of the 2016-17 Leadership Nacogdoches class give a Lumberjack salute on the steps of the Texas Capitol Thursday morning. The group traveled from East Texas to join Rep. Travis Clardy of Nacogdoches and Sen. Robert Nichols of Jacksonville for Nacogdoches - SFA Days, held Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 15-16, during the 85th Texas Legislative Session.
Members of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Student Government Association visited with Rep. Jason Isaac of Dripping Springs at the Texas Capitol Wednesday. Isaac is a 1996 graduate of SFA and the only Lumberjack currently serving in the Texas House of Representatives.
East Texas lawmakers presented a resolution in the Texas House of Representatives Thursday recognizing Feb. 16, 2017, as Nacogdoches - SFA Day at the Capitol. Standing on the house speaker’s platform, from left, Dr. Steve Westbrook, SFA vice president for university affairs; David Alders, SFA Board of Regents member; Chad Huckaby, SFA student regent; Roger Van Horn, Nacogdoches city mayor; and Mike Perry, Nacogdoches County judge; listen as Rep. Travis Clardy discusses HR 290 and the positive impact of Nacogdoches and the university. Pictured, bottom row, from left, are Rep. Trent Ashby of Lufkin, Clardy, and 1996 SFA graduate Rep. Jason Isaac of Dripping Springs.
February 17, 2017 NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Point by point, the image of a cannon slowly materializes on the computer screen. Fine grooves in the handcrafted bronze handles shaped like dolphins prove difficult for the scanner to visualize, but eventually, with enough manipulation, a 3-D rendering of a long-submerged French cannon comes into focus.
“The idea of reverse-engineering the cannon so that the French can cast a duplicate has been floating around for a while,” said Dr. Robert Z. Selden Jr., research associate at Stephen F. Austin State University’s Center for Regional Heritage Research. “We always enjoy working with the Texas Historical Commission and have really been looking forward to beginning work on this project.”
A storied past
The cannon in question isn’t just any cannon. Its story began centuries ago in 1684 when the weapon was first loaded onto La Belle, the ship of legendary French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, the Sieur de La Salle.
La Salle planned to cross the ocean with four ships and 400 people and land at the mouth of the Mississippi River. There, he was to establish a colony and forge trade routes in the name of French King Louis XIV, according to the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin where the cannon from La Belle is currently housed. The plan was never realized after La Salle lost ships to pirates and disaster, sailed past his destination and was killed by his own men.
In 1686, La Belle wrecked in a storm and sank to the bottom of Matagorda Bay. It remained there undisturbed for 300 years. In 1995, it was discovered by Texas Historical Commission archaeologists, who then fully excavated the wreck in 1996-97. The bronze cannon was one of three found among the ship’s cargo.
“The photos of the excavation and preservation efforts are incredible,” Selden said. “The scale of that excavation, which was surrounded by a coffer dam in the middle of Matagorda Bay, was remarkable. However, it is important to remember that the cannon is only one component of a much larger story; you really have to see the exhibit that the staff at the THC and the Bullock have put together to appreciate the magnitude of that undertaking.”
The cannon is on display on the ground floor of the Bullock Texas State History Museum in the current La Belle exhibit. It has been a central feature of the exhibit since the museum opened in 2001.
Scanning history
The idea of scanning the cannon arose during discussions held by staffers at the THC, the Musée national de la Marine in Paris and the Bullock Museum for a La Belle exhibit in France.
“Because the recovery of one of the three bronze cannons aboard the ship was key in identifying the wreck in 1995 as La Salle’s lost ship, the cannons are iconic and significant artifacts,” said Bradford M. Jones, collections manager of the THC’s archaeology division. “At the time, however, the cost and complexity of shipping an 800-pound bronze cannon back and forth across the Atlantic was recognized as a potential limiting factor on the exhibit, and the decision was made to explore having it reproduced in either the United States or France.
“Because high-resolution, 3-D scanning had the potential to relatively quickly and efficiently produce a (computer-aided design) model that could be shared and reproduced in a number of media, we contacted Dr. Selden,” Jones said. “Selden had previously scanned artifacts for the THC’s historic sites division and participated in 3-D technology training sessions with our archaeology division’s Texas Archeological Stewardship Network.”
Selden traveled to Austin in November to generate the 3-D surface scan of the cannon using a handheld scanner. Once scanned, the digital image can be resized for reproduction and a number of other purposes.
“The CRHR has a reputation for accuracy, and for producing open-access 3-D meshes and solid models that can be used for additional analyses, reproductions and 3-D puzzles,” Selden said. “This also is a great opportunity for SFA to solidify its leadership role in digitizing and reverse-engineering the material culture associated with Texas archaeology and history.
“We have the tools. We have the expertise. We have everything that we need to generate this kind of deliverable while educating our students along the way — helping them to understand theory and process while also gaining practical experience. This is just one small part of the transformative learning experience that the CRHR provides to the graduate and undergraduate students who work with us.”
The Austin museum is planning for a final La Belle exhibit to open in 2018, where the cannon will be displayed alongside the now-reconstructed hull of the ship.
“Dr. Selden has been a welcome partner with the THC in the past, and this time was no different,” Jones said. “He and the two CRHR interns assisting him not only conducted the work in a professional manner, but also openly shared an enthusiasm for the history and significance of the work that made it feel like a true collaboration.”
For more information regarding ongoing work with La Belle, visit the Bullock Museums’ website at www.thestoryoftexas.com/la-belle/the-exhibit.
February 10, 2017 NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University interior design students honed their professional skills while collaborating with staff members at the Nacogdoches Treatment Center to create site and floor plans for a proposed assisted living facility for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
The floor plans feature a community kitchen, family-style dining, private resident rooms with baths, a quiet space, in-house laundry and a multipurpose community/activity area, all housed within a community-oriented, home-like atmosphere.
Dr. Mitzi Perritt, professor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences, explained this project introduces students to designing for special populations.
“The building’s purpose is to house Alzheimer’s patients who can no longer live with their caregivers due to advancement of the disease,” Perritt said.
During the fall semester, five teams of SFA students studied the Texas Accessibility Standards guidelines and researched city and county records for property description, lot size, restrictions and utility placement. Students also reviewed state regulations outlined by the Department of Aging and Disability Services.
Additionally, the students engaged in a Dementia Live simulation to help them understand what it is like to live with dementia, a disease similar to Alzheimer’s disease that affects memory loss.
“This being our first assisted living facility to design, our team researched a great deal and considered many restrictions that apply to this type of facility,” said Remy Follmar, Colmesneil junior interior design major. “This project taught me research is a very important part of design and that gaining knowledge outside of the classroom is equally important. I thoroughly enjoyed this project and the research needed to understand how and why we design a specific way for these patients.”
Students also interviewed Kathy Strong, Nacogdoches Treatment Center executive director, to help understand the center’s needs and desires for their “dream facility.”
“It was interesting to see the concepts the students came up with,” Strong said. “We were amazed at how quickly and efficiently they took our concerns and thoughts and created a design. It’s a great opportunity for us to tap into the knowledge at SFA and working with the students is so important. Nacogdoches is unique in that we are able to work together with the university. It’s a win-win for all of us.”
February 1, 2017 Nacogdoches — Administrators from Stephen F. Austin State University and Panola College signed an articulation agreement Jan. 12 that will help create a seamless transition for Panola College technical and vocational graduates and students enrolled in these programs to transfer up to 66 hours of coursework to SFA and apply it toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
The agreement includes a dual admissions process with applications and transcripts being forwarded to both SFA and Panola College at the time the student registers and declares an intention to work toward the bachelor’s degree.
“Pending approval from our Board of Regents, beginning in fall 2017, students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science and/or certificate through Panola College’s School of Energy are well positioned to pursue this bachelor’s degree at SFA with a professional development area in industrial engineering technology,” said Dr. Steve Cooper, SFA associate dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts and director of the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs, who added that the program will be presented to SFA’s Board of Regents for approval.
SFA’s industrial engineering technology program is a multidisciplinary grouping of courses stemming from collaboration among the university’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, and Rusche College of Business.
“This program offers an avenue for Panola College graduates and students to further their education close to home,” Cooper said. “Data shows that graduates who hold bachelor’s degrees are more marketable and earn higher salaries. When you consider the time commitment for these graduates and students has already, or will already, be reduced due to the transfer of coursework, it just makes sense that this agreement adds value to community and those we serve.”
For more information about the program, contact Cooper at (936) 468-6537 or scooper@sfasu.edu.
February 3, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas - Dignitaries and special guests, including former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, members of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Board of Regents and members of the Rusk family attended a reception Monday at SFA announcing the public opening of The Rusk Family Letters, a new collection of documents from historical figures Thomas J. Rusk and his brother, David Rusk.
Last fall, SFA’s Board of Regents approved the purchase of the collection, which contains about 1,000 items. The Rusk family donated approximately 600 additional items.
Thomas J. Rusk was a political and military leader of the Republic of Texas who served as its first secretary of war and as a general in the Battle of San Jacinto. He was later a U.S. politician and served as a senator from Texas.
Comprising the majority of the collection are documents addressed to David Rusk, who served as Nacogdoches County sheriff and a tax collector during the Republic period. The materials help tell the story of Nacogdoches as well as the Republic of Texas and are an intimate picture of the Rusk family’s private lives and public service.
The collection is housed inside the East Texas Research Center, located on the second floor of Steen Library on SFA’s campus, and is available for viewing weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
February 3, 2017 Nacogdoches — Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open-house Saturday, February 18, at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.
Prospective students will have the opportunity to visit with university faculty and staff members, tour the campus and residence halls, and preview academic programs during the SFA Showcase Saturday event.
"There is no better time than Showcase Saturday to visit the beautiful SFA campus and witness firsthand what it's like to be a Lumberjack," said Jessica Maynard, assistant director of SFA's Office of Admissions.
"Guests are encouraged to visit one-on-one with our faculty members to learn more about our quality, personalized academic programs, and our staff members will be available to answer questions about everything from admission requirements to financial aid to residence life,” Maynard added.
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 registration will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center and will remain open until 12:45 p.m. Each person who registers will receive an information packet. The opening program begins at 12:45 p.m. and will provide an overview of the day's events.
Guests will then be able to visit with representatives of the academic departments until 4 p.m. at the Academic Fair in the Student Recreation Center. A Student Services Fair will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
Campus and residence hall tours will begin at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Campus tours will take students on a guided walk of the SFA campus, while the self-guided residence hall tours will showcase several halls on both the north and south ends of campus.
Admissions counselors will be available to discuss admission procedures and requirements from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in the Rusk Building, Room 206, and at several freshman and transfer admissions sessions held throughout the day.
Financial aid information sessions will be held at 2:30, 3:15 and 4 p.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center's Twilight Ballroom. Residence Life information sessions will be held at 2:30, 3:15 and 4 p.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater on the second floor.
Participating prospective students will receive a free SFA T-shirt after completing an evaluation form in the tent located in the courtyard area of the Rusk Building.
For more information about SFA's Showcase Saturday, contact the SFA Office of Admissions at (936) 468-2504 or email admissions@sfasu.edu.
February 1, 2017 NACOGDOCHES — Facilities at Stephen F. Austin State University will bear the names of a Nacogdoches couple and a former SFA regent after the individuals were honored Tuesday by the SFA Board of Regents.
The chemistry building was named in honor of SFA benefactors Dr. Robert and Kathy Lehmann.
“Dr. Robert and Kathy Lehmann are a part of this university,” said Dr. Baker Pattillo, university president. “They have dedicated time, expertise and financial resources to the university, and we are honored to express our admiration and gratitude to them with this recognition.”
Robert established the Lehmann Eye Center in Nacogdoches 40 years ago. As an ophthalmologist, he is recognized for his contributions in the advancement of surgical techniques in the management of eye diseases and has been instrumental in bringing new technology to the field of ophthalmology.
His wife, Kathy, attended SFA and serves as the administrator of Lehmann Eye Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
The Lehmanns have contributed to student scholarships and to the advancement of SFA programs including fine arts, modern languages, hospitality, athletics, nursing, the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Women in STEM initiative.
“Kathy and I are extremely honored for this recognition and feel SFA has been a tremendous blessing to us, to our community, to all of East Texas and beyond,” Dr. Lehmann said.
The Robert and Kathy Lehmann Chemistry Building houses the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
“This is very exciting and a great opportunity for the department to improve the learning experiences for chemistry and biochemistry majors as a result of the Lehmanns’ generosity,” said Dr. Michael Janusa, chair of the department.
The three-story glass atrium of the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building, currently under construction on the campus, will bear the name of the late regent Barry Nelson.
A 1971 graduate of SFA, Nelson was appointed to the SFA Board of Regents Feb. 14, 2013. As chair of the board’s Building and Grounds Committee, Nelson was instrumental in the planning phase of the STEM Building and was adamant that the building needed an iconic atrium, Pattillo explained.
“Barry Nelson was the driving force behind this project,” Pattillo said. “He had a love and appreciation for higher education. Naming the atrium in his honor will ensure that Nelson will be known and remembered for years as thousands of students utilize this building.”
Nelson was unable to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility on Nov. 7, 2016, but a speech he had prepared for the occasion was read. He passed away the following day.
The building is scheduled to open in fall 2018.
Regents also approved the construction of a new greenhouse at the SFA Gardens’ Pineywoods Native Plant Center on Raguet Street.
In 2016, crop science was added to the core curriculum, increasing student traffic to the greenhouse and SFA Gardens facilities.
“This greenhouse will serve as a hands-on experiential learning space for SFA students and will provide great academic and research opportunities,” said Dr. Steve Bullard, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The greenhouse addition, which will comprise approximately 7,200 square feet, will include site preparation, greenhouse kit, controllers, greenhouse and propagation accessories, security fencing and additional utilities. More than $180,000 in donations has been raised to build the facility.
Additionally, to reflect changes in the field of human dimensions in forestry, regents approved a name change of the Master of Science in resource interpretation to the Master of Science in resource communications.
In other business, one year ago, regents approved a designated tuition rate of $192 per semester credit hour for the 2016-17 school year. On Tuesday, regents approved retaining the same designated tuition rate with no increase for the 2017-18 school year. Tuition rates also were set for students who enter the university during the school year and elect to participate in a fixed-rate tuition plan.
Regents approved a change in the fees for excessive credit hours.
“The university does not receive funding from the state for students who have exceeded by 30 hours the number of semester credit hours required for the degree program in which they are enrolled, or when they enroll in a course that they’ve previously been enrolled in two or more times,” said Dr. Danny Gallant, vice president for finance and administration. “We are authorized by the state to charge those students the equivalent of out-of-state, non-statutory tuition, which is $458 per semester credit hour.”
Regents set the fees for excessive hour tuition and the charge for courses repeated three or more times at $200 per semester credit hour, in addition to the regular tuition and fees regularly charged. Regents also approved changes in course and lab fees for fiscal year 2017-18.
Room rates for the majority of students living on campus this academic year will increase by 0.5 percent. Due to ongoing upgrades and improvements in Hall 20, including a scheduled replacement of the building’s HVAC system, room rates for that residence hall will increase 5 percent.
Regents approved a 1.7 percent increase in board rates. “The administration and our food service provider, Aramark, negotiate rate increases on the basis of the Food and Beverage element of the Consumer Price Index, published by the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Steve Westbrook, vice president for university affairs. “The index increased to 1.9 percent, but we negotiated a 1.7 percent increase.”
Regents ratified $486,689 in additional grant awards allocable to the fiscal year 2016-17. The funds are a portion of approximately $6 million for the fiscal year.
In other business, the board approved faculty and staff member appointments and changes of status at its meeting Tuesday.
In the College of Fine Arts, the board approved the appointment of Jack Heifner as visiting professor of theatre. They also approved appointments of Monique Nunn, Student Success Center coordinator, and Samantha Hosea, counselor in Student Affairs Support Services, as well as assistant football coaches Benjamin Beasley, William Best, Jake Brown, Jeffrey Byrd, David Gary Crowton, Jeremy Hammock, Thomas Howe, Joshua Lawson, Terry Mills and Jeremy Moses.
Changes of status approved included Flora Farago, from instructor to assistant professor of human sciences, James I. Perkins College of Education; and Christopher Alan Scott, from web design specialist to coordinator of web services, University Marketing Communications. Gavin McCarty, manager of the SFA Post Office, was approved to also serve as interim director of printing services.
Regents approved the fiscal year 2015-16 annual financial report and acknowledged the receipt of the audit services report. In a special telephone meeting on Jan. 23, regents approved the SFA Charter School 2015-16 audited financial statements.
During the Tuesday meeting, the board approved:
- an agreement with Oncor Electric to construct an electric feed to provide power to the new housing operations facility on University Drive;
- the transfer of a water well at SFA’s Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center from SND Operating LLC to the university to support livestock operations;
- acceptance of a gift from the estate of Alfred E. Danheim Jr.;
- a resolution to acknowledge review of investment policy and strategy;
- qualified financial institutions, investment managers and brokers; and
- the Education Advisory Board Student Success Collaborative Contract amendment to include travel costs through Dec. 30, 2020.
Regents also elected board officers for 2017-18: David Alders, chair; Brigettee Henderson, vice chair; and Alton Frailey, secretary.
Regents approved policy revisions and minutes from the November meeting. They received updates on the electricity contract, Senate Bill 20 and the university’s branding campaign. Regents heard reports from Texas A&M University System Investments, the Faculty Senate, Student Government Association and the university president.
January 27, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas - The following students received degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University during December commencement exercises.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR, COLLEGE
Center, TX
Stephanie Araujo, BSN, Nursing, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Stephnie Bailey, MED, Educational Leadership, James I. Perkins College of Education
Lesley Cockrell, BSIS, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Terena Henry, BSIS, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Ashley Lowe, BS, Health Science, James I. Perkins College of Education
Alyssa Mauhar, BSIS, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Angelica Morales, BSIS, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Alex Morris, BFA, Art, College of Fine Arts
Kristin Peace, BBA, Accounting, Nelson Rusche College of Business
Denetra Slaughter, MED, Educational Leadership, James I. Perkins College of Education
Taylor Tanner, BFA, Creative Writing, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Joaquin, TX
William Alger, MS, Kinesiology, James I. Perkins College of Education
Whitney Murray, BSN, Nursing, College of Sciences and Mathematics
Bailee Smith, BSIS, Interdisciplinary Studies, James I. Perkins College of Education
Tenaha, TX
Nancy Joubert, BSAG, Animal Science, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Charles Scull, BBA, Management, Nelson Rusche College of Business
Timpson, TX
Cameron Bush, BA, Criminal Justice Legal Assistant, College of Liberal and Applied Arts
Rebecca Daniel, BS, Human Sciences, James I. Perkins College of Education
Amber Parks, BS, Kinesiology, James I. Perkins College of Education
January 27, 2017 Nacogdoches, Texas - The following students have been named to the President's List at Stephen F. Austin State University for the fall semester.
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.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR
Center, TX
Erika Figueroa-Franco, Pre-Nursing
Whitney Haddox, Communication Disorders
Haley Hockenberry, Concurrent/Not Designated
Taylor Hudspeth, Interdisciplinary Studies
Rani Jamison, Kinesiology
Aaron Liker, Accounting
Jessica Massey, Art
Chelsea McDaniel, Music
Julie McSwain, Computer Science
Angelica Morales, Interdisciplinary Studies
Kaleth Salazar, Pre-Nursing
Lindsey Snell, Interdisciplinary Studies
Joaquin, TX
Megan McGee, Pre-Social Work
Shelbyville, TX
Tiffanee Vaughn, Interdisciplinary Studies
Tenaha, TX
Bethany Barna, Interdisciplinary Studies
Cinthya Leos, Interdisciplinary Studies
Timpson, TX
Monica Montoya, Interdisciplinary Studies
January 27, 2017 NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The following students have been named to the Dean's List at Stephen F. Austin State University for the fall semester.
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.
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, MAJOR
Center, TX
Stephanie Araujo, Nursing
Victoria Duvon, Pre-Nursing
Kalaceia Evans, Social Work
Bailea Foehner, Human Sciences
Yvette Garcia, Mathematics
Celia Gonzalez, Interdisciplinary Studies
Alisha Horton, Communication Disorders
Darby Hudspeth, Interdisciplinary Studies
Jaxon Lucas, Communication Disorders
Brandon Miles, Accounting
Kristin Peace, Accounting
Vanessa Renteria, Interdisciplinary Studies
Kaycee Ricketson, Interior Design
Chloe Rogers, Interdisciplinary Studies
Joaquin, TX
Nicholas Cheatwood, Biochemistry
Samantha Cheatwood, Accounting
Caitlyn Gates, Interdisciplinary Studies
Jordan Powdrill, Engineering Physics
Jacob Samford, Music
Tionnee Turner, Health Science
Annabeth Vaughn, Pre-Nursing
Ryleigh Yates, Marketing
Shelbyville, TX
Michael Elliott, Agri Engineering Technology
Tenaha, TX
Nancy Joubert, Animal Science
Jordan Latrache, Kinesiology
Clarissa Menefee, Animal Science
Zackary Ritter, Engineering Physics
Timpson, TX
Cade Archer, Computer Science
Jace Archer, Computer Science
Katie Bush, Biology
Kristi Clifton, Pre-Social Work
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