SFA University
March 28, 2016 - Stephen F. Austin State University junior interior design majors Abigail Gerald and Madison Stewart won first place for their aqua bar lighting model, which they created as a project in SFA Professor of Human Sciences Dr. Mitzi Perritt’s interior lighting class. Gerald and Stewart competed against their classmates, and Perritt presented various awards for the designs.
Students were divided into teams of two and tasked with creating a non-residential architectural model and incorporating natural and artificial light in the project.
“The students seem to enjoy this project each year. It allows them freedom to try creative applications of lighting in any type of non-residential space they desire,” Perritt said. “Model-building can be a lot of fun and stirs the imagination. Models are one way to encourage students to think ‘up’ as well as ‘out.’ They learn to manipulate a volume of space and bring the interior to life with lighting.”
March 21, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Several Stephen F. Austin State University students enrolled in the Department of Elementary Education and an international business student will study abroad for 18 days in Beijing and Nanjing, China, this May and June. Drs. Wynter Chauvin and Tingting Xu, SFA elementary education faculty members, are coordinating the trip and courses.
While overseas, the 12 participating students will observe and compare different systems of education at the elementary and middle school levels as well as visit the International School of Beijing. SFA students also will have the opportunity to develop their ESL skills by teaching English at the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics — something Chauvin said is unique to this trip.
In the morning, students will tutor university students in English, and in the afternoon, they will visit additional schools or participate in cultural events. Students will have a reflection and tutoring debriefing at NUFE in the evenings.
“We expect our students will be able to learn about different schools in China and accumulate some teaching experience, especially experience in teaching ESL students,” Xu said. “This trip also provides our students with insights into Chinese culture and history.”
Xu completed her undergraduate degree from NUFE, and her connection helped secure the university as a location for SFA students to practice their teaching. The university also will serve as the host school, and SFA students will live in dorms on campus.
“Living in the dorms and working with the NUFE students will help SFA students develop a better understanding of daily life in China,” Chauvin said. “Students will have a unique opportunity to be a part of a local community instead of just visiting and observing.”
The trip will include visits to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China, Ming tombs, Purple Mountain Park and more. To follow along, visit the class blog at http://SFAChina2016.wordpress.com.
For more information, contact SFA’s Department of Elementary Education at (936) 468-2904 or elementaryed@sfasu.edu.
March 21, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Six undergraduate students in Stephen F. Austin State University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics presented research at the 119th Texas Academy of Science this month, and two students are slated to speak at a national convention in April.
“These are research projects the students have been working on as undergraduates in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. As a department, we feel research is a major part of the students’ education and feel it is important not to just do a project but also present the results of that project,” said Dr. Alyx Frantzen, SFA associate professor of chemistry. “For many of the students, this is their first time presenting their research either in oral or poster format. The TAS meeting is a wonderful place for this first exposure to presenting research.”
Four of Frantzen’s chemistry students attended the convention, including Timothy Turner, who analyzed vapors released by the heating of e-liquids; David Hauer and Megan Jenkins, who conducted anion and metal analysis of mineral springs in Lampasas, Texas; and Celeste Keith, who presented findings on the influence of structure on combustion of organoclays.
Two additional sciences and mathematics students presented research at TAS. Christopher Franclemont, a student of Dr. Kefa Onchoke, SFA associate professor of chemistry, discussed the determination of element concentrations in fish purchased from stores in Nacogdoches. Amanda Raley, a student of Dr. Russell Franks, SFA assistant professor of chemistry, presented on the synthesis of fatty acid furfuryl ester mixtures.
“Many students have a lot of anxiety about speaking in front of people,” Franks said. “This is normal and is completely understandable. The best way for them to overcome that anxiety is to have them speak in front of people as much as possible.
“Opportunities for undergraduate students to make presentations at conferences like this give students experience at speaking on a technical subject in their major in front of an audience of people they don’t know,” Franks added. “As the students prepare for the presentation, they learn how to present their results in a concise, efficient and effective manner. These are valuable skills that will serve the students well once they graduate from SFA.”
Jamie Weihe and Carmel Tovar, students of Dr. Odutayo Odunuga, SFA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will present at the national Experimental Biology Conference in San Diego, California, April 2-6. The title of their presentation is “Metal affinity chromatography and protein refolding techniques: some observations and strategies.”
“Undergraduate student conference attendance is beneficial to all concerned: the students, the professors and the university,” Odunuga said. “Preparing for presentation at conferences takes a lot of effort and time, but students develop personal planning and other essential skills that will serve them the rest of their life. When students attend a conference, they gain a wider view, understanding and appreciation for science and research.
“For the professors, benefits of conference attendance include opportunity to network and collaborate with colleagues from other institutions, publish in conference proceedings and peer-review their research,” Odunuga added. “Promoting conference attendance is an excellent opportunity for the university to showcase its students and intellectual activities to other institutions, industry and the world in general.”
March 11, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s James I. Perkins College of Education will host Barrio Writers, a free weeklong summer writing program, June 13-18 on the SFA campus.
This is the second year SFA is offering the program, which is tailored for students ages 13-21 with an interest in reading and writing.
Barrio Writers comprises chapters in cities across the state, including Austin and Houston. Dr. Heather Olson Beal, SFA associate professor of secondary education, is coordinating the program for SFA and the Nacogdoches Independent School District.
The program offers free afternoon workshops in the McKibben Education Building on the SFA campus. SFA faculty and staff members serve as writing advisers who lead the workshops.
During each session, students read books, poems and song lyrics before discussing them as a group and then free write for 30 minutes. Through discussion, students relate the reading to their personal experiences by answering various questions. Students also can share their writing and receive critiques and constructive feedback.
“In this program, we don’t focus on grammar or writing style. Instead, we focus on using one’s voice for empowerment and identity,” Olson Beal said. “The program’s purpose is to have students work on content and expressing themselves. We want them to think about big issues in their communities and use writing as a tool to change the world around them.”
After each program is complete, Barrio Writers founder Sarah Rafael García collects the written work and compiles the pieces into a book to demonstrate the participant’s diverse backgrounds. Olson Beal said the opportunity for students to have their work published is one of the program’s main benefits. SFA Press began publishing the yearly Barrio Writers anthologies in 2015.
Along with the workshops, students participate in multicultural field trips during the week. Also, a public reading of the students’ work is hosted the Saturday following the program. This year’s public reading will be June 18.
In addition to Nacogdoches ISD students in grades 6-12, SFA students 21 or younger also are encouraged to participate in the event, especially education majors as Olson Beal said the event is great for experience and one’s résumé.
For more information, email sfabarriowriters@gmail.com or visit www.barriowriters.org.
March 11, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — More than 80 students enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State University’s six colleges will showcase the result of months of their research during the 2016 Undergraduate Research Conference on Thursday, March 31, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.
“The purpose of this annual conference is to highlight and honor outstanding undergraduate research,” said Dr. Leslie Cecil, SFA associate professor of anthropology and chair of the Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology. “Students present on the paper or project they submitted, which must be completed during the previous calendar year and be faculty sponsored.”
One research project from each SFA college is chosen as top scholar and receives $250. Seven additional outstanding student research projects are selected from each college as finalists. All projects chosen by the URC executive committee, which includes Cecil and Drs. Mark Faries, Eric Jones, Elizabeth Tasker-Davis and Michael Tkacik, will be presented during the conference.
Research presentation topics range widely — from a look at “Women in the Workforce” by Nelson Rusche College of Business finalist Courtney Beatty; to stress management in kinesiology undergraduate students by James I. Perkins College of Education top scholar Marie Wilhelm; to “How Different Art Forms Capitalize on Elements of Artistic Expression” by College of Fine Arts finalist Jesse Edwards.
Other topics include the air quality in SFA’s public dining areas by Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture finalists Joshua Miller, Robert Grant, Maira Aleem, Brandyn Fredericks and Nathan Warner; “PR Plan for The Solid Foundation” by College of Liberal and Applied Arts top scholars Amber Juarez, Meagan Beckwith, James Hardcastle, Meagan Sellers and Jovita Ndong; and “Cutting Triangles” by College of Sciences and Mathematics finalist Nghia Nguyen, among others.
Now in its ninth year, the conference was created by SFA’s College of Liberal and Applied Arts in April 2008. Twelve students presented in its first year.
In 2009, the Office of the Provost and the School of Honors became sponsors of the URC and expanded the conference to incorporate undergraduate works from all of SFA’s six colleges.
Faculty and staff members, students and the community are encouraged to attend the URC from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
For information, visit sfasu.edu/honors/urc.
March 8, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — More than 30 Stephen F. Austin State University kinesiology students recently helped administer a variety of fitness tests to hundreds of area elementary school students.
David Goodman, coordinator of undergraduate studies in SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, said students in his measurement and evaluation course were able to bring their classroom knowledge into the real world when they administered the tests.
“By going to area schools, students get the opportunity to conduct fitness tests on individuals they do not know,” Goodman said. “While peer assessment is a valuable learning tool, being able to conduct testing on individuals they have never met is even better. This experience can help students confirm or possibly change their thoughts about working with or teaching physical education, physical skills and fitness development, especially in regard to young children.”
While preparing for the testing, SFA students learned proper techniques regarding how to perform the physical skills used to test the components of health-related fitness and the testing protocols for administering the FitnessGram tests, the most widely used youth health-related fitness assessment and education/reporting tool.
FitnessGram tests aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility and muscular strength/endurance. In 2007, the state of Texas passed legislation mandating students in grades 3-12 have their fitness levels measured by FitnessGram.
“The students experience different methods for organizing, setting up and administering the tests while also learning verbal communication skills through explaining kinesiology-based terms and concepts to the public school students,” Goodman said. “All of these skills are important no matter what fitness tests are being administered and regardless of the age of the individuals being tested.”
March 8, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open house Saturday, April 2, 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 for one hour. 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's movie theater on the second floor. Guests can receive information about Orientation Programs at 3:15 and 4 p.m. on the second floor of the student center in Regents’ Suite B.
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.
March 7, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture will host a free student-led forestry outreach and education day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, to engage the community and provide insight into the diverse fields of natural resource study.
“So much of our region’s economic and cultural history is founded in the forests and natural resources of the region,” said Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator for the college. “We want to enable the community to explore those elements while also sharing the ways in which the field of forestry is both evolving to meet the modern needs of the public and conserving our natural ecosystems.”
Activity stations will be set up on the Forestry Building lawn, located at 319 East College St., that will teach participants about local water quality monitoring, the use of drones in modern forestry, where and how to camp in East Texas, tree identification walks and wildlife identification techniques, among others. Children’s activity tables also will be set up.
Ray Cole, a member of the Nacogdoches Fire and Rescue’s Venom Response Team, also will be on site with native, non-venomous snakes to discuss their important role in the forest ecosystem. Additionally, SFA’s timbersports team, the Sylvans, will provide demonstrations throughout the day.
In 2015, the Sylvans won their third-consecutive Southern Forestry Conclave Championship and won the collegiate title at the Arkansas State Lumberjack Championship.
For more information, contact Fuller at fullersa@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1185
March 7, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — As soon as the music begins, it’s like a switch going off. The laughter and inside jokes that filled the studio moments ago are gone, and professionalism takes the stage. Waiting for their music cues, dancers find their marks and strike a pose. With each note, the dancers move across the floor telling a story through movement of beauty and acceptance.
Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program has experienced growth in recent years and for good reasons. SFA’s dance program offers various academic and performance opportunities for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in dance.
The program is housed in SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education and offers students two concentration areas — teacher certification and performance/choreography. The teacher certification degree plan trains students to become dance teachers for grades 8-12.
“Having the dance education certificate and the connection with the College of Education is a tremendous benefit,” said Haley Jameson, dance program co-director. “We are one of few dance programs in the state that offers the dance teaching certificate.”
Students seeking a performance/choreography-based degree focus on becoming professional dancers or continuing their education in graduate school.
“We get dancers from all different genres, and we want them to be proficient in all three major western dance forms — ballet, modern and jazz. We are looking to train professionals,” Jameson said. “We want to take the level of technique up, and we are increasing the performance and choreography opportunities for students so they have a nice portfolio when they graduate. Also, if students are pursuing a teaching career, we want them to have teaching experience, not just theoretical knowledge.”
The dance program is continually advancing its curriculum to be more competitive. As new faculty members, both Jameson and Heather Samuelson, dance program co-director, bring their knowledge and diverse dance backgrounds to the program. Samuelson has extensive technique training and professional dance experience while Jameson adds her theatre and performance experience to the mix.
“We are a very close-knit group of dancers,” Samuelson said. “The dancers get a lot of one-on-one attention to really hone in on their technique and studies.”
Program graduates have found success in a variety of careers, including as a performer, dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, personal trainer, model, clothing designer, studio owner and more.
“Dance is very flexible. You can use it for a number of careers whether it’s science, theatre or business,” Jameson said.
Technique classes are held in the studio and begin with stretches and warm-ups before working on a specified technique.
“One of the things I really enjoy about SFA is the small class sizes that allow faculty members to get to know our dancers,” Jameson said. “When students are not in class, we ask about them and check on them. There is a personal touch.”
Throughout each semester, dance students participate in various performance opportunities, such as the Danceworks concert, a senior showcase.
For more than 30 years, the dance program has sponsored the SFA Repertory Dance Company, an audition-only dance company comprised of SFA students.
“The Repertory Dance Company has a long tradition of being a brother/sisterhood. They are like family, and they are so close knit,” Samuelson said. “Usually, these dancers are the first ones to give help in technique classes.”
Students can audition for the company regardless of their classification. Samuelson said there are many benefits to being a member. For example, members perform two to three times a year on and off campus. Members also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals.
For more information about SFA’s dance program or the SFA Repertory Dance Company, contact Jameson at jamesonhh@sfasu.edu or Samuelson at samuelsoh@sfasu.edu.
March 3, 2016 - NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Princesses from across East Texas are invited to don their best dress and sip tea with old and new friends during the SFA Garden’s annual Little Princess Tea Party slated for Saturday, April 9, in the Stephen F. Austin State University Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden.
“The tea party introduces people to nature and gardening in a new and enjoyable way. People who might not normally spend time outdoors love coming to the Little Princess Tea Party,” said Elyce Rodewald, tea party organizer and SFA Gardens educational programs coordinator. “Many people and organizations work together to bring this special day to the community, including SFA Gardens staff members and student workers, Nacogdoches Junior Forum volunteers, Alpha Psi Omega and others.
“This year, the Little Princess Tea Party is sponsored by Boyette Consulting. Dr. Cheryl Boyette created the original party over 10 years ago and has been involved in this magical event ever since.”
One hundred tickets are available and will be split between two tea party sessions. The first session will be at 10 a.m. and the second at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.
“The tickets sell out very quickly each year,” Rodewald said. “It seems that everyone enjoys dressing up, especially the young princesses. Some spend hours, days or even weeks planning what to wear.”
The tea party isn’t solely about playing dress up, although that is a definite perk for partygoers. The event allows young participants to practice budding social skills, increases time with family in a fun environment and offers the chance to soak in the beauty of the natural world.
“Princesses are intelligent, kind, brave, generous, loyal, magical, polite and strong,” Rodewald said. “Children who spend time playing and using their imagination are building important skills for adult life. The tea party also is a wonderful opportunity for children to spend special time with mom, grandmother or an aunt.”
Princess or fairy apparel is encouraged at the Little Princess Tea Party. Participants will be treated to tea party snacks, music, a garden visit and stories. Tickets can be purchased online at sfagardens.sfasu.edu.
For information, call (936) 468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
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