Stephen F. Austin State University

05/30/2026

Sweet opportunities are taking shape. 🍬🪓

Leaders from SFA recently visited Atkinson Candy Company in Lufkin for a behind-the-scenes look at one of East Texas' most iconic family-owned businesses. During the visit, company leaders shared insights into their domestic and international operations, the challenges facing family-owned businesses and the opportunities ahead for future growth.

The conversation also explored potential partnerships that could create hands-on learning, research and workforce development opportunities for students across multiple disciplines, including food science, nutrition, engineering, business and marketing.

As SFA continues to expand entrepreneurship, innovation and industry partnerships, collaborations like these help connect classroom learning with real-world experience while supporting economic growth across East Texas.

05/29/2026

Heads up, Lumberjacks! 🚧

Beginning Monday, June 1, a portion of East College Street will be closed through Monday, June 30, weather permitting, as crews complete major campus construction and underground utility work.

Access to Lumberjack Lodge, Hall 14 and Lumberjack Landing will remain available during the closure, but drivers will need to enter from the east side using Wilson Drive or University Drive.

Detours and additional signage will be in place to help guide traffic through the area. Please plan ahead, follow posted signage and allow extra travel time when navigating campus this month.

05/27/2026

Future Lumberjacks, don't wait! 🪓💜

Our first new student orientation session begins next week, and the first three summer orientation sessions are already FULL.

Because of the strong response from incoming students, we've added one additional orientation session on Friday, Aug. 7. Available spots are limited and remaining sessions are filling fast!

Lumberjack Orientation is your opportunity to learn more about your academic program, meet faculty and staff, connect with fellow Lumberjacks, explore campus resources and prepare for life at SFA.

Secure your spot today before sessions fill! ➡️ gosfa.com/orientation26

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05/26/2026

From East Texas to our nation’s capital. 🪓🇺🇸

Senior business economics major Barret Williams recently represented SFA as an Archer Fellow in Washington, D.C., becoming the first fellow from Rusche College of Business. During the semester-long program, he gained firsthand experience in public policy, worked alongside national leaders and joined students from across The University of Texas System in one of the nation’s premier public service fellowships.

His experience is part of a growing tradition at SFA. For the 2026-27 academic year, a record seven Lumberjacks were selected as Archer Fellows or alternates, opening doors for more students to live, learn and intern at The Archer Center in Washington while building the skills and connections that launch meaningful careers.

“Being an Archer Fellow means a great deal to me,” Williams said. “To be perceived as valuable enough for donors, faculty and congressmen to commit a significant amount of their time and money to invest in me is truly impactful. Additionally, to be associated with the extraordinary collection of Archer Fellow alumni is an honor that I will spend the rest of my life working to live up to.”

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Barret Williams, a senior business economics major from Wake Forest, North Carolina, represented Stephen F. Austin State University in the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., during the spring 2026 semester. Williams, the first Archer Fellow from the Nelson Rusch...

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember the Lumberjacks who gave their lives in service to our nation. 🇺🇸🪓

When the United States entered the war following the attack on Pearl Harbor, students, faculty and staff answered the call to serve. SFA also played a unique role in the nation’s wartime history. In 1943, the U.S. Army selected the college as the first institution in the nation to host a Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps training school, helping prepare women for military service during a pivotal moment in American history.

At the height of the war, a service flag created by students was displayed on campus bearing more than 1,000 blue stars representing members of the SFA family in military service and a number of gold stars honoring those who had given their lives. Ultimately, more than three dozen SFA students died while serving their country.

When the war ended, many veterans returned to SFA through the G.I. Bill, helping fuel a new era of growth for the institution. In honor of those who served and those who never came home, the college renamed its recreation facilities Memorial Park and Memorial Stadium.

Today, we honor those Lumberjacks and all Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. Their courage, service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

📸: Photos from editions of The Stone Fort yearbook published during the 1940s

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05/22/2026

Campus is beautiful year-round, but it feels a little different without our Lumberjacks here. 💜🌲

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing and memorable summer break!

05/21/2026

The future of SFA isn't just being planned — it's being built. 🏗️💜

The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved the design development plans and authorized funding for the $70 million Lumberjack Crossing residence hall, another major step in transforming the student experience at SFA.

As priorities identified in the campus master plan move from vision to reality, investments like Lumberjack Crossing are creating modern spaces where future generations of Lumberjacks will live, learn and build community.

Opening in fall 2028, the new residence hall will serve 335 students and provide the spaces and amenities that support student success from day one.

Take a look at what's next for SFA. 🪓

05/20/2026

A once-in-a-generation transformation is underway at SFA. 🪓

With support from The University of Texas System, the State of Texas and private philanthropy, SFA is expanding opportunities for students, strengthening workforce development and driving economic growth across East Texas.

From new academic facilities and student housing to entrepreneurship, research and innovation initiatives, the university is experiencing a transformational period of growth designed to create opportunity and regional impact for decades to come.

As part of a special series celebrating America’s 250th birthday, this KETK NBC feature highlights SFA’s growing impact on East Texas and the investments helping shape our future.

For more than a century, Stephen F. Austin State University has served as a cornerstone of higher education in East Texas. Now, the university is undergoing ...

05/20/2026

Lumberjacks make great pioneers! 🪓

Congratulations to alumna Michele Wheeler, president and CEO of Jackson-Shaw, on being named the recipient of D CEO Magazine's 2026 Pioneer Award, one of North Texas’ highest honors in commercial real estate. After earning her business degree at SFA, Wheeler built a remarkable career defined by leadership, innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning, helping guide more than 65 million square feet of real estate development across the country.

We’re proud to call her a Lumberjack and celebrate the impact she continues to make in her industry and communities! https://gosfa.com/4tLpS3s

When visionary developer Lewis Shaw needed someone to turn ideas into reality, Wheeler became the steady force behind Jackson-Shaw’s growth.

05/19/2026

A new chapter in health professions education begins at SFA. 💜🩺

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Elisabeth Ploran as the inaugural dean of SFA’s new College of Health Professions! With a distinguished background in academic leadership, student success and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ploran will help shape the future of healthcare education while preparing the next generation of professionals to serve communities across East Texas and beyond. 🪓

Read more about Dr. Ploran’s appointment and vision for the college: https://gosfa.com/4wC8il4