Weldon “Buddy” Alders, a 1958 Stephen F. Austin State University graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, has been named the 2026 Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Distinguished Alumnus. He is the owner and operator of Alders Companies in Dayton and Alders Farm and Ranch in Midway. In addition to his professional success, Alders has remained an active supporter of SFA. He has opened his facilities to university administrators and students for tours, hosted a class focused on the reproductive physiology program, donated $92,000 in equipment to SFA’s Beef Center, and contributed nearly $100,000 to support beef genetics research. According to Dr. Douglas Smith, chair and professor in the Department of Agriculture, “Mr. Alders represents SFA with pride, determination and integrity, and is always willing to support opportunities for our students, staff and faculty. Mr. Alders’ dedication to and work for the agriculture industry over the years show what it truly means to be a Lumberjack.”
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, 11 residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering over 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By University Marketing Communications
