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Following the successful launch of its educator support initiative last year, Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has named alumna Amy Calhoun, chemistry teacher at Sabine High School in Gladewater, as the recipient of the second annual JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship.

Following the successful launch of its educator support initiative last year, Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has named alumna Amy Calhoun, chemistry teacher at Sabine High School in Gladewater, as the recipient of the second annual JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship.

The fellowship, which recognizes exceptional public school science teachers, is designed to support continued professional growth, foster regional collaboration and enhance STEM education. As part of the fellowship, Calhoun will receive a $5,000 stipend and gain hands-on experience in lab instruction and curriculum development. She will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

Calhoun, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from SFA in 2000 and 2009, respectively, views the opportunity as a meaningful homecoming.

“At SFA, I studied chemistry and learned effective science teaching skills from outstanding educators,” Calhoun said. “I am deeply honored to return to my alma mater and work with the JacksTeach program to develop and present engaging ways for students to experience chemistry. I am grateful for the investment SFA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry made in me, and I am excited for the opportunity to give back through my work with current and future educators.”

Wurtz said she is looking forward to working with Calhoun.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amy back to SFA as our second fellow,” she said. “Her deep understanding of chemistry and her dedication to student engagement will be incredibly valuable as we collaborate to build new, inquiry-based resources for regional science teachers this summer.”

JacksTeach professional development workshops focus on hands-on, inquiry-based science activities in high school chemistry and biology classrooms. They also include a workshop on safe, ethical and effective lab practices for middle and high school teachers. Educators interested in participating can register at sfasu.edu/pace or contact jacksteach@sfasu.edu.

The JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship is currently funded through the support of SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics.

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

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved today $70 million for Stephen F. Austin State University to construct the 100,000-square-foot Lumberjack Crossing residence hall directly east of the Lumberjack Landing residence hall and south of Pineywoods Dining Hall. The four-story building will provide housing and support amenities for up to 335 students. It will include double-occupancy rooms with suite-style bathrooms, accessible accommodations, lounge and study spaces, staff offices and student collaboration environments. The project also will expand campus cooling capacity with a new chiller and supporting infrastructure planned for the university’s central plant. Construction is anticipated to begin this year with substantial completion targeted for 2028. This rendering shows the Lumberjack Crossing’s west entrance.

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