Everything Nac

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a transformative new facility that will house Stephen F. Austin State University’s Greg Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship during its regularly scheduled meeting May 7-8.

The building of the same name will be constructed next to the future home of SFA’s $85 million Forestry Building and Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building on Raguet Street between Hayter and East College streets beginning in July 2025, with substantial completion anticipated by February 2027.

The $40 million project includes $21 million from the state’s Permanent University Fund bond proceeds and $19 million from general revenue appropriated by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023.

“The regents are proud to make another investment in this great university, and we are especially pleased that such an important program for students and faculty will have a new facility,” said Kevin P. Eltife, UT System Board of Regents chairman. “The Greg Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship continues to establish itself as a signature center for all of East Texas.”

The Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, which was recently recognized as one of the top three emerging entrepreneurship programs in the nation by the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, was established in 2023 to support innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial growth across campus and East Texas. SFA’s entrepreneurship academic program launched in fall 2020.

“This state-of-the-art facility not only will strengthen SFA’s commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation but also will be a key resource in East Texas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering regional economic growth by guiding students to collaborate with local businesses and government to discover their vision,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president.

The two-story, 39,170-square-foot building will offer immersive and flexible spaces tailored to modern entrepreneurial education, including simulated learning environments, dedicated coworking spaces and innovation labs.

The facility’s multipurpose LED volume production studio, which will feature technology to create realistic and immersive virtual environments for film, television and video production, will be available for collaborative projects and entrepreneurial ventures across SFA’s areas of study. These disciplines encompass media and communications; forestry and agriculture; health care; science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM; and education, including the university’s construction management and aviation sciences programs.

With the approval of the design development plans and funding allocation, SFA moves one step closer to creating a dynamic hub for future business leaders, visiting entrepreneurs and students eager to bring their ideas to life.

For more information on SFA’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, visit sfasu.edu/ace.

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

For the third consecutive year, Gavin Willsey, a senior political science major and pre-law minor from Lakeway, earned placement at the Midwest Model European Union in Bloomington, Indiana – becoming the first student from Stephen F. Austin State University to achieve the distinction.

Willsey placed second as a member of the Belgian Vlaams Belang. In 2023, he placed second as a member of the European Parliament from Portugal representing the Social Democratic Party and placed first representing the Lega Salvini Premier Party of Italy in 2024. Additionally, Willsey served as chair of the European Parliament each year.

“My first priority going into these competitions is always to represent our political science department,” Willsey said. “Faculty members like Drs. Willardson, Payne and especially Galatas have made my time here worthwhile. I feel my success has demonstrated just how effective they are as educators, and I hope my spirit during these competitions has mirrored theirs.”

Hosted by Indiana University, the MMEU competition is the second oldest and largest intercollegiate simulation of the European Union in North America. With this year’s competition featuring 27 teams from 21 institutions, the purpose is to increase awareness and knowledge of the EU, its institutions and its processes. SFA’s team was named Best Delegation – the top honor – in the 2022 and 2023 competitions.

“This year’s Midwest Model EU featured the most competition that I have seen in our 10 years of attending this simulation,” said Dr. Steven Galatas, SFA associate professor of government and Model EU faculty advisor. “For the first time in my experience, there were teams representing all 27 countries that belong to the European Union. The delegations were all very well-prepared, and the quality of debate, discussion and negotiation was the best ever. I am very proud that our students performed well and received complements from many of the other delegations and faculty sponsors.”

The simulation models the legislative bodies and administration of the European Union. Students addressed many issues faced by the European Union, and used bargaining, negotiation, public speaking and diplomacy skills to pass legislation. In most legislative bodies of the EU, a unanimous vote or a weighted majority is needed.

SFA’s team represented Belgium during the competition, which was chosen through a lottery system. In preparation, the team met regularly to review EU legislature processes and research the country’s positions on important or critical issues facing the EU today.

Hayden Thacker of Lake Jackson placed fourth in the Foreign Affairs Council as the Foreign Minister of Belgium. Other team members included Mia Bradley of Lufkin, prime minister of Belgium in the European Council; Miguel Escobedo of Lufkin, economic and finance minister of Belgium; Sean Murphy of Nacogdoches, justice minister of Belgium; and Briley Smith of Nacogdoches, environment minister of Belgium.

The competition also presented opportunities for students to hear from guest speakers, including Brian Cahalane, Consul General of Ireland’s Consulate in Chicago, and Niklas Goerlitz from the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington, D.C.

“Model EU is a chance to prove that SFA has a place at the table,” Willsey said. “We’re up against numerous prestigious schools, and every year I’ve been part of the team, we’ve been able to demonstrate our debate chops and knowledge of European politics.”

Interested in seeing what Model EU has in store for you? Contact Galatas for information at galatasse@sfasu.edu. For more information about SFA’s Department of Government, visit their website.

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

Stephen F. Austin State University leaders and nearly 200 high school students from more than 15 regional partner schools promised to work together to achieve the students’ higher education goals during the introduction of SFA’s new Lumberjack Launch Guaranteed Admissions Program at a ceremony May 7 on campus.

Designed to provide a seamless transition for students from participating regional schools into the SFA community, Lumberjack Launch fosters strong connections between local schools and the university to encourage college readiness and early engagement with campus life.

“To every student in East Texas, SFA is your higher education home if you want it to be,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at the university. “SFA is your partner in success. We’re removing every barrier that you can think of standing in your way to becoming anything you want to be.”

Offering support as early as eighth grade, the program is designed to help students change their thinking from “if I go to college” to “when I go to college,” said Janna Chancey, assistant vice president for enrollment management at SFA.

By the time high school students reach their senior year, their participation in Lumberjack Launch will reduce the stress and anxiety normally associated with the college-going process, whether students in the program decide to attend SFA or another university.

“Even if you’re not quite sure you want to go to SFA, you can commit to participating in Lumberjack Launch when we visit your campus this fall,” Willis said.

Brady Taylor, superintendent of Woden Independent School District, encouraged the students in attendance to take advantage of Lumberjack Launch.

“We’ve needed a program like this for a long time. The anxiety and stress of the college transition are real,” he told students. “The Lumberjack Launch mentor program will allow you to talk to SFA students who are doing what you want to do.”

Bay Hutchins, an SFA mass communication graduate student from Willis, Texas, said, “Lumberjack Launch will ease your nerves. You’ll be one step ahead of all the other incoming freshmen.”

Damenion Miller, new superintendent of Crockett ISD, told students how his daughter had graduated from SFA two years before with an accounting degree and was a member of the university’s national champion Cheer and Dance Teams.

“College is not only within reach, SFA is ready to receive you,” he said. “This program is more than just an agreement. It is a promise to students and families. We see your potential, we believe in your future and we’re committed to removing the barriers so you can pursue your higher education dreams.”

Miller then asked the students in the audience to make a promise in return to the SFA leaders who are working to support them: “Dr. Willis, we won’t let you down,” they said.

“The promise is mutual,” Willis emphasized. “We want you to understand the value of an SFA degree, but we’re working to help you go to college period. You can’t be what you don’t see. With this program, you’ll be able to see yourself in college and see yourself as successful.”

Lumberjack Launch students receive the following benefits to support their academic, social and personal success:

• Guaranteed admission upon meeting program requirements
• Financial aid guidance and priority consideration for SFA scholarships
• Personalized mentoring and guidance from current SFA students
• Invitations to exclusive events and campus tours
• Tailored academic advising to ensure a smooth transition into university life

To participate in Lumberjack Launch, students must meet the following requirements:

• Enrollment at one of SFA’s partnering guaranteed-admissions regional schools
• Completion of required high school coursework aligned with Texas college readiness standards
• A letter of intent to enroll at SFA upon completion of current coursework
• Participation in at least two Lumberjack Launch events, which include campus visits; college readiness workshops and mentorship meetings; or athletics, arts or other enrichment activities on campus
• Submission of high school transcripts or equivalent documentation and any additional forms requested by SFA’s Office of Admissions
• Demonstration of commitment to SFA’s core values: learning, personal responsibility and community involvement

Dr. Darrell Myers, SFA alumnus and interim superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD, summed up the feeling at the ceremony.

“What a great day in East Texas, and what a great day to be a Lumberjack!”

For more information and a list of Lumberjack Launch partners, visit sfasu.edu/launch.

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.