Everything Nac

Students enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State University’s natural resources section of SFA 101 removed more than 100 pounds of the invasive species giant salvinia from Lake Naconiche this month.

Dr. Matthew McBroom, associate dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture at SFA, said students used canoes to navigate the remote coves along the Telesco Creek arm of the reservoir where the invasive species infestation is most concentrated.

“Giant salvinia is an invasive exotic weed from southern Brazil that was introduced to the southern United States through the aquarium trade,” McBroom said. “This noxious pest can completely choke lakes and reservoirs, eventually killing fish, plants and insects in impacted water bodies.”

Following the collection, students transported the material to the shore for disposal by Bill Plunkett, manager of Lake Naconiche.

Dr. Shiyou Li, director of SFA’s National Center for Pharmaceutical Crops at the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, is developing novel approaches to control giant salvinia and other invasive species. McBroom said in the meantime, control efforts like those conducted by SFA students help to effectively maintain affected aquatic habitats.

“This also gives students an opportunity to learn more about the environmental conservation techniques they will be covering in future coursework,” McBroom said.

Future college students will have the opportunity to experience a taste of campus life during a free, action-packed open-house Saturday, Nov. 11, 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 a.m. on the first floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center and will remain open until 12:45 p.m. Each person who registers will receive an information packet. The opening program begins at 12:30 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 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 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, 3 and 4 p.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Regents’ Suite A. Residence Life information sessions will be held at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater on the second floor.

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.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a soap-making workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 4, in Room 101 of the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St.

The Gifts from the Garden workshop will be led by Elyce Rodewald, SFA Gardens education coordinator. Participants will use the cold-press method of soap making and will take home samples of luxurious soap they create.

“The soap will be made from coconut and other plant oils, lye, essential oils, and dried herbs,” Rodewald said. “Participants will learn the step-by-step process of soap making so they may have the skills to make soap at home on their own. This is great soap. Once you use it, you’ll never go back to store-bought soap.”

Cost for the seminar is $25 for SFA Garden members and $30 for non-members. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

To register for the seminar or for more information, contact the SFA Gardens education office at (936) 468-4129, or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.

TopRNtoBSN.com, a leading online information source for current and prospective nursing students, ranked Stephen F. Austin State University’s RN-to-BSN online transition track as the No. 6 most affordable program in the nation.

Site editors for TopRNtoBSN.com ranked each program based on its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and cost per credit hour.

SFA’s program is designed for working adults who have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and are licensed nurses working in the field. The curriculum includes courses in general education, science and the humanities, and a nursing core.

Dr. Karen Migl, SFA associate professor of nursing and coordinator of the RN-to-BSN online track, said faculty member’s dedication to their students is what makes SFA’s program stand out.

“It is important for faculty members to know their students, even those taking courses online, to ensure each student’s individual learning needs are met,” Migl said. “Our nursing faculty members have taken the initiative to create an online learning environment that encourages our students to perform and contribute.”

Migl added that online degrees provide many benefits, such as flexibility that allows students to remain employed while simultaneously taking courses. Online courses also help save money on fuel and other costs associated with commuting to a college campus. “SFA’s online program gives students access to their coursework from anywhere,” Migl said.

According to TopRNtoBSN.com, registered nurses who have their Bachelor of Science in Nursing are positioned to work toward a Master of Science in Nursing, become nurse supervisors and access certificate programs that can result in pay increases. These factors provide solid reasons for nursing students to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

For more information about SFA’s nursing program, contact Migl at (936) 468-7729 or visit sfasu.edu/nursing.

Emily Brown is a marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.