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Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has been selected as one of 13 in the state to participate in the Texas Computer Science Pipeline initiative, a program designed to increase the number of teachers certified to teach secondary computer science courses. Led by The University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center through its nationally recognized WeTeach_CS program, JacksTeach will coordinate the initiative locally to provide training and support to educators, ensuring students have greater access to high-quality computer science education.

As part of the TXCSP initiative, SFA will serve as a WeTeach_CS certification hub, offering professional development and certification support for current Texas educators who wish to expand their qualifications to include computer science.

“Being chosen as a WeTeach_CS certification hub is a testament to SFA’s reputation for excellence in STEM education and teacher preparation,” said Dr. Jane Long, professor and director of JacksTeach. “The Department of Computer Science has a strong track record of preparing people for rewarding careers, and we are excited to contribute to this important initiative and help build a strong pipeline of computer science educators across Texas.”

The initiative, funded through a $10 million appropriation by the Texas Legislature, will leverage the expertise of JacksTeach, which has a strong track record of preparing secondary educators. JacksTeach allows students majoring in biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics to earn a secondary teaching certification alongside their degree — an approach that directly aligns with TXCSP’s mission to upskill teachers in high-need subject areas like computer science.

“The Texas Computer Science Pipeline represents a transformative investment in the future of K-12 computing education,” said Amy Carrell, principal investigator of the TXCSP and director of WeTeach_CS. “By leveraging the expertise of WeTeach_CS and our statewide network of partners, we are equipping educators across Texas to inspire and empower the next generation of computer scientists.”

SFA’s role in the initiative builds on its longstanding commitment to teacher preparation. Through JacksTeach, students gain hands-on classroom experience early in their academic careers, benefit from dedicated faculty mentorship, and receive specialized training in high-demand fields. This innovative approach helps bridge the gap between content knowledge and effective teaching strategies, making SFA an ideal hub for supporting educators seeking computer science certification.

For more information about SFA’s JacksTeach program, visit sfasu.edu/jacksteach.

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 an additional $5 million be added to the nearly $80 million previously allotted to Stephen F. Austin State University for the construction of new state-of-the-art forestry and agriculture buildings on campus. The expanded budget supports the addition of an Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building next to the Forestry Building’s construction site.

“This approval is a critical step in advancing our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education for students in some of the most vital industries in Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “UT System’s investment in this new facility will benefit generations of students, strengthen SFA’s position as a leader in forestry and agriculture education, and enhance our ability to contribute to critical research in environmental sciences. We are grateful for the support of the UT System and the Board of Regents as we work to bring this vision to life.”

The board’s approval increases the total forestry and agriculture project cost from $79.9 million to $84.9 million, with fund sources split almost equally between Capital Construction Assistance Project and the Permanent University Fund.

“The board’s investment in a new building for SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture was one of the first and most important commitments we made to SFA. The college offers a signature program we did not previously have in the UT System, so it was especially meaningful for us to help SFA build capacity to lead nationally in this critical area of study and research,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents.

The new Forestry Building will be a four-story, 102,117-square-foot facility housing integrated technology classrooms, research laboratories, student resource areas and faculty office spaces. The addition of 16,990 square feet for the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture and related industries.

“We are thrilled to see this transformative project move forward with the board’s approval,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “This facility will not only enhance the educational experience for our students but will also provide cutting-edge resources for our faculty’s research and outreach efforts. The addition of the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will equip students with the technical skills necessary to meet the challenges of the modern agricultural landscape, ensuring that SFA graduates are well-prepared to lead in this dynamic field.”

The project is set to provide a modern, multidisciplinary space designed for 21st-century instruction, fostering collaboration among students, faculty and industry professionals. With the inclusion of specialized agricultural engineering labs, students will gain vital experience in carpentry, mechanics and other technical skills.

With the board’s approval of the expanded budget and design plan, the abatement process of the existing Forestry Building will begin in the coming months. The building will then be razed and the new facilities constructed in its footprint. The new forestry and agricultural buildings are projected to be complete in 2027.

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 Christine Broussard, assistant director for strategic communications at Stephen F. Austin State University