Everything Nac

A guide created by four students in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business has been adopted by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce as its official resource for helping local small businesses with their communications.

“Both internal and external communications are important for a small business,” said Kelly Augustine, president and CEO of the chamber. “Clear messaging in areas such as instruction, education and promotion will set a business on a path to success because effective communication is a big benefit for employees and customers.”

To help produce a short guide for small businesses, Augustine turned to students in SFA’s “Business Communication Technologies” course taught by Dr. Kristen Waddell, assistant professor in the university’s Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies.

Five student groups in the class designed surveys, collected data, and devised communication- and technology-driven strategies based on that data. They then created guides that outlined those strategies in a user-friendly way and presented them to chamber representatives.

The guide was created by Chloe Adams, senior from Houston; Ava Hoffpauir, junior from Beaumont; Gisselle Rivera, junior from Houston; and Madeline Rivers, junior from Baytown. The students received $500 from the Rusche College of Business for their winning entry.

“The students provided a useful resource that our local businesses and organizations will value,” Augustine said. “We enjoyed working with the group, and the project submissions were impressive and can be easily implemented in a variety of business operations.”

Waddell said the project gave students an opportunity to directly apply the concepts discussed in class to a real-world scenario.

“It highlighted the importance of creating a communication strategy that includes different types of technology as well as the best practices for using that technology,” she said. “Most importantly, it connected students to the community, allowing them to learn from and engage with local business professionals.”

Rivera said learning about the chamber was a huge benefit of the project.

“I had no idea Nacogdoches was run like an organization,” she said. “They have people looking out for its small businesses and continuing its growth. It’s interesting to see firsthand how what we learned in class is being used in our own community.”

Waddell and the students thanked the chamber representatives for their time and engagement.

“Working on this project with the chamber allowed me to grow my skills in a collaborative and supportive environment,” Rivers said.

The chamber will have the guide available in early 2025.

For more information about SFA’s Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies, visit sfasu.edu/bcls. For information about the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, visit nacogdoches.org.

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, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Stephen F. Austin State University announces the appointment of Dr. Kent L. Willis as the institution’s inaugural senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. A 2008 graduate of SFA, Willis brings a wealth of experience in student affairs and enrollment management, most recently serving as vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at California State University, Fresno.

“Dr. Willis’s innovative approach to enrollment management and his dedication to student engagement make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “We are confident his vision and experience will significantly enhance our efforts to recruit, retain and support SFA students.”

A fellow with the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Studies in Higher Education, Willis remains a part of the national conversation regarding improvement and effectiveness in higher education. He earned a doctoral degree in higher education from Hampton University, a Master of Education from East Central University, and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from SFA.

He is set to begin his role at SFA on Jan. 13, where he will oversee the university’s enrollment strategies and student engagement initiatives.

“Returning to SFA represents a chance to give back to my alma mater and the East Texas region. As the anchor institution of our community, SFA has always been integral to the region’s economic, cultural and civic vitality,” Willis said. “It is an honor to be selected as the inaugural senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement. Joining President Weaver, the leadership team, faculty, staff, students and alumni to build upon SFA’s legacy of impact presents a truly transformative opportunity for our university’s future.”

The newly created senior vice president role oversees both enrollment management and student affairs. This combined role allows for the cultivation of an integrated and comprehensive student experience from first contact to graduation.

Willis said he felt particularly well-positioned to serve in this role because his experience mirrors that of many current and future students.

“I understand firsthand the transformative power of an SFA education,” he said. “Promoting the SFA experience as a brand promise means honoring the traditions that make our university unique while implementing innovative approaches to student success in partnership with institutions across The University of Texas System. This dual focus will help us enhance crucial outcomes in career preparation, community engagement and overall student well-being.”

During his tenure at Fresno State, Willis was instrumental in advancing student success outcomes and enhancing college readiness through various approaches. He spearheaded innovative initiatives, such as the AI-driven student success pilot in partnership with Grammarly and the development of the Fresno State Tuition Advantage program to assist students facing financial challenges. Under his leadership, the university achieved a 2% increase in graduation rates and welcomed the second largest first-year class in its history.

Willis also launched “Bulldog Bound,” a guaranteed admission program and college readiness initiative that, in its inaugural year, partnered with over 50 school districts and contributed to a 7% increase in student recruitment. This program successfully facilitated the enrollment of 1,800 students through its streamlined admission process.

Before his role at Fresno State, Willis held various leadership positions at The University of Texas at Tyler and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. Having also served as a public school teacher and athletic coach, his career reflects a consistent commitment to building high-performing teams and driving student success.

Willis holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership and has been recognized nationally for his contributions to student affairs. He was part of the team that earned the 2024 Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs award from the American College Personnel Association.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the incredible work taking place at SFA and the UT System,” Willis stated. “I believe in the transformative power of education to enhance lives, and SFA provides one of the best value propositions in higher education through its blend of academic excellence, student support and community involvement. Ashley and I are excited about bringing our family back to East Texas and the Lumberjack Nation.”

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, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications