Everything Nac

The winners of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship Pop-up Pitch Competition were announced at the SFA men’s basketball game Feb. 2. Pictured, from left, are Madden Bennett, a senior media and communications major from Austin; Kaitlin Eckert, a sophomore environmental science major from Houston; and Elizabeth Perales, a junior psychology major from Frisco; celebrating with members of the SFA Cheer and Dance team.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship has announced the three winners of the Pop-up Pitch Competition held throughout the fall semester. The top three video pitches were decided by audience applause during halftime at the SFA men’s basketball game Feb. 2.

“The student entrepreneurs took center stage at halftime and gave it their all,” said Matt Smilor, director of ACE. “Watching the entire arena rally behind them during their video pitches was an unforgettable moment. While only three were awarded the top honors, every finalist proved they are building something worthwhile and left the crowd wanting more.”

The competition began with over 130 students submitting a 30-second video pitch about a business or problem they wanted to solve. The seven finalists — two from the College of Liberal and Applied Arts and one from each of SFA’s five other academic colleges — received $1,000 and presented their video pitches at the basketball game.

The first-place prize of $3,000, as determined by audience applause, went to Canned Tortilla Dough by Elizabeth Perales, a junior psychology major from Frisco representing the College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Canned Tortilla Dough combines the homemade taste of fresh, flour tortillas with the convenience of canned baked goods.

Kaitlin Eckert, a sophomore environmental science major from Houston representing the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, earned second place and $2,500 for Bee-Neighborly, a wildflower lawn alternative that supports pollinators and repels pests.

Madden Bennett, a senior media and communications major from Austin and another College of Liberal and Applied Arts representative, received third place and $2,000 for EverCup. The small, ultraviolet-C light attaches to the inside of reusable water bottles and cups and sanitizes the vessels in 60 seconds.

“I was genuinely impressed by both the originality of the concepts and the confidence behind all the pitches,” Smilor said.

All seven of the Pop-up Pitch Competition winners will compete in the semifinals March 4. The top five teams from that competition will advance to the finals and pitch in front of a live panel of judges at the fifth annual Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition April 23. They’ll compete for over $20,000 in scholarships that will be awarded to the top three teams.

To be considered for a semifinal spot, SFA students can submit an online application and video by Feb. 18. For more information about ACE and its competitions, 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

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Music Preparatory Division was awarded the 2026 Outstanding National String Project Consortium String Project Award by the American String Teachers Association for its SFA Strings Project.

The American String Teachers Association has awarded Stephen F. Austin State University’s Music Preparatory Division the 2026 Outstanding National String Project Consortium String Project Award for its SFA Strings Project.

The SFA Strings Project provides high-quality string instruction to students of all ages across East Texas through partnerships with local schools and community organizations. The program offers lessons, ensemble experiences and performance opportunities while giving SFA students valuable teaching experience.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful to both the School of Music and its Music Preparatory Division,” said Alba Madrid, Music Prep director. “Being honored by the ASTA, a nationwide organization, underscores the remarkable impact our program has made within the community in its first five years.”

The award is given annually to an NSPC String Project site that positively influences the community in which they cultivate new generations of highly qualified music educators and culturally diverse string instrument education opportunities for students.

According to Madrid, this achievement was aided by the dedication and support of many partners, including Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts; Dr. J.D. Salas, SFA’s School of Music director; the School of Music’s string faculty members; the Music Prep Advisory Board; Nacogdoches Independent School District elementary music teachers and fine arts director; SFA student instructors; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Deep East Texas; and the parents who continue to support their children’s musical education.

For more information about SFA’s Music Prep, visit sfasu.edu/musicprep.

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 reported significant gains in spring 2026 enrollment, marking its first spring-to-spring enrollment increase since 2019 and the largest spring enrollment increase since 2010.

Overall spring headcount increased 7% compared to spring 2025, surpassing 10,000 students for the first time in three years. Undergraduate enrollment grew 9%, representing the largest number of undergraduate students since spring 2022, while transfer student enrollment increased 15%, underscoring SFA’s continued commitment to access and student mobility across East Texas.

SFA also generated 9% more semester credit hours than last spring, the highest total since 2021, strengthening the university’s long-term funding position and reflecting increased academic engagement among enrolled students.

“This spring enrollment growth is a clear signal that students see the value of an SFA education,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “From expanded transfer pathways to focused student success initiatives, we are meeting students where they are and providing clear, affordable routes to a degree. The momentum we’re seeing reflects the trust families and students are placing in this institution.”

Spring 2026 also marks the third consecutive year SFA has achieved a 90% fall-to-spring retention rate, highlighting continued progress in supporting students through their academic journeys.

According to Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement, the growth reflects strategic shifts in enrollment composition and student success efforts.

“While headcount is important, semester credit hours are what ultimately drive university funding,” Willis said. “The increase in credit hours shows that more students are enrolling full-time and staying on track academically. Changes in our student mix, including growth in first-time undergraduates and transfer students, are contributing to stronger credit hour production and a healthier enrollment profile overall.”

University leaders note the current growth builds on sustained momentum from recent fall semesters and reflects targeted investments in recruitment, retention and academic support.

Fall 2026 enrollment reminder

With strong demand for fall 2026 and strategic enrollment underway, SFA administrators encourage students planning to enroll this fall to finish key steps to secure their place in next year’s class. Prospective students are urged to complete required enrollment tasks, including providing meningitis vaccination records and meeting Texas Success Initiative, or TSI, requirements. Only students who complete these steps will be eligible to apply for on-campus housing and orientation later this month. Students are also encouraged to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

For current SFA students, the on-campus living requirement has changed from all students with fewer than 60 semester credit hours to just first-time, first-year students. Non-first-time, first-year students who wish to live off campus no longer need a waiver. Students living on campus who wish to continue living on campus need to complete their intention form to secure their spot for the next year. For more information, email reslife@sfasu.edu.

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

Ginger Gore Russell, a Stephen F. Austin State University Master of Fine Arts in photography candidate from Hemphill, earned first place in the Texas Photographic Society’s juried TPS 33: The International Exhibition with her photo, “Among Thorns.” Jurors selected Russell’s photo as the top entry from a competitive, international pool of 850 submissions. According to Russell, earning the top award adds significant visibility to her work and SFA’s graduate photography program. For more information about TPS and to view Russell’s award-winning photo in the online gallery, visit texasphoto.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, 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.