Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Agriculture reached a national audience when Dr. John Michael Mehaffey, associate professor of agriculture, appeared on RFD-TV Network’s “Texas Agriculture Matters.”

The weekly television program, hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, explores Texas-focused agricultural topics on the nation’s first 24-hour television network dedicated to agricultural programming, rural living and entertainment.

Mehaffey directs the SFA Swine Center located at the Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center and spoke about the importance of involving youth in agriculture through organizations such as the Four-H Club and National FFA Organization.

“I think it’s a huge step, especially in today’s world, to make sure we engage youth and let them know how important agriculture is,” Mehaffey said.

Although commercial swine production isn’t a top industry in Texas, the state is a national leader in producing quality pigs for livestock competitions.

Mehaffey said the SFA Swine Center annually places 100 to 150 show pigs with 4-H and FFA youth across East Texas.

The SFA Swine Show Team, comprising agriculture majors, also participates in regional, state and national shows using SFA-produced swine.

Due to the center’s involvement in show pig production, agriculture majors gain hands-on experience in livestock reproduction, nutrition, health and sales.

Mehaffey said this is increasingly important as more students from urban areas pursue careers in agriculture.

“In any given year, anywhere from 50 to 60% of our freshman class is from urban areas,” Mehaffey said. “Being from those urban areas, they have little experience with FFA and 4-H programs, or animals aside from dogs and cats. This makes SFA’s agricultural resources, facilities and research centers invaluable.”

To watch Mehaffey’s “Texas Agriculture Matters” segment, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtpOGYjdKuY.

Dr. Bob Szafran, former department chair and professor in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology, will offer the commencement address during the university’s two graduation ceremonies, Saturday, Aug. 7.

Szafran received a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Joining the SFA faculty in 1983, he has served in a variety of roles, including assistant dean and interim dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts. Szafran also served as a Regents Professor of Sociology.

Graduates and their guests must present tickets to enter Johnson Coliseum for commencement. Tickets are free but will help university officials ensure the venue is not overcrowded and adequate spacing can be maintained during the event. Each graduate will be allotted one ticket for themselves and a maximum of 15 guest tickets.

Candidates from the James I. Perkins College of Education and 2020 May and August graduates will participate in a 9:30 a.m. ceremony.

Candidates from the Rusche College of Business, the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics will participate in a 12:30 p.m. ceremony.

Degrees to be awarded include 328 bachelor’s, 134 master’s and six doctoral degrees. Approximately 61 students will graduate with honors, including 31 cum laude, nine magna cum laude and 21 summa cum laude. Four will graduate with the university scholar designation.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on the SFA Facebook page, facebook.com/sfasu. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/commencement.