Everything Nac

When Stephen F. Austin State University moved all classes online due to concerns regarding the impending impact of COVID-19, administrators immediately began calculating the best way to reimburse students for the money they had paid for housing, food service, and on-campus activities that would no longer be accessible. The university refunded approximately $9 million to students.

“Refunding this money to our students was not only the right thing to do, it was essential in order to assist our Lumberjacks and their families during this very difficult financial time. We are a family, and families help one another,” said SFA President Scott Gordon.

As of now, the institution is facing a loss of about $12 million, due to refunds, lost revenue from canceled events and the cost of moving classes online. This amount will continue to increase as restrictions continue, especially if the fall semester is impacted.

Collectively, Texas institutions of higher education were awarded more than $1 billion of the $14 billion available from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, a part of the federal stimulus bill known as the CARES Act.

SFA has been allocated approximately $10.5 million from the CARES Act and will distribute the entire initial allotment of $5.2 million to students, according to Gordon. The funds are mandated for use as emergency aid for students dealing with coronavirus-related disruptions such as housing displacement, job loss or other hardship.

“This initial allotment cannot be used to fill the financial holes of the institution as a result of COVID-19” said Gordon. “We are pleased that these funds will be able to assist students who have a demonstrated need and are experiencing significant financial challenges.”

As for the university, there is hope that a second allotment of funds will be able to help institutions recover from this pandemic. Even so, according to Gordon, the funding will not completely offset the financial losses incurred during spring and into the summer – or the losses that are expected if restrictions continue into the fall semester.

“Thankfully, we had reserves for a rainy day,” he said. “However, this is not just a rainy day, it’s a downpour and we have a great deal of work to do to rebuild our reserves to the previous level.”

Gordon said the university will be looking at a variety of ways to recover financially.

“We will make the necessary decisions with a focus on keeping the best interests of SFA students, faculty, staff and our mission in mind,” Gordon said.

The university plans to provide information and resources soon for students who have been impacted by COVID-19, who have demonstrated need and are facing significant financial challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In recognition of nearly half a century of contributions to the field of forestry and forestry education, Dr. David Hyink received the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

After more than two decades, Hyink retired in 2007 as the scientific advisor and chief forestry scientist for Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands. During his tenure, Hyink played a major role in the development and implementation of forest stand growth and yield forecasting systems for loblolly pine, Douglas-fir and Western hemlock. In addition to this primary research, Hyink also managed additional cooperative research in silviculture, wood quality, and growth and yield.

Hyink’s academic contributions are extensive, with more than 55 academic publications, invited papers and presentations. Additionally, he has served as affiliate assistant professor and Weaver Lecturer at Auburn University, adjunct professor at the University of Idaho, affiliate professor at the University of Washington, and assistant professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

“As alumni of SFA, David and his wife Stephanie have an exemplary record of giving back by supporting forestry and education students with scholarships and promoting student success through career mentoring,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “David’s distinguished professional career with Weyerhaeuser, combined with his significant contributions to society, makes him an outstanding role model for our students and an ambassador representing the long-standing success of SFA’s forestry program.”

Hyink’s service to the forest industry includes, but is not limited to, membership on the Science Advisory Board for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Response Research Program, as well as the Society of American Foresters.

“I am very honored and humbled by this award, as it not only recognizes and validates my career accomplishments but also shines a very valuable light on the impact the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture plays in the lifetime successes of its students,” Hyink said.

Hyink received a Bachelor and Master of Science in Forestry from SFA and a doctoral degree from Purdue University. He is the owner of Deerfield Consulting, which provides biometric and statistical support to clients in South Dakota.

Story by Sarah Fuller, outreach coordinator at SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. Contact information: fullersa@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1185.