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Dr. Michael Simon, Angelina College president, pictured left, and Dr. Neal Weaver, Stephen F. Austin State University president, sign a partnership agreement launching Jacks Jumpstart Feb. 3. The alternative admissions program helps first-semester freshmen at AC who narrowly miss meeting SFA admissions requirements when they initially apply by creating an affordable pathway to transfer to the university within one academic year.

The latest partnership between Stephen F. Austin State University and Angelina College has created Jacks Jumpstart, an alternative admissions program for first-semester freshmen at AC who narrowly miss meeting SFA admissions requirements when they initially apply but are working toward transferring to the university.

Officials from both schools launched the Jacks Jumpstart program at a Feb. 3 signing agreement ceremony on the SFA campus. They emphasized that AC students who complete this program are eligible to transfer to SFA within one academic year without reapplying.

“This program is going to impact students who are graduating from high school this May,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Students can apply one time to SFA and pay one fee, and they can be accepted to Angelina College, successfully complete the Jacks Jumpstart requirements and automatically be accepted by SFA. They don’t have to fill out the paperwork again, and they don’t have to pay more money. I know that students from both AC and SFA and their families will see the benefits of this.”

To join the program, students invited by SFA must opt in by May 1 and be “college ready,” according to the Texas Success Initiative. To transfer to SFA without reapplying or paying additional application fees, these students must complete 15 to 30 semester hours of transferable core classes at AC and earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA within one academic year. AC offers these core classes online and in person.

“One of our priorities as a community college is making sure that students can access higher education and move through the system as affordably as possible, and we know that value is important to SFA as well,” said Dr. Michael Simon, AC president. “Between the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance agreement and this program, every door is open for students to pursue an education and become better, more employable citizens.”

Krista Brown, vice president of student services at AC, said Jacks Jumpstart will impact students outside East Texas as well.

“We worked hard with IT, our deans and other teams to ensure these core classes are offered not only in person but also online because this partnership doesn’t affect just local students,” Brown said. “It affects students across Texas and beyond. We’re thrilled to be able to provide access to them in a very affordable way to get their core requirements to transfer back to SFA.”

For more information on Jacks Jumpstart, email JacksJumpstart@angelina.edu or visit sfasu.edu/apply/first-year/alt.

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 recognized several prominent donors who have supported the institution during the 35th annual SFA Gala Jan. 31 on campus.

Hosted by the SFASU Foundation, the annual black-tie event honors generous benefactors to the university; showcases the impact of their giving on students, faculty, staff and programs; and reiterates the need for the university’s endowment. This year, the university introduced the Century Society, a new giving society that recognizes lifetime giving of $5 million or more.

The 2026 honorees, inducted into three of the university’s four tiers of giving, are Alan and Kim Jones of Lufkin, Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva of Wharton and Jeff and Jackie Badders of Nacogdoches.

Thomas J. Rusk Society Inductees

Alan and Kim Jones

Alan and Kim Jones’ connection to SFA began as students and continued throughout their lives. Alan earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry from the university in 1976, launching a career spanning more than 40 years in the forest products industry. His work with Champion International, Temple-Inland and Georgia-Pacific took the couple across the South before he retired in 2018.

Kim earned her bachelor’s degree from SFA in 1979 and began a career in education. She returned to the university in 1989 to earn her master’s degree in mathematics. Kim taught in multiple school systems across Texas and Georgia, including Diboll ISD, Waycross Junior College and Angelina College, before retiring.

SFA has remained a meaningful part of the Jones family across generations. Their son earned a degree in music composition from SFA, and their daughter earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.

Alan and Kim have supported numerous SFA athletic programs, including tennis, volleyball and soccer, and have established scholarships benefiting the dance program and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture.

In retirement, they enjoy traveling and spending time together but are most often found cheering on the Ladyjacks and Lumberjacks or attending fine arts performances. Through loyalty, generosity and continued engagement, Alan and Kim Jones have made a lasting impact on SFA and the students it serves.

Stephen F. Austin Society Inductees

Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva

Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva’s life has been defined by creativity, leadership and an enduring commitment to service. Born in Kilgore and raised in Nacogdoches, she was immersed early in performance and storytelling, influenced by her uncle, Denard Haden, the original choreographer of the Kilgore College Rangerettes and founding figure behind SFA’s dance program.

Sliva attended Kilgore College from 1955 to 1957, where she rose to prominence as a Rangerette lieutenant and captain, gaining recognition in competitions, pageants and national performances. She continued her education at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she was honored as an SFA Beauty and Homecoming Duchess. A proud graduate of Kilgore College and SFA, Sliva is a testament to what it means to serve and lead by example.

Sliva, a natural teacher and innovator, was Haden’s assistant as they traveled the U.S. to teach and mentor young performers at some of the earliest drill team camps. Haden, her teacher and mentor, along with Gussie Nell Davis and the Rangerettes, inspired her to start her own business with her husband, Bobby, providing specialized supplies for drill teams and performers worldwide.

Sliva’s philanthropic legacy reflects deep personal meaning. In honor of her uncle, she made a transformational gift to SFA, resulting in the naming of the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance, as well as the Denard Haden Performance Hall and the Denard Haden Dance Studio. She also honored her late son, Jeff, by establishing the Jeff Sliva K9 Waiting Room at Texas A&M University’s multimillion-dollar small animal hospital. Sliva’s gifts to SFA, Texas A&M University and Kilgore College are among the many areas she has supported. Her life’s work demonstrates passion paired with purpose — a legacy that continues to inspire and endure.

Century Society Inductees

Jeff and Jackie Badders

Jeff and Jackie Badders share deep roots in Nacogdoches and SFA. Jeff graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1974 before earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from SFA in 1978. He went on to graduate from Baylor Law School in 1981 and immediately returned home to practice law alongside his father, Bill Badders. Jackie graduated from high school in Arlington and earned her degree in liberal arts from SFA, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology.

Married in 1985, Jeff and Jackie recently celebrated 40 years together. In 1991, they founded Badders Law Firm PC, building a practice dedicated to serving severely injured individuals and their families. The firm has since grown to multiple offices across Texas and now includes their son, Heath Badders, and daughter-in-law, Mariko. Together, Jeff and Jackie are the proud parents of eight children and grandparents to 14.

Their commitment to SFA and the Nacogdoches community is reflected through decades of service and philanthropy. They have supported SFA fine arts, nursing, ROTC and athletics, and have established multiple scholarships benefiting SFA students, with continued plans to expand that support.

Most recently, they purchased the historic Etoile school property, where, in collaboration with SFA, the nonprofit Aventus Academy will operate a tuition-free daycare and school for disadvantaged children. Through faith, generosity and service, the Badders family has made a lasting impact on East Texas and SFA.

Event Sponsors

The following sponsors helped make the 35th annual SFA Gala possible:

Title Sponsor: Citizen’s 1st Bank

Platinum Sponsors: Buchanan Wealth Management and Jill Adams

Gold Sponsor: Etech Global Services

Silver Sponsors: Brazos Urethane, Carnes Builders, Kirksey Architecture, Lehmann Eye Center, Loblolly Properties and Moore Supply Company
Bronze Sponsors: Atkinson Candy Co., Cadence Bank, Charles Pool Real Estate, Concentric Community Advisors, Eaton, Elliott Family Foundation, Fast Track Specialties, Karsten Interior Services, K.L. Barton and Sons Ranch Beef and Laird Funeral Home

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