Everything Nac

Stephen F. Austin State University announced the creation of its Distinguished High School Program Tuesday and named Nacogdoches High School as one of five partner schools across Texas.

Inclusion in the program means all students from NHS and partner schools may waive the $50 application fee, and seniors ranking in the top 30% of their class are guaranteed admission to SFA.

Students from partner schools also will automatically receive scholarship money for up to four years based on their class rank. Of those who apply to SFA from distinguished program schools, students ranking in the top 10% of their class will receive $5,000 per year, and students ranking in the 11-25% of their class with a 3.0 GPA or higher will receive $3,000 per year. Submission of a scholarship application is not required.

“At SFA, we are fully committed to student success and access, meaning we are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to ensure Texans have affordable access to higher education,” said SFA President Dr. Scott Gordon. “Our newly introduced Distinguished High School Program recognizes hardworking high school students by helping them obtain their college degree in a more timely and affordable manner. We are thrilled to offer this new program.”

Other benefits for students at distinguished program partner schools include additional financial aid assistance to students with high financial need; a special, tailored campus visit; and an assigned admissions counselor to serve students throughout the college-enrollment process.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students that will both increase access and simplify the process of attending college,” said Dr. Gabriel A. Trujillo, Nacogdoches Independent School District superintendent. “Not only will our students have access to a streamlined application process, they will be eligible for automatic qualification and have an opportunity to obtain much-needed financial support.

“We’re grateful for SFA’s willingness to include Nacogdoches ISD, a move that will only improve upon a partnership that’s already proven fruitful to our community.”

Other Distinguished High Schools invited to partner in SFA’s new program include Center High School, Langham Creek High School, Little Elm High School, Tomball Memorial High School and Allen High School.

Students from distinguished program schools applying as first-time freshmen at ApplyTexas.org also should submit official SAT/ACT scores and high school transcripts to the SFA Office of Admissions. For more information about applying to SFA, visit sfasu.edu/apply or call (936) 468-2504.

By Christine Broussard, marketing communications coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s dance program will livestream senior choreographic works during its production of “Danceworks: Origins” at 7 p.m. April 8 through 9 and 3 p.m. April 10.

“The theme of the concerts came from a wide array of research topics,” said Heather Samuelson, dance program coordinator and assistant professor in SFA’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Science. “This is one of the most diverse productions the senior choreographers have crafted.”

The spring Danceworks concerts feature Chinese dance forms, African tribal dance forms and Irish step. They also explore a wide range of topics.

“It’s challenging to present such a personal topic to the public,” said Samantha Lindsey, a dance senior from Houston, who focused on psychiatric treatment in the 1960s for her contemporary modern production. “This experience has taught me to trust myself and to have confidence in my work.”

Skyler Morgan, a dance senior from Mount Pleasant, choreographed a contemporary modern work on the psychological spectrum of introvert versus extrovert and how they interact. She said she also learned a lot from her participation in Danceworks, especially during the challenges presented by the pandemic and severe weather this semester.

“Trust the process and be patient,” Morgan said.

Unlike past years, only the performers’ immediate family members may attend the concerts in person in the HPE Complex, Room 201, because of COVID-19 guidelines.

Students, faculty, staff and the public can watch online by donating in any amount at sfasu.edu/danceworks. Donors will receive an email the week of the performances containing the livestream link.

“Normally, the revenue we generate from ticket sales funds the next Danceworks performance,” Samuelson said. “Because in-person attendance is greatly limited this year, we’re asking the public to help us support the future growth and success of these students.”

Danceworks serves as the capstone course for dance seniors and features 10 choreographic works.

“The production teaches students a variety of skills other than choreography,” Samuelson said. “Students learn how to cast a show, promote a performance, design lighting, select costumes and edit music.”

For more information, email Samuelson at samuelsoh@sfasu.edu.

For the second consecutive year, Stephen F. Austin State University’s student chapter of The Wildlife Society received the Student Chapter of the Year Award from the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society during a virtual conference held in February.

“Our chapter competed against at least eight other universities from across the state for this award,” said Jake Hill, forest wildlife management major and president of the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society. “This award highlights the capabilities of our students as professionals and leaders in the field of conservation and, consequently, the college’s wildlife program.”

Additionally, Dr. Daniel Scognamillo, associate professor of forest wildlife management and faculty advisor for the SFA student chapter of The Wildlife Society, was named Educator of the Year by the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, recognizing his dedication and service to the SFA student chapter and students enrolled in his courses.

“I am so pleased to see the time and effort invested by our wildlife faculty members — specifically Dr. Scognamillo — recognized at the state level,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “The professional and community service of our faculty members and students is outstanding, and they consistently serve as great ambassadors for SFA and our college.”

Additionally, Dr. Jessica Glasscock, SFA assistant professor of forest wildlife management, was elected to serve as secretary of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and Justin Carpenter, forest wildlife major, was recognized as the SFA chapter’s Outstanding Student of the Year.