Everything Nac

A dozen business students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business wrapped up their management course by exploring sports business, entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada Aug. 11-19. One of the highlights was seeing the Stanley Cup, which was on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

A dozen business students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business wrapped up their management course by exploring sports business, entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada Aug. 11-19.

“During this study abroad trip, students experienced not only Canadian culture but also how Canadians innovate, launch businesses and celebrate sport,” said Dr. Jason Reese, interim dean of the Rusche College of Business, who led the trip with Dr. Robert McDermand, senior lecturer of sports business and management at SFA.

“Canada’s traditions are so beloved — from hockey to maple syrup to Niagara Falls — that the students immediately embraced them,” Reese said. “But they also learned important lessons like how to navigate the streets of Toronto and Montreal through public transit. Experiences like these build their confidence for future adventures abroad.”

In Toronto, students visited the waterfront, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Royal Ontario Museum before heading up the CN Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city and Lake Ontario. They also took the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour to see Niagara Falls up close.

“Niagara Falls is one of the highlights of the trip because it was something that I probably would have never done or had the opportunity to do without the study abroad trip,” said Erin Banks, sports business senior from Georgetown. “As we got closer to the falls, I had to close my eyes from all the water spraying on my face, and all I could do was laugh because I couldn’t believe that I was in this place with these people experiencing such a special adventure.”

Next, students mastered the “OK Blue Jays” dance with help from passionate baseball fans during the seventh-inning stretch of a Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre.

“Seeing Xander [Bogaerts] celebrating with strangers and everyone being united by their love for their Blue Jays was unforgettable,” said Dayanira Flores, sports business sophomore from Mission. “That moment made me realize that sports are powerful connectors, bringing people together in shared joy. I remember thinking this was the highlight of my trip because it made me feel alive — part of something bigger than myself.”

In Montreal, students learned about the 2020 launch of SportsAi, a sports analytics startup that uses artificial intelligence to automate data collection and analysis for soccer players and coaches to help them improve players’ performance.

Tarik Agday, co-founder and CEO of SportsAi, shared his story of combining his experience as a former MLS prospect for CF Montreal with his AI specialization at Polytechnique Montreal to provide real-time analysis for soccer teams.

“Tarik also told us how he overcame the challenges of introducing new technologies in an industry full of traditionalists,” McDermand said. “This showed our students how innovation, perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit can lead to a successful business supporting a sport they love.”

The CF Montreal theme continued with a soccer match between the team and DC United, which offered some students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I’m a huge soccer fan, so getting to watch CF Montreal play against DC United was amazing,” said Modesto Martinez, kinesiology first-year student from Mission. “For me, going to a live soccer game and seeing the action in person was a dream come true, and I hope one day I can do it again.”

Despite their packed agenda, the students had time to enjoy some delicious meals. They returned home with a few new favorite foods.

“Trying poutine for the first time was messy but delicious, and BeaverTail pastries instantly became the best thing I’ve ever eaten,” said Madison Zaccardo, Master of Business Administration student from Lubbock.

Helena Easey, entrepreneurship senior from Cypress, said the traveling group’s small size allowed her to bond with every student on the trip.

“I learned to expand my interests into areas I never thought I would,” she said. “I’m so grateful to the Rusche College of Business for supporting its students in academic ventures such as this one.”

Reed O’Grady, management senior from Weatherford, also saw benefits to traveling with his business classmates.

“One of the convenient things about doing a study abroad with the Rusche College of Business is that you are traveling with your peers the entire trip,” he said. “I was able to not only talk with my classmates but relate on a deeper level because we were all in the same season of life, going through the same classes, and a few of us will be in the same classes in the fall.”

Ella Hollis, marketing senior from Tyler, said learning outside the classroom helped her learn more about herself.

“After coming home from this trip, I feel that I have more confidence as an individual to go out and do more in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people, whether it is for personal or business matters,” she said. “This trip created many opportunities to learn and better myself as an individual in moments that made learning more fun and enjoyable than what it could have been in just a regular classroom experience.”

For more information on SFA’s Rusche College of Business and its study abroad opportunities, visit sfasu.edu/cob.

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

“Super Scientific Circus” starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime is one of the four touring productions Stephen F. Austin State University’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts will host during its 2025-26 Children’s Performing Arts Series.

Students from area schools and families from the community are invited to the 2025-26 Children’s Performing Arts Series hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts. Performances for each of the four touring productions will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the dates listed below in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus.

The series, designed to bring professional, affordable performances to East Texas audiences, offers teachers and parents opportunities to connect the stage experience to classroom learning, said Diane Peterson, Children’s Performing Arts Series director at SFA.

“This season features touring productions that educate and entertain students of all ages,” she said. “We’re glad to welcome back audience favorites along with new and exciting shows, each of which is a great supplement to classroom curriculum.”

The 2025-26 season includes the following shows:

Nov. 4 – “The Little Mermaid”
The internationally acclaimed Panto Company USA brings this classic tale to life with stunning scenery, original songs, chart-topping hits and plenty of audience participation. Recommended for grades pre-K-5.

Jan. 23 – “Super Scientific Circus”
Starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, this high-energy show proves that science can be fun and funny by featuring circus skills and comedy to demonstrate scientific principles. Recommended for grades K-12.

Feb. 5 – “Pete the Cat”
The groovy blue cat helps his new friend, Jimmy Biddle, conquer second-grade art in this colorful musical adventure presented by TheaterWorksUSA. Recommended for grades pre-K-3.

March 3 – “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!”
Based on the popular children’s book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, this comedy presented by Main Street Theater gives the Big Bad Wolf his day in court. Recommended for grades pre-K-5.

Tickets are $10 for individuals and $8 per person for groups of 20 or more. Season tickets are $32 each. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit sfasu.edu/cpas.

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 education graduate student Kacie Clopp, pictured second from left, was selected to attend the 13th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she networked with emerging world leaders and helped in-need communities.

Stephen F. Austin State University education graduate student Kacie Clopp attended the international University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she joined more than 1,000 emerging leaders from around the world to engage in high-impact conversations on humanitarian issues and global change.

“I was the only student from Texas and one of five students from the United States. This made my international connections even more special,” said Clopp, of Wylie. “I had the privilege of building friendships with delegates from Egypt, Australia, Canada, China, the Philippines and many more countries. Each conversation broadened my perspective and reminded me of the power of cross-cultural connection.”

The weeklong 13th annual USLS was hosted by Humanitarian Affairs earlier this month to bring together emerging world leaders to network, help in-need communities, and hear from trailblazers of the humanitarian world.

Clopp is pursuing her Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the Department of Education Studies in SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education. After a nomination from Dr. Sarah Straub, associate professor of education studies, and support from study abroad coordinator, Ines Maxit, Clopp was selected by USLS representatives to attend the symposium.

“I’ve known Kacie for years as her professor through her involvement in Montgomery Professorship activities and during our study abroad experiences,” Straub said. “She is someone who willingly steps out of her comfort zone to connect with people whose stories differ from her own. In today’s world, that openness and curiosity she has are truly a gift.”

Support from Straub and Maxit helped Clopp throughout the process, from applying for the symposium to returning home from Kuala Lumpur.

“The chance to learn, grow and expand my understanding of how to create positive change in the world was incredibly appealing, but the thought of traveling nearly 10,000 miles from home by myself was nerve-racking,” Clopp said. “I had concerns about the logistics, but both Dr. Straub and Ines provided me with amazing support.”

Clopp was able to share her experiences, including working with English language learners during her recent study abroad trip with SFA graduate students in Mexico, with two of the USLS speakers whose work she felt most connected to: Estefania Rebellon, co-founder and executive director of the Yes We Can World Foundation, a mobile school for migrant children along the border, and Erfanullah Abidi, an advocate leading underground schools for Afghan girls.

“[Rebellon] powerfully said, ‘We meet them where they are,’ describing how her foundation ensures that migrant children have access to education and support,” Clopp said. “I told her I was an educator from Texas and asked what I could do in my own classroom to support migrant and refugee students.”

Clopp also spoke with Abidi.

“As both an educator and a young woman, his work moved me profoundly,” she said.

Clopp said she found these influential changemakers both inspiring and motivating.

“Their words and example have left a lasting impression on me, something I will carry with me throughout my career and life,” she said.

As part of the event, Clopp also volunteered for the community Kindness Day initiative. Participants were split into groups to chaperone in-need children on a visit to an indoor amusement park.

“Saying goodbye was bittersweet,” Clopp said. “We had given them a day to remember. The hugs and heartfelt ‘thank-yous’ from the children were proof that we had made a difference, even if just for that one day. It’s an experience I will carry with me forever.”

Clopp hopes to teach elementary students after she earns her master’s degree and says the lessons she learned at USLS will continue to guide her in her classroom and throughout her lifelong commitment to education and service.

For more information about graduate programs in the Department of Education Studies, visit gosfa.com/edmasters. For more information about SFA’s study abroad opportunities, visit sfasu.edu/international.

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