Everything Nac

The excitement is building at Stephen F. Austin State University, where extraordinary momentum in student enrollment has prompted the addition of a first-year student AXEcepted Day orientation session July 31.

With more incoming Lumberjacks confirming their plans to attend SFA, the university has added an extra AXEcepted Day session to accommodate the increase in participants. This marks a significant moment of growth and energy for the university, signaling that more students are choosing to say, “Axe ’em, Jacks!”

“This is a great problem to have,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA. “We’re thrilled to see so many students choosing SFA as their college home. The enthusiasm around becoming a Lumberjack is undeniable, and we’re excited to welcome each of these new students to campus.”

SFA’s orientation program is a crucial first step in helping students and their families transition to life at the university. During the single-day AXEcepted Day event, new Lumberjacks connect with peers, meet faculty and staff, receive academic advising, and learn about campus resources while family members get tips on how to support their students during their first year at college.

After they move in for the fall semester, first-year students will attend Lumberjack Life, Aug. 22-23, to learn more about SFA’s traditions and become familiar with campus before fall classes begin Aug. 25.

Registration is now open for the July 31 session at sfasu.edu/register-orientation.

Students who have been accepted to SFA for the fall 2025 semester and are ready to take their next steps can find full orientation details at sfasu.edu/orientation.

“There’s never been a better time to be a Lumberjack,” Willis said. “This wave of interest in SFA shows just how strong our community, academic programs and campus culture really are.”

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 will receive a 2025 Recreational Trail Program grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department following an environmental review and grant agreement.

Dr. David Creech, SFA Gardens director, and Dr. David Kulhavy, professor in the College of Forestry and Agriculture, serve as principal investigator and co-investigator, respectively, for the project titled “Building a Path to the Future at the SFA Gardens.”

“This award proves that SFA and Nacogdoches can work hand in hand to develop a regionally recognized resource,” Creech said. “With 138 acres of gardens and natural areas, wonderful plant collections, miles of trails, and boardwalks and bridges at every turn, this garden is now recognized as a regional resource.”

Once completed, the project will rehabilitate nearly seven miles of asphalt trails, 0.5 miles of dirt trails and 370 linear feet of boardwalks and bridges in the Mast Arboretum, Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, Gayla Mize Garden and Pineywoods Native Plant Center. New features will include 1,250 feet of new trails and 12 trailhead signs throughout SFA Gardens.

The total project cost is $356,944, of which the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will contribute $285,004 and SFA will contribute $71,940.

Originally built with support from federal and state funds over the last 20 years, the trails, which are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, are maintained by SFA Gardens staff members and volunteers.

For more information about SFA Gardens, visit sfasu.edu/gardens.

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