Everything Nac

The Contemporary Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University will stream the ensemble’s recorded works on the SFA School of Music’s YouTube Channel at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2.

To celebrate the opening of the Sound Recording Technology program’s new recording studios in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, the Contemporary Ensemble most recently focused on producing recorded works, according the James Adams, SRT associate professor and director of the Contemporary Ensemble.

In this streamed event, the Contemporary Ensemble performs works by Winnona Oak, Daft Punk, Zach Byran, Jack Johnson and Nine Inch Nails, among others.

“These recorded works showcase the talented members of the Contemporary Ensemble and the impressive capabilities of SFA’s new sound recording studios,” Adams said.

Aiyanna Riley, graduate student from the Austin area, is assistant director of the ensemble.

For additional information about the SRT program at SFA, contact Adams at (936) 468-4435 or adamsjf@sfasu.edu.

Michael McBroom has been appointed director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University by Interim President Gina Oglesbee and The University of Texas System. Currently serving as director of athletics at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, McBroom will officially join the Department of Athletics on May 15.

“We are excited about the future of Lumberjack athletics under McBroom’s leadership,” Oglesbee said. “His proven ability to build championship-worthy programs — both on the playing surfaces and in the classroom — aptly matches the goals of SFA Athletics and the university.”

McBroom brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to SFA Athletics, serving as an athletics administrator for 25 years — 18 of those as an athletics director at WTAMU Athletics. Under his tutelage, WTAMU Athletics soared to new heights and achieved an impressive list of accomplishments, including:

nine national championships and over 100 Lone Star Conference and NCAA Regional Championships
nearly $100 million invested in constructing and renovating athletics facilities
generated more than $40 million in external support, significantly enhancing scholarships, facilities and team operating budgets
spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a 37% improvement in the academic success rate and GPAs of student-athletes
and set new attendance and ticket sales records across all sports.

Under his leadership, the WTAMU athletic department also finished inside the top 10 of the NCAA Division II Directors Cup every year since 2013 and became the first LSC institution to provide full scholarship funding for all women’s teams.

“I am incredibly grateful to Interim President Oglesbee, Damon Derrick and the search committee for the opportunity to serve the Lumberjacks as director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University,” McBroom said. “I have been so impressed by the people I have met thus far and the genuine passion and commitment they have demonstrated for the university and the athletics program.”

McBroom’s strategic focus is building championship-caliber programs, enhancing the academic performance of student-athletes and fostering lasting relationships within the community. His previous committee roles include chair positions on both the NCAA Division II Football Committee and the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee, demonstrating his respected voice in collegiate sports.

“This is a dynamic time in college athletics, and our job is to set the stage so that we can achieve an unprecedented level of success across the board,” McBroom said. “SFA is going to carve out a niche that results in record numbers of championships, graduates and support for all teams and all student-athletes. My family and I can’t wait to get to Nacogdoches and start this exciting new chapter.”

McBroom earned a Bachelor of Arts in advertising from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy. His deep roots in the Texas Panhandle and his family’s longstanding connection to the region have imbued him with a strong sense of community and commitment.

SFA’s search for a new director was conducted in partnership with Cardinal Grange, a leading professional search firm. The firm, under the guidance of Jim Nichols, leveraged its extensive network and expertise to support SFA in this crucial appointment. The team at Cardinal Grange, including industry veteran Tim McMurray, provided invaluable insights throughout the selection process.

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 37 academic facilities, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
The University of Texas System has enhanced the lives of Texans and individuals worldwide through its commitment to education, research and health care for 140 years. With 14 institutions collectively enrolling over 254,000 students, the UT System stands as one of the largest public university systems in the United States. UT institutions annually produce over 66,000 graduates and award more than one-third of the undergraduate degrees in Texas, as well as over 60% of the state’s medical degrees. The combined efforts of UT-owned and affiliated hospitals and clinics resulted in over 10.7 million outpatient visits and more than 2 million hospital days last year. The UT System’s $3.8 billion research enterprise is one of the nation’s most innovative and ranks No. 1 in Texas and No. 2 in the nation for federal research expenditures. The UT System has an operating budget of $29.1 billion for fiscal year 2024 and employs more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, support staff and student workers.

By University Marketing Communications and SFA Athletics

The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will show a selection of short films by current SFA students as a feature of the Friday Night Film Series starting at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

Students whose work will be showcased are Armando Silvas Jr., graduate film student from Cleveland; Skye Davis, graduate film student from Tyler; Jacey Harwell, a December 2023 alumnus from Tool; Bella Jace-Moreno, a senior film student from Pearland; Carson Fowler, a senior film student from Tomball; J.Abbie Holt, a senior film student from Tomball; Abram Morales, a senior film student from Center; Bryce Allen, a senior film student from Spring; Nicholas Egizio, a junior film student from Plano; Harvery Fleming, a sophomore film student from Houston; Dawson Henderson, a sophomore film student from Mabank; and Elizabeth Molano, a sophomore film student from Fort Worth.

Selected films were produced in the graduate, advanced and intermediate filmmaking courses, documentary film and short film production in fall 2023 or spring 2024 semesters.

The Friday Night Film Series is made possible in part by support from the Friends of the Visual Arts and filmmaking Professor William Arscott.

The Cole Art Center, SFA’s historic downtown gallery, is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.

In an effort to keep children and families entertained during the summer months, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Student Activities Association is set to host a number of family-friendly movies during its annual Summer Movie Series in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater.

All movies in the series are rated G to PG and will play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer. This year’s movies include:

Bolt: 10 a.m. June 4 and 2 p.m. June 5

Zootopia: 10 a.m. June 11 and 2 p.m. June 12

Migration: 10 a.m. June 25 and 2 p.m. June 26

Monsters University: 10 a.m. July 9 and 2 p.m. July 10

Trolls Band Together: 10 a.m. July 16 and 2 p.m. July 17

Shark Tale: 10 a.m. July 23 and 2 p.m. July 24

Up: 10 a.m. July 30 and 2 p.m. July 31

The series is open to the public, and tickets for adults and children ages 2-12 are $5. SFA students with a valid university ID earn free admittance. Additionally, unlimited popcorn and a drink are included with the price of a ticket, and candy is $2 for one or $3 for two.

For more information or to view a summary of each movie, visit sfasu.edu/saacinema.

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 37 academic facilities, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications

Many obstacles can stand in the way of being admitted into medical school, but for two Stephen F. Austin State University students, the path to their dreams just got a little clearer.

Perla Tovar, junior biochemistry major from Lufkin, and Mckenna Dillard, junior biochemistry major from Stephenville, have been accepted into the Joint Admission Medical Program. This undergraduate pipeline program was created by the Texas Legislature in 2001 to close gaps between participation and success for Texans pursuing their dreams of becoming a doctor, according to the JAMP website, texasjamp.org.

Each year, JAMP accepts two students from SFA who are highly qualified but economically disadvantaged and want to pursue careers in medicine.

“As the JAMP faculty director at SFA, I am privileged to witness the life-changing moment when students become JAMP scholars,” said Dr. Erin Childress, director of SFA’s pre-health professions program. “The road to medical school is challenging, but JAMP provides incredible resources and support throughout the process. The program’s selection process, which includes two students from each participating university, significantly increases the chances of an SFA student being selected for JAMP compared to if they attended a larger university in Texas.”

Students participating in JAMP who meet eligibility requirements are guaranteed admission to a Texas medical school and awarded scholarships to support their educational journey.

Tovar’s aspirations are to become a successful researcher in genetic disorders, specifically cancer, and become an ophthalmologist.

“When I found out I was accepted into JAMP, I couldn’t believe it,” Tovar said. “It was a bittersweet and exciting moment for me. I give thanks to God because I asked Him that I may only be accepted if this was the right path for me.”

Tovar learned about JAMP during SFA Orientation when Childress reviewed the program and encouraged her to apply. Tovar graduated from high school in May 2023 and worried that her age could negatively impact her ability to get into JAMP. But thanks to expert guidance from her high school counselor, she had all the prerequisites necessary to apply to JAMP.

Dillard aims to go to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine or the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School to become a cardiologist or study orthopedics.

“When I received the email that I had been accepted into JAMP, it was 10 minutes before my next class,” Dillard said. “I immediately had to call my entire family. I was super excited to have been given the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor.”

To learn more about SFA’s pre-health professions program, visit sfasu.edu/prehealth.

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 37 academic facilities, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By Alyssa Faykus, editorial services senior specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Roslyn Fraser, associate professor of sociology in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Anthropology, Geography and Sociology, has been named Fulbright Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Fulbright Program, the United States government’s flagship program for international educational and cultural exchange, selects university faculty members and professionals to conduct research, teach and produce artistic and professional projects in other countries in an effort to find solutions to challenges facing our world.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Fraser will spend 10 months beginning this August in Port Louis, Mauritius — an island in the Indian Ocean — to work on her research and teach graduate courses at the University of Technology, Mauritius.

“It is an honor to be selected to travel to another part of the world to represent our university, our country and the discipline of sociology,” Fraser said. “That level of recognition has real weight to it. It feels like being told ‘You’re doing good things. Keep it up.'”

Fraser’s research examines women’s international labor migration through a qualitative study of the experiences of Bangladeshi women working in the Mauritian garment sector. Fraser’s previous research studies have taken place in villages in rural Bangladesh, with a focus on women’s work and family dynamics as people emigrate abroad for work. The Fulbright Program will allow her to see the other side of workers’ experiences by traveling to a country where Bangladeshi workers are going as labor migrants.

“I first became interested in Mauritius after looking at some migration data out of Bangladesh,” Fraser said. “I noticed large waves of women migrating there for industrial jobs in clothing factories.”

Fraser’s fascination with cultural differences and immigration comes from stories of her parents immigrating to the United States from Australia four-and-a-half months before Fraser was born. Fraser said she learned a lot by seeing the world through their eyes.

Along with teaching graduate courses, Fraser also will help the host university develop their graduate school and serve as an advisor for a doctoral candidate during their studies.

“It is widely understood that PhD training in the United States is very rigorous, so universities in middle- and lower-income countries seeking to grow their own graduate studies like to collaborate with U.S. faculty members as they develop local programs,” she said.

Fraser credits a small list of female faculty mentors she’s worked with throughout the years for changing her perception of the Fulbright Program’s accessibility, which she thought of as obtainable only for Ivy League faculty members.

“I remember clearly a philosophy professor who took the time to sit down and explain the Fulbright to me and how the application worked,” Fraser said. “She made it feel attainable, despite how much work it would be. By the end of the conversation, I thought, ‘Oh! I can probably do this. Why not!’ If not for people like her and my other mentors, my life would look very different today.”

According to the Fulbright Scholar Program’s website, the program was established by Congress in 1946 to increase mutual understanding and support friendly and peaceful relations between people of the U.S. and those from other countries.

For more information about the Department of Anthropology, Geology and Sociology, visit sfasu.edu/anthrogeosoc.

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 37 academic facilities, nine 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 more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.

By University Marketing Communications