Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Nursing could soon be expanding its program to provide nursing classes in neighboring Cherokee County.

Pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the School of Nursing is planning to offer the last two years of its program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and the Registered Nurse certification at Rusk State Hospital.

The new center could initially teach up to 24 nursing students beginning no later than the spring 2009 semester. The expansion was approved by SFA’s Board of Regents at a meeting Tuesday, along with an initial outlay of $100,000 for equipment and an instructor’s salary.

At the request of Rusk community leaders, the SFA administration recently completed a feasibility study for the program. Dr. Richard Berry, provost and vice president of academic affairs, recommended to the board’s academic and student affairs committee Monday that the university move forward with the expansion.

“This program will enable SFA to increase enrollment in our nursing program and to extend our outreach in the wider East Texas region while offering qualified students the chance to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing,” Dr. Berry said.

“The opportunity to engage in a partnership with city and community officials and with the Rusk State Hospital is most welcome, and we look forward to beginning this exciting program.”

The board also voted to approve an increase in designation tuition fees from $97 to $106 per semester credit hour beginning in fall 2008. The increase will provide a 3-percent pool for merit-based raises for both faculty and staff. In addition, $500,000 gained from other budget cuts has been designated to specifically address a lack of equity among faculty salaries and will be distributed by the provost’s office.

During the meeting, SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo told the board the salary increases are necessary for the university to compete for qualified faculty and staff.

“Everyone is under pressure because of the increase in the cost of higher education, but we have to address the faculty salaries,” he said. “Our faculty pay is low in comparison with other universities. While this won’t solve the problem, it will be a start.”

Regents approved a 2.7-percent increase in room and board rates beginning in fall 2008 to offset projected increases in housing and food service operating costs. The board also set course fees for the fall 2008 semester and voted to waive the student center and student recreation center fees for students taking only online courses.

The Board of Regents voted to change the name of The Art Center @ The Old Opera House to the Ed and Gwen Cole Art Center in honor of the longtime benefactors of SFA. In addition, the board named the Adlai and Patricia Mast Conference Room, the Jack and Doris Ledbetter Gallery, and the Florence Wilson Reavley Gallery, all located in the art center.

During the Tuesday meeting the board also:

• Approved curriculum changes and small-size classes recommended by the administration;
• Adopted a new university mission statement;
• Approved the summer 2008 budget;
• Voted for a new contract for property, boiler and machinery, and inland marine insurance;
• Approved a re-negotiated contract with ARAMARK to provide food service during the 2008-09 school year;
• Raised the amount of the one-time general property deposit for each student from $10 to $100;
• Approved policy revisions proposed by the administration; and
• Heard reports from Dr. Pattillo, audit services director Gina Oglesbee, outgoing faculty senate chair Dr. Marc Guidry, and student body president Kent Willis.