Stephen F. Austin State University

Among the 584 students graduating Saturday from Stephen F. Austin State University is Kent Brown of Liberty, who will complete his undergraduate career with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Brown is the 14th SFA graduate to score a perfect GPA this year, a feat he attributes to small class sizes and personal relationships with his professors.

“Anytime anyone asks me how I maintained a 4.0, I tell them about the small classes and the professors,” he said. “I encourage other students to establish relationships, ask about assignments, and get the help they need. Professors are willing to help.” Brown came to SFA as a transfer student from Lee College in Baytown. A professor at Lee College, Gordon Lee, challenged him to think outside the box. It was because of Lee that Brown decided to major in English and minor in philosophy, he said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with professors who inspired me,” he said.

Brown is putting together applications for graduate school, and he intends to complete his master’s degree and doctorate in English romanticism. He is the son of Charles and Brenda Brown of Liberty.

SFA will award 584 degrees during commencement exercises, including 421 bachelor’s degrees, 161 master’s degrees, one doctorate degree in forestry and one doctorate degree in education. Twenty-seven students are graduating cum laude; 18 are graduating magna cum laude; and 16 are graduating summa cum laude.

State Sen. Robert Nichols of Jacksonville will deliver the commencement address at 9:30 a.m., in William R. Johnson Coliseum.