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Lumberjacks Make Great

Become Great at SFA

Have a dream career or a major in mind? Still undecided? With more than 120 areas of interest at SFA,
you can find your path to becoming great.

VISIT ACADEMICS

Fast Facts

#1 Regional Texas
Public School

in the U.S. News &
World Report
Best Colleges
rankings.
July 2025

$2.73 million
portfolio

managed by
Mast Student
Investment
Roundtable
Lumberjacks

September 2025

Approximately
200,000 sq. ft. of
new construction

upgraded dining and
academic facilities
over the next two years
May 2025

Study Abroad
with scholarships

10 faculty-led programs
13 destinations
162 students
July 2025

Explore your passions, meet our faculty

Select an area of interest and discover how we inspire success – one Lumberjack at a time.

SFA Traditions

The Axe Handle

SFA freshmen receive an axe handle to personalize with their own Lumberjack spirit. Students can be seen (and heard) banging axe handles on the bleachers at SFA football games.

 

Ole Cotton

Ole Cotton is an imposing 75mm cannon that fires a celebratory shot every time the SFA Lumberjack football team scores. The SFA ROTC cadets man Ole Cotton just beyond the south end zone at Homer Bryce Stadium. The powerful blast can be heard – and often felt – all over town.

 

The Homecoming Bonfire

SFA's traditional bonfire and pep rally are the centerpieces of homecoming. Usually held in October, homecoming is a series of traditions that bring Lumberjacks together to celebrate SFA. Other events include homecoming elections, downtown parade, football games and much more.

 

Purple Haze

Press play to hear our rowdy Purple Haze student section in action. At SFA’s home football games, fans in the student section loudly bang their axe handles on a metal “Purple Haze” sign to show support for our beloved Lumberjacks (and to rattle the opposing team). Now that’s a home-field advantage!

  • Dr. Gina Harden

    Dr. Gina Harden, associate professor of management information systems in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Nelson Rusche College of Business, was recently named the recipient of this year’s Phil Carroll Advancement of Management Award in Information Systems Management by the Society for Advancement of Management. The national award honors Harden for her excellence in advancing the integration of technology and management practices through teaching, research and service. For her work as the SFA SAM chapter faculty advisor, Harden received the Silver Outstanding Advisor Award. After nearly three decades in higher education, the last 13 with SFA, she is retiring this year.

  • Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Allied Health Studies is hosting a fall-prevention workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 20 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

    Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Allied Health Studies is hosting a fall-prevention workshop from 9:30 a.m. to noon April 20 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom. This free workshop, which includes a complimentary balance pad, resistance band and lunch, is open to adults 65 and older. To apply, visit gosfa.com/fallprevention by April 10.

  • Rich Perez leads an in-clasroom session with bankers and SFA students

    Rich Perez, vice president of innovation and strategy at the Texas Bankers Association, helped local bankers and Stephen F. Austin State University students demystify digital assets and understand their impacts at a recent banking and wealth management career day hosted by the Nelson Rusche College of Business’ Chadwick Banking Program.