about sfa
Our Location
SFA's breathtaking campus is located in the heart of East Texas in historic Nacogdoches. Did you know that if you live in the Houston or Dallas areas, Nacogdoches may actually be closer than Austin? It's true!
Sfa Is Closer Than You Think
Dallas/fort Worth
194 miles,
3 hours 10 minutes
Waco
159 miles,
2 hours 49 minutes
Austin
227 miles,
4 hours
San Antonio
312 miles,
5 hours 10 minutes
Houston
142 miles,
2 hours 17 minutes
Beaumont
128 miles,
2 hours 14 minutes
Shreveport
98 miles,
1 hour 40 minutes
Nacogdoches
History
1917-1921
SFA was chartered by the Texas legislature, Nacogdoches was selected as its location and the appropriation bill for funding was signed.
1923
First classes held
During campus construction, the first group of SFA students attended class nearby, blazing a trail for hundreds of thousands of students to follow in their footsteps.
Lumberjack mascot selected
The Lumberjack mascot was selected by popular vote at a special student assembly of faculty and students.
1924
Vista Drive opens
Since the completion of the Austin Building in 1924, Vista Drive has provided a unique view of the campus.
1935
First homecoming held
Homecoming is now an annual fall event featuring a bonfire, two parades and, of course, football.
1944
Experimental Forest established
The Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest was established by an act of Congress and measures more than 2,500 acres. It is still in use for recreation, forestry and wildlife management research.
1947
First Lumberjack Day
Lumberjack Day started by a proclamation of the Student Body President. Students on campus were expected to wear the uniform of the day: blue jeans, overalls, plaid shirts and boots. The tradition continues annually.
1960
College Center opened
The center included the college cafeteria, book store, post office and recreational facilities. Throughout the years, it has been called the University Center and the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
1969
SFA becomes a university
A big day in our history as SFA moved up from a college to a full-fledged university.
1972
Homer Bryce Stadium constructed
The spirited home field of the SFA Lumberjacks football team was constructed on the northeast side of campus.
1979
Axe ’em, Jacks hand sign created
Thanks to the school spirit of a small group of creative SFA cheerleaders, the university now has its own signature hand sign.
1983
“Surfin’ Steve” fountain created
Due to a dramatic stance and flowing water, this iconic statue of Stephen F. Austin is affectionately nicknamed “Surfin’ Steve.”
Faculty spotlight
Get to know some of our passionate professors, and see how committed they are to your success.
President's Cabinet
President
Senior Vice President for Organizational Effectiveness
Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Chief Audit Officer
Vice President of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Vice President and General Counsel
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Vice President for Finance
Director of Athletics
Vice President for University Advancement
Director of Governmental Relations