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SFA College of Sciences and Mathematics makerspace named for Gandy family

University Marketing Communications
•
July 16, 2026
Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics; Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president; and Barbara and Dr. Bill Gandy

Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and students along with members of the Gandy family and the Nacogdoches community celebrated the unveiling of the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace in SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at the Cole STEM Building July 16. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics; Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president; and Barbara and Dr. Bill Gandy.

Members of the Gandy family with Dr. Neal Weaver, Dr. Kimberly Childs, Barbara Gandy, and Bill Gandy

Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and students along with members of the Gandy family and the Nacogdoches community celebrated the unveiling of the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace in SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at the Cole STEM Building July 16. Members of the Gandy family joined Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president, far left, and Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, far right, in honoring Barbara’s (fourth from right) and Bill’s (third from right) ongoing support of SFA students.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University faculty, staff and students along with members of the Gandy family and the Nacogdoches community celebrated the unveiling of the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace in SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics at the Cole STEM Building July 16.

“One of the reasons I feel so connected to SFA is because I got a really wonderful education here,” Bill Gandy said. “We’re glad to give back.”

Bill, a 1968 SFA graduate and retired dentist, and Barbara also have invested in the university through donations to athletics, fine arts, SFA Gardens and scholarship programs.

“This incredible addition to our STEM college is part of the Gandy family’s never-ending commitment to make SFA a better place,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president.

One of several makerspaces on campus open to all SFA students, the Dr. Bill and Barbara Gandy Makerspace offers students a gathering point, cutting-edge technology and mentor help to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts to construction, electronics, robotics, woodworking, metalworking, laser cutting and programming projects. An upcoming expansion of the facility and additional equipment will help it serve more students who are working on projects ranging from coursework to entries for national competitions.

“How fortunate we are to have donors who care so much about our students and believe in them,” said Dr. Kimberly Childs, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics. “Bill and Barbara make sure our students have what they need to be successful.”

Though mostly reserved for SFA student use, the makerspace hosts children attending summer camps. To learn more about the makerspace and SFA’s College of Sciences and Mathematics, visit sfasu.edu/cosm.