Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– In recognition of a career that has shaped the performing arts and inspired generations of artists, Stephen F. Austin State University officially renamed its School of Theatre and Dance to the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance in honor of Haden, celebrating a legacy of creative achievement and a deep, enduring connection to the university. The name change is effective immediately and was approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents.
The name change comes as a result of a transformative monetary commitment from 1959 alumna and Haden’s niece, Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva. The generous commitment will enhance programmatic efforts and honor and commemorate the legacy of her uncle.
Haden, a beloved SFA alumnus and faculty member, established the university’s dance program and was widely known for his creative vision and innovative choreography. He taught dance classes, choreographed musicals and introduced groundbreaking techniques that continue to influence dance and drill teams to this day. His gift for staging and movement left a lasting impression on generations of performers and students.
“My uncle’s influence can still be seen and felt today — not just within our family, but across this area and beyond,” Sliva said. “To see his name recognized in a way that honors his legacy at SFA means so much to me.”
The name change follows the university’s recent announcement of the College of Health Professions, which is part of a broader academic reorganization. Together, these initiatives underscore SFA’s ongoing commitment to addressing the evolving needs of students, employers and the East Texas region.
“From her beginnings as a transfer student from Kilgore College to her success as an entrepreneur and her generosity as a philanthropist, Prissy Sliva’s story reflects the full arc of opportunity that defines Stephen F. Austin State University,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “By honoring her uncle’s legacy through this transformative gift, she is helping ensure that the finest performing arts experiences remain accessible to students, families and communities across East Texas for generations to come.”
Dr. Gary Wurtz, dean of SFA’s Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts, said he is grateful to Sliva for her generosity and vision.
“Her gift not only supports the continued excellence of our theatre and dance programs but also honors a legacy that helped shape the foundation of dance education in East Texas,” Wurtz said.
Prior to becoming a faculty member in 1960, Haden first arrived on campus in 1927 as a transfer student from Rice Institute, now Rice University, where he majored in English and took his first dance lessons. A natural talent, he quickly advanced to serving as an assistant instructor. After his family relocated to Nacogdoches, Haden opened a dance studio while continuing his studies at SFA, earning his English degree in 1929. Following graduation, he taught English and served as principal at Corrigan High School during the week, while offering dance lessons on weekends. Committed to refining his skills, he spent summers studying with renowned dance figures such as Mary Wigman, Sergei Lifar, Alicia Alonso and Eduardo Cansino.
After five years, Haden fully committed to dance as his profession. He expanded his teaching beyond Nacogdoches to Henderson in 1934 and later to Kilgore, where demand for his classes continued to grow. In Kilgore, Haden made history as the first choreographer for the Kilgore College Rangerettes, working alongside founder Gussie Nell Davis to create the precision-based style that defined the world’s first drill team. His choreography and original show themes became iconic, and much of the terminology he developed is still used by drill teams today. The production number performed by the Rangerettes as a finale for the Rangerette Revels each year has always been described as, “purely Mr. Haden!” Through his vision, he transformed dance – taking it from the stage to the football field – and changed the trajectory of American performance culture.
Sliva also has made donations for two prominent naming components within the Griffith Fine Arts Building — the Denard Haden Performance Hall and the Denard Haden Dance Studio. Along with transformational donations to the university, Sliva also has supported local churches, businesses and scholarship initiatives, reflecting her belief in education and service.
To learn more about philanthropic opportunities at SFA, visit sfasu.edu/giving or contact SFA’s Office of Development at givetosfa@sfasu.edu. For more information about the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance, visit sfasu.edu/theatre-dance.