Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Two recent Stephen F. Austin State University graduates, Julia Whitehead and Ireland Bramhall-Ragland, will give the commencement addresses during SFA’s spring graduation ceremonies for undergraduates.
Whitehead, fifth-grade teacher and social media influencer, will address graduates at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 7, and Bramhall-Ragland, senior area of study advising specialist at Austin Community College, will speak at the 2 and 6 p.m. ceremonies Friday, May 8. In addition to those three ceremonies, master’s and doctoral candidates will receive their degrees during the Graduate Studies ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7. All ceremonies will be held in Johnson Coliseum.
“Julia and Ireland were sitting in the same classrooms and walking the same campus as our graduates not long ago, and it’s inspiring to see how quickly they’ve turned their SFA experiences into meaningful careers shaping and supporting others,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Their journeys are a powerful reminder of what’s possible after graduation, and we look forward to the insight and encouragement they’ll share as we celebrate the achievements of our spring graduates.”
Known as Ms. Pencils Away on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, Whitehead earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an early childhood through sixth grade emphasis from SFA in 2020 and her Master of Education from SFA in 2022. While at SFA, she played on the volleyball team for three years before serving as graduate assistant for the program for two years while earning her master’s degree.
Whitehead now teaches at the same elementary school she attended as a child. As Ms. Pencils Away, she posts daily jokes, shares classroom content and promotes laughter in learning.
“I’m honored to speak to my fellow Lumberjacks as they prepare to begin their careers and the next chapter of their lives,” Whitehead said. “The lessons I gained during my time at SFA, both on and off the court, have played a huge role in shaping who I am, both in person and online. SFA holds a special place in my heart, and some of my favorite memories and most meaningful moments were made there. I have no doubt the Class of 2026 is on a path to great things!”
Bramhall-Ragland earned her Bachelor of Science in hospitality administration from SFA in 2021 and her Master of Education in higher education administration from Bridgewater State University in 2023.
While at SFA, Bramhall-Ragland served as the student regent appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the SFA Board of Regents during the 2020-21 academic year. She also helped recruit prospective students as a School of Human Sciences ambassador and served as a student director of The Big Event. Some Lumberjacks may remember her helping them ship their packages while she worked at the SFA Post Office.
“I am so excited to return to my alma mater and have the honor of speaking to SFA's 2026 graduating class,” Bramhall-Ragland said. “This school means so much to me, and I am grateful to be able to share my experience as a new professional with this class of graduating Lumberjacks!”
The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremonies.
Thursday, May 7, Johnson Coliseum
- 2 p.m. — James I. Perkins College of Education
- 6 p.m. — Graduate Studies (all master’s and doctoral degree candidates)
Friday, May 8, Johnson Coliseum
- 2 p.m. — Nelson Rusche College of Business, Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts and Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
- 6 p.m. — College of Liberal and Applied Arts and College of Sciences and Mathematics
Degrees to be awarded include 1,032 bachelor’s; six of those graduates are also earning master’s degrees. In addition, 287 master’s degrees will be awarded, three of which are terminal degrees, and eight graduates will receive doctoral degrees. This semester, 475 students will graduate with honors, including 134 cum laude, 170 magna cum laude and 171 summa cum laude. Thirty-eight students will graduate with the university scholar designation.
For more information, visit sfasu.edu/graduation.