Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved Stephen F. Austin State University’s strategic plan, campus master plan and future Lumberjack Crossing residence hall during its Feb. 18-19 quarterly meeting in Austin.
“Together, these actions represent a significant milestone in SFA’s continued integration into the UT System and establish a unified roadmap guiding the university’s academic priorities, student experience and long-term campus development,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president.
Campus and strategic planning
SFA’s campus master plan provides a long-range framework to guide physical development during the next 10 years. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and future-focused analysis over the past 18 months, the campus master plan steering committee, led by John Branch, associate vice president for facilities services and campus operations, developed the plan in partnership with Freese and Nichols, an engineering, planning and consulting firm based in Fort Worth. The main plan includes a utility master plan, technology master plan, campus recreation master plan, intercollegiate athletics master plan, landscape guidelines, condition assessments and campus space utilization strategy updates.
SFA’s strategic plan was developed by representatives from academic and administrative areas across the institution under the guidance of Damon Derrick, vice president, general counsel and chief of staff.
Both planning efforts were conducted in parallel, ensuring alignment among SFA’s academic vision, operational priorities and future physical environment. Collectively, the approved plans establish a framework to:
- support student success and the full Lumberjack experience
- prioritize modern learning, research and engagement spaces
- strengthen infrastructure, mobility and campus connectivity
- and guide long-term decision-making as projects and resources advance.
According to Weaver, this milestone reflects the shared vision and dedication of the entire SFA community as the university moves confidently into its second century.
“I am deeply grateful to the committee members whose leadership guided the development of these plans and to the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members whose engagement helped shape them,” he said. “Together, we are establishing a bold, future-focused roadmap that will transform this campus and the East Texas region over the next 10 years, expand opportunity for our students, and position SFA for lasting success within The University of Texas System.”
Lumberjack Crossing residence hall
Regents also approved adding the Lumberjack Crossing student housing project to the UT System Capital Improvement Program.
The proposed four-story residence hall, planned for the area directly east of the Lumberjack Landing residence hall and south of Pineywoods Dining Hall, will provide housing and support amenities for up to 336 students. It will include double-occupancy rooms with suite-style bathrooms, accessible accommodations, lounge and study spaces, staff offices and student collaboration environments. The project also will expand campus cooling capacity with a new chiller and supporting infrastructure planned for the university’s central plant.
The approximately 100,000-square-foot residence hall is expected to be funded through Revenue Financing System bond proceeds, with a total project cost of $70 million. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 with substantial completion targeted for 2028, increasing on-campus housing capacity and supporting future enrollment growth.
For more information on SFA’s campus master plans, visit sfasu.edu/masterplan.