NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Nacogdoches resident Kayla Handy was one of 65 participants in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Little STEM Jacks camp who got a closer look at a bearded dragon.

Through the program, students ages 7 to 11 participated in three days of immersive scientific discovery, learning about wound care, robotics and ecology.

The week concluded with the live-animal presentation by Wildlife on the Move, led by SFA alumnus K.C. Rudy.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Mass Communication recently completed significant facility upgrades to its television station, SFA-TV2. The station airs on Suddenlink’s Channel 2 in Nacogdoches and surrounding East Texas areas.

The TV station serves as a laboratory and classroom for students seeking a degree in broadcasting. Supporting the academic mission of the department, SFA’s Board of Regents and administration allocated $275,000 for the project, which included upgrades to both the broadcast signal and on-campus studio.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St.

Students interested in participating in fall classes or private lessons offered through Music Prep may register during the open house. Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra will be held the same day beginning at 10 a.m.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. Joyce Johnston, director of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pre-Law Academy, is one of two recipients of the Texas American Board of Trial Advocates 2018 Champion of Civil Justice Award.

Johnston received the award for her work with SFA’s Pre-Law Academy, an innovative weeklong summer program that introduces high school students to the exciting opportunities associated with a career in law.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The final concerts of the Chloé Trevor Music Academy summer series are underway on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus through Aug. 11.

For two weeks, the music academy has offered intensive study for more than 100 string players and pianists from across the country, offering one-on-one instruction, orchestral training and career guidance by the world’s premier soloists, teachers and conductors.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University Professor Dr. Linda Black received the World History Association’s Pioneers in World History Award, which annually recognizes distinguished scholars or educators.

“This is such a special honor because I began my career as a high school world history teacher and have been involved in this field for more than four decades,” said Black, who is a faculty member in the James I. Perkins College of Education’s Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Gathered around tables in a classroom of the Math Building, students and faculty from departments across the College of Sciences and Mathematics discussed the research – ranging from characterizing anticancer agents to investigating geologic structures – they have spent weeks conducting as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

The results of this research will be showcased in a poster session open to the public at 2 p.m. Friday in the Math Building, Room 123.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University will present five exciting national touring acts in the highly diverse 2018-19 University Series. It offers something for everyone: comedy, a string quintet, bluegrass, African-American dance and contemporary Mexican music.

Additionally, two Encore Events will provide even more varied musical programming with a true jazz legend and a rock legend reincarnated in the world’s most authentic tribute to the late, great Prince. Ticketing for Encore Events is separate from the University Series.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Educators who want to complete their master’s degree in teaching without having to relocate or travel can do so through an online program offered at Stephen F. Austin State University.

SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education is now offering a revised 30-hour online Master of Arts in Teaching that allows educators who have completed an early childhood through 12th grade teaching certification the opportunity to finish their graduate degree.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. Mary Nelle Brunson, Stephen F. Austin State University associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs, will offer the commencement address during the university’s summer graduation ceremony Saturday, Aug. 11.

An SFA graduate holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education, Brunson received her doctoral degree in early childhood education from the University of North Texas. She holds Texas teacher certification for grades pre-kindergarten through eighth and mid-management administrator certification.