NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s timbersports team, the Sylvans, placed first in the 42nd annual Arkansas State Lumberjack Collegiate Championship. The team of 34 Lumberjacks competed against the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Louisiana Tech University, Southern Illinois University and Oklahoma State University in seven physical events over the first weekend of October.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Dr. Al Greule, associate professor emeritus in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Media and Communication, has been named Broadcast Educator of the Year by the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Greule received the award, which recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding leaders in the broadcasting field, during TAB’s annual convention in Round Rock.

Stephen F. Austin State University has been awarded a five-year, $1.36 million federal TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand Generation Jacks, SFA's first-generation student success program housed within the Cole Student Success Center.

Through the TRIO SSS grant, SFA's GenJacks program capacity will increase from about 130 students to more than 300 annually — an increase of more than 150%.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship selected 16 faculty members to participate in the inaugural Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows Program, an initiative designed to integrate entrepreneurial education across all academic disciplines.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has a full calendar of events for Homecoming 2025, including the annual bonfire, drone show and concert featuring award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae beginning at 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Intramural Fields.  

The fun begins today with the launch of SFA Alumni Association’s online Homecoming Auction 2025. Through Oct. 19, participants can bid on items ranging from custom SFA creations to exciting travel packages. All proceeds go toward SFA Alumni Association student and alumni programming.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– What started as a quarter-acre plot planted by Stephen F. Austin State University students behind the Agriculture Building in 1985 has blossomed into six themed gardens encompassing 138 acres. To celebrate, SFA Gardens is hosting its 40th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 throughout its gardens.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid will bring star power and business policy insight to Stephen F. Austin State University this spring as the speaker for the fifth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. Best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” 1998 remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” Quaid will speak at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has signed an international academic agreement with Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan in the Philippines. The partnership, formalized by SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver and XU President Fr. Mars P. Tan, S.J., in September will expand opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions while strengthening cultural and academic ties across the globe.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University celebrated another record-setting Giving Day, raising $273,318 from 4,808 donors during its fifth annual event Sept. 18, SFA’s 102nd birthday. This year’s totals exceeded the goal of 3,500 donors and far outpaced 2024’s results of $192,545 from just over 3,400 donors. The increase represents a 42% jump in dollars raised and 41% growth in donor participation year over year.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Stone Fort Museum will host the Old Stone Harvest Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the museum on SFA’s campus.

According to Carolyn Spears, Stone Fort Museum director, the family-friendly event will feature traditional cooking demonstrations, heritage crafts and live music.

“Old Stone Harvest Fest is about savoring the past while we celebrate the future,” Spears said. “We welcome everyone to join us for an evening of music, food and hands-on fun.”