NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A new program offered by Stephen F. Austin State University's Nelson Rusche College of Business is attracting students who desire a degree more focused on communication, leadership, technology and employee development in organizational settings.

The Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies launched the new major in business communication and corporate education in fall 2013, and students already are enrolling in the first-of-its-kind program.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved faculty and staff changes during its quarterly meeting Monday.

The following faculty appointments were approved for the James I. Perkins College of Education: Jane Grayson, assistant professor of kinesiology; James Rowe, instructor of kinesiology and health science; Susan Reily and Vicki Thomas, assistant professors of elementary education; and Nancy Shepherd, assistant professor of human sciences.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved proposed changes to the institution's core curriculum at its quarterly meeting Monday.

As directed by the Texas Legislature, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued rules requiring a complete overhaul of core curriculum in all Texas public institutions of higher education. The core curriculum includes 42 semester credit hours of coursework that students can transfer to any higher education institution.

The SFA Madrigal Singers will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in Cole Concert Hall in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Madrigal Singers in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Choral Union and Women's Choir in concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Under the direction of Dr. Tod W. Fish, visiting assistant professor and the new associate director of choral activities at SFA, the choirs will perform the music of Giuseppe Verdi and Benjamin Britten.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Due to a high number of expected graduates of Stephen F. Austin State University this fall, the Dec. 14 commencement exercises will be split into two ceremonies for the second time this year.

SFA graduate student Martha De Luna of the Dominican Republic practices for an Oct. 23 concert during which time she will perform with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic. Her instructor, Dr. Andrew Parr, professor of piano at SFA, will accompany her home to be present for the special concert and to conduct master classes in the Dominican Republic.

NACOGDOCHES - Long before Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The SFA Press will honor Charles D. Jones and his award-winning book, "Chopper Blues," at a reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at The Fredonia Hotel on the patio.

"Chopper Blues" is winner of the 2013 International Book Award for History: Military and the Texas Association of Authors 2013 First Place in Autobiography.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Tickets are still available for a performance of the Ailey II dance company when the ensemble appears at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country's best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today's most outstanding emerging choreographers, according to the company story in the event program.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present the student-directed one-act play "Brainpeople" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Downstage Theatre on the SFA campus.