Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Dear Lumberjacks,
What an exciting time to be part of the SFA family! As we begin a new academic year, I am filled with pride and optimism about the future of our university. You can sense the energy and enthusiasm surrounding our institution, and I believe great things are on the horizon.
There has been a whirlwind of activity, progress and growth this summer. Kristi and I enjoyed seeing so many of you at events like SFA Ballpark Days and Showcase Saturday, which continue to be a wonderful way to connect with Lumberjacks and their families. Interest in SFA is soaring! So much so, we had to add an additional orientation session to accommodate all the new students choosing to make SFA their home. We also received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for fall 2025, marking the highest number in the university's history. While official numbers will be available soon, I am thrilled to share that we anticipate our first overall enrollment increase in six years. All of these developments are strong indicators of the excitement and momentum at SFA.
We also received over 20,000 undergraduate applications for fall 2025, marking the highest number in the university's history.
This summer, we welcomed a new leader to our academic community. Dr. Jordan Barkley joined us in July as provost and executive vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs. Dr. Barkley brings nearly two decades of higher education leadership, having served at institutions such as the University of Northern Colorado, Tarleton State University and Jacksonville State University. He demonstrates a strong dedication to student success, academic excellence and strategic innovation. We are excited to see how his leadership will help shape the future of our academic programs and faculty development.
Since it was so popular among alumni and students, we are bringing back a refreshed version of the “Lumberjacks Make Great” campaign.
This fall marks the launch of SFA's first comprehensive marketing campaign in nearly six years. Since it was so popular among alumni and students, we are bringing back a refreshed version of the “Lumberjacks Make Great” campaign. This iteration will focus on highlighting the stories of our remarkable alumni and the transformative paths their SFA experience has helped create. This month, you will see the new creative material shared across billboards and inside airports throughout Texas, as well as on social media and digital platforms. This campaign will help enhance brand awareness for prospective students and their families, reinforcing what we already know to be true: from SFA, you can go anywhere and accomplish anything.
In this issue of Sawdust, you'll read about the opening of our new Pineywoods Dining Hall and plans for a $40 million entrepreneurship building recently approved by The University of Texas System. This state-of-the-art entrepreneurship facility will not only strengthen SFA's commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation but also serve as a key resource in East Texas' entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering regional economic growth by guiding students to collaborate with local businesses and government entities to discover their vision. These additions reflect our continued investment in student experiences, academic innovation and community impact.
Meanwhile, our Campus Master Plan and Strategic Plan committees made great progress over the summer. Be on the lookout later this fall as we share the final plans (sfasu.edu/masterplan) to set a course for the next era of growth and opportunity at SFA.
As always, I invite you to make the trip home to Nacogdoches to see the progress we have made and attend an event to support our talented students. There's an unmistakable energy here that's rooted in tradition, fueled by progress and driven by the incredible spirit of our Lumberjack community. Your support and involvement are vital to our continued success. I look forward to seeing you on campus this fall!
Axe 'em!
Dr. Neal Weaver
President
Stephen F. Austin State University