Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University
Name	Stephen F. Austin State University
Established	1923
Type	Public
Endowment	$101.1 million (2020)
President	Dr. Neal Weaver
Students	11,327 (Fall 2022)
City	Nacogdoches
State	Texas
Country	United States
Campus	Rural, 421 acres
Colors	Purple and White
Nickname	Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks
Affiliations	University of Texas System (affiliate), NCAA Division I – WAC
Website	sfasu.edu

Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university located in Nacogdoches, Texas. Founded in 1923, it is named for Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." The institution is a member of the University of Texas System as an affiliate and competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

History

The university was established by the 41st Texas Legislature in 1923 as a teachers' college, originally named Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College. Its first president was Alton W. Birdwell, who oversaw the initial construction on land donated by local citizens. The school opened its doors to 158 students in 1924, with its first classes held in the Nacogdoches County Courthouse before moving to the permanent campus. Throughout the mid-20th century, it evolved into a comprehensive university, gaining its current name in 1969. Key milestones include joining the University of Texas System in 2023 and the construction of iconic buildings like the R.W. Steen Library and the Rusk Building.

Academics

The university is organized into six colleges: the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Fine Arts, the Rusche College of Business, the James I. Perkins College of Education, and the College of Forestry and Agriculture. It offers over 120 areas of study, including distinctive programs in forestry, creative writing, and music. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture is particularly renowned, operating the 4,600-acre Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest. Graduate studies are administered through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, offering numerous master's programs and select doctorates in fields like education and forestry.

Campus

The 421-acre main campus is situated in the historic city of Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas. Notable facilities include the R.W. Steen Library, the Griffith Fine Arts Building, and the Baker Pattillo Student Center. The campus features the picturesque Surfin' Steve fountain and the Mast Arboretum, a 10-acre botanical garden. The university also operates several satellite facilities, including the Science Research Center and the Cole Art Center in downtown Nacogdoches. Recent developments include the modern STEM Building and renovations to Homer Bryce Stadium.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 200 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities governed by the National Panhellenic Conference and the North American Interfraternity Conference. The Student Government Association represents the student body. Major annual events include Homecoming festivities and the Sawdust Festival. Campus media includes the student newspaper The Pine Log and radio station KSAU. Residential life is supported by multiple housing complexes, including University Hall and the Lumberjack Lodge.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the WAC. The football team plays at Homer Bryce Stadium, while basketball and volleyball teams compete in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The university has a strong tradition in women's basketball, having made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament under coaches like Gary Blair and Brandon Schneider. Other notable sports include track and field, baseball, and soccer.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include former U.S. Representative Louie Gohmert, country music singer Miranda Lambert, and NASA astronaut Michael E. Fossum. In athletics, notable figures include NFL player Jerrell Freeman and WNBA player Aminata Fall. Prominent former faculty include Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Robert Flynn and renowned forestry researcher Dr. David Kulhavy. The university's theatre program counts award-winning actor and director John Dennis Johnston among its alumni.

Category:Universities and colleges in Texas Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:University of Texas System Category:Educational institutions established in 1923