SFA Gardens to Host Bird Watching Seminar - November 5, 2009
Submitted by Greg Grant

The SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center will host a two-part garden seminar “How to Identify and Attract a Flock of Backyard Birds” on November 13 from 6:30-8:00 pm and on November 14 from 8:00-11:00 am. Participants will enjoy a Friday evening lecture with Cliff Shackelford, ornithologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, about bird identification and common local birds. On Saturday morning, Cliff will lead a leisurely birding stroll through the PNPC Tucker Woods and on to the Shackelford home near the Pineywoods Native Plant Center to visit their backyard that is “for the birds.”

Cliff Shackelford is a 5th generation Texan and started bird watching at the early age of nine. He holds both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in biology with an emphasis in avian ecology from Stephen F. Austin State University and has authored over 50 publications on birds and birding. He is the first author of the book Hummingbirds of Texas that was published in September 2005 by Texas A&M University Press.

Participants will meet for both sessions at the Tucker House at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center , 2900 Raguet Street. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and binoculars are available for first-time birders that don’t bring them. Cost is $15 for members of SFA Garden Friends and $20 for non-members. To register, call the SFA Gardens Education Office at 936-468-1832 or email erodewald@sfasu.edu.

The Department of English at Stephen F. Austin State University will host author Lee Martin during its Fall Reading Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in the Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

Martin is the author of the novel “The Bright Forever,” a finalist for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. He also has written “River of Heaven,” “Quakertown” and the forthcoming “Break the Skin.” Martin has published two memoirs, “From Our House” and “Turning Bones,” as well as a short story collection, “The Least You Need to Know.”

He is the winner of the Mary McCarthy Prize in Short Fiction and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ohio Arts Council. Martin currently teaches in the Master of Fine Arts program at Ohio State University, where he directs the creative writing program.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Expanded recruiting efforts have resulted in higher enrollment in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Stephen F. Austin State University . Enrollment in the Lumberjack Battalion is up 30 percent from last fall, according to Lt. Col. Todd Reichert, SFA professor of military science.

“We’re excited about the increasing number of students showing an interest in serving our country as Army officers,” Reichert said. “The Army sends us here to ensure we fill the ranks of the officer corps with quality men and women, and it’s great to see so many SFA students taking an interest in serving as leaders in our Army.”

The growing enrollment in the SFA ROTC program is attributed to many different factors, including increased recruiting efforts in the Dallas, Houston and Shreveport areas and the availability of excellent scholarships and financial assistance programs.

“Our goal is to find current and future Lumberjack students who are motivated and interested in a profession of service and leadership,” Reichert said. “As our numbers increase, we also see the quality of our officer candidates increase in terms of academic performance, physical fitness and leadership ability.”

For more information about the SFA ROTC program, call (936) 468-4505, email rotc@sfasu.edu or visit www.sfasu.edu/rotc.

Stephen F. Austin State University is seeking thoughts and opinions from the surrounding community to implement a plan to enhance student learning.

A steering committee will choose a topic, based on input from the SFA community, for the Quality Enhancement Plan, a carefully designed, focused course of action to improve the quality of the collegiate experience for students and increase the value of an SFA degree.

As a requirement for reaccreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the QEP will help establish a broad-based initiative to enhance student learning and academics. The development of this plan launches a process that establishes creative, engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.
“Maintaining regional accreditation is directly related to SFA’s continuous improvement as an institution of higher education,” said Dr. James Standley, coordinator of institutional accreditation. “The Quality Enhancement Plan also provides SFA with an opportunity to showcase its decades of impressive successes.”

The support and participation of the institutional community is crucial, and may significantly transform the quality of student learning outcomes, he said. Students, staff, faculty and community members are encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions about ways to enhance student learning through an online suggestion box at www.sfasu.edu/iao/qep or to contact the Institutional Accreditation Office at (936) 468-2772.

Stephen F. Austin State University has reported a fall student enrollment of 12,845, surpassing last year’s figure of 11,990 by 7.1 percent and breaking the university’s all-time enrollment record set almost two decades ago.

The number of SFA students attending classes grew by 855 between fall 2008 and fall 2009, marking the seventh consecutive reporting period with an enrollment increase. The highest previous SFA enrollment was recorded in fall 1990 with 12,815 students.

“This record enrollment is a significant achievement for SFA,” said Dr. Baker Pattillo, university president. “I am thankful for the recruiting and retention efforts of our enrollment management team, as well as the entire faculty and staff, which have led to this historically high enrollment for the university. What a great way to begin the academic year.”

SFA also recorded an increase in the retention rate for first-time, full-time freshmen. The rate increased from 62.9 percent in fall 2008 to 65 percent in fall 2009. Increasing enrollment and retention are among the major initiatives included in the university’s latest strategic plan, which was adopted last year by the Board of Regents.

“What is particularly gratifying is the fact that we are experiencing increases at every level, freshmen through doctoral students,” said Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Undergraduate enrollment increased 7.1 percent, from 10,404 last fall to 11,144. Graduate enrollment rose 7.3 percent, from 1,586 to 1,701.

“I believe that our work on various initiatives of our strategic plan is already paying off,” Berry said. “Additional academic advisers, new degree programs, intensified work on the first-year experience, increases in online course offerings, opportunities for student engagement – all of these are helping us attract and retain more students.”

The largest increase in enrollment was in the James I. Perkins College of Education, which grew from 3,524 students to 3,933, an 11.6-percent increase. The Perkins College remains the largest at SFA and recently opened a new $30.8 million Early Childhood Research Center . The state-of-the-art facility houses the nationally accredited Early Childhood Laboratory, “exemplary” rated University Charter School and award-winning Department of Elementary Education.

The second-largest College of Liberal and Applied Arts had a 6.1-percent increase in enrollment, growing from 3,107 students in fall 2008 to 3,298 in fall 2009.

Enrollments in other colleges were: College of Sciences and Mathematics, up 12 percent from 1,863 to 2,087; College of Fine Arts , up 3.9 percent from 820 to 852; Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, up 1.2 percent from 661 to 669; and Nelson Rusche College of Business, down .4 percent from 2,015 to 2,006.

Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management, said various long-term recruiting initiatives, including a re-tooled communication plan that reaches students as early as the seventh grade, have resulted in the markedly upward trend in enrollment. The newly adopted “Purple Promise,” which guarantees full tuition for low-income students, aggressive outreach programs and a more personal approach to recruiting new students also have contributed.

“The Board of Regents and administration had the vision to improve the campus infrastructure with new residence halls, a state-of-the-art recreation center and new academic facilities that are unrivaled in the state of Texas ,” she said. “A new freshman residence hall and Freshman Success Center set to open in fall 2011 will further enhance the first-year experience for our students, reflecting SFA’s status as a premier university in the state of Texas .”

SFA School of Nursing receives grant for exceptional performance - September 4, 2009
Kayli Steger

The Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University recently was awarded a $25,000 grant for its exceptional performance in producing initial licensure registered nurses.

Of the nearly 100 nursing programs in the state, three grants were awarded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to higher education institutions in the State of Texas. These schools met graduation and licensure rates of at least 85 percent and demonstrated a best practice in achieving these rates.

The grant will be used to develop a detailed business plan that other institutions may use in similar programs. Any additional funds will be used to further increase enrollment in the SFA nursing program.

The awarding of this grant is one of many recent accomplishments for the Dewitt School of Nursing, which will move into its new facility in January 2010. Fall 2008 graduates of the program achieved a 100-percent passing rate for the state licensing exam, and the program currently is utilizing funds from a previous THECB grant to address the need for more registered nurses in Texas.

“We are extremely pleased to be honored by the Higher Education Coordinating Board,” said Dr. Glenda Walker, director of the DeWitt School of Nursing. “It is truly the faculty and students of the School of Nursing who make our program a diamond in nursing education in Texas.”

SFA Children's Series Tickets Now on Sale - August 19, 2009

Science, literature and history lessons are all included in the five productions comprising the 2009-2010 Stephen F. Austin State University Children's Performing Arts Series.

"We've got an excellent mix of performances this year which appeal to a wide range of ages," said Diane Flynn, series director. "All shows will again be at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.”

The season will open Tuesday, Oct. 27, with “Garry Krinsky: Toying with Science.”

“Kindergartners through high school seniors can all learn from Garry as he uses circus skills, daring feats of balance, mime and original music to explore gravity, leverage, fulcrums and simple machines,” Flynn said.

On Monday, Nov. 23, ArtsPower will present “Laura Ingalls Wilder,” a musical inspired by Wilder’s classic narratives that celebrate the pioneering spirit and America’s heartland. It is targeted for grades one through six.

Theatreworks USA’s “Nate the Great” on Wednesday, Jan. 27, is a new musical about teamwork and friendship for kindergartners through fourth graders.

“It stars Marjorie Weinman’s beloved detective who uses all of his derring-do to locate his friend Annie’s missing painting,” Flynn explained.

On Wednesday, April 21, American Family Theater, Inc. will present a musical version of Han Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid.” Targeted for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, the story follows Mera, the Little Mermaid, who rescues Prince Edmond from the sea and then sacrifices her beautiful singing voice for the chance to win his love.

The season will close on Tuesday, May 11, with Theatreworks USA’s “Freedom Train.”

“This inspirational musical about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad incorporates dance, dialogue and period music to tell the thrilling story of self-sacrifice, dedication and survival to third through ninth graders,” Flynn said.

Each year, more than 9,000 area school children attend the daytime shows presented in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus, with most shows selling out early in the season.

"We just completed our brochure mailing to area school teachers and have already taken some large orders," said Flynn. "We seat customers according to the date we receive payment or a purchase order, so I encourage patrons to call early in the year."

Tickets to any performance on the series are $6 for individuals and $5 each for groups of 20 or more. Season tickets are $24 each.

More information about the series is available at www.cpaskids.com. For tickets or a copy of the season brochure, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

Cutline: Garry Krinsky will open the 2009-2010 season of the Stephen F. Austin State University Chidren’s Performing Arts Series with his “Toying with Science” show. Season and single event tickets are now on sale.

SFA Receives $1.5 Million Grant to Develop Master Teaching Fellows in East Texas
Amy Roquemore

The College of Sciences and Mathematics at Stephen F. Austin State University has received a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant to develop Master Teaching Fellows within five East Texas school districts.

The grant will fund the new Texas Leadership Initiative: Mathematics Instruction Transformed (Texas LIMIT), in which 20 area middle and secondary mathematics teachers with master’s degrees will be recruited as Master Teaching Fellows. These teachers, who will receive annual salary supplements of $10,000 for five years, will participate in leadership training, provide professional development, and serve as mentors and content specialists on their respective campuses.

The College of Sciences and Mathematics, in partnership with SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education, the Region 7 Education Service Center, and the Nacogdoches , Lufkin , Tyler , Palestine and Rusk independent school districts, crafted the initiative in response to a nationwide need for reform in mathematics education, according to Dr. Kimberly Childs, SFA mathematics professor.

“With the current crisis in mathematics education, it is important that we provide excellent professional development and leadership within public schools for mathematics teaching,” she said. “Developing this cadre of teacher leaders in mathematics in East Texas schools will strengthen mathematics teaching across the region.”

The new initiative represents the latest in a string of externally funded programs the SFA College of Sciences and Mathematics has established in recent years addressing science and math education. They include the Mathematics Science Partnership grant awarded by NSF in 2002; the Texas Teacher Quality Grant program to support in-service teacher professional development; and various grants from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the preparation of master math and science teachers.

“SFA was initially established as a teachers’ college with a special service responsibility for preparing teachers for rural East Texas, and these origins persist in motivating our endeavors,” said Dr. Anthony Duben, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

“We have the responsibility and opportunity of properly educating teachers for schools in the region so that the beneficiaries of good instruction – the students of East Texas – will be competitive with any other student in the state, region or nation.”

A new Center for Science and Mathematics Education will be established within the college in space vacated by the DeWitt School of Nursing when it moves to its new location in January 2010. The mission of the center will include preparing new science and mathematics teachers, providing professional development for area school teachers, and coordinating science and math education research efforts within the college.

Students whose annual family income is $25,000 or less may now attend Stephen F. Austin State University free for four years as a result of the SFA Purple Promise approved by the Board of Regents Tuesday.

The program will be available to all incoming freshman students who meet admission requirements and income threshold, complete a specified number of credit hours each semester and maintain certain academic standards. According to Dr. Richard Berry, provost and vice president for academic affairs, the new program is part of SFA’s efforts to increase enrollment and support the state’s “Closing the Gaps” initiative.

“We want to motivate students who may think college is out of reach to apply at SFA,” said Dr. Richard Berry, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This is an investment the university is willing to make in order to reassure students who may believe higher education is too expensive to be a part of their future.”

In addition, the regents approved the allocation of $20,000 in matching funds to endow need-based scholarships for economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students. The Greater Texas Foundation, a Brazos County non-profit corporation, has donated $20,000 for the endowment with the condition that the gift be matched with institutional funds

SFA regents also voted at their regular meeting Tuesday to increase the required minimum score for undergraduates on the Test of English as a Foreign Language. The test is required for admission of international students. The decision to raise the required minimum score was based on data on the academic progress of non-native speakers of English collected by the administration and the Office of International Programs.

“Feedback from professors regarding the recent performance of undergraduate international students enrolled in English classes indicated that these students needed to demonstrate higher levels of vocabulary and writing skills before matriculation,” said Dr. Daniel Norton, director of international programs at SFA. “I do not foresee that the increase in TOEFL requirements will have a negative impact on recruiting international students.”

Revised admissions procedures at the SFA Early Childhood Lab that give priority to children of full-time university employees also were approved. The procedures require that students be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with exceptions made for children with currently enrolled siblings or a parent employed full time at SFA. Length of time on the wait list is the next determining factor for allocating positions. Additionally, the Early Childhood Lab management may exercise professional judgment in determining the makeup of individual classrooms to maintain the highest quality care for children enrolled at the facility.

At their meeting Tuesday, SFA regents also approved issuing requests for proposals for a project architect and construction manager at risk to proceed with plans for a new freshman residence hall and multi-level parking garage. The proposals will be reviewed by university staff, and finalists will make presentations to the board at the April meeting.

Steve Westbrook, vice president for university affairs, said the proposed new residence hall would address the current need for additional on-campus housing, while also planning for future growth. The occupancy rate in SFA residence halls exceeded 100 percent throughout the fall 2008 semester.

The new residence hall also will offer enhanced academic support programs designed to increase the university’s retention rate of first-year students, Westbrook said. “We know that once we move students from year one to year two, they are very likely to persist to graduation with us,” Westbrook said.

The regents received a report on upcoming maintenance projects totaling $10 million. SFA is issuing tuition revenue bonds to complete the various deferred maintenance projects, which have been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The projects include: a $700,000 renovation to the SFA Theatre where sets for university productions are assembled; a $2.5 million HVAC upgrade at the Nursing and Math Building ; safety improvements such as upgraded fire alarms at various academic buildings totaling $700,000; and a new roof and other renovations at the Science Research Center totaling $150,000.

A $6 million renovation to the existing chemistry building also is planned, but the project will be deferred until the Texas Legislature makes a decision on the university’s request for a proposed new molecular science building. SFA has submitted a tuition revenue bond request to the 81st Texas Legislature to construct the state-of-the art facility.

Regents also voted to:

• Allocate $59,000 for the testing, adjusting and balancing of the new air-handling systems in the older section of the Baker Pattillo Student Center ;
• Approve the installation of new elevators at Steen Library and the Ferguson Building ; swimming pool equipment replacement at the Norton H.P.E. Complex; and electrical upgrades to the northeast section of campus. The cost of these projects will total approximately $1 million;
• Issue a Request for Qualifications for an energy service company to identify and evaluate energy savings opportunities and recommend improvements to be paid for with the energy savings;
• Allow the administration to work with the City of Nacogdoches and the Texas Department of Transportation to reconfigure traffic signals and traffic flow at the intersection of North Street and Vista Drive ;
• Develop the site between the newly installed signage at the corner of North and College streets and the fine arts buildings with new landscaping and possibly a water feature;
• Approve the 2007-2008 Annual Financial Report that was submitted to the governor, comptroller of public accounts, legislative budget board, state auditor, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas State Library, as required by law;
• Acknowledge the annual review of the university’s investment policy and strategy;
• Approve a list of qualified financial institutions and investment brokers;
• And renew a contract between SFA and Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc. to provide bookstore operations and management for the university.