Stephen F. Austin State University

Dear Lumberjack Community,

On behalf of the UT System Board of Regents, I am writing to share the good news that today the Regents named Neal Weaver, Ph.D., as sole finalist to become the next president of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Weaver has served as president of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) – a member of the University of Georgia System based in Americus, GA – for the past seven years. CLICK HERE to view a full press release on the UT System web site.

Per state law, the UT Regents now must wait 21 days before officially naming Dr. Weaver president, so we appreciate your patience as we conclude the process. Once approved, Dr. Weaver will become the 11th president in SFA’s 100-year history and first as a member of the UT System.

It was exceptionally gratifying to see such a large number of accomplished higher education leaders from around the country apply for this significant leadership position. Dr. Weaver’s accomplishments in enrollment, student retention and fundraising align with SFA’s bright future and new opportunities that lie ahead as a UT institution.

Everyone – from faculty, staff, students and community leaders – has made the transition of SFA into the UT System an exceptionally smooth one, and now we are excited to announce this monumental step forward.

I express much gratitude to Gina Oglesbee for her leadership as interim president over the last nine months during the search process. And Chairman Eltife and I extend our deepest gratitude to the SFA search advisory committee whose recommendations for your new president were very well received.

We will look forward to bringing Dr. Weaver to campus for a welcome reception after he is officially confirmed.

Sincerely,

James B. Milliken
Chancellor