Stephen F. Austin State University

Dear Lumberjack family,

We look forward with anticipation to the fall semester and delivering the unique academic experiences that define SFA, as well as the energy our students bring to campus. The extraordinary work and innovation that have carried us through the past few months give me confidence in our ability to reach our goals for the 2020-21 academic year in a safe and efficient manner.

We know that students’ learning experiences are enhanced by being close to faculty, labs and classrooms, and by being close to other students, especially those from different backgrounds, but our path forward will require creativity and patience. As the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to it continue to evolve, we will work within the boundaries of governmental guidelines to ensure that every phase of our return to campus occurs with the safety of our campus population in mind. We will manage this launch efficiently, using the best available data and verifiable research to make good decisions.

To this end, I have established an Open SFA Task Force with eight specialized teams, listed below, that will report to me through the President’s Cabinet. I have asked Dr. Steve Westbrook, vice president for university affairs, to chair the Open SFA Task Force. With guidance from health experts, the task force is charged with the important mission of bringing our students, faculty and staff back to campus safely while ensuring high-quality instruction with academic rigor, meaningful research and campus engagement. We will continually provide you with updates on the SFA homepage – just click on the red OPEN SFA FALL 2020 button.

Sincerely,

Scott Gordon President

---

Working Teams and Leaders

Academics

Dr. Hans Williams, Dean, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
(Note: The “short-term flex model team” will be combined with this team as both teams will need to work in tandem to ensure faculty-led instructional models and health/safety are addressed simultaneously.)

Athletics

Ryan Ivey, Director, Athletics

Auxiliaries

Carrie Charley, Director, Auxiliary Services

Communications

Dr. Shirley Luna, Executive Director, University Marketing Communications

Physical Plant

Ron Watson, Director, Physical Plant

Public Safety

John Fields, Chief, University Police Department

Recreation

Ken Morton, Director, Campus Recreation

Student Affairs

Dr. Adam Peck, Associate Vice President and Dean, Student Affairs

Advisors

• Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management - Dr. Jeremy Higgins
• General Counsel - Damon Derrick
• Government Relations – Dr. Charlotte Sullivan
• Health Services – Dr. Janice Ledet
• Human Resources - Lisa Balty