Stephen F. Austin State University

Lumberjacks,

As weather agencies tracked Hurricane Laura’s projected landfall, it appeared Nacogdoches County would be significantly impacted by the storm. I declared emergency leave for SFA to support the safety of our employees and their families. However, the hurricane moved further east than initially predicted, and the SFA campus has sustained no storm-related damage. We are fortunate to have missed the hurricane’s devastation, and our thoughts and prayers go out to our Louisiana and deep East Texas neighbors as they deal with the effects of the storm and begin recovery efforts.

Some SFA families are likely hosting visitors who evacuated from areas in the storm’s projected path. Similarly, many of our students and colleagues have temporarily sought shelter in areas expected to be less likely to suffer adverse impacts as a result of Hurricane Laura. To prevent further SFA-family disruptions, the emergency-leave provision issued will stand through Friday, Aug. 28. Since we are on emergency leave status, employees are not required to work through tomorrow at 5 p.m. Updated information regarding operating hours for offices across campus is posted on the SFA website and may be accessed by clicking on the emergency alert banner.

All my best to you and your families,

Scott Gordon