Sasso was named a faculty research affiliate for Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success).

This is an expansive research and mentoring initiative based within the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin. His participation in this initiative will include publishing and presenting research about Latino male-identified college men and masculinity across the P-16 educational pipeline.

It’s hard to imagine the SFA campus without Dr. Shirley Luna, but after Dec. 23, that will be the reality, as she will retire.

As a child, Shirley became connected to SFA, accompanying her mother to campus as she worked toward her degree.

Shirley has shared wonderful memories of exploring every nook and cranny of the campus, especially the Stone Fort and student center, and eating tomato sandwiches (still her favorite) the cafeteria ladies made especially for her. It’s those memories that formed the foundation for Shirley’s commitment and love of the university.

In 1985, Shirley earned a degree from SFA in journalism. In 2006, she completed a master’s degree in mass communication, and in 2014 she graduated with a doctoral degree in educational leadership. During much of this time spent in the classroom, she also worked for SFA. She has held titles of editorial coordinator, associate director of marketing, interim executive director of marketing and was named executive director of marketing in 2012.

Shirley is not just “an employee,” but a standout one. In 2009, she received the highest honor the university can bestow upon a staff member — being named a recipient of the President’s Achievement Award.

Shirley has worn many hats during her career at SFA, but none has fit her better than leader. During the past nine years as executive director, she has headed a team of writers, editors, web developers, videographers, photographers and graphic artists. During good and difficult times, she has represented the university with honesty and integrity.

Those in University Marketing Communications certainly will miss her, and I am quite sure she also will be missed by numerous faculty, staff and students. Although I’m certain we will see her from time to time in the community, it just won’t seem the same at SFA without her.

Here’s to happiness in your retirement, Shirley. Thanks for all you’ve done for SFA!

Donna Parish, Assistant Director/Sawdust Editor

University Marketing Communications

Gerald W. “Jerry” Schlief, SFA alumnus and president and CEO of Auterra Energy LLC, will offer the commencement addresses during the university’s three graduation ceremonies Saturday.

Schlief received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and served as an innovative leader in the independent oil and gas industry in Houston. He has served on the SFASU Foundation Board of Trustees since 2008 and currently serves as chair.

Schlief and his wife, Candy, were inducted into the Stephen F. Austin Society in 2006 for their generous giving to the university, including funds to support the Gerald W. Schlief School of Accountancy in perpetuity, as well as the Gerald and Candace Schlief Tennis Complex, and the Gerald and Candy Schlief Lobby in the McGee Business Building.

An agreement signed Wednesday between SFA and Tyler Junior College increases the number of transitional academic pathways offered between the two institutions, making it easier for students to pursue a higher education in East Texas.

The articulation agreement builds on a long-standing partnership between SFA and TJC, with other program-specific agreements already established in such areas as biochemistry, psychology, geospatial science, and human development and family studies.

The agreement ensures that TJC students can transfer completed courses to SFA without any loss of credit or recognition of approved courses applied toward a bachelor’s degree. It additionally allows the smooth transfer of courses from SFA to TJC to those in pursuit of an associate degree.

To learn more about SFA’s articulation agreements, visit sfasu.edu/acadaffairs.

For more information on TJC degree and certificate pathways, go to TJC.edu/degrees.

SFA and Panola College recently announced an academic partnership in which students have the opportunity to complete an associate degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing concurrently.

“This is a tremendous partnership,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “The relationship between SFA and Panola College is one that is longstanding, and this strengthens that relationship even more.”

Students will be enrolled at both Panola College and SFA while in the program; however, the majority of courses toward the BSN will be completed online. The program strives to reduce the traditional barriers frequently experienced by students who have the goal of being accepted directly into a BSN program at a university.

The SFA dance teams are hosting a kids clinic planned for 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Norton HPE Complex.

Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate. The cost is $50 per dancer and includes a performance during halftime at the SFA basketball games planned for Dec. 20 and 21. Parents may purchase discounted tickets to the games.

For more information, call the Spirit Teams office at (936) 468-1604, or email spirit@sfasu.edu.

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