Following a 13-month process that included the formation of representative input groups, the collection of community and public comment, and the filing of state legislation, SFA officially became the 14th member of The University of Texas System Sept. 1.

Among the many reasons for celebration this fall is the opening of the newly renovated and expanded Griffith Fine Arts Building.

The building’s official “grand opening” will coincide with SFA’s Centennial Celebration taking place Sept. 15 through 18. An open house at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, includes ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremonies in the second-floor lobby.

These will be followed by the 4 p.m. choral and orchestral world premiere performance of an original composition by Dr. Stephen Lias, SFA professor of composition, using the writings of celebrated poet and former SFA faculty member Karle Wilson Baker to inspire a work that honors SFA’s 100 years of educational contributions and service. Complimentary tickets are available now while supplies last. To reserve tickets, email boxoffice@sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407.

Busby, along with co-authors Dr. Robert Lee Bonner, associate professor of management at San Francisco State University, and Dr. Steven James Hyde, assistant professor of management at Boise State University, recently received the Junior Faculty Best Paper Award from the Management Education and Development Division of the Academy of Management for their paper, “Generative AI as a Teaching Tool: A Practical Approach.”

This paper highlights the potential of generative artificial intelligence to enhance the educational experience through the provision of interactive, personalized learning experiences and increased accessibility to diverse student populations. The paper also covers ethical considerations and best practices of using this technology in a classroom setting.

SFA embraces National Preparedness Month by emphasizing the critical importance of readiness and resilience on campus. In an ever-changing world where emergencies can strike without warning, the university takes proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff.

Throughout the year, Emergency Management, an office within the University Police Department, develops policies and emergency operation plans, hosts workshops, conducts drills, and launches campaigns to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to various emergencies to ensure the SFA community is well-equipped to handle a range of crises.

To find out more information, request training or learn how you can participate in creating a culture of preparedness, visit the Emergency Management webpage or contact Emergency Management with your request.

For those involved in the interview and hiring process, Human Resources is hosting training sessions in September and October. The training goes through the hiring process from start to finish.

To register for training in mySFA, go to “Employee” and then “myTraining.” Then, click “Browse for Training” and search for “Hiring Manager Toolkit.”

Training will be held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sept. 12 and Oct. 10 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center, Room 2.106, by Starbucks.

The Center for Career and Professional Development is hosting several Career Fairs in fall 2023.

The fairs are open to all students and alumni to learn about internship and full-time employment opportunities and gain valuable networking skills. Faculty and staff are encouraged to inform students about the events. If you wish to offer extra credit for your class to attend, contact CCPD at ccpd@sfasu.edu for assistance with attendance records.

Tomorrow - Part-time Job and Volunteer Fair

Sept. 27 - Accounting Fair

Sept. 28 - Construction Management and Interior Design Fair

Oct. 18 - All Majors Fair

Nov. 3 - Teacher Fair

CCPD also offers class and student organization presentations, class assignments and workshops. To learn more about CCPD’s upcoming events or to schedule a presentation or assignment, visit the CCPD website.

The Organization for Women’s Leadership and Equity — a professional organization of staff and faculty who work together to empower women and support women’s professional advancement while balancing their professional, personal, physical and mental health demands and needs — is excited to invite all interested staff and faculty to its first meeting of this academic year. The meeting will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in the Wyatt Room of the Steen Library as well as via Zoom. If you are interested in the Zoom link, please email owle@sfasu.edu.

SFA's Health and Wellness Hub will host the fall Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

The free event, open to all of campus, will provide resources and services from a variety of SFA and Nacogdoches organizations and businesses, including health screenings, product samples, refreshments, educational materials and giveaways. Faculty members are encouraged to inform their students about the event.

For more information, contact Jessica Waguespack, program director for student wellness, at (936) 468-4008.

Football

SFA – 30 vs. Troy University – 48

Soccer

SFA – 1 vs. Southern Methodist University – 3

SFA – 0 vs. The University of Alabama at Birmingham – 1

Volleyball

SFA – 3 vs. California Polytechnic State University – 0

SFA – 3 vs. Nicholls State University – 0

After a three-year hiatus, SFA's University Series will return for the 2023-24 academic year with exciting touring performances that audiences are sure to love.

The series returns with performances by a jazz and blues legend, Grammy and Dove award winners, a popular comedian and a world-renowned jazz trombonist. The lineup offers a great “comeback” for the series, which celebrates SFA’s 100th birthday with The Centennial Season.

The Centennial Season opens with Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter of blues and folk Ruthie Foster performing at SFA Thursday, Oct. 12.

The School of Theatre and Dance has an exciting production schedule for the 2023-24 academic year.

This season’s Mainstage shows include August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” Sept. 28 through Oct. 1; the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” Nov. 2 through 5; “The 39 Steps” Feb. 29 through March 3; and “Real Women Have Curves” by Josefina Lopez April 18 through 21 and April 25 through 28. Student-directed one-act and full-length plays are also offered.

Danceworks concerts are scheduled for Nov. 9 through 11 for the fall show, and April 11 through 13 for the spring show. The Repertory Dance Company Faculty Concert is Feb. 15 through 17.

August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece “The Piano Lesson” will be the inaugural play presented in the new Flex Theatre in the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

Opening Sept. 28 for a four-day run, “The Piano Lesson” is described as “the play for now.”

Did you get to work late today? Don't sweat it! Today is National Be Late for Something Day. This national day started in 1956 by the Procrastinators’ Club of America to encourage people to embrace the positive parts of procrastination.