The latest partnership between SFA and Angelina College has created Jacks Jumpstart, an alternative admissions program for first-semester freshmen at AC who narrowly miss meeting SFA admissions requirements when they initially apply but are working toward transferring to the university.

SFA recognized several prominent donors who have supported the institution during the 35th annual SFA Gala Jan. 31 on campus.

Hosted by the SFASU Foundation, the annual black-tie event honors generous benefactors to the university; showcases the impact of their giving on students, faculty, staff and programs; and reiterates the need for the university’s endowment.

SFA officially renamed its School of Theatre and Dance to the Denard Haden School of Theatre and Dance in honor of Haden, celebrating a legacy of creative achievement and a deep, enduring connection to the university. The name change is effective immediately and was approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents.

The name change comes as a result of a transformative monetary commitment from 1959 alumna and Haden’s niece, Priscilla “Prissy” Abshier Sliva. The generous commitment will enhance programmatic efforts and honor and commemorate the legacy of her uncle.

Well-Being Coaching is available in Navigate360. Introduced at Camp CTL in the fall, the coaching helps faculty and staff identify students who may be facing challenges such as stress, burnout or time-management difficulties, and connects them with timely support to keep students academically on track.

For more information about Well-Being Coaching, contact Jessica Waguespack at jessica.waguespack@sfasu.edu. For Navigate360 technical support or questions, contact Alison Reed at alison.reed@sfasu.edu.

The mySFA app is now available for use across campus. Designed for students, faculty and staff, the app offers instant access to staying connected on campus, providing a central location for campus information and updates. The app is available on iOS or Android.

Student Involvement is seeking faculty and staff who are interested in serving as advisors to student organizations. Advisors play a key role in supporting student leadership, organizational success and campus engagement.

Those interested should complete the Advisor Interest Form. Once submitted, you’ll be added to the roster and may be contacted as organizations seek advisors.

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to the Office of International Programs’ first global gateway presentation of the semester. The presentation will be at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Steen Library, Room 103. The event will include a presentation led by an SFA international student from India who will introduce attendees to their country, traditions and lifestyle.

For more information, contact Enrique Venegas at enrique.venegas@sfasu.edu or ext. 6604.

The Department of Allied Health Studies will host the inaugural Allied Health Professionals Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Twilight Ballroom.

The Undergraduate Research Conference committee asks faculty and staff to encourage students to submit their papers and projects composed or performed as students at SFA for this year’s conference by Monday, Feb. 9.

Eligible works include independent research, group papers or projects, creative artwork and visual or oral performances. Students selected as top scholars can win up to $500.

The conference is scheduled for April 7. For more information, visit the URC website.

Staff Council will hold a meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in McGee Business Building, Room 133, and via Zoom.

Rachele Garrett, chief compliance officer, and Jane Ann Bridges, chief audit executive, will discuss Ethics Point and reporting. Allison Huffman, compliance program coordinator, will discuss HOP Policy 05-503.

The meeting agenda will be available on the meeting information page.

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the Oath of Office Ceremony for Michael Funke, who was appointed chief of The University of Texas System Police Department at SFA. The ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Cole STEM Building atrium.

The event also will be livestreamed via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 996 1991 7678

Passcode: 828965

The next SFA Faculty Forum and Ale in Favor? Faculty Discussion Group meetings will be held Feb. 11 and 25. The forum will meet from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the McGee Business Building, Room 133, and Ale in Favor? from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Fredonia Brewery. Both also will be available via Zoom.

Meeting ID: 925 4007 1340

Passcode: FORUM

SFA's Department of Biology is set to celebrate Darwin Day at noon Feb. 12 in the Kennedy Auditorium with special guest speaker Dr. James Albert from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Employee Wellness will host the Heart Walkathon with the Little Angels Service Dogs to support heart health and campus wellness from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

To sign up, email employeewellness@sfasu.edu and include a T-shirt size. The deadline to order a T-shirt is today. Those attending the walkathon should meet outside the Austin Building by 1:55 p.m.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to inform students about the all-majors career fair planned for 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

The event is an opportunity for students to connect with employers looking to hire for part-time, summer, internships and full-time opportunities. The Career Center can assist with student attendance if you wish to offer extra credit for them to attend.

Departments who are looking to hire students are able to recruit during the event for free. Those interested can sign up on Handshake by Friday, Feb. 6, or contact April Place at april.place@sfasu.edu.

The Montgomery Professorship in Humane Education, held by Dr. Sarah Straub, associate professor of education studies, will fund a faculty and staff book club for the spring semester. This semester's reading will be "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams. The book club, which will be facilitated by Jessica Waguespack, program director for Student Wellness, offers a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues in thoughtful discussions designed to inspire both personal and professional growth. Sessions will be held at 10 a.m. outdoors at various SFA locations.

Meeting dates

Feb. 20

March 20

April 10

April 24

May 1

The book will be provided, and there is space for up to 12 participants. For more information or to confirm your participation, contact Straub at straubsm@sfasu.edu. Those interested should confirm participation by Feb. 13.

The call for proposals for the 2026 Lifelong Learning Conference is open until March 21.

This conference provides a collaborative platform for local educators and SFA alumni to engage in a dynamic learning community centered on innovative teaching practices and emerging research. Organizers encourage submissions from diverse perspectives, including educators, practitioners and leaders, with preference given to presentations that highlight effective teaching strategies for diverse learners. The conference aims to inspire and empower educators and communities to embrace lifelong learning as an essential part of their professional journey and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Spradley was named recipient of the Academic Assistance and Resource Center Bravo Award.

Spradley collaborated with Sarah Hamm, AARC writing and liberal arts program director, in developing a learning assistance model for students in her speech courses. They piloted an embedded tutor in one of the classes during the fall semester to learn more about how this innovative service might work. The tutor selected for this pilot praised Spradley for encouraging her to present on plagiarism and study skills.