Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Arts and entertainment on our campus
SFA is an arts and entertainment destination for our students and the surrounding region. We’re proud to offer a variety of theatrical, musical, speaking and sporting events on our beautiful campus.
Our talented students and faculty organize a variety of events each year, and we also host outside entertainment in our top-notch facilities.
So mark your calendar — there’s always plenty to see and do on campus.
Performing and visual arts
Many talented performers grace our stages, from touring acts to student-directed plays and performances by our Lumberjack musicians.
There's almost always an art exhibit on display, showcasing works from our School of Art faculty and students.
To view upcoming events and purchase tickets, visit the Fine Arts Box Office.
Visit the Micky Elliott College of Fine Arts.
Academic lectures and speaking events
Archie McDonald Speaker Series
Created in 2010 by the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, this yearly event invites one prominent national figure to discuss contemporary American cultural issues. Past speakers have included boxer-turned-entrepreneur George Foreman, astronaut/artist Alan Bean, former Secretary of State James A. Baker III, former U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, singer Lyle Lovett, Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton and legendary coach Gene Stallings.
Prior to each event, there is a ticketed reception with the speaker. Tickets for the actual speaking events are free of charge.
Regents Professors Lecture Series
Since 1980, the Regents Professor gives a public lecture each spring hosted by the Office of the Provost and the University Lecture Series Committee. The title of Regents Professor is the highest honor the university bestows upon a member of the faculty. Those who receive this honor must meet a list of required qualifications, and they hold the title for one academic year.
SFA Gardens Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series
Each month, the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture hosts the Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Center. Each lecture is plant-themed and followed by a plant raffle. Horticulture experts from all over come out to educate attendees about their particular area of plant expertise.
More information on the SFA Gardens Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series
The Burr Lecture Series
The J.H. Burr Distinguished Lecture is hosted by the Department of Biology and is held in conjunction with the department’s annual awards banquet. Previous speakers have included Dr. Charles R. Long, an expert on cloning and genetic modification of animals, and Dr. Clifford W. Houston, an immunologist and microbiology expert from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
The Lale Lecture Series
The Lale Lecture is presented by the East Texas Historical Association, which is headquartered on the SFA campus. The series is named for the late Max and Georgiana Lale in honor of their beneficence and support of historical preservation efforts throughout Marshall and East Texas. Max served as publisher of the Marshall Herald-Banner newspaper and was a tireless advocate of print journalism. He wrote extensively on East Texas history and served as president of the Texas State Historical Association and the East Texas Historical Association.
Athletic events
Everyone is welcome to cheer on the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks! And don’t forget to join us for Homecoming events like the bonfire, the downtown parade and tailgating parties.
Sports like soccer and volleyball offer free admissions to most games. Other sporting events — such as football, basketball and softball — require tickets. All tickets can be purchased online or at the Baker Pattillo Student Center.