Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Intended to offer admitted students a unique and personalized look at campus life, Stephen F. Austin State University will host its inaugural on-campus Axe’cepted Student Event May 1 and is inviting the Nacogdoches community to join in welcoming guests to the oldest town in Texas.
The Axe’cepted Student Event will provide new undergraduates admitted for the upcoming fall semester a full-day slate of comprehensive sessions to help orient them to SFA and life in East Texas.
“We mean it when we say we are deeply committed to providing high-impact, experiential learning for all SFA students,” said SFA President Scott Gordon. “That promise starts immediately after a student is accepted and becomes a future Lumberjack. Immersion in university life through hands-on experiences will be an integral part of our Axe’cepted Student Event as our new Lumberjacks spend a full day learning about all SFA has to offer.”
For years, SFA has hosted regional Axe’cepted events and, for the past year, has held those events in virtual formats. University officials are excited to be able to move the Axe’cepted Student Event on campus.
“We know how powerful a live, on-campus experience can be,” said Emily Jefferson, enrollment coordinator in the SFA Office of Admissions. “We also knew we needed to welcome students to their new home in a big way. Hosting this event on campus will give students a glimpse of what they can experience during Orientation, as well as when classes begin in August.”
While also introducing them to university life, a crucial part of the event is acquainting future Lumberjacks and their guests to the Nacogdoches community.
“Nacogdoches truly becomes a home away from home for many of our Lumberjacks, and we want our incoming students to see that support from our community,” Jefferson said.
Nacogdoches businesses and partners are encouraged to join the Axe’cepted Student Event in the following ways:
- Serve as a day-of volunteer (check-in assistance, providing directions, greeters, etc.)
- Provide SFA swag bag goodies (coupons, flyers, etc.)
- Host a table at the Lumberjack Resource Fair for students and guests to visit during event check-in
The Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce and Visit Nacogdoches (formerly the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau) as well as several alumni-owned businesses have signed on as early sponsors.
“In the late 90s, I worked for Residence Life at SFA; and in 2016, my oldest child chose to attend SFA. I know firsthand the tremendous job the university does in programming for its students,” said Sherry Morgan, Visit Nacogdoches executive director. “And if the pandemic showed us anything, it demonstrated how vital our student residents are to this local economy. Investments made in strengthening the bonds among SFA, the city and the county will be beneficial for all parties concerned.”
The event will begin at noon May 1 in Johnson Coliseum on the SFA campus. A Lumberjack Resource Fair will be ongoing from noon until 1:15 p.m. inside the coliseum, where SFA and Nacogdoches groups and businesses will have information booths set up to chat with future Lumberjacks and their guests.
Following an opening welcome, come-and-go events will run from 2 to 4 p.m. in locations across campus.
Local partners interested in volunteering during the inaugural Axe’cepted Student Event may email Janet McLeroy at mcleroyjanet@sfasu.edu.