SFA’s Rusche College of Business, Smith Sawmill Service collaborate to serve wood-processing workforce

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Rusche College of Business has partnered with Smith Sawmill Service to provide SFA students with a direct path to business careers in wood processing, an industry that’s integral to East Texas’ economy.
 
Smith Sawmill Service is one of the largest suppliers and service providers of saws, cutting tools, filing room equipment and critical consumable products. With locations in Texas, Louisiana and North Carolina, Smith is owned by BID Group, a private company established in 1924 that is now the leading supplier to the wood-processing industry in North America.
 
“We are thrilled to work with Smith Sawmill Service to better serve our students and our region,” said Dr. Jason Reese, associate dean of SFA’s College of Business. “Smith Sawmill Service is a first-class organization that truly cares about the success of our students and the East Texas region.
 
“Their support will help us achieve our mission of providing a quality learning environment and helping our students launch their careers and become effective leaders," Reese continued.
 
Smith Sawmill Service is one of a growing number of corporations that SFA’s College of Business works with to help students explore their career options before graduation.
 
“We see a tremendous opportunity in our partnership with SFA's College of Business,” said Dustin T. Norris, vice president of Smith Sawmill Service. “SFA has consistently produced leaders and creative thinkers that bring value to our organization, and I am proud to reinforce our commitment to higher education here in the piney woods of East Texas.”
 
These partnerships are a win-win for corporations and students, said Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the College of Business.
 
“Engaging with an excellent partner such as Smith Sawmill Service is a great example of how a quality corporate partner program works to the benefit of all,” he added. “I’m excited to see this partnership grow in the years to come.”
 
To learn more about SFA’s College of Business, visit sfasu.edu/cob.