Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDCOCHES, Texas –– Students from Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Mass Communication collaborated with the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce to produce a new television program, “We Are Nacogdoches,” on the department-run local television station SFA-TV2.
Hosted by Kelly Augustine, the chamber’s chief executive officer, the program’s purpose is to highlight people, organizations and issues that shape Nacogdoches, the town SFA has called home for its century of existence.
Past episodes have included such topics as murals in Nacogdoches, resources to assist disability challenges, and the Nacogdoches Farmers Market, among other diverse subjects. Guests have included dignitaries around Nacogdoches County, such as business owners, executive directors of local nonprofits and local government employees.
“Nacogdoches has real treasures that we need to promote,” Augustine said. “We have business owners, organization executives and people that are passionate about the good things in our town, and we need to tell their stories.”
“It is a pleasure to work with the students, professors and instructors here at the university,” she continued. “This collaboration benefits our business community, the chamber of commerce and the students who are going to graduate and take this experience with them — the opportunity to work with real-life people.”
The TV program, which began in the spring 2024 semester and runs strictly on a volunteer basis, offers SFA students studying broadcast journalism insights into running a program, as well as an opportunity for valuable hands-on experience. Roles for students include camera operator, floor manager, audio technician and technical director, according to Dr. Casey Hart, Department of Mass Communication professor and “We Are Nacogdoches” producer and director.
“‘We Are Nacogdoches’ is an exciting opportunity for the department and our students,” Hart said. “We routinely encourage our students to work with the local community as reporters and content creators. This collaboration with the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is a natural extension of that.”
Participating students range from sophomores to graduate students who take courses in video production and editing, audio production for radio and digital platforms, and writing for media and broadcast, and who are trained in live studio production for television. Students also participate in production of the department’s radio station, KAXM 90.1 FM, formerly known as KSAU 90.1 FM as of March 1.
“The program gives a great spotlight for showcasing some of the Chamber’s roots — it shows how unique and diverse Nacogdoches is,” said Norris Seward, senior mass communication major from Livingston. “It’s a great experience for me to get practice in the studio and also for underclassmen who may need hands-on experience.”
For some students, the opportunity to assist in producing a TV program has helped set their sights on a future after college.
“The more I do this, the more I want to continue doing this after college,” said Kegan Crawford, senior mass communication major from Kingwood. “I enjoy being behind the scenes. I like to see how things work, and working in audio production is so much fun. It’s given me different perspectives on what I want to do with my degree.”
Each episode of “We Are Nacogdoches” is 15 minutes long and scheduled to run on SFA-TV2 at 10 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily. Viewers can also find all past programs at gosfa.com/SFA-TV2. SFA-TV2 is on channel two locally for Optimum television subscribers.
For more information, visit the Department of Mass Communication website.
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 37 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at the SFA website.