Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved today an additional $5 million be added to the nearly $80 million previously allotted to Stephen F. Austin State University for the construction of new state-of-the-art forestry and agriculture buildings on campus. The expanded budget supports the addition of an Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building next to the Forestry Building’s construction site.
“This approval is a critical step in advancing our commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education for students in some of the most vital industries in Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “UT System’s investment in this new facility will benefit generations of students, strengthen SFA’s position as a leader in forestry and agriculture education, and enhance our ability to contribute to critical research in environmental sciences. We are grateful for the support of the UT System and the Board of Regents as we work to bring this vision to life.”
The board’s approval increases the total forestry and agriculture project cost from $79.9 million to $84.9 million, with fund sources split almost equally between Capital Construction Assistance Project and the Permanent University Fund.
“The board’s investment in a new building for SFA’s Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture was one of the first and most important commitments we made to SFA. The college offers a signature program we did not previously have in the UT System, so it was especially meaningful for us to help SFA build capacity to lead nationally in this critical area of study and research,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents.
The new Forestry Building will be a four-story, 102,117-square-foot facility housing integrated technology classrooms, research laboratories, student resource areas and faculty office spaces. The addition of 16,990 square feet for the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will enhance hands-on training opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture and related industries.
“We are thrilled to see this transformative project move forward with the board’s approval,” said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. “This facility will not only enhance the educational experience for our students but will also provide cutting-edge resources for our faculty’s research and outreach efforts. The addition of the Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building will equip students with the technical skills necessary to meet the challenges of the modern agricultural landscape, ensuring that SFA graduates are well-prepared to lead in this dynamic field.”
The project is set to provide a modern, multidisciplinary space designed for 21st-century instruction, fostering collaboration among students, faculty and industry professionals. With the inclusion of specialized agricultural engineering labs, students will gain vital experience in carpentry, mechanics and other technical skills.
With the board’s approval of the expanded budget and design plan, the abatement process of the existing Forestry Building will begin in the coming months. The building will then be razed and the new facilities constructed in its footprint. The new forestry and agricultural buildings are projected to be complete in 2027.