NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS — Do you know what the Texas horned lizard, Western diamondback rattlesnake and Lucifer hummingbird have in common? Through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Conservation License Plate program, images of these iconic, native wildlife species are featured on many Texan’s license plates and signify a concerted effort to better understand and conserve the state’s natural resources.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Just one year and a day after the traumatic car accident that resulted in the amputation of Marissa Rotenberry’s right arm, she recently walked the stage at Johnson Coliseum and received her diploma for a master’s in statistics.

During her extended hospitalization following the accident, she had a singular focus pushing her through recovery – finishing her degree.

“It was very traumatic, but it didn’t change me,” Rotenberry said, “and it didn’t have to change my goals.”

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Nacogdoches resident Kayla Handy was one of 65 participants in Stephen F. Austin State University’s Little STEM Jacks camp who got a closer look at a bearded dragon.

Through the program, students ages 7 to 11 participated in three days of immersive scientific discovery, learning about wound care, robotics and ecology.

The week concluded with the live-animal presentation by Wildlife on the Move, led by SFA alumnus K.C. Rudy.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Mass Communication recently completed significant facility upgrades to its television station, SFA-TV2. The station airs on Suddenlink’s Channel 2 in Nacogdoches and surrounding East Texas areas.

The TV station serves as a laboratory and classroom for students seeking a degree in broadcasting. Supporting the academic mission of the department, SFA’s Board of Regents and administration allocated $275,000 for the project, which included upgrades to both the broadcast signal and on-campus studio.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Music Prep House, 3028 Raguet St.

Students interested in participating in fall classes or private lessons offered through Music Prep may register during the open house. Auditions for the Piney Woods Youth Orchestra will be held the same day beginning at 10 a.m.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Dr. Joyce Johnston, director of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Pre-Law Academy, is one of two recipients of the Texas American Board of Trial Advocates 2018 Champion of Civil Justice Award.

Johnston received the award for her work with SFA’s Pre-Law Academy, an innovative weeklong summer program that introduces high school students to the exciting opportunities associated with a career in law.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The final concerts of the Chloé Trevor Music Academy summer series are underway on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus through Aug. 11.

For two weeks, the music academy has offered intensive study for more than 100 string players and pianists from across the country, offering one-on-one instruction, orchestral training and career guidance by the world’s premier soloists, teachers and conductors.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University Professor Dr. Linda Black received the World History Association’s Pioneers in World History Award, which annually recognizes distinguished scholars or educators.

“This is such a special honor because I began my career as a high school world history teacher and have been involved in this field for more than four decades,” said Black, who is a faculty member in the James I. Perkins College of Education’s Department of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Gathered around tables in a classroom of the Math Building, students and faculty from departments across the College of Sciences and Mathematics discussed the research – ranging from characterizing anticancer agents to investigating geologic structures – they have spent weeks conducting as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

The results of this research will be showcased in a poster session open to the public at 2 p.m. Friday in the Math Building, Room 123.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University will present five exciting national touring acts in the highly diverse 2018-19 University Series. It offers something for everyone: comedy, a string quintet, bluegrass, African-American dance and contemporary Mexican music.

Additionally, two Encore Events will provide even more varied musical programming with a true jazz legend and a rock legend reincarnated in the world’s most authentic tribute to the late, great Prince. Ticketing for Encore Events is separate from the University Series.