Within the past two months, SFA has been recognized by national organizations for the exceptional value and affordability of five degree programs offered through various SFA departments.

Online programs leading to Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration degrees were recently ranked as two of the most affordable in the U.S. Additionally, in the James I. Perkins College of Education, SFA's counseling program, its family and consumer sciences program, and the master's program in educational leadership were ranked among the top in the nation.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band at Stephen F. Austin State University will present a concert titled "Mystical Travels" when the ensembles perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The SFA Percussion Ensemble and SFA Steel Band, both directed by Dr. Brad Meyer, will perform their annual "Percussion in the Pines" holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in Cole Concert Hall on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus.

The Percussion Ensemble will play several holiday favorites, including "Deck the Halls," "Carol of the Bells," "Sleigh Ride," "Oh Holy Night" and "Silent Night," according to Meyer, director of percussion studies for the SFA School of Music.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, Stephen F. Austin State University's downtown Nacogdoches art gallery, has announced its holiday hours.

The art center will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 22 through 24, and open Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26, during regular gallery hours.

Cole Art Center will be open during regular hours throughout most of December. The gallery will be closed on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and will close at 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's Braille and Cane Club will host a Christmas party for area public school students with visual impairments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in SFA's Baker Pattillo Student Center Regent's Suite B, located on the second floor of the student center.

This annual event will include shopping for holiday gifts, lunch, decorating ornaments and games.

SFA Braille and Cane Club historian Gail Avey said the event's goal is to "spread holiday cheer."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University received the No. 1 ranking from topcounselingschools.org for having the top-value counseling master's degree in Texas.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The A Cappella Choir at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at an Evensong Service at St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in Lufkin.

Directed by Dr. Tim King, director of choral activities for the SFA School of Music, the ensemble will perform music that the choir will record the following day at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston.

St. Cyprian's is located at 919 S. John Redditt Drive.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University SFA Gardens will host a garden seminar, "Deck the Halls: Using Evergreens to Decorate for the Holidays," from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St.

Evergreen branches and garlands once served as symbols of enduring life and a fruitful year to come. Join Dawn Stover, research associate at SFA Gardens, to learn how to create elegant wreaths and garlands using materials from the garden. 

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Wind Ensemble at Stephen F. Austin State University will present an "Autumn Concert" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

"This concert is the culmination of our fall rehearsals," said Fred J. Allen, director of bands at SFA. "It features various styles of music."

Among the featured works will be "Kingfishers Catch Fire" by American composer John Mackey.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs is encouraging the campus and Nacogdoches communities to submit community work projects for the seventh annual MLK Day of Service scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16.

The deadline to submit a project is Friday, Dec. 9. Volunteers are needed and can sign up to work now through the morning of the event.