NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Registration has begun for the annual Summer Art Academy offered by the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art for the two-week camp that will meet June 6 through 17 on the SFA campus.

Students going into kindergarten through sixth grade may enroll in classes that include drawing, painting and ceramics.

"The academy is an exciting opportunity for young artists to work with a variety of media under the supervision of practicing artists and educators," said Cala Coats, SFA art instructor and director of the academy.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Harpist Emily Mitchell, newly appointed artist-in-residence and professor of harp in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music, has released her fourth CD of compositions by American flutist and composer Gary Schocker.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Looking for weekend plans? Stephen F. Austin State University has the answer.

SFA's James I. Perkins College of Education offers a unique doctoral degree program in educational leadership on weekends to help full-time working individuals further their education.

Dr. Patrick Jenlink, coordinator of SFA's doctoral degree program in educational leadership, said SFA's program stands out because of its weekend and face-to-face delivery, two aspects Jenlink said are important to prospective students.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - After a few run-throughs on the 150-foot runway, Stephen F. Austin State University junior Meagan McNabb's nerves settled. Backstage was mayhem as designers, college students and make-up artists prepared to showcase their creations in front of hundreds of people. In a few moments, McNabb would walk down the runway and proudly display her team's Renaissance-inspired dress.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Three alumni of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will return to their alma mater to perform in the annual choral masterworks series concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Audio Engineering Society at Stephen F. Austin State University will present a free screening of "Thunder Soul," a documentary about bandleader Conrad "Prof" Johnson and the Kashmere High School Stage Band, at 2 p.m. Friday, May 6, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - State Rep. Chris Paddie will offer the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University's spring graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 14.

Serving his second legislative term representing the Texas House of Representatives District 9, Paddie, a native of Center, served as the vice chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee as well as a member of the Transportation and House Administration Committees.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's SFA Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. Dr. Lisa Alexander, United States National Arboretum geneticist, will present "Improving the World One Plant at a Time."