NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Hours for The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House, Stephen F. Austin State University's art gallery located in downtown Nacogdoches, will be extended during the Christmas and New Year's break, according to John Handley, director of galleries for SFA.

Stephen F. Austin State University hosted four international students participating in U.S. Department of State Global Undergraduate Exchange Programs during the fall semester. Pictured, from left, are Alaeddine Ben Ahmed of Tunisia; Olga Romanenko of Russia; and Uzma Sahar Rauf and Jitesh Kumar, both of Pakistan.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the Agriculture Building, Room 110, at 1924 Wilson Drive.

Dr. David Creech, professor emeritus in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, will present "Why Raising a Garden and Raising Kiddos is About the Same Thing: It's All About Breaking Rules."

Dr. R. Tyler Spradley, assistant professor of communication studies at SFA (right), recently received the Jim Towns Mentoring Professorship. The award is named for longtime communication studies professor Dr. Jim Towns (left) and recognizes professors who instill, foster and promote a mentoring culture at SFA.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Dr. R. Tyler Spradley, assistant professor of communication studies at Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Tickets are still available for the upcoming performance of Grammy award-winning jazz legend Diane Schuur at Stephen F. Austin State University.

The show, slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in W.M. Turner Auditorium, is part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' 2013-2014 University Series, "Live Out Loud."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the annual choral and orchestral Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

Performing will be the A Cappella Choir, directed by Dr. Tim King, director of choral activities at SFA; Choral Union and Women's Choir, directed by Dr. Tod Fish, visiting assistant professor; and the Orchestra of the Pines, directed by Dr. Gene H. Moon, director of orchestras.

Travis Clardy

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - State Rep. Travis Clardy will offer the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University's fall graduation ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 14, in William R. Johnson Coliseum.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Students enrolled in private and group lessons offered by the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present end-of-the-semester recitals this month.

SFA student teachers' students and Dr. Mario Ajero's piano students will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, followed by piano students of Theresa Moon and Bruno Ribeiro performing at 4 p.m. Sunday. Both recitals will be in the Music Recital Hall in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A newly established master's degree offered through the Department of Mass Communication at Stephen F. Austin State University will prepare students for a career in the evolving media industry.

According to Dr. John Hendricks, SFA professor and chair of the mass communication department, obtaining a Master of Arts in mass communication will prepare students for any career in journalism; strategic communication, including advertising and public relations; and/or electronic communication.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University will host the annual Holiday Extravaganza sponsored by the Residence Hall Association from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held outside the Austin Building and in the Spirit Lounge located inside the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Activities will include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus; choir performances; lighting of the university Christmas tree; and refreshments.

For more information, contact the Residence Hall Association at (936) 468-2700.