Stephen F. Austin State University will increase its admission standards for first-time freshmen beginning with the fall 2012 semester.

The SFA Board of Regents approved the change at a Monday board meeting based on a recommendation from the university's administration. Raising freshman admission standards is one of the goals included in SFA's comprehensive five-year strategic plan.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved a slate of new faculty and staff appointments, changes of status and retirements at its regular meeting Monday.

Several hundred supporters attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday to celebrate the opening of the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing at 5707 North St. In addition to current and former university regents, Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Wayne Christian attended the event. SFA nursing student Martin Agoes demonstrates the capabilities of computer software in the new Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday afternoon.

Geographic Information System professionals, educators, public safety officials, economic development groups and natural resource managers will discuss advancements in geospatial applications during the East Texas Geospatial Conference Jan. 26-30 at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Cellist Paul Christopher

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present Cellist Paul Christopher and pianist Elena Kuroda in a guest artist recital at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus. Both musicians are members of the music faculty at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.

"REFINED VI," the biennial juried art metals and jewelry competition and exhibition hosted by the SFA School of Art, will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at The Cole Art Center @ the Old Opera House.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Art metals and jewelry works by artists from around the world are included in "REFINED VI: Back to Basics," which the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Art will open at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan.

Liverpool Legends

Tickets are still available for the concert by Liverpool Legends, the "Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show," being presented as part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth.

Charles Gavin

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Charles Gavin, professor of horn at Stephen F. Austin State University, promises fun and audience participation during his faculty horn recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

This montage of images is representative of the four artists' works that are included in "Home," an exhibition that the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Art will open at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in Griffith Gallery.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will open "Home," an exhibition that explores architectural construction and deconstruction, at 6 p.m., Friday, Jan.