Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Greetings, Jack Nation Alumni!
In Nacogdoches, 2024 is starting off with the hustle and bustle of a new spring semester that’s generating energy and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Beautiful azaleas are in bloom, and weekends are picking up at The Fredonia Hotel, Fredonia Brewery and downtown Nacogdoches. On campus, a brand-new dining hall is under construction across from Steen Hall, a new forestry complex is on the horizon, and a new center for entrepreneurship in the Rusche College of Business continues to evolve. Time to come back for a visit to Nac!
In February, our incredible group of SFA alumni ambassadors came back to campus for our ambassador weekend and brought ideas and inspiration before completing training on how to engage with alumni across Texas. They are key players in our mission of growing Lumberjack pride where you all live and work, both in East Texas and beyond. They will be working closely with our university team members to recruit students to SFA so they may enjoy the Lumberjack life we all so fondly remember. Look for more to come from our amazing ambassadors soon, and join us at our 2024 Ballpark Days! If you are interested in becoming an SFA Alumni Ambassador, give our office a call!
You may have heard that we have announced the 11th president of SFA, Dr. Neal Weaver. It was an honor and privilege to serve on the search committee with The University of Texas System regents and fellow SFA faculty and staff, as well as Nacogdoches community members. I can tell you this: Dr. Weaver is going to be a fantastic fit for our beloved SFA culture and community on campus as well as Nacogdoches as a whole. "Transformative" is the word that comes to mind, and I can confidently say that in five to 10 years, everyone across the state and nation will say, "What is going on in the East Texas region and at SFA?" With his leadership successes, Dr. Weaver is uniquely equipped to unlock the potential and "art of the possible" to jump-start growth and evolve our next 100 years at SFA. Please help me extend a warm welcome to Dr. Weaver!
No matter where you are in your life journey, know this: 2024 is the year of transformation and growth across the SFA campus. We look forward to seeing you soon, whether that be on a visit back to Nac or at an SFA Alumni Association event near you soon!
Axe 'em, Jacks!
Erika Tolar '02
Nacogdoches
President, SFA Alumni Association