Welcome and Quick Facts

Welcome to Stephen F. Austin State University

This year, Stephen F. Austin State University is celebrating its 95th birthday. Although the campus and enrollment have grown exponentially since 1923, our commitment to serving students and helping them achieve their academic goals remains as steadfast as ever.

When Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College opened, a mere 270 students were enrolled. Today’s enrollment exceeds 12,500. Classes originally held in makeshift rooms located on property near downtown are now taught on its 422-acre main campus, which is part of the original homestead of Thomas J. Rusk, early Texas patriot and U.S. senator, and at other locations in the city.

In addition to growth in enrollment and acreage, the university has expanded its academic offerings to approximately 80 undergraduate degrees and more than 120 areas of study. Lumberjacks pursuing master’s degree can select from more than 40 degree programs, and students pursuing a doctoral degree have three options from which to choose.

Within more than 80 buildings on campus, 30 of which are strictly academic, approximately 1,650 faculty and staff work to help Lumberjacks succeed. Our commitment to engaging students is further enhanced through our student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1. While many universities fill large auditoriums with hundreds of students for each class, SFA continues to offer small class sizes where professors know their student’s names and genuinely care about them and their success.

When the university opened its doors in 1923, the only way to obtain a college education was to come to the Nacogdoches campus for classes. As times have changed, so has SFA. Many courses are now offered virtually with some degree programs being taught 100-percent online. SFA now also offers courses and degree programs at other locations, including Houston Community College, Lone Star College, Panola College and LeTourneau University. By bringing education to the students, SFA is providing a way for almost everyone to earn a college degree.

During the 2018-19 school year, we will continue to see the university grow. The new Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building opened in fall 2018. This $46.4 million facility houses a new planetarium, research laboratories, makerspaces, computer labs, collaborative classrooms and a terrace equipped with telescopes. This impressive addition to our campus joins 14 residence halls; a beautiful and modern student center complete with food court, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, post office, Starbucks and movie theater; and an incredible Student Recreation Center, which houses a pool, climbing wall, hundreds of exercise machines and more.

It is almost impossible to imagine what the university’s landscape will look like 95 years from now. No doubt, there will be more students, more acreage and more academic offerings. However, one important factor will remain unchanged - our dedication to Lumberjacks.

Baker Pattillo
President