Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University leaders and nearly 200 high school students from more than 15 regional partner schools promised to work together to achieve the students’ higher education goals during the introduction of SFA’s new Lumberjack Launch Guaranteed Admissions Program at a ceremony May 7 on campus.
Designed to provide a seamless transition for students from participating regional schools into the SFA community, Lumberjack Launch fosters strong connections between local schools and the university to encourage college readiness and early engagement with campus life.
“To every student in East Texas, SFA is your higher education home if you want it to be,” said Dr. Kent Willis, senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at the university. “SFA is your partner in success. We’re removing every barrier that you can think of standing in your way to becoming anything you want to be.”
Offering support as early as eighth grade, the program is designed to help students change their thinking from “if I go to college” to “when I go to college,” said Janna Chancey, assistant vice president for enrollment management at SFA.
By the time high school students reach their senior year, their participation in Lumberjack Launch will reduce the stress and anxiety normally associated with the college-going process, whether students in the program decide to attend SFA or another university.
“Even if you’re not quite sure you want to go to SFA, you can commit to participating in Lumberjack Launch when we visit your campus this fall,” Willis said.
Brady Taylor, superintendent of Woden Independent School District, encouraged the students in attendance to take advantage of Lumberjack Launch.
“We’ve needed a program like this for a long time. The anxiety and stress of the college transition are real,” he told students. “The Lumberjack Launch mentor program will allow you to talk to SFA students who are doing what you want to do.”
Bay Hutchins, an SFA mass communication graduate student from Willis, Texas, said, “Lumberjack Launch will ease your nerves. You’ll be one step ahead of all the other incoming freshmen.”
Damenion Miller, new superintendent of Crockett ISD, told students how his daughter had graduated from SFA two years before with an accounting degree and was a member of the university’s national champion Cheer and Dance Teams.
“College is not only within reach, SFA is ready to receive you,” he said. “This program is more than just an agreement. It is a promise to students and families. We see your potential, we believe in your future and we’re committed to removing the barriers so you can pursue your higher education dreams.”
Miller then asked the students in the audience to make a promise in return to the SFA leaders who are working to support them: “Dr. Willis, we won’t let you down,” they said.
“The promise is mutual,” Willis emphasized. “We want you to understand the value of an SFA degree, but we’re working to help you go to college period. You can’t be what you don’t see. With this program, you’ll be able to see yourself in college and see yourself as successful.”
Lumberjack Launch students receive the following benefits to support their academic, social and personal success:
- Guaranteed admission upon meeting program requirements
- Financial aid guidance and priority consideration for SFA scholarships
- Personalized mentoring and guidance from current SFA students
- Invitations to exclusive events and campus tours
- Tailored academic advising to ensure a smooth transition into university life
To participate in Lumberjack Launch, students must meet the following requirements:
- Enrollment at one of SFA’s partnering guaranteed-admissions regional schools
- Completion of required high school coursework aligned with Texas college readiness standards
- A letter of intent to enroll at SFA upon completion of current coursework
- Participation in at least two Lumberjack Launch events, which include campus visits; college readiness workshops and mentorship meetings; or athletics, arts or other enrichment activities on campus
- Submission of high school transcripts or equivalent documentation and any additional forms requested by SFA’s Office of Admissions
- Demonstration of commitment to SFA’s core values: learning, personal responsibility and community involvement
Dr. Darrell Myers, SFA alumnus and interim superintendent of Nacogdoches ISD, summed up the feeling at the ceremony.
“What a great day in East Texas, and what a great day to be a Lumberjack!”
For more information and a list of Lumberjack Launch partners, visit sfasu.edu/launch.