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NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni Association honored eight alumni at its annual awards banquet Friday, Sept. 18, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

The Alumni Association awards its highest honors to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their professions, the community and who advance the goals and values of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Judy McDonald, the first female mayor of the City of Nacogdoches and current interim executive director of the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, will offer the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University's summer graduation ceremony Saturday, Aug. 15.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Michael Tubbs, faculty member in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art, has assumed the duties of gallery preparator following the recent retirement of Gary Parker, who worked for the university for nearly 30 years.

"We conducted a national search for this position," said John Handley, director for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ galleries. "From the applicants we received, Michael was clearly the most qualified, and we are happy to have him join our team."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Project Learning Tree, the environmental education program of the American Forest Foundation, has named Dr. Alan Sowards, professor of elementary education at Stephen F. Austin State University, a 2015 National Outstanding Educator. Sowards is among five educators selected nationwide to receive recognition for his use of environmental education to improve student learning and foster environmental stewardship.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Gardens will host the monthly Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

Scott McMahan, owner of McMahan Nursery in Atlanta, will present "Climbing Asian Mountains, Fording Rivers and Fighting the Elements: Moments from a Plant Hunter's Diary."

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The deadline to submit scholarship applications to attend fall classes in the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music has been extended, according to Pat Barnett, Music Prep director.

Originally set for Aug. 1, the deadline has been pushed to Aug. 14 to allow additional time for students to apply, Barnett said. Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the website at .

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved the promotions of three faculty members to administrative positions during the quarterly meeting Tuesday.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Authorized by the Texas Legislature, the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved a $46.4 million investment for the construction of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics building on campus.

Regents approved Kirksey Architecture of Houston as the designer. The Houston-based firm of architects, designers and planners pledged to provide a design reflective of the university's environment and reputation.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "Scrap" at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University continues its tradition of bringing professional artists to East Texas in presenting five national touring acts in the 2015-2016 University Series.