Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship

This is more than a building. It’s an investment in the next generation of innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs.

We’re excited to see the vision for the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship become reality and look forward to the impact it will have on SFA, East Texas and beyond. 🪓

The future of entrepreneurship at SFA starts here. 🪓

On Monday, June 22, we will break ground on the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, a transformational new facility that will advance innovation, workforce development and economic growth across East Texas.

Made possible through the generosity of Ashley and Greg Arnold, support from The University of Texas System and the State of Texas, and the vision of countless Lumberjacks, this facility will help prepare future generations of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and another major step forward in SFA's bold future.

🎉 ACE Groundbreaking Ceremony
📅 June 22
🕥 10:30 a.m.
📍 Corner of Raguet and Hayter streets

Sweet opportunities are taking shape. 🍬🪓

Leaders from SFA recently visited Atkinson Candy Company in Lufkin for a behind-the-scenes look at one of East Texas' most iconic family-owned businesses. During the visit, company leaders shared insights into their domestic and international operations, the challenges facing family-owned businesses and the opportunities ahead for future growth.

The conversation also explored potential partnerships that could create hands-on learning, research and workforce development opportunities for students across multiple disciplines, including food science, nutrition, engineering, business and marketing.

As SFA continues to expand entrepreneurship, innovation and industry partnerships, collaborations like these help connect classroom learning with real-world experience while supporting economic growth across East Texas.

Join us for the next Piney Woods Entrepreneurship Network meetup on May 27 from 5:30–7 p.m. at Fredonia Brewery!

We’ve moved this month’s meetup back to the Fredonia Brewery to coincide with the Rusche College of Business Alumni Social, creating an even better opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, students, alumni and community members from the Nacogdoches area. We’d love to see you there!

The Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to launch SFA 100, a new initiative designed to identify and celebrate the 100 fastest-growing Lumberjack-led businesses in the world. 🪓💼

The SFA 100 honors the success, innovation and impact of alumni-owned businesses that embody the legacy, values and entrepreneurial spirit of SFA. The inaugural list will be unveiled during a special awards celebration in spring 2027, but applications are open now!

Think your business belongs among the top 100? Learn more and apply today! https://gosfa.com/43hestr

Join us in congratulating Dr. Amy Mehaffey on her new role as Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship!

Dr. Mehaffey has long been an advocate for student innovation and entrepreneurial thinking through her work as a Lecturer of Marketing and as one of our Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows. Outside of campus, she is also the owner of Small Town Socials, a local consulting firm that helps local businesses strengthen their marketing and community presence.

We are excited to see the impact she will continue to make in entrepreneurship education and beyond. Welcome to the team, Dr. Mehaffey!

We want to once again congratulate the winners of the 2026 Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition!

🥇 1st Place: Tyler Hubbard & Carter Hubbard - Pool Boy: Smart Floater
🥈 2nd Place + Crowd Favorite: Christopher Marroquin - DendroLogic: Palm Cruise
🥉 3rd Place: Elizabeth Perales - Ama’s Tortilla Dough

Honorable Mentions:
• Jaxen Bond - MyHomeGymBuilder
• Daniel Antonio - Spring: The Student Calendar

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this year’s competition such an incredible showcase of student innovation and entrepreneurship. Read more about the event and this year’s winners at https://gosfa.com/lec2026

To close out our celebration of National Small Business Week, we’re honored to recognize the Lumberjacks who continue to invest in and strengthen the Nacogdoches community 🏡💜

Meet Living Texas Realty Group, led by SFA alumnae Kristi Barnes (’94) and Stephanie Simmons (’00). Through their work in real estate, they help individuals and families find a place to call home while continuing to invest in the Nacogdoches community they serve.

Their story is a reminder that meaningful impact starts with relationships, trust and a vision for serving others.

As we continue celebrating National Small Business Week, we’re proud to recognize the local businesses helping build our community 🔨💜

Meet Martin Construction, owned by SFA alumnus Stephen Martin (’06). Through residential and commercial contracting, Stephen and his team are helping shape spaces where families, businesses and the community can grow.

His journey is a reminder that strong foundations don’t just build structures, they build lasting impact.

We’re continuing the celebration of National Small Business Week by highlighting incredible SFA alumni-owned local businesses! 💼💜

Meet Buchanan Wealth Management, led by SFA alumna Wendy Buchanan (’85). Through her work as Managing Director, Wendy helps individuals and families plan for their future with confidence and clarity.

Her journey shows that success isn’t just about building a business, it’s about making a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Celebrate National Small Business Week with us by supporting local! 🍔💜

Meet Smash and Pass Burgers, a local food truck owned by SFA alumni Jerry (’21) and Meagan (’13) Ezzell. What started as a vision has turned into a community favorite, serving up some of the best burgers in Nac!

Their journey is a reminder that big ideas can start small and grow right here at home in Nacogdoches.