SFA Research and Graduate Studies

Program Coordinator Spotlight: Meet Dr. Chrissy Cross, Program Coordinator MAT and SEED.

Where are you from: Lubbock, Tx

How long have you been with SFA: 12 years

What’s your favorite part about working with students: Each of the SFA students I teach, are hard working, passionate and ready to represent SFA well in public schools as a classroom teacher!

What is a fun fact about you: I have my diver’s certification.

Is there anything else you’d like to share: My students who I have taught at SFA have ended up teaching my own children at Nacogdoches ISD, so working hard to build quality educator preparation programs at SFA is important to me!

What’s your reason for pursuing graduate school?

Career growth, passion for your field, a dream job, networking opportunities, or a higher earning potential?

No matter your reason, graduate school is about investing in yourself and your future.

What motivates you?

Big recognition for SFA alumna Asuka Kakitani. 👏

Kakitani, who completed her Master of Music in Composition at SFA in Fall 2024, has been named one of the 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowship awardees through the American Composers Forum — a highly prestigious honor in the field of composition.

We love seeing Lumberjacks making their mark in the arts world, and this is a big one.

Join us in congratulating Asuka on this incredible achievement, and read more about the award at the link below. 🎶

https://composersforum.org/announcing-our-2026-mcknight-composer-fellowship-awardees

Job Opportunities | Stephen F. Austin State University (TX) Careers Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to s*x, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or me...

Calling all educators, future teachers and school leaders!

Join the annual ABOTA Teachers School Law Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, hosted in the Early Childhood Research Center at SFA. This free professional development opportunity covers important school law topics.

Participants can attend in person at:
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- UT Tyler
- Lamar University
- Region 8 in Mount Pleasant
- Henderson ISD

Or attend virtually from anywhere!

Hosted by the East Texas chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, this conference is an incredible opportunity to learn from legal professionals and gain valuable insight into school law.

Register via the graduate calendar linked in our bio.

Following the successful launch of its educator support initiative last year, Stephen F. Austin State University’s JacksTeach program has named undergraduate and graduate alumna Amy Calhoun, chemistry teacher at Sabine High School in Gladewater, as the recipient of the second annual JacksTeach Science Teacher Fellowship.

The fellowship, which recognizes exceptional public school science teachers, is designed to support continued professional growth, foster regional collaboration and enhance STEM education. As part of the fellowship, Calhoun will receive a $5,000 stipend and gain hands-on experience in lab instruction and curriculum development. She will work alongside Mindy Wurtz, clinical instructor and JacksTeach master science teacher, to design and deliver high-impact professional development workshops for educators.

Congratulations Ms. Calhoun!

Program Coordinator Spotlight: Meet Dr. Marigold Hudock, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Program Coordinator for the Student Affairs and Higher Education program.

Where are you from: Originally from San Antonio, but I’ve lived in Austin, College Station, and Houston.

How long have you been with SFA: Two years.

What’s your favorite part about working with students: The "aha" moments - it is a privilege to get to watch students grow over the years and connect what they learn to practice. I also love when I see a student finding joy in what they are learning or with a project they are creating.

What is a fun fact about you: Outside of work I play for a roller derby team.

Welcome to SFA, Dr. Ploran!

A new chapter in health professions education begins at SFA. 💜🩺

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Elisabeth Ploran as the inaugural dean of SFA’s new College of Health Professions! With a distinguished background in academic leadership, student success and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ploran will help shape the future of healthcare education while preparing the next generation of professionals to serve communities across East Texas and beyond. 🪓

Read more about Dr. Ploran’s appointment and vision for the college: https://gosfa.com/4wC8il4

Several free professional development webinars will be held this summer with Beyond Graduate School. From networking, to getting the job, to spotting job scams, this series will help you prepare for post-graduation. These webinars are for SFA graduate students. To view our full list of scheduled webinars and register to attend, use the link in our bio and select “Explore Graduate School Events.”

SFA students, including Doctor of Social Work student Cheyenne Tonkin, are currently exploring Panama as part of a faculty-led study abroad program "Panama’s City of Knowledge – Where learning Comes to Life."
Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in culture, take on volunteer projects alongside community members, and work with NIMU Panamá, an NGO providing safe spaces, support,
and learning opportunities for children and women in vulnerable situations.
Tonkin will be sharing the group's work this week on our Instagram stories.