SFA, Panola College partner to streamline transfer process

Dr. Neal Weaver, Stephen F. Austin State University president, and Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president, shake hands after signing the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance agreement during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. Panola College's membership in the alliance provides its students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university with guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University has added a third partner - Panola College in Carthage - to its recently launched Lumberjack Transfer Alliance. Because of this alliance, Panola College students who are ready to transfer to a four-year university will benefit from guaranteed admission, scholarships and enhanced services at SFA.

"There are some amazing things happening here at Panola College, and we want to be a part of that," said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president, during SFA Day at Panola College April 21. "We want students from Panola College to know that they have a pathway and an open door to be a part of what we're doing at Stephen F. Austin State University."

The Lumberjack Transfer Alliance will provide Panola College students with the following:

• Automatic consideration for SFA's Purple Promise program, which covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for incoming first-year and transfer students as long as they maintain their eligibility
• Increase from 60 to 90 transferrable hours
• Increased likelihood of seamless transfers and on-time graduations from both institutions
• Opportunities to meet with SFA advisors while completing requirements at Panola College
• Invitations each semester to tour SFA and attend recruitment events
• A one-time $500 stipend in addition to SFA's Lumberjack Transfer Scholarship for students who meet SFA's eligibility criteria and have completed an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from Panola College
• Opportunities to connect with other students transferring to SFA
• Opportunities to attend SFA events, such as athletics and fine arts events

"We are proud to continue this collaboration, which reflects a shared commitment to student success," said Dr. Jessica Pace, Panola College president. "Together, Panola College and SFA are creating pathways for students to reach their academic goals and fulfill their potential. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the lives and futures of our students."

In the last six years, the number of transfers from Panola College to SFA has fallen by 50%, Weaver said.

"The goal over the next six years is to not just get back to where we were but to increase it twofold," Weaver said. "East Texas does not work if we don't work together. With your help and with your partnership, we know that we can do a better job. We look forward to working with you."

This event is part of a series SFA is hosting to announce its community college partners. Angelina College in Lufkin joined the alliance in February, and Tyler Junior College joined last week. For more information, visit sfasu.edu/transfer/alliance.