Public invited to Presidential Investiture Ceremony slated for May 1

Stephen F. Austin State University will formally celebrate Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA President, during the Presidential Investiture Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 1 in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University will formally celebrate Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA President, during the Presidential Investiture Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 1 in Turner Auditorium in the Griffith Fine Arts Building.

During the ceremony, the president will officially be vested with the powers of the office, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the university's history. The ceremony will feature university traditions, music, speakers from SFA and The University of Texas System, and remarks from the president, bringing together the Nacogdoches and university communities to celebrate this transition in leadership. A reception will follow to gather and commemorate the momentous occasion.

"The Presidential Investiture Ceremony is a significant milestone in the history of our university, offering a distinguished occasion to formally recognize and celebrate the selection of Dr. Neal Weaver as our 11th president," said Dr. Judy Abbott, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "This historic ceremony reflects our collective confidence in the vision of the University of Texas Board of Regents, the Chancellor and SFA's shared commitment to advancing the university's mission under Dr. Weaver's leadership."

Weaver, who began his tenure as SFA's 11th president in May 2024, was unanimously chosen by the UT System Board of Regents following a seven-year stint as president of Georgia Southwestern State University, a member of the University of Georgia System.

Within his first year at SFA, Weaver launched the development of a new university strategic plan and campus master plan, represented SFA during the 89th Texas Legislature in Austin, created the Lumberjack Transfer Alliance to rebuild relationships with East Texas community colleges, and expanded SFA's Purple Promise program to now be available to transfer students.

The initiatives spearheaded by Weaver have already yielded positive results, with fall 2024 first-time undergraduate enrollment the highest since 2017, fall-to-spring retention rate highest since 2016, and the first increase in semester credit hour production in 10 years. In addition, undergraduate applications for fall 2025 have reached the highest level in the university's history.

Weaver holds a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

Events preceding and following the ceremony are as scheduled:

• 11 a.m. April 25: City of Nacogdoches Recognition Ceremony, Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau
• April 25-26: SFA Softball vs. McNeese State University, SFA Softball Field
• April 25-27: SFA Baseball vs. Northwestern State University, Pilgrim's Park
• 4 p.m. April 26: Spring Football Game, Homer Bryce Stadium
• 2 p.m. April 27: Concert in the Park, green space near the Griffith Fine Arts Building
• 7:30 p.m. April 28: Wind Symphony Concert, Turner Auditorium
• 4 p.m. April 29: Endowed Faculty Recognition Ceremony, Cole Concert Hall, Wright Music Building
• 6:30 p.m. April 30: 3K Run and Walk, circle drive outside of the Baker Pattillo Student Center
• May 2: The Big Dip Ceremonies, Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom
• 7:30 p.m. May 3: Choral Masterworks Concert with Orchestra, Turner Auditorium

Those interested in attending the investiture ceremony should park in the Student Center Parking Garage. Once there, shuttles will be available to transport attendees to the Griffith Fine Arts Building. The event also will be livestreamed at sfasu.edu/investiture.

For more information, contact president@sfasu.edu.