SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 171
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize Stephen F. Austin State University on the occasion of
its centennial celebration; and
WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State University had its
beginnings when the Texas Legislature authorized a new
institution of higher education to be located in far East Texas
and to be named in honor of the Father of Texas, Stephen F.
Austin; and
WHEREAS, In 1917, the State Board of Regents selected
Nacogdoches as the location of the new college because of its
rich heritage as the oldest town in Texas; the citizens of
Nacogdoches chose the homestead of Thomas J. Rusk, which had been
owned by Sam Houston, as the site for the new college, as both
Rusk and Houston had served as the original two United States
Senators from Texas; and
WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College opened
its doors to 270 students in 1923; today, the university enrolls
more than 11,300 students and provides a vital educational,
economic, and cultural resource in the region; the heart of
higher education in deep East Texas, the university offers more
than 120 areas of study and countless opportunities for student
athletes to participate in Division I intercollegiate sports,
bringing recognition and a sense of pride to the Nacogdoches
area; and
WHEREAS, Named the top rural-serving institution of its
size in Texas by the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges,
Stephen F. Austin State University now comprises six colleges;
its living alumni number 115,000 graduates who have been educated
by this fine university to be true citizens of the world; and
WHEREAS, Stephen F. Austin State University has for 100
years been dedicated to creating opportunities for students to
access transformative higher education; alumni represent their
university in their communities and workplaces, and they
contribute to the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of
Texas; it is truly fitting that the university receive special
recognition on the occasion of this important milestone in the
school's history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby recognize 2023 as the Centennial Year of
Stephen F. Austin State University and extend a warm welcome to
the visiting delegation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Nichols
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 15, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate