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