ACE's mission is to inspire, nurture & attract entrepreneurship across campus and in the community.
Nacogdoches, TX
Joined January 2024
- Tweets152
- Following35
- Followers19
- Likes64
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
A transformational investment in the future of East Texas. 💧
Today, SFA joined regional leaders, water supply corporations, elected officials and community partners to officially launch the East Texas Water Institute in partnership with T.L.L Temple Foundation and Angelina College.
Housed in @SFA_ACE’s Center for Applied Research and Rural Innovation, the institute will serve as a regional hub focused on water data and measurement, public education, applied research and technical assistance, workforce development and regional coordination.
Dr. Drew Gholson will lead the institute as executive director, with the T.L.L. Temple Foundation making a long-term investment by endowing the position and Angelina College serving as a key education and workforce partner.
Today’s gathering marked the beginning of an important new chapter for SFA and the region we have served for more than a century.
East Texas Water Institute: A resource now and for the future.
Learn more: gosfa.com/4yep5LB
#AxeEm
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
In the latest edition of Sawdust, we highlight new programs within @SFA_ACE that are helping support Lumberjack entrepreneurs and businesses.
Among them is the new SFA One Hundred, which will recognize the 100 fastest-growing Lumberjack-led businesses in the world and celebrate the innovation, success and entrepreneurial spirit of SFA alumni. 🪓
Read the Sawdust feature: gosfa.com/4xCIHYz
The 2027 SFA One Hundred is now accepting applications and nominations through Nov. 1. Know an alumni-owned business that should be on the list? Nominate them or encourage them to apply.
Learn more and submit a nomination or application: gosfa.com/4y5hPS6
#AxeEm
ALT The image shows a spread from a magazine featuring an article about new business resources. The title reads "New Resources for Businesses," with a description of the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship from SFA. The spread includes a group photo showcasing people behind a display. The left page highlights the SFA One Hundred celebration of alumni businesses. The right page has a quote about partnerships and innovation. Various logos appear, including those for the University of Texas System and the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
We want our new Lumberjacks to feel at home in Nacogdoches! 🏡
Nac in a Nutshell is the perfect opportunity for new students to connect with the community, explore local resources and discover what their new hometown has to offer.
From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the Norton HPE Complex, new students can meet representatives from nearly 100 local businesses and organizations, plus enjoy free giveaways and friendly faces. #NacInANutshell #SFAWoW #JacksGetInvolved #SFAChamberConnection
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Lumberjacks make great entrepreneurs. 🪓
Congratulations to SFA alumnus Mike Karns ’86 and his company, Local Favorite Restaurants, on the acquisition of Cotton Patch Cafe, a Texas-born brand with roots right here in Nacogdoches.
Founded in Nacogdoches in 1989, Cotton Patch has grown from its East Texas beginnings into a beloved comfort food brand with 46 locations across Texas and New Mexico. Now, its next chapter brings the company back to local Texas ownership under a restaurant group founded by one of our own.
Read more: gosfa.com/4bjhEJq
#AxeEm
ALT Photo of Mike Karns with the SFA logo and text: Alumni Spotlight Lumberjack-led company acquires Cotton Patch Cafe
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Real clients. Real campaigns. Real experience. 🪓
SFA is launching a student-powered, in-house advertising agency this fall through the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship.
By bringing together students from across academic colleges, SFA is creating one of the only interdisciplinary advertising agency models of its kind in Texas higher education. The agency will allow students to operate in a real agency environment while supporting campus events, @SFA_ACE partner businesses and NIL campaigns.
Tim L. Wood, who brings decades of agency experience to the role, will lead the agency as director and entrepreneur-in-residence.
Read more: gosfa.com/4vVKHeJ
#AxeEm
ALT A group of individuals is posing together, smiling and giving the Axe Em hand sign. They are dressed in business attire. The image includes a text overlay: "NEWS: SFA launches student-powered advertising agency" with the SFA logo.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
A historic day for SFA. 🪓
Today, students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship.
Made possible through the generosity of Ashley and Greg Arnold, along with investments from @utsystem and the State of Texas, this transformational facility will serve as a hub for innovation, workforce development, applied research and economic growth across East Texas.
This groundbreaking marks another major milestone in SFA's strategic plan and campus master plan as we continue investing in opportunities that will benefit generations of Lumberjacks to come.
#AxeEm
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Today, we broke ground on the future.
The Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship will bring together students, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry partners to drive innovation, expand opportunity and strengthen communities across East Texas.
More than a building, this center represents SFA's commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders, creators and problem-solvers. #AxeEm
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Sweet opportunities are taking shape. 🍬🪓
Leaders from SFA recently visited Atkinson Candy Company in Lufkin for a behind-the-scenes look at one of East Texas' most iconic family-owned businesses. During the visit, company leaders shared insights into their domestic and international operations, the challenges facing family-owned businesses and the opportunities ahead for future growth.
The conversation also explored potential partnerships that could create hands-on learning, research and workforce development opportunities for students across multiple disciplines, including food science, nutrition, engineering, business and marketing.
As SFA continues to expand entrepreneurship, innovation and industry partnerships, collaborations like these help connect classroom learning with real-world experience while supporting economic growth across East Texas.
#AxeEm
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
.@SFA_ACE has launched SFA 100, a new initiative designed to identify and celebrate the 100 fastest-growing Lumberjack-led businesses in the world. 🪓💼
The SFA 100 honors the success, innovation and impact of alumni-owned businesses that embody the legacy, values and entrepreneurial spirit of SFA. The inaugural list will be unveiled during a special awards celebration in spring 2027, but applications are open now!
Think your business belongs among the top 100? Learn more and apply today! gosfa.com/43hestr
#AxeEm #SFA100
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
East Texas businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we’re committed to keeping them strong.
@SFA_ACE is proud to launch Purple Spikes, a business succession network connecting owners ready to transition with the next generation of entrepreneurs. With nearly 200 regional businesses and 2,000+ jobs at risk without a succession plan, this initiative is about preserving legacies, protecting jobs and fueling long-term economic growth right here in East Texas.
Whether you’re ready to sell or ready to lead, Purple Spikes is your connection! 💼💡
Learn more: gosfa.com/4cCb8yL
#AxeEm | #Entrepreneurship | #EastTexas
ALT Aerial view of a charming town square at sunset, featuring historic brick buildings and neatly parked cars. The streets are paved with red bricks, and trees add greenery to the scene. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the area.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Student entrepreneurs took center stage at Trader Jacks! 🪓
Hosted by the Student Government Association, this biannual event brings students together to showcase their businesses, sell their products and connect with fellow Lumberjacks.
Events like this give students the opportunity to turn ideas into real businesses while gaining hands-on experience. ✨
#AxeEm #LumberjacksMakeGreatEntrepreneurs
ALT A person stands outdoors, smiling, and gesturing axe em with their hand. They are wearing a purple "Lumberjacks Make Great Entrepreneurs" T-shirt and jeans. In the background, people are gathered near a brick building, with trees and flowers around.
ALT Four people are smiling and standing behind a table with trays of food outdoors. They are in front of a brick building.
ALT A group of six people smiling and posing together outdoors in front of a building. Some are holding clothing items on hangers.
ALT People browsing clothes on racks under a pop-up tent on SFA's campus.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Get ready for SFA Night at the Nacogdoches Rodeo! 🤠💜
SFA and the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring Lumberjack pride to one of the region’s biggest traditions.
📆 Thursday, March 26
📍 Nacogdoches Expo Center
🕡 Doors open: 6:30 PM
🐂 Rodeo begins: 7:30 PM
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and all SFA supporters are invited. Wear purple and sit with the SFA section!
🎟️ First 100 SFA students (with ID) receive a FREE ticket + FREE t-shirt
🚌 Shuttle service from campus (provided by SGA)
🪓 President & First Lady Weaver in attendance
🎉 Greek Week winners announced
🇺🇸 ROTC presentation of colors + SFA student singing the National Anthem
#AxeEm
ALT The image is a promotional poster for the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo "SFA Night." It features an illustration of cowboy boots and a hat. The text includes "Free Shirts" and event details: Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 PM, located at the Nacogdoches Expo Center. The poster also displays logos for the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and SFA Chamber Connection, all on a purple background.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Lumberjacks make great entrepreneurs! 💡🪓
SFA students won a total of $7,500 in @SFA_ACE’s Pop-Up Pitch Competition, turning bold ideas into real opportunities.
From innovative food concepts to sustainability solutions and smart tech, these Lumberjacks showcased creativity, grit and business savvy.
The future of entrepreneurship is bright at SFA! 💼✨ #AxeEm
sfasu.edu/about-sfa/newsroom…
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
.@RuscheBusiness students stepped into the spotlight during finals week for the Swift-Mas Showcase, which served as the final presentation day for “Swiftonomics: The Business of Music and Entrepreneurship.”
gosfa.com/4pPQiji | @SFA_ACE
ALT Group of students making heart shapes with their hands in front of the Stephen F. Austin State University statue.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Rusche Road Trip hit the road last Wednesday for DECA Day at AT&T Stadium! 🏟️💜 We met amazing students, talked all things SFA + business, and loved seeing so much future Lumberjack potential.
#RuscheRoadTrip #SFA #DECA #RuscheCollegeofBusiness #FutureLumberjack
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Rusche College of Business is excited to announce the launch of the Rusche Ambassadors Program!
Applications are now open. Learn more at the interest meeting on Thursday, November 13 at 5 p.m. in BU 124.
Link to apply: ow.ly/pqam50Xl0yW
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
Big ideas start here. 💡
@SFA_ACE was recognized among the top university entrepreneurship programs in the world — proof that Lumberjacks don’t just dream, they build!
Honored by the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers for “Exceptional Activities in Entrepreneurship Across Disciplines,” ACE stands alongside global leaders for fostering innovation and collaboration across all fields of study. @RuscheBusiness
ALT Interior of the Greg Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship with silver lettering on a purple wall.
Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship retweeted
We’re excited to announce a new milestone at Stephen F. Austin State University: the Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows Program. @SFA_ACE has selected 16 outstanding faculty across all six colleges to receive specialized training so they can embed entrepreneurial principles into their courses.
This bold initiative supports cross-disciplinary innovation and ensures that every student, regardless of major, has access to entrepreneurial thinking and opportunity.
Read the full story and get to know our inaugural cohort: gosfa.com/48WFKtc
#AxeEm #SFACelebrates #LumberjacksMakeGreat
ALT SFA's Vista Drive entrance monument with the univesity seal.