This spring will mark my 50th year serving Stephen F. Austin State University, and in that time there have been many unforgettable moments. The most recent of these was shared by many other proud alumni, as well as 50 million television viewers鈥攖he Lumberjack Marching Band鈥檚 first-ever performance in the Macy鈥檚 Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Our LMB was one of only four university bands chosen to march the famed route this year, and the band members and directors planned, rehearsed and raised money for a year and a half to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime performance. As one of 91直播鈥檚 most visible groups, the LMB continuously represents our alma mater on campus and around the world with an unparalleled combination of talent and Lumberjack spirit that has provided the soundtrack for countless 91直播 memories for our alumni.
There were many other highlights this fall, including the recording of 91直播鈥檚 highest-ever first-time, first-year retention rate. At 71 percent, the retention rate passed the previous record set in 2014. During the past five years, the university鈥檚 retention rate has increased by 6 percentage points. This is a testament to the many innovative success initiatives our faculty and staff members have developed to ensure more of our students earn their 91直播 diplomas.
Learning about other languages and cultures through international programs is now part of the academic experience for many 91直播 students, and the university recently was recognized for the study abroad opportunities it provides. The university was named a top provider in the fourth annual Study Abroad Rankings by the country鈥檚 largest study abroad review website, Abroad101. This award is especially meaningful because it is based on student reviews of their study abroad experiences. Our faculty members and the Office of International Programs devote many hours to developing study abroad opportunities to benefit our students, and their efforts are highly deserving of this recognition.
For the second consecutive year, the Lumberjack basketball team was invited to participate in a featured game during ESPN鈥檚 24-hour Tip-Off Marathon. Although the game was held at Northern Iowa rather than 91直播 this year, the high-profile match-up was an appropriate start to what should prove to be another exciting year for our basketball programs.
Alumni who are not able to be at William R. Johnson Coliseum to support the Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks in person this basketball season can now watch every home game on ESPN3. As part of ESPN鈥檚 college initiative, 91直播 is now live streaming all home football, soccer, volleyball and basketball games, enabling Lumberjack fans to keep up with our teams鈥攚hether they are just down the street or on the opposite side of the globe.
Another possible change on the horizon for 91直播 would have many long-term benefits for our Lumberjack family. Recently, the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Association approved a joint resolution to establish 91直播 as a tobacco-free campus. I have accepted the resolution and asked the 91直播 Employee Wellness Advisory Board to make policy recommendations. I hope to carry a proposed policy to the January meeting of the Board of Regents.
As fall gives way to the holiday season, I wish you many blessings in the coming year. Thank you for your continued support of 91直播 and its students and programs.
Axe 鈥檈m, Jacks!
Baker Pattillo 1965 and 1966
President, Stephen F. Austin State University