SFA, TJC Sign Agreement for Destination SFA Transfer Program

TYLER — Stephen F. Austin State University and Tyler Junior College officials Monday announced the creation of a formal Destination SFA program. They say the program will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions and continue to expand educational opportunities for young people all across Texas. TJC President Dr. Mike Metke and SFA President Dr. Baker Pattillo signed the agreement during a ceremony at TJC. The Destination SFA program begins in the fall 2016 semester. Officials say it will serve TJC students who, upon meeting the program’s criteria and graduating from TJC with an associate’s degree, will transfer to SFA toward the goal of completing their baccalaureate degree.

Metke pointed to past TJC grads who headed to SFA and “went on to great things” — including Arp native Pattillo and his wife, Janice. Pattillo added that he “spent two of the best years of my life here at TJC.” Pattillo said the Destination SFA agreement with TJC aligns with SFA’s new strategic plan that will carry SFA into its centennial year in 2023.

TJC students in the Destination SFA program will receive:
• Regular visits to TJC by SFA Enrollment Management staff members, who will answer questions and offer assistance
• Priority assignment to a dedicated residence hall floor in TJC’s Crossroads Hall, which will be decorated with SFA-related artwork and memorabilia
• Invitations to special events hosted on the SFA campus
• Access to the SFA Library System through the Interlibrary Loan Agreement