With choices from the Texas A&M system, the Texas State University system, the Texas Tech University system, and of course, the University of Texas system, the Stephen F. Austin University board voted to accept the invitation of the University of Texas system to become a member institution.

However, SFA joining such a big school system, sadly takes the small school aspect out of it for teacher Kandy Stevens.

“It was kind of sad in a sense that just the areas that SFA’s in it was a small school atmosphere,” Stevens said. “There were different types of majors that you couldn’t get at these big schools. And it’s just gonna take that small-town feel out of it.”

Nothing would really change for Stephen F. Austin, because they get to keep their name, their mascot, and their colors of purple and white.

But with the title of UT, it gives much more publicity and attention to SFA

“I kinda wanted to go to SFA at first but them joining the UT system makes me want to go even more,” junior Trey Laurent said.

The Texas legislature has approved the transition, board members said in the meeting that the UT system has pledged to support the legislation in the current session to ensure it passes.