Southern Arkansas University
100 E. UNIVERSITY ST. | MAGNOLIA | WWW.SAUMAG.EDU | 870-235-4000
OVERVIEW
Southern Arkansas University, the fastestgrowing university in Arkansas in 2015, has continued with more students across the state saying “I chose SAU!” The campus is abuzz with energy and life, and the student-centered atmosphere is felt by first-time visitors and soonto-be graduates. SAU also is the most affordable university in Arkansas and has the highest return on investment, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Nestled in a quiet and beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some offerings unique to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the university is a short drive from outdoor activities and is central to many regional hubs, such as Texarkana, Shreveport and Little Rock.
Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and caring atmosphere, both on campus and online, with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.
ACADEMICS
As career and professional trends change, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit those needs. The latest additions include an exciting new cybersecurity computer science program, a unique welding engineering technology SAU System program, and a new track in the Master of Business Administration program for social entrepreneurship.
Also off to a resounding start is Arkansas’ most affordable complete Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater, for which the curtains opened in fall 2015. SAU BFA students acquire 70 to 80 hands-on hours specific to their fields of study. In fall 2014, SAU established the only Arkansas engineering program south of Little Rock. This program was built on strong support from regional industry, meaning incoming SAU engineering students will not only gain valuable internship opportunities, but will also have high-paying jobs waiting for them upon graduation. These exciting programs follow SAU’s induction in fall 2013 of the computer game and animation design programs — the first complete degree program of its kind in Arkansas. The Rankin College of Business has added entrepreneurship and the valuable supply chain management programs.
CAMPUS LIFE
The list of opportunities available outside of the classroom at SAU is as broad and diverse as the list of degree programs. While earning a degree at SAU, students can find a niche to match any interest through more than 60 student organizations.
For die-hard sports fans and athletes, SAU is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and part of the Great American Conference. Men’s teams compete in baseball, basketball, cross country, track and field, football and golf. Women’s teams compete in volleyball, basketball, cross country, track and field, softball and golf.
In 2012, SAU added a sports fishing team to the school’s list of extracurricular competitive sports. The SAU Rodeo Team is nationally competitive and consistently ranks high in regional and national intercollegiate competitions.
FACILITIES
Building on a strong foundation, SAU continues to grow with new construction updating the landscape of SAU’s beautiful campus. Two new residence halls now house 264 students on a scenic hillside opposite the new track facility. Just up the walking path is the new softball complex. Still feeling new to campus are the state-of-theart Agriculture Center and Story Rodeo Arena.
The Bruce Center is home to Chick-fil-A, Subway and Grille Works, as well as a room equipped with computers, wide-screen TVs and lounging areas. The academic heart of any university is its library, and SAU’s Magale Library provides access to more than 152,000 books, 75 databases, more than 12,000 full-text publications and cozy, quiet study rooms and comfortable seating areas.
FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid is able to assist most students in finding financial assistance for their education. SAU also offers a number of scholarship opportunities. Academic scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship, University Scholarship, Blue and Gold Scholarship, and more. Performance scholarships are also available in art, band, choir and theater. Other scholarships are available in athletics and rodeo.