Southern Arkansas University
OVERVIEW
Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia “feels like home” for students because the culture of caring on campus has been embraced by the faculty, staff and administration for more than a century, dating back to the earliest years of the institution. Established in 1909, SAU has been built on its dedication to student achievement and continues to grow, both on campus and online, with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies. SAU’s academic programs, ranked nationally for quality and affordability, include a vibrant mix of traditional offerings with new degrees, unique to the state and region, that are added in response to industry needs. Furthermore, SAU is enhancing its academic reputation on a global scale. In fall 2018, the university was home not only to students from 73 of 75 counties in Arkansas, but also from 40 states and 41 countries.
Along with continued record enrollments, there have also been parallel expansions and improvements of other important components of SAU. As of fall 2019, SAU will have added five new residence halls and purchased an apartment complex since 2016. Panda Express has been added to the other popular dining options on campus, including Chick-fil-A, Subway, Java City and Grille Works.
ACADEMICS
As career and professional trends change, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit those needs. One of the most recent such additions is the Public Health Program, which began this past fall at SAU as the only Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree offered south of Little Rock in Arkansas. From disaster relief to disease intervention, public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. The SAU Public Health Program focuses on improving and protecting community health and well-being, with an emphasis on disease prevention.
In fall 2014, SAU established the only engineering program south of Little Rock in Arkansas. The SAU Engineering Program was built on strong support from regional industry and has continued to grow to 220 engineering majors last fall. A year before engineering, SAU started the first Computer Game and Animation Design Program in the state. Other popular new programs include Cyber Security; a unique SAU System program, Welding Engineering Technology; and a new track in the Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Administration for Social Entrepreneurship degree, the process of pursuing business-led solutions to achieve social aims and the reinvestment of surplus for community benefit.
CAMPUS LIFE
Along with facility and academic improvements, student success and well-being are constant areas of emphasis at SAU. “We were excited to unveil Healthy U this past fall, which is a culmination of services and offerings with the aim of helping our students be successful and enjoy their college experience,” said Dr. Donna Allen, vice president for student affairs.
The new Mule Rides bike-sharing system at SAU is an example of a Healthy U initiative, as are the new sand volleyball courts and the 18-hole disc-golf course on campus. The Counseling Center, which was expanded last summer and has added two licensed counselors, is part of the program as well, as is the addition of another nurse practitioner in University Health Services. Finally, vast community involvement efforts and more than 100 student organizations are at the heart of SAU’s complete college experience and are incorporated into Healthy U.
Mulerider Athletic programs, which shined in 2017-18, continue to be strong representatives of SAU’s commitment to quality and professionalism. SAU softball finished its most-winning season in program history and as one of the top-three teams in the nation. Mulerider baseball and SAU men’s track and field won their respective Great American Conference championships.