Southern Arkansas University facts for kids
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Former names
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Third District Agricultural School (1909–1925) Agricultural and Mechanical College, Third District (1925–1951) Southern State College (1951–1976) |
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| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1909 |
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Academic affiliations
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Space-grant |
| Endowment | $57 million |
| President | David F. Rankin (interim) |
| Provost | David Lanoue |
| Students | 5,128 |
| Undergraduates | 3,252 |
| Postgraduates | 1,876 |
| 32 | |
| Location |
,
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United States
33°17′30″N 93°14′10″W / 33.29167°N 93.23611°W |
| Campus | Rural, Residential 1,418 acres (574 ha) |
| Colors | Royal blue and Gold |
| Nickname | Muleriders |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division II – Great American Conference |
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Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. It's a place where students can learn and grow, offering many different study programs.
Contents
A Look at SAU's History
Southern Arkansas University started in 1909. It was first called the Third District Agricultural School. Students and teachers often called it "TDAS." When it first opened in 1911, it taught high school subjects.
In 1925, the school added two years of college classes. Its name changed to Agricultural and Mechanical College, Third District. People also called it Magnolia A&M. The high school classes stopped in 1937.
In 1949, the school decided to become a four-year college. This meant students could earn a bachelor's degree. By 1951, it was offering all four years of college courses. Its name changed again to Southern State College.
Changes for All Students
For a long time, Southern State College, like other colleges in Arkansas, only allowed white students. This changed after a big court case in 1954 called Brown v. Board of Education. This ruling said that separate schools for different races were not fair.
After 1954, colleges slowly started to welcome African American students. Southern State College's first Black student was Wilmar B. Moss. More changes happened after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed. This law made it illegal to treat people differently because of their race.
In 1964, about ten Black students were allowed to enroll in regular classes. By 1966, Black students could live in the school dorms. The first Black student graduated in 1967. The first Black teacher started working there in 1974. These changes helped make the university a welcoming place for everyone.
In 1975, the school was allowed to offer master's degrees. This means students could study for even more advanced degrees. In 1976, the college officially became Southern Arkansas University. Also in 1975, another school, Southwest Technical Institute in Camden, Arkansas, joined the SAU system. It is now known as Southern Arkansas University Tech.
What Can You Study at SAU?
Southern Arkansas University has many different programs for students. You can choose from 70 different study areas for your first college degree. They also have programs where you can finish your degree after starting at another college.
SAU has four main colleges:
- David F. Rankin College of Business
- College of Education and Human Performance
- Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts
- College of Science and Engineering
The university also offers 19 programs for graduate students. These programs are for students who want to continue their education after getting their first degree. Some of these classes are online, some are in person, and some are a mix of both.
Where Do Students Live on Campus?
SAU has many places for students to live. These include dorms and apartments. Many of these places are part of "living-learning communities." This means students who share similar interests or study areas live together.
SAU Sports Teams: The Muleriders
Southern Arkansas University is part of the NCAA Division II. This is a group of colleges that compete in sports. SAU is a member of the Great American Conference.
The university's sports teams are called the Muleriders and Lady Muleriders. The name "Muleriders" comes from an old story. In the early 1900s, the football team supposedly rode mules from the college's farm to the nearest train station. This was about 6 miles away. They did this to travel to their away games!
Team Achievements
- The Muleriders football team won the Gulf South Conference Championship in 1997.
- In 1953 and 1954, the tennis team was undefeated. They won the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference in both singles and doubles.
- The Mulerider baseball team won the Gulf South Conference championship in 2006 and 2009.
Fun SAU Traditions
Bed Races
The annual Bed Races are a special tradition at SAU. They happen during Family Day events. This fun race started on November 7, 1981. Teams from the dorms build "beds" using a mattress platform on bicycle tires.
The beds are decorated to match a yearly theme. Each bed must have one student lying down, wearing a football helmet for safety. Four other students push the bed. Teams race in a double elimination style. The winners get the special Bed Race Trophy!
Celebration of Lights
The Celebration of Lights is a Christmas tradition at SAU. It has been happening since 1984. It started as one light display to celebrate the school's 75th birthday. Now, it's a big part of the holiday season in Magnolia.
During the celebration, a large Christmas tree is lit in front of Overstreet Hall. Many other light displays are set up all over campus. The 187-foot SAU bell tower is covered in lights, making it look like a giant Christmas candle. The event also includes the Magnolia City Christmas Parade, caroling, pictures with Santa Claus, and a holiday dinner for the community.
Famous People Who Went to SAU
- Jordan Babineaux – a football player
- Ken Beck – a football player
- Bruce Bennett – served as the Arkansas Attorney General
- Ken Brown – a football player
- Joyce Elliott – a politician who is a member of the Arkansas Senate
- Steve Forbes – a basketball coach
- Tanner Hudson – a football player
- Dan Kyle – a politician from Louisiana
- Tracy Lawrence – a musician
- Nik Lewis – a football player
- Lynn Lowe – a politician
- Fred Perry – a football player
- Kenneth Pettway – a football player
- Ron Simmons – a politician
- Greg Stumon – a football player
- Frank Spooner – a businessman and politician
- Harry Thomason – a film and television producer and director
- Cedric Thornton – a football player
- Tommy Tuberville – a football coach and politician
- DeAnn Vaught – a politician
- Horace M. Wade – a General in the United States Air Force
- Dennis Woodberry – a football player
Notable Teachers at SAU
- Robert Kibbee (died 1982) – was the Chancellor of the City University of New York
Images for kids
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Science building
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The marching band
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Business building
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Engineering lab
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Runner on the farm road
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Bell tower and mall area
