{"id":7,"date":"2009-11-12T20:43:48","date_gmt":"2009-11-13T02:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/?page_id=7"},"modified":"2022-08-08T16:17:20","modified_gmt":"2022-08-08T21:17:20","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About SAU"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Overview<\/h2>\n<p>Southern Arkansas University is a unique, yet comprehensive liberal arts university in the heart of southern Arkansas. Established in 1909, SAU has built on its foundation tied to the region\u2019s agricultural past and continues to grow while expanding its tradition of success into more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges. The University is committed to providing the best tools, programs, services and opportunities with qualified professors dedicated to helping their students reach their educational goals and professional future.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Mission Statement<\/h2>\n<p>The mission of Southern Arkansas University is to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment by providing opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation. The University believes in the worth of the individual and accepts its responsibility for developing in its students those values and competencies essential for effective citizenship in an ever-changing, free, and democratic society. Further, the University encourages and supports excellence in teaching, scholarly and creative endeavors, and service.<\/p>\n<h2>Academics<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-303778\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/return-300x254.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/return-300x254.png 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/return-150x127.png 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/return.png 368w\" alt=\"return\" width=\"300\" height=\"254\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As career and professional trends change, the colleges of <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/business\/\">business<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/lpa\/\">liberal and performing arts<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/education\/\">education<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/science\/\">science and technology<\/a> adapt and initiate new degree programs to fit those needs. Digital Cinema is a growing field, and SAU built a program to meet that demand. The cutting-edge program offers high-definition video cameras and contemporary audio- and video-editing software.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-303780\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5-300x200.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p2038075227-o929720598-5.jpg 1100w\" alt=\"p2038075227-o929720598-5\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Even as new programs are added, SAU maintains a quality 17-to-1 student-teacher ratio that allows students to get personalized attention without feeling like another face in the crowd. SAU students grow to appreciate the individualized direction and enhanced learning experience that ensures their success in the classrooms and in their future careers.<\/p>\n<p>In adapting to the busy lives of those who already have achieved bachelor degrees, the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/graduate\/\">School of Graduate Studies<\/a> at SAU shapes advanced course work to improve opportunities and further careers. The next step in higher learning, the School of Graduate Studies offers many master\u2019s degrees that can be completed <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/online\/\">entirely online<\/a> or can be custom fit with a combination of in-class experience and online convenience.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Campus Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-303790 size-medium alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5-300x200.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1165886098-5.jpg 1100w\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The list of opportunities available outside of the classroom 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 one of more than 60 student organizations. Through the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/housing\/options\/rigs\/\">Residential Interest Group<\/a> program,\u00a0SAU even offers students the unique experience of living with others who share similar interests. <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/housing\/options\/village\/\">The University Village<\/a> is also another popular housing option at SAU. The fully furnished on-campus apartment complex includes a community clubhouse and swimming pool.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-303810 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5-300x208.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1916503665_5.jpg 1100w\" alt=\"p5881567_1916503665_5\" width=\"300\" height=\"208\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Entertainment flavors the campus experience throughout the year as SAU offers professional entertainment, concerts, plays, movies, lectures, workshops and intramural sports to round out the complete college experience.<\/p>\n<p>For the die-hard sports fans and athletes, SAU is a competitive member of the NCAA Division II and part of the new Great American Conference. Men\u2019s teams compete in <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=baseball&amp;tab=baseball\">baseball<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=mbball&amp;tab=basketball\">basketball<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=mcross&amp;tab=crosscountry\">cross country<\/a>,<a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=football&amp;tab=football\"> football<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=mgolf&amp;tab=golf\">golf<\/a>. \u00a0Women\u2019s teams compete in <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=wvball&amp;tab=volleyball\">volleyball<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=wbball&amp;tab=basketball2\">basketball<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=wcross&amp;tab=crosscountry2\">cross country<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=softball&amp;tab=softball\">softball<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/muleriderathletics.com\/index.aspx?path=wgolf&amp;tab=golf2\">golf<\/a>. In 2012, SAU added a sports fishing team to their list of extracurricular competitive sports. The SAU Rodeo Team is nationally competitive and consistently ranks high in regional and national intercollegiate competitions.<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Facilities<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-303792 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5-300x169.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p1813494106-o929720598-5.jpg 1100w\" alt=\"p1813494106-o929720598-5\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/>Building on a strong foundation, SAU continues to grow.\u00a0The nearly $8 million Agriculture Center\u00a0is the newest addition to the 1,400-acre campus. The 30,557-square-foot center features classrooms and labs equipped with the most advanced technology to educate students for careers in the ever-changing agriculture industry. The Agriculture Center adds to the repertoire of new buildings that enhance the beautiful Mag\u00adnolia campus that includes the <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/housing\/hall\/university-hall\/\">University Hall Learning Community<\/a>, Story Rodeo Arena, the 60,000- square-foot Science Center, Mulerider Activity Center, <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/reynolds\/\">Donald W. Reynolds\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/reynolds\/\">Campus and Community Center<\/a>, Walker Stadium,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.muleriderathletics.com\/sports\/2012\/9\/7\/GEN_0907124950.aspx\">Ribble Weight Training Center<\/a>, new softball field and the<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-303823 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5-300x200.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/p5881567_1369715455_5.jpg 1100w\" alt=\"p5881567_1369715455_5\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/>10,027-square-foot expansion of Wharton Nursing Building- these are just a few of the completed projects that provide quality space for exceptional academic instruction, socializing and athletics.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/students\/studentlife\/bruce\/\">The Bruce Center<\/a><span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">\u00a0is a multi-purpose facility that serves the social and professional needs of students, faculty and staff. The building houses the <\/span>food court<span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">, <\/span>the University Club<span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">, and the Mulerider Sports Club. The Mulerider Sports Club is equipped with eight big screen TVs set to sports channels, computers for surfing the internet, as well as pool tables, foosball, dominos, cards and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">The academic heart of any university is its library, and the <\/span><a style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/library\/\">Magale Library<\/a><span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">\u00a0facility keeps SAU\u2019s academic pulse thriving. Magale Library provides access to more than 152,000 books, 75 databases and more than 12,000 full-text publications. In addition, the Magale Library provides access to several computer labs for student access, study rooms, laptops to check out for use in the library, as well as interlibrary loans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Financial Aid<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-303830 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/affordable-300x181.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/affordable-300x181.png 300w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/affordable-150x91.png 150w, https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/files\/2016\/06\/affordable.png 575w\" alt=\"affordable\" width=\"300\" height=\"181\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/finaid\/\">The Office of Financial Aid<\/a> is able to assist most students in finding financial assistance for their education. SAU also offers a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/finaid\/scholarships\/\">scholarship opportunities<\/a>.\u00a0Academic scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship, the Foundation Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, the Community College Scholarship, the Achievement Award and the Leadership Award. Performance scholarships\u00a0are available in art, band, choir and theater. Other scholarships are available in athletics and rodeo. Now is the time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The deadline for financial aid priority filing is June 1.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Southern Arkansas University is a unique, yet comprehensive liberal arts university in the heart of southern Arkansas. Established in 1909, SAU has built on its foundation tied to the region\u2019s agricultural past and continues to grow while expanding its tradition of success into more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges. The University is&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/about\/\"> Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1007,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-7","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1007"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7744,"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7\/revisions\/7744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.saumag.edu\/admissions\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}