SAU has more students on campus than ever in the University’s history.
Southern Arkansas University not only has a record enrollment this fall, the SAU also has the highest number of beginning freshman and the most students living on campus in the University’s history.
At the end of the11th class day, when the official enrollment numbers are transmitted to the state, SAU had an overall record enrolment of 3,404 students, which is 74 up from last fall. The University’s previous enrollment record high was 3,382, set it 2011.
“I appreciate all the great work the SAU faculty, staff, and students have done to attract such a large freshman class,” said Dr. David Rankin, president of SAU. “Exciting new academic programs as well as additional student housing facilities have all contributed to a great fall total and on-campus enrollment.”
The beginning freshman class totaled 663, which was 20 higher than the previous record set in 2010 and 61 up from last fall.
With the addition of the 60-bed University Hall on campus and a well-branded “Complete College Experience” campaign, residence hall enrolment hit an all-time high of 1,452. This increase is 72 up from fall of 2012. The previous record was 1,440 in 2011.
Steven Ochs, from right, Rhaelene Lowther and Dr. Khalil Dajani look at the 3-D printer in the Science Center. One reason for increased enrollment at SAU is the addition of new and exciting degree options, like Computer Game and Animation Design and Wildlife Biology.
SAU is also attracting high academic achievers. The SAU Honors College is 56 strong this fall. Freshman Honors students are entering the program with an average GPA of 3.78 and have an average ACT score of 27.11, according Director of Honors College and Professor of Psychology at SAU, Dr. Ed Kardas.
Kardas said that he has plans for growth for the SAU Honors program with new 2+2 programs having been started with SAU Tech and the College of the Ouachitas. He said he also plans to expand soon to other two year schools in the region.
SAU has a tradition of success as a regional, comprehensive four-year institution. Over the University’s more than 100 years, the student body has become internationally diverse. There are 33 countries represented on campus this fall with 99 international students.
Students are attracted to the family-like atmosphere, passionate professors, and the close knit and active atmosphere on campus. The new programs, such as Wildlife Biology and the cutting-edge Computer Game and Animation Design, also have garnered SAU attention from potential students.
“I am truly excited to see that so many students agree that their lives will be enriched by choosing SAU for the complete college experience,” said Dr. Donna Allen, vice president for student affairs. “We are looking forward to a great year!”
