Page 3 - InOurSchools

Vision 2017— In Our Schools El Dorado NEWS-TIMES – Sunday, March 19 – 3
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Proud graduate: Southern Arkansas University was Arkansas' fastest growing university in 2015, and that trend has continued over the past two years and likely will into the future, as SAU adds new degree programs to take into account career and professional trend changes.
At Southern Arkansas University, growth continues
OVERVIEW
Southern Arkansas University, the fastest grow- ing university in Arkansas in 2015, has contin- ued with more students across the state say-
ing “I chose SAU!” The campus is abuzz with energy and life and the student-centered atmosphere is felt by first-time visitors and soon-to-be graduates. SAU is also the most affordable university in Arkansas and has the highest return on investment, according to the U.S. Department of Education (2015 data).
SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some unique offerings to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the University is a short drive from outdoor activi- ties and is central to many regional hubs.
Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedica- tion 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 ini- tiates new degree programs to fit those needs. The latest additions include an exciting new cybersecu- rity computer science program, a unique Welding Engineering Technology SAU System program, and a new track in the MBA program for Social Entrepreneurship.
Also off to a resounding start is Arkansas’s most affordable complete Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre, for which the curtains opened fall 2015. SAU BFA students gain 70 to 80 hands-on hours specific to their field of study. In fall 2014, SAU established the only Arkansas engineering pro- gram 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 and most affordable complete degree program of its kind in Arkansas. The Rankin College of Business has added Entrepreneurship and the valuable Supply Chain Management programs.
In adapting to the busy lives of those who have already achieved bachelor’s degrees, the School of Graduate Studies at SAU shapes advanced course- work to improve opportunities and further careers.
Many SAU master’s degrees — such as the popu- lar Master of Business Administration, the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degrees — can be completed entirely online or can be custom fit with a combination of in-class experience and online convenience.
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.
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.
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 coun- try, 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-the-art 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, Valedictorian/ Salutatorian Scholarship, Transfer Scholarship, Achievement Award, and the Leadership Award. Performance scholarships are also available in art, band, choir and theatre. Other scholarships are available in athletics and rodeo. Now is the time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov. The deadline for financial aid priority filing is June 1.
SAU volunteer event rescheduled to April 1
MAGNOLIA — Making Magnolia Blossom’s upcoming Spring Big Splash that was to be this Saturday has been resched- uled to April 1 because of the possibility of inclement weather.
Coordinators will con- tinue to seek volunteers for the event, which will provide projects to help area non-profit organiza- tions as well as outdoor initiatives at Southern Arkansas University near the community walking trail. Interested volunteers and groups are encouraged to pre-register at www. MagnoliaBlossom.org/ big-splash. Check-in at the event will be at the SAU duck pond near the tennis courts starting at 8:30 a.m. on April 1. Volunteering begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 11:30 a.m. For more information or to regis- ter by phone, call Deana Taylor at 870-235-4922.
This spring event will have teams tend to areas around the community walking trail that circles the duck pond and SAU
farm in coordination with Leadership Magnolia’s “Light up the SAU Walking Trail” project and SAU’s upcoming Community Playground initiative. Other outdoor enthusiasts will update MMB’s land- scaping plots on Main Street with new flowers and mulch.
Other groups will return to the new facility of the Columbia County Senior Meals Service to help with indoor and outdoor renovation needs. The building was former- ly Meadowbrook Lodge Nursing Home, and is located at 600 Leila Street. Other projects will be completed at the CCAPS Animal Shelter.
Volunteers are asked to wear pants and closed-toe shoes. MMB will be pro- viding supplies and equip- ment, but anyone who can bring a mower, chain saw, and/or weed-eaters is encouraged to do so.
Previous Making Magnolia Blossom “Big Splash” events have orga-
nized hundreds to make improvements along pri- mary city streets, local business facades, and pub- lic areas around the down- town square. MMB is a community-involvement organization at Southern Arkansas University. A group of staff, faculty, and students started MMB in 2014, and more than 500 volunteers from SAU and the community contribut- ed time and effort at the initial Big Splash Saturday event. Since then, MMB has hosted several Big Splash events, as well as sever- al Second Saturday events which partner with area organizations to complete needed projects. MMB has completed dozens of city improvement projects in its first year, and was awarded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission the Volunteer of the Year Award in August of 2015. To find out more or to get involved in MMB, visit www.MagnoliaBlossom. org or like MMB on Facebook.
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Event rescheduled: Making Magnolia Blossom’s upcoming Spring Big Splash that was to be held on Saturday has been rescheduled to April 1 because of the possibil- ity of inclement weather.