Southern Arkansas University is a whole other world inside the small town of Magnolia, AR and that is the main reason why I love it! Plus, it is a great place to work, whether you're just a student worker or a part of the staff. Since I am a Mulerider for life I decided to make a list of the reasons I love this wonderful university!
1) You feel like a part of a family
I have made so many life-long friendships with so many different varieties of people through Southern Arkansas University. A lot of the friendships I have made have been through organizations such as Encore. This is a picture from 2012 and I am still friends and acquaintances with all of them to this day! We became a close family. Since SAU is big (but not as big as some universities in big cities, towns, etc.) it is easy to meet new people and become close with them. Between all the students, organizations, faculty, and staff SAU is one big happy family!
2) Friendships
As you can see SAU has brought me so many memories! Friendships are one of the most important things to me besides my family and SAU has brought that to me. I have made so many life-long friendships.
3) Faculty
The faculty at SAU is very hands-on in the classroom. I don't know about you, but in order for me to learn the material properly in some classes, I have to have some hands-on instruction and SAU has given that to me over the five years I have been there. They are not only willing to help you, they are also very friendly and understanding.
4) Faculty/Staff/Student Mentorship
At SAU, there is a lot of growth happening - as a student for five years, and currently a former staff member, I have received so much mentorship and willingness to help from others more than any other workplace or learning environment. Ceil Bridges is my main mentor; she has definitely helped me grow both as a person and a worker. Who is YOUR mentor?
5) Growth of the University
As you all may know, SAU is constantly growing! This gives all us Greeks more recruitment as well as everyone more of a chance at friendships and relationships! This is also SO good for the university as it expands. SO much growth going on!
5) Community Involvement
According to SAU's album of "Community Involvement" on their Facebook page, "More than 100 freshmen Mulerider students worked throughout Homecoming week volunteering to help spruce up campus for our weekend visitors. Some Freshmen Seminar classes painted curbs and other picked up litter. Community involvement is at the heart of SAU’s Complete College Experience!" This and the annual "Making Magnolia Blossom that Aaron Street" started at the university where all of SAU's student faculty and staff can go online and volunteer to help make Magnolia "blossom." Community service speaks for itself on how important SAU's community involvement is. I think this makes us unique and actually grow and sprout out more into the community.
6) Variety of Major Options
So many decisions to make! Hence why I have already been a current student for about five years now! But seriously SAU has a lot to offer.
7) Reasonable Tuition
The tuition isn't bad! That is, with some financial aid of course! It is always hard for us college students to afford college but SAU helps us with that with a lot of payment plan options.
8) Student Activities
Personally, working as a student worker in the Alumni Relations office the past year, I have had the best time of my life working these events we host at SAU under the direction of Ceil Bridges, my mentor! SAU's student activities also work hard to host events that make the students always have a good time! Its great and personally one of my favorite things SAU has to offer!
These are just a few things I love about Southern Arkansas University! The past five years of my life have been extraordinary and I have met so many amazing people and made so many friendships to last me a life-time! I will always hold SAU close to my heart since it seriously changed my life for the better and continues to do so!
