# Southern Arkansas University

> university in Magnolia, Arkansas

**Wikidata**: [Q1724577](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1724577)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Arkansas_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/southern-arkansas-university

## Summary
Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. Founded in 1909, it is a comprehensive higher education institution classified as a Master's University with medium-sized programs. As of 2020, the university serves over 4,400 students and employs approximately 460 staff members.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** 100 E. University, Magnolia, Arkansas, 71753, United States.
- **Founded:** 1909.
- **Institution Type:** Public educational institution of the United States (University).
- **Enrollment:** 4,432 students (as of September 2020).
- **Employees:** 462 staff (as of September 2020).
- **Admission Rate:** 69% (as of 2020).
- **Admission Yield:** 33% (as of 2020).
- **Athletics:** Southern Arkansas Muleriders and Lady Muleriders.
- **Academic Calendar:** Semester system.
- **Previous Names:** Third District Agricultural School; Magnolia A&M; Southern State College.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is Southern Arkansas University located?
A: The university is located in Magnolia, Arkansas, at the physical address 100 E. University, 71753. Its geographic coordinates are 33.2916° N, 93.2359° W.

### Q: What is the student population at Southern Arkansas University?
A: As of September 2020, the university had a total student count of 4,432.

### Q: How hard is it to get into Southern Arkansas University?
A: The university has an acceptance (admission) rate of approximately 69%, with an admission yield rate of 33% as of 2020.

### Q: What athletic program does the university participate in?
A: The university's athletic program is known as the Southern Arkansas Muleriders and Lady Muleriders.

## Why It Matters
Southern Arkansas University serves as a vital educational and cultural hub for the region of Magnolia and southern Arkansas. Established in 1909, it has evolved from its origins as the Third District Agricultural School into a comprehensive public university. Its significance is underscored by its Carnegie Classification as a "Master's College and University" with medium programs, indicating a strong commitment to advanced education beyond the baccalaureate level while maintaining a very high undergraduate enrollment profile.

The institution plays a critical role in the local economy and workforce development, employing over 460 individuals and educating thousands of students. It is particularly noted for its inclusive nature, classified as a "four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in" institution, which facilitates access to higher education for a diverse student body. Furthermore, its designation as a "postbaccalaureate: education-dominant" institution highlights its specific impact on training future educators. By offering a residential college experience in a small, highly residential setting, SAU provides a distinct educational environment that combines professional training with arts and sciences.

## Notable For
- **Unique Mascot:** The athletic teams are known as the "Muleriders" and "Lady Muleriders," a distinctive moniker in collegiate sports.
- **Historical Evolution:** The university has operated under four distinct names throughout its history, reflecting its growth from an agricultural school (Third District Agricultural School) to a modern university.
- **Academic Classification:** It is specifically classified as a "Master's College and University: Medium Programs" and "Professions plus Arts & Sciences" institution, bridging liberal arts and vocational training.
- **Accessibility:** Maintains an open accessibility profile with an admission rate of 69% and a classification as an "inclusive" institution.

## Body

### History and Identity
Southern Arkansas University was founded in 1909. It originally operated as the **Third District Agricultural School** and was later known as **Magnolia A&M** and **Southern State College** before adopting its current name. The university is a public educational institution located in the United States.

### Campus and Location
The university is situated in **Magnolia, Arkansas**. The campus coordinates are 33.2916° N latitude and 93.2359° W longitude.
*   **Address:** 100 E. University, Magnolia, AR, 71753.
*   **Identifiers:** The institution holds a GRID ID (`grid.263837.b`), ROR ID (`036sak533`), and ISNI (`000000010557823X`).

### Academics and Classification
According to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Southern Arkansas University is defined by several key characteristics:
*   **Size and Setting:** Four-year, small, and highly residential.
*   **Program Focus:** Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs); Professions plus arts & sciences, some graduate coexistence.
*   **Undergraduate Profile:** Four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in.
*   **Graduate Instruction:** Postbaccalaureate, education-dominant, with arts & sciences.
The academic calendar operates on a **semester** basis.

### Student and Staff Demographics
Data collected around September 2020 provides a snapshot of the university community:
*   **Student Count:** 4,432.
*   **Employees:** 462.
*   **Social Media:** As of January 2021, the primary social media account had 4,974 followers.

### Admissions
For the year 2020, the university reported an **admission rate of 0.69** (69%) and an **admission yield rate of 0.33** (33%).

### Digital Presence
The university maintains a web presence at `web.saumag.edu` with an RSS feed available at `web.saumag.edu/feed/`. Its social media handles include **@muleriders** on Twitter (active since November 2008) and **@muleriderpics** on Instagram. It is also listed in the Times Higher Education World University rankings with the ID `southern-arkansas-university`.

## References

1. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Google Knowledge Graph
5. GeoNames
6. Freebase Data Dumps
7. [Source](http://web.saumag.edu/)
8. GRID Release 2015-12-14
9. GRID Release 2016-12-06
10. Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
11. Quora
12. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
13. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
14. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
15. National Center for Education Statistics