Southern Arkansas University Tech

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) stands as a beacon for technical education and academic advancement, strategically rooted within the thriving Highland Industrial Park. This innovative two-year institution offers a powerful dual promise: equipping students with in-demand technical skills for immediate career entry and providing a robust foundation for seamless transfer to four-year universities.

SAU Tech's origins trace back to April 5, 1967, when it was established as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the Arkansas Legislature. Its very creation was a forward-thinking response to the need for a technically trained workforce to fuel the growth of the surrounding industrial park. From its inception, SAU Tech benefited from remarkable community support, including a generous donation of seventy acres and six buildings by the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas, and crucial initial funding through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

In 1975, a pivotal transformation occurred, elevating Southwest Technical Institute to Southern Arkansas University Tech. This change placed the college under the esteemed governance of the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees and empowered it to grant associate of arts, associate of science, and associate of applied science degrees. Today, SAU Tech boasts a diverse academic portfolio, from specialized programs in Aviation Maintenance, Computer Information Technology, and Multimedia Technology (including exciting emphases like Film & Video Production and Game Design) to comprehensive transfer pathways in General Education, Teacher Education, and Business Administration.

Beyond its core curriculum, SAU Tech is home to a unique array of specialty schools that extend its reach into critical sectors. These include the SAU Tech Career Academy, the Ouachita County Adult Education Center, the vital Arkansas Fire Training Academy, and the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy, demonstrating a profound commitment to public service and specialized professional development. With the recent inclusion of the Columbia and Dallas County adult education centers, SAU Tech continues to expand its impact, fostering learning and career opportunities across the region.