Southern Arkansas University Tech

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) stands as a beacon of specialized technical education, offering students a direct pathway to both in-demand careers and seamless university transfer. Born from a vision to fuel Arkansas's industrial growth, SAU Tech is renowned for its hands-on training, providing a robust foundation in crucial technical fields alongside comprehensive two-year university transfer programs. Whether you're aiming for a specific trade or preparing for a bachelor's degree, SAU Tech offers a dynamic learning environment tailored to equip you with real-world skills.

SAU Tech's roots trace back to April 5, 1967, when it was established as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the Arkansas Legislature. Its primary mission was clear: cultivate a technically skilled workforce to support the burgeoning Highland Industrial Park. Generously supported by the Brown Foundation, which donated 70 acres and six buildings of the former Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot, and financed by a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant, the institute quickly became a vital regional asset. In 1975, a pivotal change occurred when it transitioned to Southern Arkansas University Tech under the governance of the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees, expanding its authority to grant associate degrees beyond applied science.

Today, SAU Tech excels as a two-year college, specializing in technical training while also providing the foundational first two years for university transfer in General Education, Teacher Education, and Business Administration. Its technical program portfolio is impressively diverse, including Aviation Maintenance, Computer Information Technology, and Technology with an emphasis in Industrial Maintenance and Engineering. For those interested in administrative or creative fields, offerings include Office Systems Technology (with Medical Transcription) and Multimedia Technology, which spans Film & Video Production, Graphic Design, and Game Design and Development. Complementing these programs, SAU Tech also operates several specialty schools like the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy, underscoring its commitment to a broad spectrum of professional development.