Sam Houston State University
"The measure of Life is its Service."
Sam Houston State University is one of the most innovative and diverse universities in Texas. Founded in 1879 as the first teacher-training school in the Southwest, it now has more than 16,000 students and 135 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Admission standards are being increased, with the SAT entrance score average of SHSU students rising and now standing above the national average and well above the Texas state average. Retention rates are also increasing, due in large part to counseling efforts at the SamCenter, which was named one of the top six such programs in the United States. Located in a hills, lakes and forests region of East Texas 70 miles north of Houston, with its namesake tie to Texas hero Sam Houston and more than a century and a quarter of educational service to the state and nation, Sam Houston State University is truly "A Great Name in Texas Education."
The Bearkat Community
About the Bearkat Community
Located in the heart of the piney woods between Houston and Dallas, the home of Sam Houston State University is Huntsville, TX (pop. 34,500). Currently in the middle of a $250 million dollar capital expansion program, the SHSU campus blends state of the art housing facilities, labs, and classrooms with historic buildings, terraced outdoor meeting spaces and tastefully designed common areas. Numerous programs at the university are available to enrich the academic and social lives of more than 16,400 students. The award-winning Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center provides a variety of proactively supportive programs and services to promote academic success. In addition, numerous student organizations are active on campus, including a wide assortment of fraternities, sororities, clubs, academic, and social organizations. The Office of Student Activities sponsors, Welcome Week, Homecoming and numerous concerts, tailgate parties and other events throughout the year. The Office of Multicultural & International Student Services and the Office of International Programs provide support services for international students and offer numerous programs for the entire campus to promote cultural awareness and diversity.
