Southern Arkansas University

Established in 1909 by an Act of the Arkansas Legislature, Southern Arkansas University has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. Originally known as the Third District Agricultural School, it started as a secondary school offering agricultural education. Over time, it evolved into a college, adding two years of college work in 1925 and eventually transitioning to a four-year degree-granting institution in 1949.

The institution's commitment to education faced challenges regarding racial integration, with the admission of Black students being limited until the mid-20th century.Following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954 and the subsequent Civil Rights Act of 1964, Southern State College began to admit Black students, albeit in small numbers initially. By the late 1960s, the institution had made strides towards integration, allowing Black undergraduates to enroll and reside in school dormitories.

The gradual inclusion of Black faculty members and the graduation of the first Black student in 1967 marked pivotal moments in the university's history, reflecting its evolving commitment to diversity and equality.