About SAU Tech

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Discover what makes SAU Tech different

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) is a two-year public college within the Southern Arkansas University System, recognized for its affordable tuition, career-focused programs, and close-knit campus community. Established in 1968, SAU Tech delivers hands-on technical training and clear pathways to high-demand, high-wage careers. Located in East Camden, Arkansas, SAU Tech offers a comprehensive college experience featuring on-campus housing (dormitories and apartment-style living), NJCAA athletics, and a variety of student organizations that promote engagement and leadership. With a dedicated team of faculty and staff, SAU Tech provides a supportive learning environment designed to help students succeed — whether entering the workforce or transferring to a four-year university.


SAU Tech's Strategic Plan outlines Southern Arkansas University Tech's vision, priorities, and goals for the years ahead. Focused on student success, workforce development, academic excellence, and community engagement, the plan serves as a roadmap to advance the college's mission and strengthen its impact across South Arkansas and beyond. We invite you to explore the Strategic Plan and learn how SAU Tech is creating opportunities and preparing students for success in today's workforce.


Take a look at the Strategic Plan for 2026-2029.


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Our Mission
Southern Arkansas University Tech is a comprehensive community college that provides innovative, student-centered educational programs and technical training that empower and encourage the critical thinking required for today's dynamic workforce.

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Our Vision
Southern Arkansas University Tech strives to be a premier institution of higher learning, empowering students to achieve academic excellence, career readiness, and lifelong success.

Southern Arkansas University Tech Values:

Future — Preparing students to be workforce ready.
Accessible — Dedicated to removing barriers to aid students in achieving their education and professional endeavors.
Mastery — Providing a variety of opportunities for students to demonstrate excellence in their chosen career.
Integrity — Upholding strong ethics, principles, and trust in everything we do.
Leadership — Developing today's students to be tomorrow's leaders.
YOU — We put YOU first by prioritizing the needs of our students, partners, and community.

Our History

Southern Arkansas University (SAU Tech) was created on April 5, 1967, as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the General Assembly of Arkansas although the College uses its start date as 1968 since that was the first year it began providing educational services. The purpose of the institute was to provide a technically trained workforce for the growing Highland Industrial Park where it was located. Seventy acres of land and six buildings were donated by the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas, which had purchased the Schumacher Naval Ammunition Depot for use as Highland Industrial Park. Financing for renovation and equipping the facility was made possible by a grant from the United States Economic Development Administration.

The State Board of Education operated the school until 1975 when, by an Act of the Arkansas Legislature, Southwest Technical Institute became Southern Arkansas University Tech, under the governance of the Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University (SAU). With this change, SAU Tech came under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to grant the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees as well as the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Our History

Southern Arkansas University (SAU Tech) was created on April 5, 1967, as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the General Assembly of Arkansas although the College uses its start date as 1968 since that was the first year it began providing educational services. The purpose of the institute was to provide a technically trained workforce for the growing Highland Industrial Park where it was located. Seventy acres of land and six buildings were donated by the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas, which had purchased the Schumacher Naval Ammunition Depot for use as Highland Industrial Park. Financing for renovation and equipping the facility was made possible by a grant from the United States Economic Development Administration.

The State Board of Education operated the school until 1975 when, by an Act of the Arkansas Legislature, Southwest Technical Institute became Southern Arkansas University Tech, under the governance of the Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University (SAU). With this change, SAU Tech came under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to grant the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees as well as the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Southern Arkansas University Tech does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, or protected veteran's status in employment or the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. This statement of non-discrimination applies to educational programs, educational policies, admissions policies, educational activities, employment, access and admission, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Media Disclaimer

SAU Tech reserves the right to use photographs, videos and electronic images of students and visitors, age 18 and older, taken on college property and at college-sponsored events, for marketing and promotional purposes unless otherwise notified by the individual.