Introduction
Located in the charming town of Alpine, Texas, Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is a public institution of higher education. It was established in 1917 and named after Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a former governor of Texas and a Confederate general. SRSU has a long and rich history, and it’s known for its unique programs, diverse student body, and beautiful campus. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some fascinating fun facts about Sul Ross State University that you may not know about.
Unique Programs Offered at SRSU
Sul Ross State University is known for its unique programs that attract students from all over the world. Here are some of the most interesting programs offered at SRSU:
Range Animal Science
SRSU offers a program in Range Animal Science, which focuses on the study of livestock production and management in the range environment. This program is one of the few of its kind in the country, and it provides students with hands-on experience in animal handling, nutrition, and genetics. Students in this program also get the opportunity to work on the University’s 3,000-acre ranch, which is home to a variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats.
Borderlands Research Institute
The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) is a unique program at SRSU that focuses on research related to the borderlands region of West Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. The BRI is dedicated to studying the natural resources, wildlife, and culture of this region, and it provides students with opportunities to work on research projects and gain valuable field experience. Some of the ongoing projects at the BRI include studying the population dynamics of bighorn sheep and identifying critical habitats for migratory birds.
Diverse Student Body
Sul Ross State University is known for its diverse student body, which includes students from all over the world. Here are some interesting facts about the student body at SRSU:
International Students
SRSU has a significant number of international students, with students from over 30 countries studying at the University. Some of the countries represented at SRSU include India, Nigeria, Mexico, and China.
First-Generation Students
A large percentage of students at SRSU are first-generation college students, which means they are the first in their families to attend college. SRSU is committed to supporting these students and providing them with resources to succeed in college.
Beautiful Campus
Sul Ross State University’s campus is known for its beauty and unique features. Here are some interesting facts about the campus:
Kokernot Field
Kokernot Field is a baseball stadium located on the SRSU campus. It was built in 1947 and is one of the oldest continuously operating baseball stadiums in the country. The stadium has a unique feature, a natural grass outfield that slopes up toward the center field fence.
Museum of the Big Bend
The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the SRSU campus and is dedicated to the history and culture of the Big Bend region of Texas. The museum’s collection includes artifacts related to the Native American tribes of the region, as well as exhibits on the history of ranching and mining in the area.
Athletic Programs
Sul Ross State University is home to various athletic programs, and its teams participate in the NCAA Division III level. Here are some interesting facts about the athletic programs at SRSU:
Mascot
SRSU’s mascot is the Lobo, which is Spanish for wolf. The Lobo represents the University’s strength and tenacity, and it’s a beloved symbol among students, faculty, and alumni.
Sports
SRSU offers several sports programs, including football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and soccer. The University’s football team has a long and successful history, and it’s known for its rivalry with nearby University of Texas-Permian Basin.
History of SRSU
Sul Ross State University has a rich history that dates back over a century. Here are some interesting facts about the history of SRSU:
Lawrence Sullivan Ross
SRSU is named after Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a former governor of Texas and a Confederate general. Ross was instrumental in the founding of the University, and he played a key role in shaping its early development.
Founding
SRSU was founded in 1917 as Sul Ross Normal College, with the mission of training teachers for rural schools in West Texas. Over the years, the University expanded its programs and became a comprehensive institution of higher education.
Community Engagement
Sul Ross State University is committed to community engagement, and it’s actively involved in various initiatives that benefit the local community. Here are some interesting facts about SRSU’s community engagement efforts:
Service Learning
SRSU offers a service learning program that provides students with opportunities to engage in community service and gain valuable hands-on experience. Students in this program have worked on various projects, including organizing a food drive for local families in need and providing tutoring services to underprivileged children.
Partnerships
SRSU has partnerships with various community organizations and government agencies, including the City of Alpine and the Big Bend National Park. These partnerships provide students with opportunities to work on research projects and gain valuable experience in their fields of study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sul Ross State University is a unique and exciting institution of higher education that offers students a range of programs, a diverse student body, a beautiful campus, and a rich history. From its unique programs in Range Animal Science and the Borderlands Research Institute to its community engagement initiatives and successful athletic programs, SRSU has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a college experience that’s both challenging and rewarding, SRSU is definitely worth considering.
