[8] The university has experienced a rapid transition from a regional junior college to an accredited senior institution of higher learning.

Shortly after Hardeman retired from the Texas Senate, the name of the institution was changed to Angelo State University in May 1969.

The merger received widespread support in San Angelo and Lubbock, where Texas Tech University is located.

Angelo State completed its first capital campaign in 2013, raising $35 million for facility construction, scholarships, and academic support.

[19] SourceMedia and its magazine On Wall Street named Angelo State University one of the nation's "75 Leading Schools for Financial Planners" for 2016.

[20] The Chronicle of Higher Education named Angelo State University one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For" for 2018.

The 2018 recognition marks the fourth straight year ASU was made both the "Great Colleges to Work For" list and the Honor Roll.

It is centered on the campus mall, a tree-lined pedestrian walkway that covers over 1 mile (1.6 km) and connects most major buildings.

Other recent additions include expansion of the Cavness Science Building, construction of the new Texan Hall residences, and adding another floor to the Porter Henderson Library to accommodate the Communications, Drama, and Journalism Department and Honors Program.

The university's housing was ranked fifth in the nation on a list of "Most Inviting Yet Affordable College Dorms in America" by AffordableSchools.net, a higher-education resource website.

[32] The seven residential facilities on campus have options that range from traditional dormitory units to those that offer private bedroom suites with a common living area and kitchenette.

The channel operates 24 hours a day, featuring new original programming Monday through Thursday during prime time.

[37] Angelo State will also soon contribute news reports to the newly acquired local NPR station KNCH.

The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) since the 1968–69 academic year.

Prior to becoming a four-year institution, the Rams previously competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) until after the 1963–64 academic year.

[45] The official Ram Jam was started by the Alumni Association in 2003 and has grown to become the large pregame football tailgating parties they are today.

The events also feature local bands to provide entertainment, free food and refreshments, bounce houses and other games for kids, and alcoholic beverages for those 21 and up.

One side of the ring shows the State of Texas with a star marking San Angelo; below that is an oak branch.

Angelo State's ram went by a variety of names until 1963, when the student body held an election to decide on a permanent moniker, and "Dominic" won out.

Today, Dominic is a regular fixture at ASU activities, ranging from the ring ceremony to outdoor athletic events.

Two costumed mascots, Roscoe and Bella, appear at most athletic events and many community activities, where they lead cheers and interact with students and fans.

Bella made her debut in October 2010, supported by the Delta Zeta she appears with Roscoe and the ASU cheerleaders at most athletic and student-body events.

They include major executives at Fortune 500 companies, Emmy award-nominated actors, Grammy Award-winning musicians, Super Bowl winners, authors of number-one books on The New York Times bestseller list, Texas Supreme Court justices, Texas state representatives and senators, and United States congressmen.