[7] In the fall of 1949, the Board of Trustees, exercising authority vested in it by the State Legislature, decided to develop the college as a four-year, degree-granting institution.

SSC's first Black student was Wilmar B. Moss, who "was admitted but only when he refused to accept an initial rebuff," according to an official history of the school.

[18][19] The annual Bed Races have been a unique tradition as a part of SAU's Family Day festivities since November 7, 1981.

Representatives from SAU's residence halls build and race twin-sized "beds" with a mattress platform on top of four bicycle tires.

Additional strands of lights are strewn along the 187-foot SAU bell tower, transforming it into a giant Christmas candle.

Included in the festivities each year are: the Magnolia City Christmas Parade, caroling, pictures with Santa Claus for the children, and a holiday buffet dinner for the community.

[21][self-published source] Southern Arkansas University is in the NCAA Division II as a member of the Great American Conference.

[23][self-published source] The Muleriders football team won the Gulf South Conference Championship in 1997.