They are a member of the Great American Conference and compete in NCAA Division II, fielding 16 varsity teams in 10 sports.

Watson was named athletic director in 1980 and was replaced as basketball coach by Monroe Ingram.

SAU competed in the AIC until moving from NAIA to the NCAA Division II in 1995.

Upon joining the NCAA, SAU competed in the Western Division of the Gulf South Conference.

Southern Arkansas fielded a softball team as far back as 1930; however, college opponents were difficult to find.

[2] In 1980, Margaret Browning lead the Lady Muleriders to their first full conference championship in school history.

[3] The 2003 Lady Muleriders shared the Gulf South Conference Western Division crown.

On May 3, 2014, the Lady Muleriders won the GAC Softball Tournament Championship with 4–0 and 8–0 wins over Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

[5] The rodeo boasts an overall women's team National Championship in 1986; All-Around Cowgirl titles in 1984, 1987, 1989; and a men's calf roping champion in 2009.

Six conference championships were won by the Lady Mulerider Volleyball teams between their first season in 1971 and their final AIC title in 1995.

Steven Gream was hired prior to the 2010 season to lead the volleyball program back to its winning ways.

Following an abysmal 1–32 season prior to his arrival, Gream's first squad won 20 games.

[6] SAU's school colors of Royal Blue and Gold were chosen in honor of the Farmer's Union.

Names include "Aggies", "Burros", "Mulettes", "Kats" and "Riderettes" before becoming the Muleriders/Lady Muleriders officially.

The university has accepted the following legend of the nickname: The western style bronco-breaking rider on a bucking mule first appeared atop The Bray student newspaper masthead in 1949–1950.

Wilkins Stadium has been the home field for the Southern Arkansas University Mulerider football team since 1949.

Due to the prolonged success of Mulerider Baseball, SAU opened a completely remodeled facility that included new coaches’ offices, locker rooms, concession stands, restrooms and press box during the 2011 baseball season.

This facility house the department of Kinesiology, home of SAU's athletic training program.

[16] The arena, named after Therral and Jan Story, features a dirt floor and seating for 1,400 spectators.

A reception area featuring a ticket booth, concession stand, and restrooms acts at the front door to the arena.