SAU Tech was created on April 5, 1967, as Southwest Technical Institute by Act 534 of the Arkansas Legislature.
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 at the Park were donated by the Brown Foundation of Houston, Texas which had purchased the former Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot for redevelopment.
The Columbia and Dallas County adult education centers have joined the SAU Tech list of programs and facilities.
SAU Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.