Angelo State University

Angelo State University Summary

Angelo State University is a university located in San Angelo, Texas. It is currently a member of the Texas State University System and, for athletics, the Lone Star Conference. Angelo State University features around 100 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate programs. The history of the university can be traced to 1928 when San Angelo College was established, following a municipal election held in 1926. Angelo State was created as Angelo State College in 1965 by an act of the 58th Session of the Texas Legislature in 1963. The name of the institution was changed to Angelo State University in May 1969. Angelo State University was designated as a member of the Texas State University System in 1975, along with Sam Houston State University, Southwest Texas State University, and Sul Ross State University, when the 64th Texas Legislature changed the name of the governing board to Board of Regents, Texas State University System. In September 1967, Dr. Lloyd Drexell Vincent became the second president of Angelo State College, succeeding Dr. Raymond M. Ryan was named Interim President by the Board of Regents, Texas State University System, on August 9, 1994. James Hindman became the third president of Angelo State University. The graduate school at Angelo State was authorized by the Board of Regents, State Senior Colleges, on May 15, 1970, and approved by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on October 19, 1970. The modernization and expansion of the Houston Harte University Center was completed during the summer of 1971, and a physical education complex was opened in the summer of 1972. The building houses the University’s nursing program, the Physics Department, and offices for the Dean of the College of Sciences and the Dean of the Graduate School. The 86,000 square foot (8,000 m²) Mathematics-Computer Science Building, completed in 1996, houses the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science as well as facilities to support the University’s mainframe computing services. In time to come when we shall speak of Angelo State University, Then let us raise our voices in praise of the truth we seek to set us free. In time to come when our ideals shall become reality, Then let us praise thee, alma mater, Angelo State University.

Summary content courtesy of Wikipedia.

Angelo State University History

Angelo State University was originally founded as San Angelo College in 1928 and was originally part of the city’s school system and only a two-year college. The first building on today’s campus was constructed in 1947. It was dubbed Angelo State College in 1965 through an act of the Texas Legislature and governorship was given to a Board of Regents. The first bachelor’s degrees were conferred in 1967. Designated as a member of the Texas State University system in 1975, Angelo State joined the likes of Sam Houston State and Southwest Texas State (now named simply Texas State University in San Marcos).

Angelo State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its mission statement says in part that it seeks “to provide students with a basis for making sound decisions and mature judgments which depend upon an understanding of the social, scientific, literary, artistic, political, and philosophical traditions of many cultures…” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

Angelo State University Academics

Angelo State offers 41 different academic programs and over 100 major fields of study. The three major colleges include Business & Professional Studies, Liberal & Fine Arts, and Sciences. In addition, ASU offers a variety of teacher certification programs, three-plus-two majors, endorsements, and supporting coursework. Pre-professional programs include chiropractic, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine, plus seven other fields. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1 and the student-to-computer ratio is 18:1.

Angelo State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 5 colleges and schools: the College of Business and Professional Programs, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, the College of Sciences, the School of Education, and the Graduate School.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as animal science, art, biology, business, English, history, interdisciplinary child development and learning, kinesiology, natural resource management, pre-professional programs, and education. The sciences and liberal arts are all represented. There are teacher certification programs in a number of areas, and minors are available in specialized fields in art and journalism.

Graduate programs are offered in approximately 20 fields in all colleges. These include master’s level programs in accounting, animal science, English, psychology, nursing, and education. Post-master’s certificate programs are offered in school superintendency and nursing, and other certificates are offered in various areas of education. There are no master’s programs in the fine arts, and only a few in the humanities and sciences.

Angelo State University Unique Programs

ASU offers a Bachelor of Science in Animal Business through the Department of Agriculture. The major is intended to prepare students for such professions as ranching or livestock management, or to work in any of a number of government fields. Journalism or Communication can be added as a minor or concentration to support career plans for broadcasting or agricultural journalism.

Students can take advantage of ASU’s partnership with Texas A&M by enrolling in the 3 + 2 Agricultural Education program. This program allows students to study for five years and earn a degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M and a degree in Animal Science from Angelo State University.

The Kinesiology major at Angelo State has a number of options for students. Those interested in going on to advanced study may choose to major in kinesiology only. There are also concentrations available in Athletic Training and Exercise Science for students who plan to enter the profession immediately upon graduating. Students are exposed to an intensive and challenging curriculum in anatomy and physiology.

Angelo State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. High school students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to be in the top 10 % of their graduating class, have a 1200 SAT or 27 ACT score, have completed a special application, and have participated in extracurricular activities. Students enrolled in the Honors Program follow a core curriculum track which helps satisfy the requirements for all majors.

The University also offers international education through summer and semester study abroad programs.

Angelo State University Financial Aid

Angelo State encourages all applicants to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible. ASU provides entrance and exit counseling for the Federal Stafford Loan, and support for a variety of federal aid options. The most prominent scholarship at the University is the Robert and Nona Car Scholarship, established by the couple that were friends of ASU. The scholarships are funded through the Carr’s assets within the oil and gas industry and other finances. The Carr fund also supports student research. ASU’s office of financial aid provides links to and assistance with the Department of Education, Texas State funding programs, and estimations of financial aid and expected contributions.

Tuition at Angelo State University was $1,768 per semester for the 2004-2005 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Additional fees for parking and a post-office box also apply. Room and board was approximately $2,445 per semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for some students, depending upon need. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. They will also need to fill out a university application and perhaps other forms, depending upon the kinds of aid for which they are applying.

Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. A separate application form is required.

Angelo State University Students

While San Angelo, Texas may seem disconnected geographically from its larger, more cosmopolitan counterparts, Angelo State ensures that students have more than enough to occupy their lives outside of class. There is a robust intramural program, a flourishing theater program that welcomes any and all students regardless of experience, and dozens of student organizations and clubs. The Greek community is small by some standards: three fraternities and two sororities. But the Greeks make up a significant portion of the campus and provide a good deal of charitable work and social welfare for the entire campus. There are a variety of residence options for students of varying levels, the most prominent of which are the High Rise dormitories. At ten stories tall, they are one of the first sights that any visitors to San Angelo glimpse on the horizon. The High Rise style dormitories, along with the centralized cafeteria, are an excellent system for freshman to meet and make new friends.

Student life at Angelo State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are honor societies, a choral group, fraternities and sororities, a black students’ organization, various groups related to particular areas of study, political groups, and other organizations. Students can take part in various intramural sports, including martial arts, volleyball, badminton, golf, and Ultimate Frisbee. There are multiple computer labs, and the library has a variety of electronic and print resources available. The University has a student life office and provides a number of various support services for students, including personal counseling, judicial services, and health services.

Angelo State University Traditions

Angelo State has a vibrant Homecoming tradition, with a week of fun activities for all students. Perhaps the most memorable is the Bonfire, which has been held on an empty, undeveloped lot just across campus. The Bonfire activities actually last the whole week, with students participating in the acquisition of Bonfire materials. The Greek community provides “security” each night by taking turns guarding the Bonfire from premature ignition by students of other schools, something that has occurred enough times to necessitate such guardianship. When it is lit, the Bonfire is perhaps the most brilliant sight for miles, given the flatness of San Angelo and its surrounding landscape.

Angelo State University Local Community

San Angelo may seem at first glance like an unattractive option for students who want a lot of activity in their lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of days are graced with pleasant weather. At the same time, students are exposed to just enough snow during the winter and just enough heat during the summer to help them appreciate the rest of the year. The town has a fun historic district with several restaurants, interesting shops, and the Cactus Hotel, a renovated old building with a jazz club at the top. Lake Nasworthy provides a good deal of recreation, as do the several parks surrounding it. Visitors may choose to take a dip, or simply hang out and barbecue or play volleyball. Many Angelo State students wile away their afternoons and weekends at the Lake with their friends. San Angelo recently constructed an impressive new art museum alongside its Concho River riverwalk, a nice facility for hikers, bikers, and skaters alike.

Angelo State University is located in San Angelo, Texas, which has a population of approximately 100,000. The surrounding West Texas environment is largely rural. Near-by attractions include fishing and boating, an annual rodeo, art galleries, the San Angelo Symphony, and the Fiesta Del Concho.