Sul Ross State University

Called "Possibly the most underrated little university west of the Mississippi" by CBS's Dan Rather, Sul Ross State University in West Texas boasts a combination of small class sizes, an appreciation of both fine arts and the sciences and popular professional programs in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Who Is Sul Ross? Where is Sul Ross?
The university's name honors Lawrence Sullivan "Sul" Ross, the son of a pioneer Waco, Texas, family and a popular soldier, governor, educator and humanitarian. Founded in 1917 as a teacher college, Sul Ross continues to offer teacher education as one of its most popular programs. Others in high demand are business, criminal justice and agricultural and natural resource sciences. Sul Ross achieved university status in 1969.

The university, comprising 647 acres in Alpine, Texas, boasts a beautiful 93-acre main campus of exquisitely-detailed buildings and enjoys perhaps the most temperate climate in the state. Its situation in the Davis Mountains overlooks the center of the city below, yet it remains within easy reach of many local stores and restaurants. The university also has a 468-acre working ranch that serves its animal science programs.

Rio Grande College
The university has three satellite campuses collectively known as Rio Grande College. Based on the Southwest Texas Junior College campuses in Del Rio, Uvalde, Eagle Pass, and Castroville, Rio Grande College offers junior, senior and graduate courses.

Sul Ross State University and Rio Grande College are part of The Texas State University System, the largest college system in the state after the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems.

A Small Size, But Plenty to Do
With an enrollment of about 2,000 students on the main campus in Alpine, class sizes are small, guaranteeing a much higher level of personal attention from instructors and the university's support staff. But there's plenty for students to do in their free time: lots of student clubs and organizations, a thriving arts community and a strong athletic tradition.

The SRSU men's basketball team won the conference championship five times in the past 20 years, including the 1999 American Southwest Conference championship. The women's basketball team has also won five conference championships and played in eight national playoffs, even making it to the Final Four.

Similarly, the Lobos football and baseball teams have won five conference titles each in the past 20 years, including American Southwest Conference championships in the late 1990s. The Lady Lobos volleyball team has won nine conference championships in all.

Rodeo is significant part of the Sul Ross program, and the university is the birthplace of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Many team members have gone on to become world champions, and 1951 graduate Harley May is a charter member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame.