1,252
If anyone makes the mistake of dismissing Sul Ross State University as only a “cowboy college,” he or she is clearly unfamiliar with the school. Known for its rustic location in the Fort Davis Mountains and for its well-regarded School of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Sul Ross actually began as a teacher’s college and still has a popular teacher education program. Its criminal justice degree has also been attracting more students in recent years. And the university continues to broaden its outlook even more, adding a writing course and introductory art classes to the curriculum.
Approximately 2,000 students attend the university, whose 93-acre main campus is in Alpine. The school also maintains a 468-acre working ranch for students in the animal science programs. And Sul Ross has three satellite campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, which together make up Rio Grande College. Approximately 950 upper-level undergraduate and graduate students take classes in its business administration, education, and liberal arts departments, and RGC will add degree programs in chemistry in 2009 and computer science in 2010.
Nine athletic teams and numerous recreational programs keep Sul Ross students active and entertained. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association began at Sul Ross, and the rodeo club continues to attract new members. Alpine’s vibrant arts community hosts an annual gallery night and a student-run art gallery. On campus, the Museum of the Big Bend chronicles the history of the region with its permanent collection of artifacts. The region’s temperate climate makes outdoor activities a favorite pastime. Students also like to head to Railroad Blues for live music.