The Meaning Behind the Motto
"The Measure of a Life Is Its Service" is the official motto of Sam Houston State University (SHSU), a public university located in Huntsville, Texas. This powerful statement encapsulates the university's core belief that the true value of a person's life is determined not by their material wealth or personal achievements, but by their contributions to the well-being of others and the broader community. It is a motto that has guided the institution's mission, programs, and campus culture for generations.
The motto reflects the legacy of Sam Houston himself, the university's namesake, who served as the president of the Republic of Texas, governor of the state of Texas, a United States senator, and a military hero. Houston's life was defined by his service to his country and his fellow citizens, making the motto a fitting tribute to his legacy and a guiding principle for the students who attend the university that bears his name.
For students, faculty, and alumni of SHSU, the motto is more than just words on a seal. It is a call to action that encourages every member of the university community to seek opportunities to serve, to give back, and to make a positive impact on the world around them. This commitment to service is woven into every aspect of university life, from academic programs and extracurricular activities to community partnerships and global outreach initiatives.
History of Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University was founded in 1879 as Sam Houston Normal Institute, one of the first teacher training institutions in the southwestern United States. The university's original mission was to prepare teachers for service in Texas public schools, and education has remained a cornerstone of the institution's identity throughout its history. Over the years, the university has grown and evolved, expanding its academic offerings to include a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across multiple colleges and schools.
The university is classified as a Texas State University System institution and has earned recognition as a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional University, reflecting the breadth and depth of its academic programs. SHSU enrolls over 21,000 students and offers more than 80 bachelor's degree programs, 50 master's degree programs, and 10 doctoral programs. The university's colleges include the College of Business Administration, the College of Criminal Justice, the College of Education, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering Technology, and the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication.
Throughout its history, SHSU has maintained a strong commitment to its founding mission of service. The university has been recognized by numerous organizations for its community engagement and service-learning programs, and it has earned the Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement Classification, a prestigious designation that recognizes institutions with outstanding commitment to community partnerships and public service.
Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Service-learning is a central component of the SHSU experience. The university integrates community service into its academic curriculum, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems while making meaningful contributions to their communities. Service-learning courses are available across all academic disciplines, from education and criminal justice to health sciences and business administration.
The Center for Community Engagement at SHSU serves as the hub for the university's service initiatives, coordinating volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and service-learning programs. The center connects students with local nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, and community groups that need volunteer support, creating mutually beneficial relationships that enrich both the students' educational experience and the well-being of the community.
Each year, SHSU students contribute thousands of hours of volunteer service to the Huntsville community and beyond. These service activities range from tutoring and mentoring local schoolchildren to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, organizing food drives for local food banks, providing free health screenings and educational workshops, and participating in environmental cleanup and conservation projects. The university's annual "Big Orange Give" campaign raises funds and awareness for community causes, while events like "Bearkat Service Day" mobilize hundreds of students, faculty, and staff for a day of intensive community service.
Academic Excellence and Notable Programs
While service is the cornerstone of SHSU's identity, the university is equally committed to academic excellence. Several of its programs have earned national recognition for their quality and innovation. The College of Criminal Justice, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the top criminal justice programs in the United States. The program has been consistently ranked among the best in the nation and has produced numerous leaders in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and legal studies.
The College of Education continues to honor the university's founding mission by preparing highly qualified teachers and educational leaders for Texas and beyond. The college's teacher preparation programs are known for their rigorous standards, extensive field experiences, and commitment to producing educators who are not only skilled in their subject areas but also deeply committed to serving their students and communities.
The College of Health Sciences offers a range of programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare, including nursing, athletic training, health education, and clinical health sciences. These programs emphasize hands-on clinical experience and community health outreach, aligning with the university's motto of service by preparing graduates who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the populations they serve.
SHSU's College of Business Administration has also earned recognition, with its programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide. The college offers programs in accounting, finance, management, marketing, and general business, preparing students for successful careers in the business world while instilling the values of ethical leadership and community responsibility.
Campus Life and Student Organizations
Campus life at SHSU is vibrant and diverse, offering students a wide range of opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships. The university has over 250 student organizations covering interests from academic and professional associations to cultural groups, recreational clubs, and community service organizations. These groups provide students with opportunities to explore their passions, develop their talents, and contribute to the campus community.
Greek life is an active and visible part of the SHSU campus, with numerous fraternities and sororities that emphasize scholarship, leadership, service, and brotherhood or sisterhood. Greek organizations at SHSU are known for their philanthropic efforts, collectively raising thousands of dollars for charitable causes and contributing thousands of hours of community service each year.
Athletics also play a significant role in campus life. SHSU's athletic teams, known as the Bearkats, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the United Athletic Conference. The university offers 16 varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Bearkat athletics are a source of pride and community for students, alumni, and the broader Huntsville community, and athletic events provide opportunities for social connection and school spirit.
The Lasting Impact of Service
The motto "The Measure of a Life Is Its Service" continues to resonate with SHSU students, alumni, and community members long after they leave the campus. Many SHSU graduates go on to careers in public service, education, healthcare, law enforcement, and nonprofit leadership, carrying with them the values of service and community engagement that were instilled during their time at the university.
Alumni networks and giving programs ensure that the spirit of service extends beyond graduation. SHSU alumni are active in their communities, volunteering their time and expertise, mentoring current students, and supporting the university through charitable contributions. The SHSU Alumni Association organizes events and activities that keep graduates connected to the university and to one another, fostering a lifelong commitment to the values of service and community.
In a world that often measures success by material achievement, Sam Houston State University's motto serves as a powerful reminder that the most meaningful measure of a life is the impact we have on others. Through its academic programs, community partnerships, and campus culture, SHSU continues to produce graduates who are not only well-educated and professionally prepared but also deeply committed to serving their communities and making the world a better place.
