Find your fun at shsu

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EAT ’EM UP, ’KATS

A group of enthusiastic SHSU students cheer in the stands during an athletic game. They’re wearing SHSU-branded shirts while doing the “Eat ‘em up, ‘Kats!” hand motion—raising their right hands in a claw gesture.

Two students, both young women, in orange SHSU shirts and denim shorts laugh together at a tailgating event. One wears cowboy boots while the other wears sneakers. Behind them are white tents with university organization banners, including "Business Administration" and "Student Government Association.” In the background, other students browse through the tents.

Members of the SHSU marching band's tuba section walking onto the football field, wearing orange and black uniforms. One student, in the center of the frame, smiles brightly at the camera while holding her sousaphone tuba. The other tuba players are visible in the background, their instruments gleaming in the sunlight.

A group of enthusiastic SHSU students cheer in the stands during an athletic game. They’re wearing SHSU-branded shirts while doing the “Eat ‘em up, ‘Kats!” hand motion—raising their right hands in a claw gesture. — The Bearkat spirit shines everywhere, including game days.

Two students, both young women, in orange SHSU shirts and denim shorts laugh together at a tailgating event. One wears cowboy boots while the other wears sneakers. Behind them are white tents with university organization banners, including "Business Administration" and "Student Government Association.” In the background, other students browse through the tents. — Welcome to Bearkat Alley, our tailgate zone for every home football game. You bring the school spirit; we'll bring the swag.

Members of the SHSU marching band's tuba section walking onto the football field, wearing orange and black uniforms. One student, in the center of the frame, smiles brightly at the camera while holding her sousaphone tuba. The other tuba players are visible in the background, their instruments gleaming in the sunlight. — No need to be humble about your achievements or your school pride. At Sam Houston State University, you can blow your own horn.

On the field

A SHSU student wearing a cowboy hat, a button-up shirt, and jeans rides her horse inside the rodeo arena. The horse, dark brown with a white blaze on its face, is galloping, and the student looks forward intently. The red dirt floor, banners, and fencing are visible in the background.

On horseback

Four students pose together in Sam Houston State University’s bowling alley. They all wear black t-shirts with the text “Shark Bait Pin Destroyers” a bowling ball on them. Screens displaying bowling scores show above their heads.

In the lanes

A young man in black workout clothing and boxing gloves trains with a punching bag in a dimly lit gym. He stands in a fighting stance, ready to make his next punch. Exercise equipment and weight racks are visible in the background.

A young man wearing a gray shirt, black shorts, and climbing shoes scales an indoor rock-climbing wall. The wall is dotted with colorful hand- and footholds, secured with climbing ropes. The climber appears focused and mid-action, using their hands and feet to maintain grip on the vertical surface.

Birds-eye view of two students playing basketball on an indoor court with orange flooring. One student, a young woman, shoots the basketball while another student, a young man, runs beside her. Both are wearing black clothing and athletic shoes. Court markings and part of a basketball hoop are visible in the frame.

A young man in black workout clothing and boxing gloves trains with a punching bag in a dimly lit gym. He stands in a fighting stance, ready to make his next punch. Exercise equipment and weight racks are visible in the background. — With 175,000 square feet of fitness and athletics facilities, you can stay healthy in mind and body.

A young man wearing a gray shirt, black shorts, and climbing shoes scales an indoor rock-climbing wall. The wall is dotted with colorful hand- and footholds, secured with climbing ropes. The climber appears focused and mid-action, using their hands and feet to maintain grip on the vertical surface. — You can take your drive to excel anywhere here—including the rock climbing wall.

Birds-eye view of two students playing basketball on an indoor court with orange flooring. One student, a young woman, shoots the basketball while another student, a young man, runs beside her. Both are wearing black clothing and athletic shoes. Court markings and part of a basketball hoop are visible in the frame. — Find your friends and shoot some hoops.

At the rec center

Bearkats use their talents

Select a photo to learn about how these Bearkats use their talents outside the classroom.

A young man wearing a black shirt with lettering, tan zip-up hoodie, and eyeglasses smiles at the camera. Sun-dappled trees are visible in the background. — Marcus Gremillion Filmmaking

A young man, sitting in an orange-colored chair, smiles, looking up and away from the camera. The young man is brunette and wears a white shirt. — Jacob Kim Sports broadcasting

A young woman wearing traditional Mexican folkloric dance attire smiles at the camera. She wears a white lace shawl over a white blouse and black skirt with floral embroidery; her arms are raised shoulder-height, to better show her attire. She has a decorative red and white hair accessory with flowers and ribbons; she stands under a tree, shaded from the sun. — Jenise Davis Ballet FOLKLÓRICO

Making moves—and movies

Marcus’ passion for film transcends the classroom. With a $10K grant from SHSU, he can now direct his own movie.

Marcus Gremillion — Marcus Gremillion Film Studies Major

A group of young musicians rehearsing in an orchestra, photographed from an elevated angle. There are several string players, including multiple cellists and violinists, with their music stands and sheet music visible. The musicians are dressed casually for rehearsal. The lighting gives the scene a warm, golden tone. — Thanks to the College of Arts & Media, the art and culture scene at SHSU is thriving.

Learn a lot, play a lot

As a Mass Communications major, Jacob gets to help broadcast athletics games—learning and having fun at the same time.

With the Bearkats Sports Network, Jacob has learned many of the technical skills used in the real world.

A group of students in a media production studio, each operating their own professional video cameras mounted on tripods. The setting includes various production equipment, such as lights, monitors, and a short wooden stage. Some students smile and engage with the photographer’s camera, while others look down, focusing on their video cameras. — Bearkats get hands-on with industry-standard equipment and software, learning skills they'll use in their careers.

Reconnecting with her roots

A young woman wearing traditional Mexican folkloric dance attire smiles at the camera. She wears a white lace shawl over a white blouse and black skirt with floral embroidery; her arms are raised shoulder-height, to better show her attire. She has a decorative red and white hair accessory with flowers and ribbons; she stands under a tree, shaded from the sun. — Jenise Davis, a health sciences major, is also vice president of the Ballet Folklórico dancing organization.

Jenise Davis — Jenise Davis Health Sciences Major

A group of performers in traditional Mexican folkloric attire poses together outdoors. The women wear colorful, flowing dresses adorned with rainbow-patterned stripes and lace, while the man in the center wears a black charro suit with intricate embroidery and a large sombrero. The background features trees and festive decorations, making it feel celebratory. — There are 300+ wonderful clubs and organizations for Bearkats to join—truly something for everyone.

Over 300 student organizations

A Sam Houston student in an orange shirt stands behind an orange table outside on campus, showing a brochure to another student in a white tank top and shorts. There are many other students in the background looking for information from other tables.

Academic Honors Societies
Advocacy Organizations
Affinity & Community Groups
Book Clubs
Club & Recreational Sports
Entrepreneurship Club
Fraternities & Sororities
Food Pantry
Music & Performing Arts
Political Organizations
Religious & Spiritual Groups
Tabletop & Board Games

Campus traditions

Kick off your SHSU experience with our official welcome week

Bearkat kickoff: Welcome to campus

Graduating students receive their SHSU ring

Ring ceremony: An honored tradition

Bearkats gather to celebrate the season

Tree of light: Celebrate the holidays

Kick off your SHSU experience with our official welcome week

Bearkat kickoff: Welcome to campus

Graduating students receive their SHSU ring

Ring ceremony: An honored tradition

Bearkats gather to celebrate the season

Tree of light: Celebrate the holidays

Kick off your SHSU experience with our official welcome week—it's your time to explore, make friends, and find resources.

Inspired by our namesake, graduating students receive their SHSU ring, representing their forever Bearkat spirit.

SHSU's oldest tradition takes place in the Frank Parker Plaza, where Bearkats gather to celebrate the season.

Kick off your SHSU experience with our official welcome week—it's your time to explore, make friends, and find resources.

Inspired by our namesake, graduating students receive their SHSU ring, representing their forever Bearkat spirit.

SHSU's oldest tradition takes place in the Frank Parker Plaza, where Bearkats gather to celebrate the season.

Make yourself at home

Three students stand in line at a campus food counter; the student at the front is placing their order while the other two students wait their turn. On the wall is the restaurant’s menu; there are wire shelves with various potato chip bags available for sale.

A wide shot of the bustling Lowman Student Center filled with students walking, talking, eating, and sitting together. Sunlight spills in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, while SHSU orange provides accent coloring on the carpet and the chairs. It feels lively and busy.

We've got good food—from pizza to sushi, you will find a variety of eateries here.

Three students stand in line at a campus food counter; the student at the front is placing their order while the other two students wait their turn. On the wall is the restaurant’s menu; there are wire shelves with various potato chip bags available for sale. — We offer restaurants, quick bites, and dining hall meal plans to suit your needs.

A wide shot of the bustling Lowman Student Center filled with students walking, talking, eating, and sitting together. Sunlight spills in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, while SHSU orange provides accent coloring on the carpet and the chairs. It feels lively and busy. — The Lowman Student Center—the lively heart of our campus—is where you'll find plenty of food options and places to hang out.

Eat well

Three students walk down a wide staircase outside near one of the residence halls. The stairs have white handrails and are flanked by stone walls and decorative lampposts. One student, a young woman, is wearing a flowing pink skirt, denim button-up shirt, and white hijab; another young woman wears a shirt and shorts; the third, a young man, is in dark athleisure wear. Green trees line the top of the staircase, and a white building is visible on the right.

Live with friends

A young man wearing an orange SHSU shirt, baseball cap, and sunglasses carries a large cardboard moving box towards a residence hall; another man behind him also carries a cardboard box.

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