ASU's Houston Harte University Center Has Been Recognized By EDsmart

Angelo State University’s Houston Harte University Center has been designated one of the “51 Most Phenomenal College Student Union Centers in the U.S.” by EDsmart, an independent college planning resource and university ranking service, said a press release Friday.

Overall, ASU’s University Center is ranked No. 37 nationally, and ASU is the only Texas school to make the EDsmart rankings. Criteria for the rankings included architecture, interior and exterior appeal, facilities, student services, history, traditions, and contribution to student life.

According to a statement from EDsmart, "Student unions embody campus culture and a school's commitment to putting the student first. The student union can give prospective students a great first impression of a college or university. College students are being provided with some of the most awe-inspiring facilities, and this list amply illustrates that fact."

In addition to gaming tables and student lounge areas with large-screen TVs and computer game consoles, ASU’s University Center houses the Center for Student Involvement, a food court featuring products from the ASU Meat Market, the Multicultural Center, Veterans Education and Transitional Services (VETS) Center, Student Government Association, Career Development Office, ASU Bookstore, ASU post office, Concho Educators Federal Credit Union, ASU West Texas Collection, C.J. Davidson Conference Center and Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. A new full-service Starbucks outlet is set to open in April.

“The national recognition of the Houston Harte University Center is a reflection of Angelo State’s commitment to having state-of-the art, modern and student-centered facilities,” Dr. Javier Flores, ASU vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said. “The University Center is truly a place for students to interact and connect with other students, as well as faculty and staff, in a social and supportive environment. The students, faculty and staff are very proud of the University Center and the services it provides.”

The majority of the student centers on the top 51 list belong to Division I universities, including Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ohio State, University of Florida, University of Michigan, Purdue, Florida State, Columbia, Brigham Young, Oregon State, Boston University and Cornell.

According to the press release, EDsmart reviews publicly available data and then produces independent ranking assessments of various educational programs, as well as student guides and resources. The mission of EDsmart is to produce college rankings and resources in general that are useful to prospective and current higher education students.

A complete list of the rankings is available at www.edsmart.org/amazing-student-unions/.