For more than 130 years, Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, "The Measure of a Life is its Service", echoes across SHSU's six colleges and beyond its Texas campus through student research, creative endeavors, service learning, volunteering and more. Named for Sam Houston, Texas' greatest hero, SHSU continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence that includes exceptional teaching from faculty members who care as much about their students' success as they do about furthering the knowledge of their fields. While embracing its legacy, SHSU also strives to meet the needs of contemporary students, both traditional and online. With over 20 bachelor's and graduate degrees available entirely online, and more in development each semester, SHSU Online is quickly becoming one of the best online universities in Texas.