Sam Houston Licensing Contacts:

Strategic Marketing Affiliates
8900 Keystone Crossing
Suite 605
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 669-0808
Fax: (317) 669-0810
Email: questions@smaworks.com

David Paitson
Associate Athletic Director External Operations
Sam Houston State Athletics
(936) 294-3443
dpaitson@shsu.edu

About Strategic Marketing Affiliates:

Founded in 1997, Strategic Marketing Affiliates, Inc. is a full-service licensing agency that has quickly grown to become a leader in the collegiate marketplace. SMA currently represents over 140 universities, colleges, and athletic conference's nationwide. The Indianapolis (IN) based SMA team combines extensive marketing and licensing experience with a forward-thinking attitude in keeping its approach fresh, energetic, and, above all else, effective. For more information on SMA, visit: www.smaworks.com.

Officially Licensed Product:

The mission of Sam Houston State University's licensing program is to protect and promote the University brand and to ensure the public can properly identify and associate the University's name and logos with officially licensed products bearing the University's marks. All University trademarks are the property of the university.

The purpose of University's licensing program is to ensure that Sam Houston State University's brand identity is properly represented on products and services marketed to the both the University community and the public. The licensing program is responsible for determining if a product and/or design are consistent with the goals and image of University. The program also ensures the quality, content, production and distribution of products meets University's standards.

In order to produce products bearing the marks of University, manufacturers and vendors must be a licensee of University. For more information on becoming a Sam Houston State University Licensee or on the services SMA provides, including a copy of the application and license agreement, visit Strategic Marketing Affiliates at www.smaworks.com.

When purchasing Sam Houston State product, consumers should always look for the following characteristics to ensure the merchandise they purchase is officially licensed:    

• All officially licensed merchandise should display the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Product" hologram somewhere on the product or hang tag.
• The merchandise should depict Sam Houston State logos and marks in a tasteful manner, as the University does not approve distasteful designs.
• The tag on the garment should be intact. A torn or missing tag is evidence of a second-hand garment, one that probably would not meet the stringent quality standards in place at the University.
• All merchandise should bear the name of the manufacturer somewhere on the product, either in the form of a hang tag or neck label, or should be screen-printed directly on the garment.
• All merchandise should have the appropriate trademark designations (i.e. TM or ®) next to a specific name or design.

Retail Outlets: 

Licensed Sam Houston State merchandise is available at the following locations in Huntsville, and the surrounding areas:

• Academy Sports & Outdoor - four locations:
  • 1420 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe, TX 77304
  • 1360 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380
  • 7130 Eastex Frwy, Beaumont, TX 77708
  • 2351 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station, TX 77845
• Barefoot Athletics: 1928 Sam Houston Ave., Huntsville, TX 77340
• Bearkat Bookstore - three locations:
  • 1108 16^th Street, Huntsville, TX 77341
  • 2222 Avenue I, Huntsville, TX 77341
  • 2223 Avenue J, Huntsville, TX 77341
• Bed, Bath & Beyond: 2920 Interstate 45 North, Conroe, TX 77303
• Fincher Fabric Fantasies: 1102 B 11th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340  
• Finish Line: The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands TX 77380
• Inscriptions of the Heart: 1117 12th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340
• Kampus Korner Bookstore: 2220 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77340
• Lids - three locations:
  • 1111 League Rd SP162, Conroe, TX 77303
  • 1500 Harvey Rd 6020, College Station, TX 77840
  • 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr. SP2144, The Woodlands, TX 77380
• SHSU Athletics Team Store: http://www.bearkatgear.com/
• Sam Houston State B&N Bookstore: 1805 Avenue J, Huntsville, TX 77341
• Sports Fan-Attic: The Woodlands Mall, The Woodlands, TX 77380
• Walgreens: 1570 11^th Street, Huntsville, TX 77340
• Walmart: 141 Interstate 45 South, Huntsville, TX 77340  

Due to inventory levels, consumers should call ahead of time to make sure product is still available.

Online: www.BearkatGear.com

Bearkat Gear carries more than 1,400 products specific to Sam Houston State University where you can order online and have shipped directly to your home.

Internal Campus Suppliers:

Attached in the "Related Links" box at the top of this story is a list of current vendors that have been approved by the University to produce product. If you are currently using a company that is not on this list, please make them aware of this new policy so they can begin the licensing process.
All materials being produced by outside vendors for entities within the university, including but not limited to - campus departments, faculty, athletics teams, fraternities, sororities, campus organizations, and alumni relations - must first be approved through the licensing process before it can be produced for these entities. Whether the purpose of the merchandise is for sale or distribution by the university, the supplier must be a licensed vendor of the university.
Forms are provided in the "Related Links" box at the top of this page for campus employees to order licensed merchandise for their department.

Please contact David Paitson at 936-294-3443 in the SHSU athletic department with any questions about ordering licensed materials for the university.

Becoming a Licensed Vendor/Manufacturer:

The producing and/or selling of unlicensed material that bears the trademarked logos and marks of Sam Houston State University is a state and federal offense punishable by fine and confiscation of product. For more information about obtaining a license, please direct inquiries to Holly White of SMA at 317-669-0805 or at hwhite@smaworks.com. Applications to become a licensee may also be found in the "Related Links" box at the top of this story.