This paper presents a two part analysis of social justice programs (SJPs) at state universities in the United States of America (USA). Two main questions are addressed: firstly, in Part I, "What might it take to develop a social justice program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)?" and secondly, in Part II, "Why do some universities have social justice programs and others do not?" In Part I, a preliminary analysis of hard and soft-data is conducted in an attempt to locate a case study comparison with UTEP. This preliminary analysis revealed mixed results and suggests that the best comparative sample for case study with UTEP would be a university most alike in ideological position. Part II, presents a qualitative analysis of interviews obtained from twelve SJP representatives from seven state universities across the USA. The findings reveal numerous intertwined issues that are organized and discussed as common, salient, and unspoken themes. I argue that there is no one reason for the existence of a SJP at a state university, but this is a multi-factorial endeavor requiring all the "bits and pieces" to make it happen. The common, salient, and unspoken themes may also prove a helpful guide for a future SJP developer or coordinator. (Contains 25 footnotes and 3 tables.)