The Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University is responsible for the educational mission and fiscal policies of the University. Together, trustees set the direction of the university, ensure Southern Arkansas University’s continued well-being and work to sustain its foundation of excellence.
The Board meets on a regular basis, receives reports presented by the president and vice presidents, listens to input from key stakeholders, and deliberates to determine the broad courses of action for the University. The Board has state authority and fiduciary responsibility to ensure that its actions promote the best interest of the University. Board members have responsibilities to adhere to the University’s code of ethics, which identifies situations creating conflict of interest, and to complete state-required financial disclosures.
Contact the Board of Trustees at board@saumag.edu or utilize the individual email addresses linked below.
Jason Sullivan
Monty Harrington
Vice Chair
monty.harrington@myfarmers.bank
![Joe Pieratt[59]_(2)](https://web.saumag.edu/administration/files/elementor/thumbs/Joe-Pieratt59_2-scaled-e1771449756631-rjcqx08wq4ozh1z9ye9i4kvh7e08kdcv7rz8pbxwuc.jpg "Joe Pieratt[59]_(2)")
Minutes Archive
- March 6, 2025 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds, Grand Hall B
- June 26, 2025 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: SAU Tech Student Center
- October 8, 2025 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- November 21, 2025 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds, Grand Hall
- September 4, 2025 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds, Grand Hall C
- February 1, 2024 – Agenda – Location: Zoom
- March 7, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds, Grand Hall
- April 8, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- May 17, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds 207, Presidential Conference Room
- May 20, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- June 10, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- June 27, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: SAU Tech Student Center
- September 5, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds, Grand Hall
- December 5, 2024 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- April 25, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- June 22, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Grand Hall
- September 7, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: SAU Tech
- November 7, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- November 15, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- December 7, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: SAU Alumni Center
- April 25, 2023 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- February 3, 2022 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- March 30, 2022 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Alumni Center
- May 31, 2022 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Zoom
- June 9, 2022 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Arkansas Fire Training Academy, Camden
- October 13, 2022 – Agenda – Minutes – Location: Reynolds Center
Recent News
- SAU Board of Trustees hears updates on student success initiatives, workforce development, and new academic programs
The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on the SAU–Magnolia campus in a regularly scheduled session. Trustees approved the previous meeting minutes and heard reports on academic programs, workforce development, and student success initiatives across the SAU System. Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, began the meeting by welcoming… Read More
- Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees to Meet March 5
The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees will meet in regular session at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, in the Donald W. Reynold Center, Grand Hall B, on the SAU-Magnolia campus. The agenda includes approval of the November 21, 2025, minutes; a student presentation from the College of Education and Human Performance; comments… Read More
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders appoints Joe Pieratt to SAU Board of Trustees
Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders has appointed Joe Pieratt to the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees, adding a respected leader and community advocate to the University’s governing body. His appointment reinforces SAU’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic growth as the University continues building momentum across Arkansas and the region. Pieratt replaces Nate Evers on… Read More
- SAU Board of Trustees elects 2026 officers and hears updates on enrollment, strategic initiatives, and campus developments
The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met in a regularly scheduled session on Friday, November 21, on the SAU–Magnolia campus. Trustees approved previous meeting minutes and conducted officer elections for 2026, naming Jason Sullivan as chair, Monty Harrington as vice-chair, and Gary Sewell as secretary. Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, provided an overview… Read More
