News & Events

Southern Arkansas University recently recognized 75 faculty members for their scholarly accomplishments. The event, titled the All-Star Scholars Celebration, was held to recognize the research and scholarship produced by faculty. “It was a wonderful event to acknowledge what our faculty are doing,” said Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for academic affairs at SAU.... Read More

Scott Loftin has been named director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at Southern Arkansas University. Loftin brings years of financial experience to the position, which he hopes to use to help aspiring and current business owners in the region. Loftin noted, “This position will allow me to help people in... Read More

For Briston and Carley Rains, running is more than a sport. It is a career, a calling, and a ministry. The two Southern Arkansas University graduates are the owners of Texas Outlaw Running, a company that hosts, markets, and operates running events across the country, with 70 races a year and growing. The idea started... Read More

The David F. Rankin College of Business has partnered with SAU on the Square to launch the Experiential Learning Laboratory, a hands-on program where students from every discipline can apply classroom knowledge, test ideas, and engage with the community. The lab is led by Janell Reeves, who assumed the role of Retail Manager and Education... Read More

At the annual Faculty Awards Presentation, Southern Arkansas University honored members of its faculty for outstanding contributions in teaching, research, service, and institutional spirit.  Excellence Awards After faculty and students submitted nominations, four faculty members received Excellence Awards in recognition of distinguished performance in their respective areas. Recipients were […]

Students from Southern Arkansas University’s Rankin College of Business returned home from the 2026 FBLA-Collegiate National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas with seven national awards and several additional accomplishments, continuing the University’s tradition of excellence in national business competitions. Fourteen SAU students, accompanied by faculty advisors Dr. Lindsay Givens and […]

Arkansas Business announced its 2025 New Influentials: 20 in Their Twenties class, which includes Southern Arkansas University graduate student and Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) business consultant Ben King of Little Rock, AR. “Ben exemplifies the Mulerider spirit,” said Janell Reeves, ASBTDC’s director. “He gets the job done with professionalism, […]

Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Plumlee has been named Dean of the Rankin College of Business. Dr. Plumlee has served as interim dean since June 2024 and now officially assumes the permanent role, following a period of impactful leadership and dedication to the College. Dr. Plumlee brings a strong background... Read More

A total of 11 members of the faculty and staff at Southern Arkansas University recently completed the Mulerider L.E.A.D. Program. L.E.A.D., short for Lead, Excel, Advance, and Develop, is a year-long professional development course that is designed to help promote leadership through a cohort model. SAU has used the program since the 2017-18 academic year.... Read More

Claudia Ray Major:  Marketing Class Year:  2025 Hometown:  Magnolia, AR Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University. I plan to explore various opportunities after graduating based on my interests and the skills I have been taught at SAU. How are your experiences in the Rankin College of Business... Read More

Annabel Minor Major:  Accounting Class Year:  2025 Hometown:  Benton, AR Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University. I will begin working as an Associate Auditor with the Arkansas Legislative Audit in Little Rock, Arkansas. How are your experiences in the Rankin College of Business preparing you for your... Read More

College students often have to wait until after graduation to learn what it’s like to work in their field. However, Dr. Esther Mead is bringing that valuable knowledge to the students in her class at Southern Arkansas University. Mead, an assistant professor of Information Systems in the Rankin College of Business and an adjunct instructor... Read More

Faculty Spotlight Dr. Lindsay Givens Title: Assistant Professor of Management Courses Taught: Undergraduate: GBUS 2013 Statistics & Analytics I GBUS 3183 Statistics & Analytics II MGMT 4102 International Studies & Field Experience Graduate: MGMT 6043 Business Analytics Please tell us a brief bio of your career – how long have you taught at the Rankin... Read More

Laura Elnaggar Major:  Wealth Management Class Year:  2025 Hometown:  Ville Platte, Louisiana Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University. After graduating with my bachelor’s in Wealth Management, I hope to take on a full-time position with my internship company, EisnerAmper, and pursue my MBA. How are your experiences... Read More

Ashlyn Broughton Major: Finance: Insurance & Risk Management Class Year:  2025 Hometown:  Warren, Arkansas Please tell us about your future plans once you graduate from Southern Arkansas University. After I graduate with my bachelor’s degree I plan to obtain my MBA while pursuing a career in the insurance industry. How are your experiences in the... Read More