Educational Background

• B.B.A., Southern Arkansas University
• M.B.A., University of Arkansas at Little Rock

As the associate vice president for strategic initiatives, Sheryl provides project management and executes decisions to advance the mission and vision of SAU, such as overseeing the development of SAU’s 2025-2030 strategic plan. Sheryl works with higher education legislative liaisons and government officials to promote sound policy in the interest of the SAU System. Previously, Sheryl served in the Office of the President to fulfill the president’s vision and institutional goals and represent the institution on behalf of the president. Sheryl began her tenure at SAU in the Rankin College of Business, where she served as an instructor of finance and earned numerous awards.

Recently, SAU received a $2.75 million Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) Grant from the State of Arkansas to advance education and workforce development for the nascent lithium industry in Southwest Arkansas, and Sheryl assumed the role as Director for this strategic initiative. LiTHIUMLEARNS is driving talent pipeline preparation for industry partners through collaborations with regional 2-year institutions, K-12 school districts, workforce and economic developers by enhancing STEM education in K-12 school districts, growing concurrent career and technical education programs in regional high schools, and developing pathways to reskill and upskill workers. To learn more about LiTHIUMLEARNS, visit www.LiLEARNSLiWORKS.com.