When he first came to Southern Arkansas University in the late 1950s, Lawrence Bearden had one goal: graduation. More than 50 year after successfully completing that first challenge, he continues to be part of the University’s life as the newest member of the SAU Board of Trustees.
Bearden was appointed to his new post earlier this month by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. He fills a vacancy left by the passing of Board Chairman Bill Stringfellow late last year. The appointment expires in January 2016.
An active member of the University community over the years, Bearden earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern State College (now SAU) in 1961. During his time as a student, he enjoyed participating in the basketball, baseball, and football intermural sports leagues. He was president of the Student Government Association during his senior year and was active in the Wesley Foundation where he met a young lady who would become his wife, the former Ann Oliver, also a 1961 SSC graduate.
More recently, Bearden has served four terms as a member of the Southern Arkansas University Foundation’s Board of Governors where he spent three years as chairman. He said his work with the Foundation board helped prepare him for his new post on the Board of Trustees.
“I thoroughly enjoyed that time [on the Foundation board], and thought this would let me be able to do even more for the University,” he said.
“Mr. Bearden is very dedicated to the mission of Southern Arkansas University,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “His work on the SAU Foundation Board has been a tremendous benefit to the University, and he has led the charge to develop an endowment for the band program which will result in the band hall being named in honor of Mr. Richard O. Oliver.”
Oliver was not only the University’s first band director, but he was also Bearden’s father-in-law.
Joining the Board at a time of presidential transition adds another level of excitement for Bearden.
“I’ve always had a high regard for Dr. Rankin, and I wish I could have served on the Board more with him as president,” Bearden said. “But I’m excited to reach new areas and new goals with the new administration.”
Outside his work with the University, Bearden has led a distinguished career. He served 28 years in the United States Armed Forces, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He spent more than 20 years as an oil field production foreman, and he continues to work as an independent oil distributor. He also spent 12 years as a member of the Smackover School District’s Board of Directors and six years as a member of the Arkansas Work Force Investment Board.
