Southern Arkansas University has hired Dr. David J. Lanoue to be provost and vice president of academic affairs, effective July 1, 2016.
Lanoue is coming to SAU from Hawai‘i Pacific University, where he has served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts since 2013.
“I am attracted to SAU because I believe in its mission to provide a high-quality, transformative education to all students, regardless of their circumstances,” said Lanoue. “I also appreciate SAU’s role as a full partner in the local and regional community, supporting economic development, providing cultural enrichment, and helping to provide the next generation of leaders for the region and state.”
Lanoue is an experienced higher education administrator having held a number of leadership roles at various universities since 1990. Prior to his current deanship, he served as the dean of the College of Letters and Sciences at Columbus State University in Georgia. He has held the position of chair at Political Science departments at the University of Alabama, at Texas Tech University, and at the University of California, Riverside.
He credits the ability to listen as the key determinant to a leader’s effectiveness.
“I believe the most successful leaders are, first and foremost, good listeners. They work to build a sense of trust and create a culture of collaboration, actively encouraging input from every stakeholder.”
While serving as an administrative leader, he has also risen up the ranks in teaching political science to the level of professor. He wrote From Camelot to the Teflon President: Economics and Presidential Popularity. Since 1960, published in 1988, and co-authored The Joint Press Conference: The History, Impact, and Prospects of Televised Presidential Debates in 1991. He has also written two book chapters, more than 30 refereed articles, and been a part of more than 30 conference papers and panel discussions. His knowledge and insight of the field of political science has been sought after by media outlets, and he has been quoted in many publications including The New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, U.S. News and World Report, Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and Washington Times.
Lanoue has served as president, as well as vice president and program chair, of the Southwestern Political Science Association. In 2009, he was inducted into the Anderson Society, a leadership honorary that recognizes students and faculty who have made significant contributions to the University of Alabama. He was named Graduate Student Association Political Science Professor of the Year at Texas Tech University in 1999-2000.
Lanoue has a Ph.D. in Political Science from State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he also earned a Master of Arts. He acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of California, San Diego.
He enjoys long hikes and short walks, depending on the time available. He said he is looking forward to being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of Arkansas, as much as the job allows. His wife of 33 years, Suzanne Lanoue, will be joining him in the move to Magnolia, and she wants to become an active member of the local and University communities.
Lanoue visited SAU on February 29, 2016, as a candidate for the provost position and visited with college deans, student leaders, vice president, faculty and staff. Dr. Ben Johnson, the Ragsdale Professor of Arkansas Studies, has served as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs since Dr. Trey Berry transitioned from that role to be president of the University on July 1, 2015.
