Gov. Asa Hutchinson has announced the appointment of Monty Harrington of Magnolia to the Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University.
Harrington replaces W. Steve Keith on the board. His appointment expires Jan. 14, 2023. Keith served as chairman of the board.
Harrington graduated from Magnolia High School in 1989 and from SAU in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. His father, Jack, taught at SAU and served two terms on the Board of Trustees.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve my alma mater,” Harrington said. “SAU is rooted firmly in the community. I look forward to working with Dr. Trey Berry to keep SAU moving forward.”
“We are excited to have Monty’s vision and leadership on the Board of Trustees,” Berry said. “He will bring a wealth of experience to the table. He also has a deep love for SAU and Monty and Janet have deep roots in south Arkansas. We look forward to the years ahead and the work we will do together.” Berry is president of SAU.
Harrington has been with Farmers Bank & Trust since 2000 and graduated from the Barrett School of Banking in 2006 and from the Southwest School of Banking at SMU in 2009. He was promoted to Magnolia Market president last August. Harrington was named in Arkansas Business’s 40 Under 40 list for 2009.
A member of Central Baptist Church, Harrington is involved as the community facilitator for the Albemarle Community Advisory Panel and volunteers with numerous community organizations including the Magnolia Blossom Festival, the Magnolia Housing Authority, and Columbia Christian School.
He lives in Magnolia with his wife, Janet, and their two children.
