Southern Arkansas University will come together to honor over 500 fall 2023 graduates during four commencement ceremonies on Friday, December 15, in the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
8:00 a.m. – Department of Nursing pinning ceremony, Grand Hall
9:00 a.m. – College of Education and Human Performance and Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts undergraduate ceremony
11:00 a.m. – Rankin College of Business and College of Science and Engineering undergraduate ceremony
2:00 p.m. – Rankin College of Business, College of Education and Human Performance, and Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts graduate ceremony
4:00 p.m. – College of Science and Engineering graduate students
SAU’s 2023 honor professor, Dr. Tim Schroeder, will deliver the fall 2023 undergraduate commencement addresses. Tim Schroeder earned his PhD in analytical chemistry in 1999 and began his career at SAU in 2000 as the Director of Institutional Research while also teaching chemistry lecture courses as an adjunct instructor. In 2003, Dr. Schroeder was hired as a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry where he currently serves as associate professor and department chair. At SAU, he has taught a variety of chemistry courses. Students strongly desire the instructional experience provided by his classroom. His ability to effectively teach analytical, organic, and other chemistry courses is well-respected by students, faculty, and area medical and industrial employers.
Dr. Schroeder’s campus impact is also evident in the science facilities at SAU. His work with the administration, architects, and contractors was critical in the construction of the Science Center and the Natural Resources Research Center (NRRC). He served as the first NRRC director from 2010-2012 and has continued to serve as Senior Analyst since 2012, working with the director to train undergraduate researchers on all aspects of instrumentation at the facility.
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Dr. Schroeder has served the campus community in many ways. He has been elected to the Faculty Senate for 12 years, including two terms as president. He has been the faculty advisor for the Chemistry Club for many years, organizing overnight trips and activities to help chemistry majors form lasting relationships. He has also delivered memorable moments for campus visitors through his fun and exciting chemistry demonstration shows.
In the words of a fellow chemistry colleague, “Dr. Schroeder has represented the best of the SAU faculty for decades, and he continues to have an active impact upon the academic structure and function of this campus.”
The commencement addresses for the graduate ceremonies will be delivered by Mr. DeMarcus Green. DeMarcus Green is from Stephens, Arkansas, and is currently the Human Resources Director at the Texarkana Arkansas School District. Mr. Green received his B.S.E. in early childhood education in 2008 and his M.Ed. in educational administration and supervision in 2011, both from Southern Arkansas University. He is currently working on his doctoral degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Throughout his time in education, Mr. Green has worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and SAU adjunct instructor. As an educator, he was selected as Teacher of the Year twice, and in 2017 he was inducted into the Southern Arkansas University Educational Leadership Hall of Fame. As an administrator, Mr. Green served as the principal of Kilpatrick Elementary School in Texarkana, Arkansas from 2012-2022. During that time, Kilpatrick Elementary was designated as Pearson’s National Model School for America’s Choice and was named School of Distinction for Magnet Schools in America in 2017. Mr. Green was also selected as the Magnet Schools of America Regional Principal of the Year in 2018.
Each ceremony should last approximately 60-90 minutes. There will be no guest limits or tickets required for guests to attend the commencement ceremonies. The commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the SAU Facebook page for those who wish to attend virtually.
