Southern Arkansas University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bruno Hicks as its 13th president, effective June 17, 2024. Dr. Hicks brings to the role a wealth of experience in higher education administration, a commitment to academic excellence, and a vision for the future of SAU.
The SAU Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Hick’s appointment after a nationwide search. “On behalf of the SAU System Board of Trustees, we are excited to extend an offer to Dr. Bruno Hicks to join us as the next system president. Dr. Hicks has a successful background in higher education. He has dedicated the majority of his career to regional institutions similar in size to the SAU System, most recently in Dalton, Georgia. The knowledge Dr. Hicks gained on his family farm, which is still operational, further aligns him with SAU’s agricultural roots,” said Laura Ann Winning, SAU Board of Trustees chair. “The Board also thanks the presidential search committee, system faculty, staff, and administration, and the broader SAU community for participating in the process.”
With an extensive background in academia and leadership, Dr. Hicks is poised to lead SAU into its next chapter of growth and success. His dedication to student success, faculty development, and community engagement aligns perfectly with SAU’s mission to provide a transformative educational experience for all its students.
Dr. David Rankin, SAU president emeritus, remarked, “It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Hicks as the next president of SAU. I am confident he will provide excellent leadership to move the University forward. He has a wide range of experience that will be beneficial to the SAU system.”
Dr. Hicks is currently the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Dalton State College. Before joining DSC in 2020, Hicks was the founding dean of the School of Education from 2016-2020 at Fitchburg State University. For over 18 years, Hicks worked as a professor of education and environmental studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. He served as chair of the education department for 12 of those 18 years.
Hicks holds an Ed.D. in Science/STEM Education from the University of Maine, an MS in environmental education, experiential education, and field studies program development from Lesley College, and BS degrees in biology and environmental studies from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Hicks commented, “I am looking forward to joining the Southern Arkansas University community and working with faculty and staff as we continue to serve the University’s hard-working students and keep them headed for success.”
Dr. Trey Berry resigned this past December. During the interim period, Dr. David Rankin, SAU president emeritus, served SAU with dedication and effectiveness. Rankin’s contributions have been greatly appreciated.
Hicks shared, “Dr. Berry has done an excellent job, and I appreciate the Board’s confidence in me to take on this role. Linda and I are very excited about joining such a vibrant campus community and look forward to living in the Magnolia community.”
Under his leadership, SAU is excited to move forward with Dr. Hicks’ vision for the future of SAU, which is rooted in honoring the institution’s rich history while embracing new opportunities for growth and advancement. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Bruno Hicks to the SAU community.
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
