Farmers Bank and Trust proudly hosted NFL legend Emmitt Smith as the keynote speaker for the Distinguished Speaker Series at Southern Arkansas University on September 26. The W.T. Watson Athletic Center was elegantly transformed to host a sold-out crowd of SAU supporters and students eager to hear from the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. This year’s event raised more than $110,000 to benefit scholarships for future Muleriders.
Dr. Bruno Hicks, president of SAU, welcomed the community to the distinguished event. Hicks expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the generosity and support of SAU’s good friends at Farmers Bank and Trust. Hicks noted, “Farmers Bank and Trust has literally touched every facet of the SAU campus through its gifts and service to SAU. This particular event is just another remarkable example of how one organization can impact higher education in a meaningful way for generations.”
Elizabeth Burns Anderson, senior vice president of Farmers Bank & Trust, a fifth-generation banker and Magnolia native, expressed her delight in the growth of this Farmers Bank and Trust Distinguished Speakers Series over the years. She shared with the crowd that September 26 commemorated the 118th year anniversary of the bank. Anderson also highlighted her thankfulness for the long-standing partnership of SAU and Famers Bank and Trust.
Emmitt Smith, a first-round NFL draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1990, worked hard on the field for 15 years and became one of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history. Smith accumulated over 18,000 rushing yards during his illustrious career and scored 164 touchdowns. He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and was named Super Bowl MVP in 1993. He went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Beyond football, Smith became a successful entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. Another fun and adventurous accolade for Smith was winning season three of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
Smith engaged with the audience during a lively Q&A session hosted by Cara Knight, Farmers Bank and Trust content specialist. Smith highlighted, first and foremost, that he credits much of his success to the fundamental background of his parents. Smith stressed the importance of humility and being open to learning and growing. “There are always opportunities to learn and grow if you are humble enough and open to the possibilities of dealing with the word change. Your approach and attitude towards change will limit your ability to go further than you ever thought you could go, ” noted Smith.
With his warm and sincere comments, Smith shared, “In life, the ultimate goal is for everybody to have equal opportunity to become successful and have doors open so you don’t have to just go through the door by yourself. You leave the door open so others can follow. To me, that is leaving the true legacy.”
During his impactful address, Smith shared his journey from his beginnings in Pensacola, Florida, to a renowned career with the Dallas Cowboys. Overall, Smith emphasized the importance of perseverance, hard work, and adaptability.
