The Southern Arkansas University presidential search committee is pleased to announce that after a thorough and rigorous search process, two candidates have emerged as finalists for the position of University president. The finalists, Dr. Bruno Hicks and Dr. Phillip Wilson, bring with them a wealth of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission and vision of SAU.
“The selection of finalists marks an important milestone in the search for SAU’s next president,” noted Monty Harrington, chair of the presidential search committee. “Their upcoming campus visits present a unique opportunity for these individuals to share their vision for the future of SAU.”
The finalists will engage with various stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, and community members during campus visits, which will include public forums and interviews. These opportunities will allow the SAU community to interact with the candidates and provide valuable feedback to the presidential search committee.
In the coming weeks, each candidate will take part in a comprehensive two-day visit that will include both the SAU Magnolia and SAU Tech campuses.
Detailed information regarding opportunities to meet the candidates while they are on campus will be posted soon on the presidential search webpage.
Dr. Bruno Hicks
Dr. Bruno Hicks
Dr. Bruno 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.
Dr. Phillip Wilson
Dr. Phillip Wilson
Dr. Phillip Wilson is currently the chancellor at University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain. He has served in the role of chancellor since 2011. Wilson has held multiple academic and administration positions at UARM since 1999. He worked as an instructor of computer systems and various business courses. From 2006-2011, Wilson was the vice president for student services. He held roles in computer services, tech prep, and career services during his time at UARM.
Wilson holds a doctorate in higher education and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. He received a BA in political science from Hendrix College. Wilson also completed a graduate finance certificate from Southern Methodist University and an AAS in general technology from UARM.
Additional details about the finalists, including application materials, are posted on the presidential search webpage.
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.
