Southern Arkansas University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Robin Sronce as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, effective June 2024.
Dr. Sronce will replace Dr. David Lanoue, who has accepted the position of provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Old Westbury in New York.
“I am extremely pleased that Dean Sronce will assist us during this transition period,” stated Dr. David Rankin, SAU president emeritus. “She has a wealth of experience in academic leadership and is the ideal selection for this important position.”
Dr. Robin Sronce
Dr. Sronce will bring a wealth of academic experience to her new role. She joined SAU as the dean of the David F. Rankin College of Business in 2017. Under her leadership, the RCB has spearheaded projects such as the SOAR Sustainability Conference, the Entrepreneur Pitch and Idea Competition, and initiatives like Backpack to Briefcase, Leaders Conference, and RCB on the Road, fostering invaluable connections between academia and the professional world. Furthermore, the college has added multiple new degree plans to fit the needs of today’s students, including undergraduate degrees in international business and healthcare administration and a new graduate program in business analytics.
Dr. Sronce received her doctor of philosophy degree in business administration in 2003 at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where she also earned her MBA in 1997. She received her BA at Drury, majoring in business administration and sociology and minoring in economics.
“I am honored to accept the appointment as interim provost,” Dr. Sronce remarked. “I look forward to collaborating with the SAU community as we continue to foster innovation, maintain academic standards, and promote student success. During this transition period, I am committed to building on our strong foundation, ensuring we continue to excel and adapt in a rapidly changing academic landscape.”
Her dedication to academia and diverse educational background equips her to lead excellently in fostering academic growth and innovation at Southern Arkansas University.
A national search for the permanent provost and vice president for academic affairs will begin once a new system president is hired.
Dr. Gerald Plumlee, the current associate dean of the Rankin College of Business, will become the interim dean of the Rankin College of Business following Dr. Sronce’s transition.
