Front row L to R: Albemarle engineers and graduates of SAU College of Science and Engineering Lance Colvin, Jonathan O’Grady, and Maddie Brown; Dr. Abdel Bachri, dean of the College of Science and, Engineering Back row L to R: Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president; Jackson McCurdy, SAU director of development; and Ellie Baker, Albemarle land relationship manager
To help bolster the future of engineering in South Arkansas, Albemarle Corp. has donated $20,000 to Southern Arkansas University’s Albemarle Endowed Professorship of Engineering.
The donation marks the latest effort Albemarle has made to help the University’s engineering program develop the future workforce. In 2014, Albemarle contributed $200,000 to establish the engineering program’s only endowed professorship— a faculty position funded by the endowment to support high-quality teaching, research, and mentorship for SAU engineering students. In 2019, Albemarle also committed $100,000 to fund an endowment for equipment, technology, and instruction. The company has offered internships, given plant tours, and sponsored faculty positions.
“Albemarle’s continued support is invaluable in helping us provide top-tier education and opportunities for our engineering students,” said Dr. Bruno Hicks, president of Southern Arkansas University. “Our mission is to help our students succeed, and we’re grateful that Albemarle plays such a big role in making that happen.”
Albemarle has operated in the Smackover Formation for 56 years; during this period, the company has employed a significant number of SAU students.
“SAU’s engineering program is first class, and it’s always been a point of pride when we can recruit those students to join our company,” said Albemarle’s Brian Kirtley, Magnolia plant manager.
Albemarle’s involvement with the University dates back more than 25 years. All told, the company has donated more than $850,000 to support facilities, programs, technology innovation and upgrades, athletics, faculty and staff, and most importantly, scholarships. “This contribution is a testament to the value of our relationship with Albemarle,” said Dr. Abdel Bachri, dean of SAU’s College of Science and Engineering. “The company’s continued engagement and support enhance every aspect of our program, from providing industry insights to equipping students with real-world experience. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and growth together.”
About SAU:
SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with a 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. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
