The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met in a regularly scheduled session on Thursday, September 4, in the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center on the SAU Magnolia campus.
Board chair, Nate Evers, opened the meeting with greetings and the approval of the minutes from the June 26 meeting.
Honors College students show off guitars they built in class.
Trustees and guests enjoyed a presentation from students in the SAU Honors College, representing the Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts. The students highlighted their work on the Electric Guitar Building course, a new Honors class developed by assistant professor of art and design, Nathan Lambert. Beginning with a simple block of wood, students designed and built their own electric guitars, blending creativity, woodworking, and music. The course culminated in a public exhibit and concert, where students shared their designs and performed alongside faculty and community members, including SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks, who joined in on guitar. The project demonstrated SAU’s commitment to experiential learning that combines hands-on skills with artistic and academic inquiry.
Taylor Burton, senior Game, Animation, and Simulation Design major from California, also shared her recent internship experiences, which involved creating three-dimensional backgrounds for the Magnolia Arts theatre productions.
Dr. Bruno Hicks with members of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, emphasized the importance of sustainable enrollments and long-term institutional growth. He highlighted strategies to attract new student populations, increase retention and graduation rates, and expand transfer pathways. Hicks also stressed the alignment of academic programs with student interests and Arkansas workforce needs, noting ongoing initiatives supported by grants and innovative projects.
Presenting the Strategic Plan goals, Hicks underscored SAU’s commitment to enhancing pathways for student success, fostering an engaged campus community, strengthening infrastructure for the future, and expanding the University’s impact through local and global partnerships. He also called attention to campus-wide discussions exploring what it means to be a 21st-century university, how best to promote social mobility for students and families, and the value of applied learning through internships, international experiences, and undergraduate research.
Dr. Jerry Thomas, chancellor of SAU Tech, reported on developments at the East Camden campus. He highlighted recent graduating classes for nursing programs in practical nursing, registered nursing, and the certified nursing assistant. Thomas shared fall highlights for move-in and fall kick-off events. An update on the HIRED grant was provided that included new labs for various workforce components and new partnerships. Lastly, Thomas shared the launch of the new SAU Tech website, which provides enhanced user experience for SAU Tech.
Dr. Jerry Thomas shares an update on SAU Tech.
Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented requested approval for a new Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Management. The degree program will prepare students for careers in areas such as law enforcement, fire safety, and other emergency service.
Connie Wilson, vice president for advancement, shared an advancement update. Wilson reported on fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement efforts, and the continued generosity of donors who support scholarships, faculty development, and facilities improvements. She underscored the importance of philanthropy in sustaining the University’s mission and helping students thrive.
Following these reports, the Board entered executive session. Upon reconvening, personnel actions were approved.
The meeting was then adjourned.
The next meeting of the SAU Board of Trustees is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the SAU Alumni Center.
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.
