The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met in regular session on Thursday, June 26, at the SAU Tech Student Center in East Camden.
SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks opened his report by introducing two new academic leader appointments to the SAU campus community: Dr. Gerald Plumlee, who was named the new dean of the David F. Rankin College of Business, and Dr. Angela Stanford, who will serve as the new dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Dr. Hicks noted both bring extensive experience and fresh perspectives to their respective positions.
An update on university enrollment highlighted continued positive momentum across multiple student success initiatives. Dr. Hicks shared encouraging data from the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Arkansas that promises qualifying students either a full-time job in their field or admission to graduate or professional school within six months of graduation—and the SAU Difference program, which continues to enhance student engagement, support, and retention across campus. Both initiatives are credited with having a measurable impact on enrollment growth and student satisfaction.
The Board also heard about the wide variety of summer camps hosted on the SAU campus this year, which continue to provide not only enriching experiences for camp participants but also a positive economic impact on the campus and surrounding community.
Dr. Hicks shared recent study abroad opportunities for students in the Rankin College of Business. These students traveled to Italy and Switzerland while learning about international finance and culture. Another group of students visited Costa Rica, where the students engaged in sustainable business practices and explored cultural and ecological landmarks. These faculty-led trips fulfill the global experience requirement for the International Business program.
In athletics, the Muleriders have had a standout year. Dr. Hicks reported that SAU earned second place overall in the Great American Conference Commissioner’s Cup, a significant accomplishment reflecting strong performances across multiple sports. Numerous awards and honors were earned by student-athletes and coaches alike, continuing SAU’s tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics.
Dr. Hicks also updated the Board on the HIRED Grant, a workforce development initiative aimed at building employment pathways through hands-on learning and industry collaboration. The partnership with Standard Lithium was highlighted as a key development, offering new internship and training opportunities for SAU students in high-demand technical fields.
SAU Tech Chancellor, Dr. Jerry Thomas, welcomed everyone to the SAU Tech campus. Thomas provided updates highlighting the college’s continued focus on student achievement, workforce training, and campus improvements. During the May 2025 commencement, the campus awarded 80 associate degrees, 95 technical certificates, and 49 certificates of proficiency—including special recognition for Rocket High students and adult education graduates.
Dr. Thomas shared updates on SAU Tech’s expanding role in workforce training, including advanced robotic and radiation safety instruction through partnerships with major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and General Dynamics. SAU Tech remains the only institution in the state with a dedicated radiation lab, reflecting its growing role in defense industry training.
Additionally, the Verizon STEM Camp returned to campus with participants engaging in design thinking, 3D printing, robotics, coding, and virtual reality, inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. 
Cadets from the Arkansas Fire Training Academy, a cornerstone of SAU Tech’s public safety education, Jonathon Hawkins and Gregory Stricklin, shared personal stories about the academy’s impact on their lives, the rigorous and rewarding nature of the training, and the sense of purpose the program instills in those preparing for careers in fire and emergency services.
Dr. Hicks presented an overview of SAU’s newly developed Strategic Plan, The Mulerider Trail to 2030, which outlines the University’s vision for growth and innovation over the next five years—built around four key goals—enhancing student success, strengthening infrastructure, fostering campus engagement, and expanding community impact. Dr. Hicks emphasized that the plan, shaped by broad campus and community input, will serve as a roadmap to ensure SAU remains a premier destination for higher education in Arkansas and beyond
Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southern Arkansas University, and Dr. Valerie Wilson, vice chancellor for academic affairs at SAU Tech, presented proposed academic program changes for their respective campuses.
Roger Giles, vice president for administration and general counsel, presented proposed changes to the SAU Faculty Handbook, which were reviewed and approved by the Board. Giles, along with Michael Armstrong, vice chancellor for finance and administration at SAU Tech, also presented a resolution authorizing the sale of SAU Tech property, as well as a resolution approving system provisional and pool positions. Both resolutions were approved following discussion.
The Board entered executive session to review personnel items, which were subsequently approved upon return to open session.
Budget approvals were made for the 2025-26 year for both SAU and SAU Tech. Shawana Reed, SAU vice president for finance, provided an overview of SAU’s extensive budget planning process for the upcoming fiscal year. Reed noted that SAU mandatory tuition and fees will increase slightly, with a 2.4% increase in undergraduate and graduate tuition. The tuition for the doctoral program will increase for the first time since the program began in 2021. Doctoral tuition will be increased from $350 per credit hour to $400.
Michael Armstrong, vice chancellor for finance and administration, shared that SAU Tech’s tuition would increase by 2.61% with an additional two dollar per credit hour student fee.
Athletic certifications for both the SAU and SAU Tech campuses were presented to the Board and approved.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees will be September 4, 2025.
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.
