The Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. will honor nine outstanding SAU alumni during the organization’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Tickets may be purchased online at www.saualumni.com/alumnidinner or by calling the Alumni Office at (870) 235-4079. Individual tickets are $20, or a table with eight seats can be purchased for $160.
Award recipients will be honored in four categories, according to SAU Executive Director of Alumni Relations Haley Bell. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Leland Tollett; Dr. John Alexander and John Sinclair will be recognized as the Distinguished Golden Muleriders; Bill Anderson, Shanna Singleton-Deitsch, and Dr. Donika Kelly will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award; Darius Strickland, Ashley Talley, and Steven Wiley will be honored as Distinguished Young Alumni.
Leland Tollett ’58 (Fayetteville, AR) – Lifetime Achievement Award
Leland Tollett grew up in Nashville, AR, and attended Southern State College from 1954 – 1956, where he was a member of the agriculture club, serving as president in 1956.
Leland Tollett ’58 (Fayetteville, AR) – Lifetime Achievement Award
Leland then transferred to the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1958 with his bachelor’s degree. He graduated again in 1959 with his master’s degree.
Tollett began his career with Tyson Feed and Hatchery, Inc. in 1959 as director of research and nutrition. At the time, the company consisted of a small office, a hatchery, and a feed mill. Tollett, along with Don Tyson and Donald “Buddy” Wray, formed a leadership team that was responsible for the growth and development of Tyson Foods Inc. Tollett was general manager of the broiler division in 1965 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming CEO in 1991 and chairman of the board in 1995. During his 50-plus year association with Tyson, Tollett established key industry standards in research and nutrition; his leadership helped make Tyson Foods one of the world’s largest leading producers of chicken, beef, and pork.
Leland’s professional achievements include being a member of Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, Sigma Xi, and The Poultry Science Association. He’s also served on numerous boards, including The Arkansas Feed Manufacturing Association, where Leland served as president; The Arkansas Poultry Federation, where he served as festival chairman in 1989; the National Chicken Council, where he served as chairman from 1995-96; Worthen Banking Corporation, and J.B. Hunt Transport Company.
Leland has received countless honors and awards including Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1985 from SAU, Man of the Year 1989-90 for the Arkansas Poultry Federation, Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1991 from the University of Arkansas College of Agriculture and Home Economics, Honorary American FFA Degree in 1994 from the National FFA Organization, Distinguished Alumni Citation in 1996 from the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Alumni Association, Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2011, and Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2012.
Dr. John Alexander ’74 (Magnolia, AR) – Distinguished Golden Mulerider Award
Dr. John Alexander ’74 (Magnolia, AR) – Distinguished Golden Mulerider Award
Dr. John Alexander has had an incredible career in the medical field since graduating from SAU in 1974. Graduating from SAU with a degree in biology, Dr. Alexander went on to receive his Medical Degree in 1980 from UAMS in Little Rock. From 1980 – 1983, Dr. Alexander was in the Family Practice Residency Program in AHEC in Pine Bluff.
Dr. Alexander is currently board certified by American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Alexander practiced at the Family Practice Clinic for 35 years before joining the UAMS Residency Program from 2018 – 2022. Currently, Dr. Alexander practices at the Magnolia Regional Medical Center Family Medical Clinic and remains the current chairm of the Magnolia Regional Medical Center Board of Commissioners.
Dr. Alexander is a member of the American Academy of Family Medicine, Arkansas Medical Society, Past President of AAFP, and past National Delegate to Arkansas AAFD.
Dr. Alexander has spent countless hours volunteering throughout his career. He received an Eagle Scout Silver Beaver Award and served as Scout Master for Troop 32 in Magnolia. He is also active in his church at First United Methodist, serving on various committees, including chair of the member and bell committees. Dr. Alexander also serves as the elected board member from Columbia County for the Southwest Arkansas Water District.
Dr. Alexander enjoys traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and bike riding. He is married to Harriet J. Alexander, and they have three children. Dr. Erin Large, MD. David Alexander, CPA. Dr. Steven Alexander and six grandchildren, Finley, Alexandra, Mary Grace, Jackson, Anna, and Nolan.
John Sinclair ’71 (El Dorado, AR) – Distinguished Golden Mulerider Award
John Sinclair ’71 (El Dorado, AR) – Distinguished Golden Mulerider Award
Bill Anderson ’81 (Dallas, TX) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Bill Anderson ’81 (Dallas, TX) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Bill Anderson was born and raised in Magnolia, AR. His father was a local business owner who set up the business for Bill to take over one day after finishing school. However, Bill had larger aspirations of wanting more and taking nothing away from his father, who taught him hard work, integrity, and to never stop chasing his dreams. Bill knew his future was going to come from going to SAU. Bill attended SAU between 1977 and 1980. The business was still there for Bill to go back to, but instead, he decided to shoot for Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Bill got in and absolutely crushed engineering, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Fayetteville. He set his sights on Dallas, TX, after graduation and had an opportunity to start his own business in Civil Engineering. It’s funny how having his own business came full circle just in a different industry. In 1992, Bill and his partner opened the doors of Dowdey, Anderson & Associates, Inc. The business took off, and the company built quite a reputation for being one of the best civil engineering firms in DFW. The business also had clients all over the country. After almost 40 years, Bill and his partner decided it was time to sell the company, and in 2021, Dowdey, Anderson, and Associates was merged with Pape-Dawson, a civil engineering firm located in San Antonio, TX. Bill has been involved in both SAU and the University of Arkansas, as well as various civic and professional organizations. Bill was inducted into the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers in 2016.
Shanna Singleton-Deitsch ’18 (Eunice, NM) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Shanna Singleton-Deitsch ’18 (Eunice, NM) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Ms. Singleton-Deitsch received her MBA with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management in 2018. She is a heavily credentialed and experienced supply chain management professional. She currently works as a Consulting Buyer for Urenco, USA in Eunice, NM. She has also been heavily involved with the RCOB Business Advisory Council since 2021. In addition, she is currently working toward a doctoral degree in business from Aston University.
Dr. Donika Kelly ’01 (Iowa City, IA) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Donika Kelly ’01 (Iowa City, IA) – Distinguished Alumni Award
Donika Kelly is the author of The Renunciations, winner of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in poetry, and Bestiary, the winner of the 2015 Cave Canem Poetry Prize, a Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, and a Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Kelly’s poetry has been a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Publishing Triangle Awards, the Lambda Literary Awards, and longlisted for the National Book Award. A Cave Canem graduate fellow, she has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lannan Foundation Residency, and the Fine Arts Work Center. She earned an MFA from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in English from Vanderbilt University. Her poems have been published in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. Donika lives in Iowa City and is an associate professor in the English Department at the University of Iowa, where she teaches creative writing.
Darius Strickland ’14 ’16 (Atlanta, GA) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Darius Strickland ’14 ’16 (Atlanta, GA) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient Darius Strickland has excelled in his career since graduating from Southern Arkansas University in 2016, where he earned both his undergraduate (B.S. Human Performance, Recreation, and Community Service – Sports Management and graduate (M.S. Kinesiology) degrees. While at SAU, Darius served as the Assistant Director of Facilities & Game Operations for Mulerider Athletics until 2018. During his tenure, he significantly elevated facility management processes, and gameday operations driving efficiency, growth in attendance and overall engagement. Darius implemented innovative processes in facilities management across all sporting venues and collaborated with 16 athletic programs to streamline the scheduling of practices and competitions. He also worked closely with external stakeholders to host events at SAU’s athletic facilities and served on the University’s Staff Senate in 2018. In 2019, Darius joined the Georgia Tech Athletic Association, where he managed external events within athletic facilities, generating over $2.5 million in revenue through activities such as movie and commercial filming, special events, and high-profile ceremonies like inaugurations and graduations. He oversaw game operations for Women’s Basketball, Swimming & Diving, and Track & Field, while also providing critical support for Football and Men’s Basketball. Darius played a pivotal role in establishing partnerships with Atlanta Public Schools, Spelman College, and Georgia Cyber Academy, leading to the annual hosting of 37 graduation ceremonies at Bobby Dodd Stadium and McCamish Pavilion. Notably, he executed the event management plans for the inauguration of Mayor Andre Dickens at Bobby Dodd Stadium and facilitated the use of McCamish Pavilion as a polling site during the 2020 Presidential Election. In 2019, Darius founded Strickland Event Management, an event management company specializing in corporate, large-scale, and sporting events. His company provides end-to-end event logistics and operations services, as well as consulting during the planning phases of events. In May 2024, Darius accepted the role of Major Events Manager – Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In this capacity, he plans and manages all Atlanta Falcons home games and supports various other high-profile events. Mercedes Benz Stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, various college football games such as the SEC Championship, College Football Playoffs, Peach Bowl, and the Aflac Kickoff Game, professional soccer as well as concerts. Memberships: • Member of MOAA (Minorities Opportunities Athletic Association) and CEFMA (Collegiate Event and Facility Management Association) • Georgia Tech Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board Member (2020 – 2023) • Georgia Tech Athletics Student Engagement Board Member (2020 – 2023) • Member of the Sports Events & Tourism Association. Awards: • 2021 Georgia Tech Athletic Association Employee of the Month (May) • 2021 MOAA Rising Stars Program Cohort • 2021 Learfield EDGE Academy Cohort • 2018 SAU Staff Senate • 2017 MOAA/NCAA Division II Governance Academy Grant Recipient • 2014 SAU Dean’s List • 2009 – 2012 Division II Student-Athlete Darius’s achievements as a young professional reflect his dedication and leadership, making him a distinguished Mulerider alumnus. He is married to Dr. Desiree Strickland, an entrepreneur, Public Health Professional, and they are proud parents to their two-year-old daughter, Rylee, and dog Nyla.
Ashley Dixon Talley ’09 (Magnolia, AR) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Ashley Dixon Talley ’09 (Magnolia, AR) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Over 22 years in the salon and spa industry, Ashley Dixon Talley has built a distinguished career as a business owner, educator, and community leader. As the owner of Serenity Day Spa, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to her craft. She was named Business Person of the Year by the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce in 2016 and has received numerous accolades for her innovation and impact in the beauty industry.
Ashley served as an educator for Toni & Guy (2006-2016) and currently educates for Moroccanoil (2023-present). Serenity Day Spa is one of only two salons in Arkansas that earn the status of Moroccanoil VIP Salon. She holds certifications as a Skincare Clinician and Laser Technician. She has been recognized for excellence with the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Salon, Spa, and Tanning for five consecutive years. Her industry expertise also earned her the Mindbody Visionary Award in 2017 and 2018, along with features in Her magazine, including a 2018 feature and a 2024 cover story.
Beyond her professional success, Ashley is deeply committed to service. She holds a Certificate of Biblical Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2022) and is currently in phase two of the Association of Certified Biblical Counseling. An active member of First Baptist Church, Ashley serves on the missions committee, first impressions committee, as a youth leader, and as a Sunday school teacher. She also leads the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for Magnolia High School Softball.
Ashley is a founding member of the Robert K. Dixon Kind Heart Foundation and has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including:
- Abilities Unlimited Board Member (2021-2024)
- United Way Board Member (2017-2023)
- Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Board Member (2016-2019)
- Magnolia Junior Charity League President (2018) & Member (2011-2019)
Her commitment to giving back is further demonstrated through Cuts for Compassion, a Serenity Day Spa program offering free salon services to residents of the Compassion’s Foundation, and has also partnered with the Compassion’s Foundation, hosting Domestic Violence Awareness seminars for local salons.
While attending Southern Arkansas University, Ashley excelled academically and competitively, maintaining a 3.5-4.0 GPA while working full-time at Serenity Day Spa. She also competed in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) in Management Strategies, earning first place at Nationals.
Ashley’s dedication to her profession, faith, and community continues to make a lasting impact in Magnolia and beyond.
Steven Wiley ’08 ’16 (Saint Johns, FL) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Steven Wiley ’08 ’16 (Saint Johns, FL) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Steven was born on March 14, 1986, in Texarkana, TX, to Mark and Suzanne Wiley and spent his childhood in the city of Magnolia. He competed in high school tennis and played in the high school marching band, graduating from Magnolia High School in 2004. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Finance from SAU in 2008. During his time as a student, he also became an active member of Students in Free Enterprise under Dr. James Clark. Steven met his wife, Marianne Wiley, while attending SAU; the couple married in 2007. She is a graduate of the SAU College of Education with an emphasis in Special Education and has been a highly effective instructor in three different school districts. Upon graduation from SAU, Steven joined a new post-college rotational training program at Edward Jones in Maryland Heights, MO, where he discovered a desire to work in the field of data and analytics. In 2009, he and his family returned to Magnolia, AR, where he would begin coursework toward a Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree. In 2010, he began a virtual internship through the SAU College of Business with Murphy USA (El Dorado, AR) and quickly became the first intern to receive an offer of full-time employment with the Murphy USA Support Center. In 2012, Steven was promoted to the role of Analyst in the Customer Experience department at Murphy USA, and in 2015, he shifted to the Application Support and Development division, where he became the primary technical liaison for ongoing Data Warehouse initiatives. In 2018, he took a position with Home Depot Pro (formerly Interline Brands, Inc.) of Jacksonville, FL, as a Software Engineer focused on Data Warehousing and Cloud migration efforts. While at Home Depot, he was promoted to Sr. Software Engineer for his leadership in various data integration projects, even receiving formal recognition for the successful implementation of many critical data feeds used by Home Depot’s Inventory Planning and Replenishment division. In 2022, he accepted a new role with Community Health Plan of Washington (Seattle, WA) as a Sr. Data Engineer and continues to work on critical data integration and Cloud migration projects today. Steven and Marianne have two children, Emma Grace, 16, and Noah Sullivan, 10, and the family resides in Saint Johns, FL. He has one brother, Thomas Wiley, a Certified Flight Instructor and Corporate Jet Pilot for Dillard’s Inc. of Little Rock. His parents reside part-time in Murfreesboro, AR, and part-time in St. Augustine, FL, splitting time between visiting their five grandchildren.
