Janell Reeves and Dr. Gerald Plumlee with students participating in the Experiential Learning Lab
The David F. Rankin College of Business has partnered with SAU on the Square to launch the Experiential Learning Laboratory, a hands-on program where students from every discipline can apply classroom knowledge, test ideas, and engage with the community. The lab is led by Janell Reeves, who assumed the role of Retail Manager and Education Coordinator in September 2025.
“SAU on the Square will reinforce SAU’s commitment to preparing students for their careers while also serving as a hub for creativity, innovation, and collaboration,” said Provost Dr. Robin Sronce.
Located at 113 North Jefferson, West Court Square in downtown Magnolia, SAU on the Square has been a premier outlet for Mulerider merchandise and rental space for events, showcasing student products and providing opportunities for student employment. The lab component introduces a partnership between students and the community, providing opportunities where participants earn college credit and build their resumes.
The Experiential Learning Laboratory kicked off in January and is already producing results. Senior business student Brenden Robnett of Benton, AR, has spent the first weeks of the Spring term interviewing several business owners on Magnolia’s town square about Blossom Festival foot traffic and will present his findings, titled “Strategies to Convert Festival Attendees into Retail Customers,” to the Magnolia Downtown Merchants during their spring meeting.
“This feels more like a job than a class,” Robnett said of the program’s structure. “I prefer getting out of the classroom and learning hands-on.”
Reeves has worked across disciplines and with community businesses to design projects that match students’ skills to current challenges so that more students like Robnett have the opportunity to acquire real-world experience. From piloting advertising technologies to conducting SEO audits and delivering professional workshops to local business owners, Reeves has developed 14 unique projects. With four projects currently underway, Reeves anticipates an impactful launch.
“The lab is about putting classroom knowledge to work on real projects that make a difference for students and the community,” Reeves said.
A former Director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and former small business owner herself, Reeves holds both her BBA and MBA from the Rankin College of Business at SAU.
To learn more about the David F. Rankin College of Business, please visit saumag.edu/business.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
