Southern Arkansas University
Overview
Southern Arkansas University seeks a visionary President with the professional background and the personal strengths to continue the growth and achievements of the University System in this era of change and opportunity in higher education.
The Southern Arkansas University System is comprised of two independent campuses: Southern Arkansas University, a regional comprehensive university, and SAU-Tech, a comprehensive two-year institution. The System President serves as chief operating officer of the Southern Arkansas University campus in Magnolia, and the SAU-Tech Chancellor reports to the President.
About SAU
Southern Arkansas University is a comprehensive regional public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas. Established in 1909, SAU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines including business, education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts.
With a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, SAU provides students with transformative educational experiences that prepare them for success in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
Dr. Bruno Hicks is currently the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Dalton State College. Before joining DSC in 2020, Hicks was the founding dean of the school of education from 2016-2020 at Fitchburg State University. For over 18 years, Hicks worked as a professor of education and environmental studies at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. He served as chair of the education department for 12 of those 18 years.
Hicks holds an Ed.D. in Science/STEM Education from the University of Maine, an MS in environmental education, experiential education, and field studies program development from Lesley College, and BS degrees in biology and environmental studies from the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
Dr. Phillip Wilson is currently the chancellor at University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain. He has served in the role of chancellor since 2011. Wilson has held multiple academic and administration positions at UARM since 1999. He worked as an instructor of computer systems and currently still serves as an instructor of business. From 2006-2011, Wilson was the vice president for student services. He held roles in computer services, tech prep, and career services during his time at UARM.
Wilson holds a doctorate in higher education and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. He received a BA in political science from Hendrix College. Wilson also completed a graduate finance certificate from Southern Methodist University and an AAS in general technology from UARM.
Position Description
- Doctoral degree from an accredited university
- Minimum of five years of experience in senior leadership within higher education, demonstrating a track record of innovation and excellence.
- Demonstrated record of teaching excellence and scholarly activity.
- Experience with accrediting agencies.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advocate for the vision and mission of SAU to various stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in raising funds, managing university finances, and enhancing institutional profiles.Proven ability to work effectively within the political landscape, advocating for the university’s interests.
- Strong commitment to academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the role of SAU in serving as a regional comprehensive university system.
- Provide visionary leadership and general management to SAU’s campuses.
- Promote academic excellence, scholarly activity, and innovation across all disciplines.
- Oversee responsible financial management, ensuring sustainable growth and resource allocation.
- Provide vision and leadership for University Advancement initiatives, including an upcoming comprehensive institutional advancement campaign.
- Strengthen international partnerships and collaborations, enhancing SAU’s global footprint.
- Forge and nurture bipartisan relationships with local, state, and national government leaders, advancing SAU’s agenda and securing support for its mission.
- Engage intentionally with the community, building partnerships that enrich the University and its surrounding region.
- Lead strategic planning initiatives, positioning SAU for future success.
- Lead efforts to recruit students, enhance the student experience, and promote student success.
- Provide direct supervision to the SAU-Tech Chancellor, physical plant, and intercollegiate athletics (SAU is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Great American Conference).
- Encourage data-informed, transparent decision-making processes across administrative and academic units.
- Be highly visible and approachable, fostering an environment of shared governance and open dialogue across all University stakeholders.
- A visionary and thoughtful leader with ambitious goals for SAU.
- Demonstrates personal integrity and promotes a culture of trust through shared governance, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
- A champion for academic freedom, community engagement, and student success.
- An excellent communicator who will be able to rally support and foster pride within and beyond the University community.
- Values the tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and cultures arising from a campus community that is multi-ethnic, international, and richly varied.
- Dedicated to fostering a sense of family and belonging, ensuring SAU remains a nurturing environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
- All SAU faculty and staff demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and diversity of the University community and excellence in interpersonal behaviors and effective collaboration with colleagues. Joining the SAU family requires a commitment to our culture of Continuous Quality Improvement
Application Process
Application packet must include the following:
- Detailed cover letter addressing the duties and qualifications
- Current curriculum vitae
- Complete contact information (names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers) of five references (These references will not be contacted without the applicant’s consent). Non-listed references may be contacted at the final stages of the search after consent is received from the candidate.
For best consideration, submit application materials to presidentialsearch@saumag.edu by April 1, 2024. The search continues until the position is filled. If there are any technical difficulties with submission call the SAU IT helpdesk at 870-235-4083.
All applications are public information under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Inquiries about the position may be made to:
Roger Giles, Vice President for Administration
(870)235-4008
rwgiles@saumag.edu
Effective December 31, Dr. Berry resigns as SAU president
Subsequent updates will be published here as they are made available to the public.
Search Committee
Monty Harrington
Chair of Search Committee
Dr. Donna Allen
Vice President for Student Affairs
Shawana Reed
Vice President for Finance
Dr. Jennifer Rowsam
Dean, Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts
Dr. Robin Sronce
Dean, Rankin College of Business
Dr. Abraham Tucker
SAU Faculty Senate President
Margarita Norment
SAU Staff Senate President
Dr. Mahbub Ahmed
Associate Professor, Chair of Engineering & Physics Department
Dr. Neelie Dobbins
Professor of Education, Chair of Teacher Education Department
Sarah Jennings
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services
Cledis Stuart
Associate Dean of Multiculturalism and Diversity
Steve Browning
Director of Athletics
Bailey Cole
Student Government Association President
Dr. Valerie Wilson
SAU Tech Vice Chancellor for Academics/CAO
Jennifer Pierce
Chair of Foundation Board
Ledly Jennings
Chair of Alumni Association Board
