Exciting advancements are happening in the Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. (SAUAA). Over the past year, the SAUAA Board of Directors collaborated with University leadership to develop and launch a new membership structure for the Alumni Association.
Why the change? One word: inclusivity. This new model provides free general membership for all SAU graduates and former students, with four additional enhanced levels for alumni and friends. This shift of direction away from membership dues towards an all-inclusive model will greatly broaden the scope
of alumni engagement efforts.
“This new structure allows us to better fulfill our mission: to strengthen the connection with our alumni and friends, while providing them with meaningful engagement opportunities and continuing to keep them connected with the University,” said Bobby Thompson, Chair of the SAUAA Board of Directors.
The Alumni Association has also named a new Director of Alumni Relations, Megan (Maye) McCurdy, who is a 2014 and 2017 graduate of SAU’s Rankin College of Business. McCurdy shared, “It is such an exciting time to be a Mulerider. I look forward to being more involved with our current students, visiting with Mulerider alumni both near and far, enhancing alumni experiences on campus, taking SAU on the road through upcoming alumni events and working with the Alumni Association Board as we roll out our brand new membership structure.”
Memberships will be effective January 1 through December 31, and are determined by the previous calendar year’s giving or lifetime giving to any area(s) of the University. Membership levels are updated annually in January, but new members receive membership benefits at time of gift.
“We have a commitment at SAU to empower our alumni and engage more and more people who love this institution. We hope the new initiatives we are implementing will lead us in that direction. The SAU Alumni Association has done incredible work,” said SAU President Dr. Trey Berry.
For more information, visit www.saualumni.com, email saualumni@saumag.edu or call the Office of Alumni Relations at (870) 235-4079.
