It is truly great to be back in the saddle here in Mulerider Country at Southern Arkansas University. I am pleased that I can be of help during this period as we are searching for our next president.
When Toni and I arrived in Magnolia in the fall of 1968, it was truly the start of an exciting and rewarding experience. Southern State College was located exactly where I wanted to be. At the time it was the land of oil wells and pine trees, and now I would add bromine and lithium. There was a family feeling to the campus just as there is today.
This University is such a place of opportunity for our students, and it has been a great place to raise a family. We tend to think that our children will grow up and move away but all three of my children are residents of Magnolia and all attended SAU.
In a recent survey of our alumni I was gratified to see the extremely high level of satisfaction and support for the University. All you have to do is come to Mulegate at one of the football games to see how many of our alumni come back for both athletics and fellowship. It is the most successful event of its type in all of the Great American Conference.
SAU has been successful in academics, athletics, and recognition in general. The dramatic expansion in infrastructure provides a modern and dynamic appeal to the whole campus community. If a student visits our campus, there is a great chance they will become a Mulerider. The President’s Ambassadors who give the tours, the faculty and staff who interact with our visitors, and the appearance of the campus are strong attractions.
The vibrant accredited programs in science and engineering, business, education, and liberal and performing arts offer quality degrees that make our students extremely marketable. The quality is here, and the opportunity is here. Students can also pursue a variety of master’s degree programs and even a doctorate in education.
I am proud of this University, and I know you are too.
David F. Rankin, Ph.D. President Emeritus
