On November 1, 2023, Dr. Trey Berry announced his resignation as president of Southern Arkansas University. SAU expresses deep gratitude for Dr. Berry’s dedicated time and service over the past eight years. Driven by a strong family legacy, his decision to return to Arkadelphia is rooted in personal considerations. SAU extends its heartfelt best wishes to the Berry family as they pursue their chosen path.
The SAU System Board of Trustees named Dr. David F. Rankin interim president of SAU, effective November 27, 2023. Dr. Rankin retired as president of SAU on June 30, 2015, and was named President Emeritus. He served SAU for 46 years, including 13 as president. He also served as the dean of the College of Business and professor of finance and economics.
Dr. Rankin’s extensive and substantial experience at SAU uniquely qualifies him to serve the campus and community while bringing a wealth of institutional knowledge, expertise, and leadership to this position.
The search committee, comprised of leaders from the SAU system and supporting boards, was named on February 8, 2024, and will play a pivotal role in the national search for the next president of SAU. The decision to form the presidential search committee underscores SAU’s commitment to ensuring a thorough and inclusive search process to identify a visionary leader capable of guiding the University into its next chapter of growth and success.
The search committee will solicit nominations, review applications, and conduct interviews with potential candidates. Input from various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members, will be sought throughout the process to ensure a comprehensive search is conducted.
As the search process progresses, updates and announcements will be shared with the SAU community and public to ensure transparency and inclusivity. The University encourages all stakeholders to stay engaged and participate in the search process by providing feedback and support.
Search Committee Members: 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. Valarie Wilson, SAU Tech Vice Chancellor for Academics/CAO | Jennifer Pearce, Chair of Foundation Board | Ledly Jennings, Chair of Alumni Association Board
