“I talk to a variety of stakeholders every single day, and it is just wonderful to be a resource to them and work with the extremely talented Advancement team.”
– Dr. Connie Wilson / Vice President for Advancement
After a comprehensive search process, Southern Arkansas University proudly announced the appointment of Dr. Connie Wilson as the University’s vice president for advancement. As of December 2, 2024, Dr. Wilson has worked with the entire division of Advancement, including Alumni, Development, and the Foundation.
No two days have been the same as Dr. Wilson has met with countless alumni, current students, and community members. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I absolutely love my new role,” Dr. Wilson gushed.
In her new role, Dr. Wilson leads the University’s advancement team in efforts to foster stronger relationships with alumni, friends, and community partners as well as develop innovative fundraising strategies to ensure SAU remains a vibrant and accessible institution for future generations of Muleriders. Her leadership is already playing a critical role in the University’s ongoing efforts to expand scholarships, support academic excellence, and create new student opportunities, paving the way for prospective students to become future alumni.
“Dr. Wilson is a true embodiment of the spirit of Southern Arkansas University,” said Dr. Bruno Hicks, President of Southern Arkansas University. “Her dedication and passion to SAU is unparalleled. Her extensive experience in education, leadership, and community engagement will be instrumental as we continue to grow and build a strong future for our students, faculty, and alumni.”
If the vice president for advancement’s job is to connect, Dr. Wilson’s experience makes her the perfect glue. Raised in Bossier City, Louisiana, Dr. Wilson has always called the Ark-La-Tex home. Her career in higher education began at SAU in 1999, when she was hired as the student success coordinator, working on special projects, recruitment reporting, and various areas pertaining to student success. Later, as assistant dean of students in student activities, she managed myriad programs related to student life, including Mulerider Roundup, co-curricular transcripts, student organizations, Leadership Academy, and more. When she became the first director of the Reynolds Center, Dr. Wilson established policies, procedures, and guidelines for opening and maintaining a brand new facility that continues to thrive today.
In 2006, Dr. Wilson returned to Bossier City to teach middle school English and later became the assistant principal at a local middle school. A decade later, Dr. Wilson returned to SAU as an associate professor and director of the Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision (EDAS) program. Dr. Wilson not only expanded the EDAS program and redesigned it to align with new standards, she also helped develop the EdD program.
Most recently, Dr. Wilson has served as dean for the School of Graduate Studies. Since 2022, she has coordinated SAU’s four colleges, offering professional development, streamlining processes, and assisting students and program directors.
Not only has Dr. Wilson served the University for decades, but she has received multiple awards for leadership and excellence, including the prestigious SAU Auburn P. Smith Service Award in 2020, the Spirit of SAU Award in 2018, and several faculty and community service honors. She has also been active in various organizations, including the Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education and Magnolia Arts.
“Dr. Wilson has hit the ground running, listening, and learning. She has a tremendous passion for SAU, and we are excited to see the University and Division of Advancement grow under her leadership,” said Jackson McCurdy, executive director of development.
Dr. Wilson looks forward to working collaboratively with teams and stakeholders, pouring back into the University that she says changed her life. “I’m here to support SAU alumni, to connect with them and be a resource,” Dr. Wilson stated. “We appreciate their support. What we do as an institution and the multiple ways that they support us is essential to our mission and vision. I’m grateful for all of them.”
Dr. Wilson graduated from SAU with a bachelor’s degree in English education in 1997 and a master’s degree in secondary education in 2001. In 2018, she earned her EdD in educational leadership from Louisiana Tech. When she isn’t connecting with stakeholders, Dr. Wilson loves traveling and spending time with her husband of 27 years and their two daughters, Sammie and Lauren.
