“The doctorate program at SAU has opened doorsfor me both professionally and personally.”Dr. Aaron Duvall
Southern Arkansas University marked a powerful new chapter in its academic legacy this spring by conferring its first ever doctoral degrees. During the first graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, eleven members of the inaugural Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) cohort in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership crossed the stage. Their achievement officially established SAU as a doctoral-granting institution and affirmed its growing role in shaping the future of education in Arkansas and beyond.
The launch of the Ed.D. program in 2021 was a response to the state’s growing need for leaders who understand the complexities of rural education and the power of community- rooted leadership. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a fully online format with a cohort model that fosters collaboration and connection across backgrounds, disciplines, and geographic regions. Coursework emphasizes transformational leadership, research-informed practice, and a deep understanding of how to serve students in rural and underserved areas.
Completing a doctoral degree is a rigorous and deeply personal journey. For this first group of graduates, it also carried the responsibility of setting the tone for future cohorts and paving the way for what SAU’s advanced degrees can mean, not just for the University, but for the communities its alumni serve.
Among the historic first graduates is Dr. Aaron Duvall of Conway, Arkansas. As Career and Technical Education Director at Responsive Education Solutions, Dr. Duvall led career-focused programming across eight campuses and cultivated strong partnerships with industry and workforce leaders. His leadership has always been rooted in real-world application and strategic vision, which made the Ed.D. program a natural fit for his next professional chapter.
In April 2025, shortly before graduation, Dr. Duvall accepted a new role as Executive Director of Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In this capacity, he now oversees a broad portfolio that includes workforce initiatives, career services, concurrent enrollment, study abroad, and extended education.
“The doctorate program at SAU has opened doors for me both professionally and personally. Professionally, the program’s rigor and its emphasis on rural and diverse issues in Arkansas challenged me to reconsider the educational challenges our state faces,” said Dr. Duvall. “Personally, the relationships I built with the SAU faculty have become lasting connections. The professors not only supported me throughout the doctoral journey but continue to serve as mentors today. I am deeply appreciative of the program and confident that it has significantly advanced my career in education.”
Dr. Duvall’s story reflects the spirit of the Ed.D. program—where academic growth is tightly connected to practical impact and a commitment to community. His path, along with those of his fellow graduates, exemplifies the leadership, resilience, and forward-thinking that SAU seeks to instill in its students at every level.
As the University looks toward the future, the success of this first doctoral cohort represents more than a milestone; it represents a promise fulfilled. A promise to grow, to lead, and to educate in ways that meet the moment while preparing for what comes next.
