“Education changes lives, and rural universities
like SAU make that possible for people who might
not have had the chance otherwise.”
— Dr. Robin Sronce
After serving as Interim Provost since June 2024, Dr. Robin Sronce was named Southern Arkansas University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs in January 2025.
Dr. Sronce grew up in a small farming community outside of St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by extended family. She received her BA from Drury University, majoring in business administration and sociology and minoring in economics. After marrying her husband Alan, she moved to Carbondale, Illinois, where she earned both her MBA and PhD in business administration from Southern Illinois University while working and raising their three children.
She has often reflected on how living near a rural university made her academic journey possible — an experience that deeply shaped her appreciation for institutions like SAU.
Dr. Sronce’s path to SAU was inspired by family. When her daughter moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Sronce began researching universities in the state while serving as dean of the business school at Drury University. When she visited SAU’s David F. Rankin College of Business, she immediately felt at home.
“Everyone was so welcoming at SAU,” she recalled. “I could see not only the beautiful campus but the dedication of the faculty and students. It seemed like a good fit for me, and turned out to be a perfect way to make a difference helping students.”
She accepted the position of dean of the Rankin College of Business in 2017. Under her leadership, the college implemented initiatives such as the SOAR Sustainability Conference, the Entrepreneur Pitch and Idea Competition, Backpack to Briefcase, the Leaders Conference, and RCB on the Road. The college also expanded its academic offerings, adding new undergraduate degrees and a graduate program in business analytics.
As provost, Dr. Sronce has collaborated with faculty and staff on several major projects, including securing the $2.7 million HIRED Grant, establishing a new Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning launching this fall, expanding international student travel opportunities, and strengthening faculty development initiatives.
Her focus remains centered on empowering colleagues and strengthening the campus community.
“We have so many talented colleagues. My goal is to help them find how they can be actively involved in their passions in ways that strengthen and support the SAU community,” she said. “I’m honored to fill this role and excited for the future.”
Dr. Sronce lives in Magnolia with her husband Alan. Together they enjoy traveling, baking, and spending time with their grandchildren.
