When the Muleriders stepped out onto Rip Powell Field, fans at Wilkins Stadium knew to keep their eyes on No. 24 – Melvin Smith Jr. A standout defensive back for the Muleriders, Smith built a reputation as one of the most consistent and feared defenders in the Great American Conference
Men’s Track & Field Isaac Gass competes in a long-distance event at the Dan Veach Invitational, showcasing endurance and focus against regional competition. Women’s Track & Field Diamond Brunn soars through the air during the long jump at the GAC Championships, where she earned All- GAC First Team
The 2025 Mulerider Softball team delivered one of the most top-tier seasons in program history, finishing with an impressive 43–10 overall record and a stellar 28–4 mark in Great American Conference (GAC) play. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jason Anderson, now entering his 11th year at the helm, Southern
The SAU Theatre department performed Cinderella in its final performance of the 2024-25 academic year. With 29 total performers, Cinderella featured one of the biggest casts in SAU history. “It was a really good experience for the students,” said Joann Kaar, assistant professor of theater and the director of Cinderella.
What began as a block of wood ended with a rock concert—complete with Southern Arkansas University President Dr. Bruno Hicks on lead guitar. It was the finale of a new Honors Program course, Electric Guitar Building, offered for the first time in the spring 2025 semester. Students in the course
From exciting traditions to spirited competitions, SAU is always alive with energy and community. Whether celebrating milestones, cheering on teams, or coming together for unforgettable events, Muleriders make every moment count. GRADUATION A new SAU alumn celebrates a milestone moment during one of the five Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies. If
“Graduate school is a place where aspirations are nurtured, careers are accelerated and dreams can become realities.”— Dr. Angela Stanford Southern Arkansas University proudly announced Dr. Angela Stanford as the new dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Dr. Stanford’s thoughtful leadership and commitment to graduate education make her the
“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
“The doctorate program at SAU has opened doors for 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
Academic Successes Southern Arkansas University student-athletes excelled both on and off the field in Fall 2024, achieving a department-wide GPA of 3.27—the highest in four semesters. A total of 279 student-athletes recorded a 3.0 or better, with 78 earning perfect 4.0s. Nearly every sport posted a 3.0+ GPA. Fall sports
