News

SAU To Honor Distinguished Alumni At Thursday Ceremony

Published

3 months ago

May 7, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – The Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. will honor nine outstanding SAU alumni during the organization’s annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Award recipients will be honored in four categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bob Garrett ’57. Dr. Diann Howell Gathright ’70 and Dan Veach ’69 will be recognized as the Distinguished Golden Alumni. Dr. Jessica M. Lawson ’06, The Honorable Ryan P. Phillips ’03, Saunak Ranjitkar ’04, and Erica Jackson Woods ’93 will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Kaci Matthews ’10 ’12 and Colton Mullins ’11 will be honored as Distinguished Young Alumni.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.saualumni.com/alumnidinner or by calling the Alumni Office at (870) 235-4079. Individual tickets are $30, and a table with eight seats can be purchased for $180.

Bob Garrett ’57 (Camden, AR)
Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob Garrett ’57 (Conway, AR) – Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob Garrett ’57 graduated from Southern State College (now SAU) with an associate’s degree in business administration. During his time at SSC, he played the trumpet in the Mulerider Marching Band, the concert band, and the orchestra. He was also a member of the first-ever Mulerider tennis team from 1951 to 1954, helping lead the team to the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) Championships in 1953 and 1954. In 1954, he represented Arkansas in a doubles competition at the national level in Texas. Garrett also served in the student senate and worked as the editor of the college newspaper, The Bray, where a misspelled name in an article led to his meeting his future wife—an encounter that began with an apology and ended with a date.

While in college, Garrett held a variety of jobs, including work at Imperial Shoe Store, driving a cab, and employment with the Highway Department, demonstrating a strong work ethic early in life. Before completing his degree, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1954 to 1956 as an Army Supply Auditor while stationed in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. After his military service, he returned to Arkansas and briefly taught band at Harmony Grove High School before completing his degree at SSC.

Garrett’s professional career spanned both education and industry. While at Harmony Grove, he started the school’s band program. He then transitioned to the private sector, working in various roles, including sales, bookkeeping, dispatching, and inventory control, with companies such as Continental Emsco Oil Supply in El Dorado, Texize Chemicals in Palestine, Texas, and Shanhouse Manufacturing in Magnolia.

In 1970, Garrett joined Firestone Manufacturing, where he would spend over a decade in industrial relations. He served as the industrial relations assistant in Magnolia and later as the employee relations manager in Prescott from 1970 to 1981. During his tenure, he was recognized by a company vice president for his outstanding work in contract negotiations with the local employee union. He continued his career in human resources and industrial relations with Tex-Ark-Joist Company in Hope, Johnson Controls in Texarkana, and Flowers Foods, where he served as the human resources manager until 1996.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Garrett made a lasting impact through his extensive community and volunteer service. A passionate advocate for tennis, he founded the community tennis tournament for the Hope Watermelon Festival in 1974 and co-founded the Magnolia chapter of the Optimist Club with Faye Smith. He volunteered as a tennis coach for Hope High School from 1974 to 1978 and later for Camden Fairview from 2007 to 2011. Over the years, he generously provided free tennis lessons to countless young people, fostering both athletic skills and personal development.

Garrett also served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Prescott, First Baptist Church in Hope, and Cullendale First Baptist Church in Camden for many years.

Throughout his life, Garrett has exemplified dedication, leadership, and a genuine desire to invest in others. His contributions to education, industry, and community life leave a lasting legacy across the many Arkansas communities he served.

Dr. Diann Howell Gathright ’70 (Mount Ida, AR)
Distinguished Golden Alumni Award

Dr. Diann Howell Gathright ’70 (Mount Ida, AR) – Distinguished Golden Alumni Award

Dr. Diann Howell Gathright ’70 graduated from SAU with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She worked in the business and education departments, gaining early experience in academic environments, and participated in two children’s theatre productions. She began building a lifelong commitment to education and service during her college years.

Beginning her career as an elementary teacher, then as a substitute teacher while raising her family, and later returning to the classroom, Dr. Gathright gained firsthand experience in every facet of education. Never satisfied with the status quo, she consistently sought better outcomes at every level she served—from the classroom to the administrative office.

Dr. Gathright continued her own education by earning advanced degrees, including a master’s degree and doctoral studies in educational administration. This pursuit of growth reflects her belief in finding and sharing a “better way,” whether mentoring school principals to strengthen their leadership, supporting teachers in refining their instructional practices, or leading the construction of new buildings while serving as superintendent of the Mena School District.

Throughout her career, Dr. Gathright played a pivotal role in advancing educator effectiveness across Arkansas. She conducted hundreds of professional development sessions for teachers and administrators, focusing on evaluation practices and leadership development. Her work helped shape instructional quality and administrative leadership statewide.

Dr. Gathright’s influence extended beyond schools into educational policy and program development. She contributed to legislative efforts at the local, district, and state levels, helping to initiate and improve programs that have strengthened classrooms and supported educators throughout Arkansas. She worked tirelessly to elevate Arkansas’s educational standing, always advocating for higher achievement and better opportunities for students.

Dr. Gathright demonstrated exceptional leadership within professional organizations. She served as president of the Arkansas ASCD and held a position on the International ASCD Board. In addition, she contributed to the Arkansas Two-Year College Association and was selected by the Rockefeller Foundation to serve as the leader of ScholAR, providing four years of training and support for teachers, administrators, and school board members.

Currently, Dr. Gathright continues her work in education as a part-time director of the UA Rich Mountain Community College Foundation in Mena. She also serves as an education consultant, focusing on improving instruction and leadership in Arkansas schools. She was named Outstanding Administrator by the North Central Accreditation Association in 2002, a distinction that reflects her dedication to high standards and leadership in education.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Gathright has remained active in her community. She is a dedicated member of Joplin United Methodist Church in Mount Ida, where she serves in numerous leadership roles, reflecting her commitment to service and faith-based initiatives.

Dr. Diann Gathright’s legacy is defined by her leadership, her tireless advocacy for educational improvement, and her enduring commitment to the students, educators, and communities of Arkansas.

Dan Veach ’69 (Little Rock, AR)
Distinguished Golden Alumni Award

Dan Veach ’69 (Little Rock, AR) – Distinguished Golden Alumni Award

Dan Veach ’69 graduated from Southern State College, now SAU, with a BSE in social studies. He ran track under Coach Rip Powell, serving as tri-captain in 1968 and 1969. He was a three-time All-AIC and All-American athlete. After his SAU education, he earned a master’s degree in secondary administration from Auburn University in 1975, an administrator’s certificate from the State Board of Education in 1982, and completed additional postgraduate studies at the University of Arkansas and the University of Colorado.

Veach became a teacher, administrator, and coach at the Emerson School District in 1969. He taught for eleven years and received the Jaycee Outstanding Young Educator award in 1972. He also initiated a program to challenge top high school students in American history and in Edwin Fenton’s inquiry approach to social studies, making it one of only two programs in the state of Arkansas. As a coach, he started the boys’ track and cross-country programs at Emerson in 1971. His teams won six state championships and were runners-up three times. During the eight years he served as the high school principal, Veach was responsible for the entire faculty participating in the Program for Effective Teaching. He led the high school through the state accreditation study and later through its initial North Central accreditation study. He was responsible for developing a school-wide evacuation program, ensuring that most teachers could drive a school bus in an emergency. He taught basic CPR to 70% of the elementary and secondary faculty. He started the ACT Help Programs, which helped students improve their ACT scores, and an academic awards program.

Veach returned to SAU as the men’s track coach and an instructor in the College of Education in 1988. As a coach, he revived the men’s track program and started the women’s track (1990) and cross country (1993) programs. The men’s 4×100-meter relay team won the national championship in 1992. He initiated and researched an athletic impact study at the University in 1992. He won five Conference championships in women’s track and was named AIC track coach of the year five times, coaching 28 All Americans in men’s and women’s track and field. Over the years, he recruited nearly 300 student-athletes to SAU and started the high school Rip Powell Rider Relays.

During his time in higher education, Veach helped set up the student-teaching curriculum and served on the ad hoc committee. He voluntarily substituted in area high schools and elementary schools while serving as a consultant and school coordinator for the SAU Youth Apprenticeship Program. He was promoted to Assistant Professor of Education in 1996. He has conducted a continuing study since 1990 in area schools to document students’ perceptions of good and poor teaching.

Veach retired after 39 years in education. He continues to work on the history of SAU track and cross-country and currently serves on the Board of the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame and on the SAU Sports Hall of Fame committee. Veach and his wife, Ann, have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Dr. Jessica M. Lawson ’06 (Little Rock, AR)
Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Jessica M. Lawson ’06 (Little Rock, AR) – Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Jessica Lawson ’06 graduated from SAU with her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. While attending Southern Arkansas University, Lawson was actively involved in campus leadership and service. Her student roles included President’s Ambassador, Resident Assistant, Community Advisor, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and President of the Black Student Association. She was also a member of the Heritage Singers and Chamber Singers and worked in the SAU Football Office.

Lawson, PharmD, is now a senior healthcare executive with 15 years of experience in pharmacy and managed care. She currently serves as the senior director of pharmacy markets at CareSource, where she leads pharmacy strategy and oversight for multiple states. Her work focuses on strengthening pharmacy policy and ensuring responsible access to medications for vulnerable populations. Lawson is a member of the Arkansas Pharmacist Association, the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.

In addition to her professional leadership, Dr. Lawson is passionate about literacy and education and regularly promotes the importance of reading and learning for all ages. She is the author of the children’s book, The Star That Lost Its Twinkle, a story designed to encourage curiosity, confidence, and interest in science among young readers.

Dr. Lawson credits Southern Arkansas University with helping to shape the leadership foundation that guided her career in healthcare and public service.

The Honorable Ryan P. Phillips ’03 (Magnolia, AR)
Distinguished Alumni Award

The Honorable Ryan P. Phillips ’03 (Magnolia, AR) – Distinguished Alumni Award

The Honorable Ryan Phillips ’03 received his BBA in management from SAU. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas. His educational background laid the foundation for a career marked by legal excellence and public service.

Judge Phillips is a respected jurist, attorney, and community leader dedicated to serving the people of South Arkansas with integrity and professionalism. He currently serves as the Circuit Court Judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit, Division 3, a position he has held since 2024.

Prior to his appointment to the circuit bench, Judge Phillips served as the District Court Judge for the 39th Judicial District of Arkansas from 2023 to 2024. His extensive legal career also includes over 15 years as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the 13th Judicial District, where he gained significant courtroom experience and a reputation for fairness and diligence. In addition to his prosecutorial work, he maintained a civil law practice with Crane, Phillips & Rainwater, PLLC in Magnolia, served as City Attorney for Stephens, AR, and as County Attorney for Lafayette County.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Phillips has demonstrated a strong commitment to community involvement and leadership. He resides in Magnolia with his wife, Katherine, and son, Bowen. Judge Phillips currently serves as a board member of the Mulerider Club and has been a longtime color commentator for Mulerider football and baseball on Magnolia Radio 99.1. His dedication to service also includes roles as a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Magnolia, President of the Columbia County Bar Association, and board member positions with the Magnolia Boys & Girls Club and Columbia County Senior Meal Services.

Through his professional accomplishments and community engagement, Judge Ryan Phillips exemplifies a steadfast commitment to justice, leadership, and the betterment of his community.

Saunak Ranjitkar ’04 (Atlanta, GA)
Distinguished Alumni Award

Saunak Ranjitkar ’04 (Atlanta, GA) – Distinguished Alumni Award

Saunak Ranjitkar ’04 graduated from SAU with a BS in computer science and mathematics. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, he demonstrated an early fascination with software development, winning a national software competition at just 16. Seeking advanced technical education and infrastructure, he moved to the United States to attend SAU in 2001, where he excelled academically.

As a student, Ranjitkar was heavily involved in campus activities and academic competitions, building an impressive record of collegiate achievements. He demonstrated exceptional leadership as the vice president of the SAU Computer Science and Mathematics Club and as a supplemental instructor. He also proudly represented the university as a College Delegate at the prestigious ACM International Collegiate Programming Contests in 2002 and 2003. His programming prowess brought further recognition to SAU in 2004 when he swept the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference, winning first place in both C++ and Java Programming. As a testament to his academic dedication, he was awarded a Departmental Scholarship for 2003-2004. He attributes much of his foundational growth and success to his time at SAU.

Ranjitkar’s professional journey was jumpstarted by his selection for the Cardinal Health Internship Program in 2003 while he was still a student at SAU. Following his graduation from SAU, he earned a master’s degree in computer science and built an impressive resume as an engineer and consultant at Fortune 500 companies, including Norfolk Southern and Verizon Wireless.

Today, Ranjitkar serves as the chief technology officer and chief operating officer at Spiralogics, Inc., a global software services firm where he focuses on maintaining high standards of technical excellence and launching impactful products in specialized domains such as healthcare compliance and AI. As an accomplished strategist, he is the inventor of the Spiralogics AI Model (SAM) – a generative AI engine and the Principal Architect of the cloud-based Spiralogics Application Architecture (SAA). Ranjitkar is the researcher and architect behind the algorithmic digitization of the traditional Nepal Samvat calendar, an achievement recognized by the Prime Minister of Nepal.

Beyond his corporate success, Ranjitkar is a dedicated community leader and advocate for youth education and technological empowerment. He actively champions STEAM initiatives like “Spirathon” and “Programming for Kids.” A frequent motivational speaker and FIRST robotics volunteer, Ranjitkar currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and twin daughters, where he enjoys robotics, tennis, cycling, and reading.

Erica Jackson Woods ’93 (Little Rock, AR)
Distinguished Alumni Award

Erica Jackson Woods ’93 (Little Rock, AR) – Distinguished Alumni Award

Erica Woods ’93 received her associate’s degree in nursing at SAU. During her time at SAU, she proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years (1988–1996), including during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, demonstrating resilience, discipline, and a steadfast dedication to her country. She is a dedicated leader, Army veteran, educator, and community advocate whose life’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, excellence, and empowerment.

She has been recognized as an inspiring speaker, delivering commencement addresses at Strong High School in 2011 and at Southern Arkansas University’s summer commencement in 2018. Her ability to motivate and connect with students highlights her passion for uplifting others and encouraging personal and professional growth.

Erica’s professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the Great 100 Nurses of Arkansas in 2019 and receiving the Educator of the Year Award from the Little Rock Black Nurses Association of Arkansas (LRBNAA) in 2025. Extending her impact beyond her profession, she co-authored The Success Recipe (2020), a book that inspires others to pursue excellence and remain steadfast in their journey toward success.

A committed leader within her alma mater, Wood served on the SAU Alumni Board from 2019 to 2020 and then on the Board of Trustees from 2020 to 2024, contributing to the institution’s growth and future direction. She also established the Erica Jackson Woods Nursing Endowment at SAU.

Wood is deeply engaged in community service, actively working with organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Hope Connectionz, and the Little Rock Black Nurses Association of Arkansas. Through these efforts, she provides support, healing, and education to diverse populations, ranging from junior high school students to older adults.

Through every role she undertakes, Erica Woods exemplifies servant leadership, leaving a lasting impact on individuals, institutions, and communities alike.

Kaci Matthews ’10 ’12 (Tuscany, Italy)
Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Kaci Matthews ’10 ’12 (Tuscany, Italy) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Kaci Matthews ’10 ’12 graduated from Southern Arkansas University with her BBA in accounting (cum laude) and MBA (summa cum laude). While at SAU, she was a student-athlete, playing four years of volleyball and competing in golf during her fifth year of eligibility. She was an active member of Phi Mu Fraternity, where she participated in campus and community service initiatives.

During her MBA program, Matthews completed an internship with KPMG in Shreveport, LA, gaining early experience in public accounting under the guidance and support of SAU faculty mentors.

After graduation, Matthews began her career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte in Houston, TX, where she worked on complex audits for major clients. Her work later took her to Rome, Italy, where she gained international professional experience working with U.S. subsidiaries operating abroad.

Matthews now lives in Tuscany, Italy. She works alongside her husband in the operation of Castello delle Serre, a boutique hospitality property welcoming guests from around the world. Since joining the business, she has applied her business background to strengthen operations and increase revenue, contributing to the property’s continued success and international reputation.

Matthews maintains strong ties with SAU through Castello delle Serre. She hosts Rankin College of Business students enrolled in international business courses and helps organize experiential learning opportunities during their visits to Italy. She connects students with a range of local and international companies to discuss the realities of operating businesses in Italy, while also introducing them to Italian culture and daily life.

Her career reflects a blend of academic excellence, international professional experience, and entrepreneurial leadership, while maintaining a strong connection to SAU and the global Mulerider community.

Colton Mullins ’11 (Texarkana, TX)
Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Colton Mullins ’11 (Texarkana, TX) – Distinguished Young Alumni Award

Colton Mullins ’11 graduated from SAU with his BS in chemistry. During his time as a student, he was actively involved in campus life, serving as an RA and participating in Lambda Alpha Beta, SGA, Phi Lambda Chi, and the Residence Hall Association.

Mullins is now an innovative educator and leader in STEM education, best known for building an award-winning robotics program at Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, TX. Under his leadership, students achieved a Texas State Championship in 2022, earned a bronze medal in 2023, and secured 11 World Championship qualifications within a five-year span.

Colton was recognized as Pleasant Grove High School’s Teacher of the Year for the 2021–2022 academic year, a testament to his dedication to student achievement and experiential learning. In 2022, he also became a founding member of the North East Texas Robotics Association, helping expand access to robotics education and collaboration opportunities across the region.

Beyond robotics, Mullins has guided student success in interdisciplinary areas, advising three Texas State finalist documentary film teams, two of which earned silver medals. His commitment to mentorship and educational excellence was further recognized when he was named a finalist for Mentor Teacher of the Year by the Texas Regional Science Collaborative in 2017.

A respected voice in STEM education, Colton has presented at several major conferences, including the Texas STEM Conference (2015), the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teachers (2014 and 2015), and the Texas Computer Education Association (2016), where he has shared best practices in technology integration and student engagement. Through his work, Colton continues to inspire students to innovate, collaborate, and excel in both academic and real-world problem-solving environments.

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Details Emerge On Strong Mayor’s Arrest

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – In a story first reported by South Arkansas Now earlier this week, Strong Mayor Daryell Howell has been arrested on federal felony charges alleging extortion and making false statements to FBI investigators.

According to a federal indictment filed July 21, Howell faces nine criminal counts stemming from alleged actions between January 2022 and June 2025. The charges include two counts of extortion, five counts of attempted extortion, and two counts of making false statements.

The indictment does not provide specific details about the alleged conduct underlying the charges. South Arkansas Now spoke with Charlie Robbins, the Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas. He said because the investigation was ongoing, he could not provide additional information following the indictment. When asked if other arrests were expected, again, he declined to answer.

Following his arrest Tuesday, Howell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Spencer Singleton in federal court in El Dorado, where he entered a plea of not guilty. According to the indictment, Howell allegedly attempted to obtain “property not due him and his office” from both a City of Strong employee and a contractor doing business with the city. Federal prosecutors allege the extortion involving the unnamed city employee occurred between January 28, 2022, and December 29, 2023. The indictment further alleges Howell extorted the unnamed contractor on March 28 and May 17, 2024, and attempted to extort the same contractor on multiple occasions in June, August, September, October, and December of 2024.

The indictment also accuses Howell of making false statements during an interview with an FBI special agent on June 26, 2025. According to prosecutors, Howell falsely stated that he “did not offer to prepare the personal tax returns of certain City of Strong workers,” despite allegedly knowing that statement was false. Prosecutors further allege Howell falsely told investigators that he “did not go to a La Quinta Inn hotel to collect cash from an occupant of a particular City of Strong position,” when he allegedly knew that statement was also untrue.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Howell are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The court released Howell on a $5,000 bond. His jury trial is currently scheduled to begin September 8.

News

Back-to-School Season Begins Across Union County as Students Return to the Classroom

Published

2 days ago

August 7, 2026

Sandy Sanford

El Dorado High School Principal, John Jameson, greets students and staff for the beginning of the 2026-2027 School Year

UNION COUNTY, AR – The familiar sights and sounds of yellow school buses, crowded drop-off lines, and students carrying brand new backpacks returned Thursday as the 2026-27 school year officially got underway for two of Union County’s five public school districts.

Students in the El Dorado School District and Strong-Huttig School District were the first in the county to head back to class, marking the unofficial end of summer vacation for thousands of area families.

The remaining districts will begin classes over the next week:

Junction City School District – Monday, August 10
Parkers Chapel School District – Wednesday, August 12
Smackover-Norphlet School District – Thursday, August 13

As classrooms fill once again, local law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that school traffic will increase dramatically over the coming days. Drivers are encouraged to leave a little earlier for work, remain patient during morning and afternoon commute times, and stay alert for children who may unexpectedly enter roadways.

School zones will once again be active, and motorists should pay close attention to reduced speed limits and crossing guards. Even a few miles per hour can make the difference in preventing a tragedy. El Dorado Police Chief Ricky Roberts said, “As in the years past, EPD Officers will be working school zones as children arrive and are let out of school each day. We ask that you slow down while traveling in and around school campus. If you are not dropping off picking up children, please avoid driving in the school zones during such times. Let’s have a safe school year for all.”

Perhaps the most important reminder is school bus safety. Under Arkansas law, drivers must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, allowing children to safely board or exit the bus. Violating this law carries significant penalties under Isaac’s Law, legislation enacted after the tragic death of an Arkansas student who was struck by a vehicle while exiting a school bus. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about bus stop safety, using crosswalks when available, avoiding distractions such as cell phones while walking, and remaining aware of their surroundings before and after school. Safety experts also recommend that families ensure schools have current emergency contact information before the school year gets fully underway.

For many students, Thursday represented more than just the first day of classes. It marked reunions with friends, new teachers, fresh opportunities, and the beginning of another chapter in their educational journey.

Whether it’s a kindergartner climbing aboard a school bus for the very first time or a senior preparing for graduation, this begins a school year filled with possibilities.

South Arkansas Now wishes all students, teachers, administrators, support staff, and families across Union County a safe, successful, and rewarding school year.

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Principal John Jameson Welcomes Students to EHS for 2026-27 School Year

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Jax Sanford

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STRONG MAYOR ARRESTED BY FBI

Published

4 days ago

August 4, 2026

Sandy Sanford

STRONG, AR – According to reports from inside the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Daryell Howell, the Mayor of Strong, Arkansas has been taken into custody by the FBI. No details are available from the Western District of Arkansas US Attorney’s Office as of this posting.

This is a developing story, as more details are made available, we will pass that information along.

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CAMDEN CHIEF OF POLICE RESIGNS

Published

5 days ago

August 4, 2026

Sandy Sanford

CAMDEN, AR — Camden Police Chief T.J. Robertson confirmed to local media on August 4, 2026, that he has officially submitted his resignation to the city. His final day leading the department will be September 11, 2026.

“I have turned in my resignation,” Robertson stated to the Camden News. Expressing confidence in the future of the force, he added, “They’re going to do fine without me. I just want this to go as smoothly as it can for them.”

A Look Back at Chief Robertson’s Tenure

Robertson took the helm of the Camden Police Department on January 31, 2025, following his appointment by Camden Mayor Charlotte Young. He succeeded outgoing Chief Royce Carpenter after a thorough search process. Robertson stepped into the role with 18 years of law enforcement experience, having previously served both the local police department and the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office.

During his 19 months in office, Chief Robertson focused heavily on community engagement, public safety initiatives, and youth outreach. Most notably, he developed a specialized youth program aimed at supporting and mentoring at-risk children within the Camden community.

Next Steps for Camden Leadership

The city of Camden has not yet announced an interim successor or detailed the upcoming timeline to appoint a permanent replacement. Mayor Charlotte Young’s office is expected to address the transition and outline the search parameters for the city’s next police chief in the coming days.

This is a developing local news story. Updates regarding the department’s transition plan will be provided as more details are officially released by City Hall.