MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University will come together to honor over 700 spring 2025 graduates during three undergraduate ceremonies on Friday, May 9, and two graduate ceremonies on Saturday, May 10. The ceremonies will be held in the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

Friday, May 9 – Undergraduate Ceremonies
8:00 a.m. – Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Grand Hall
10:00 a.m. – College of Science and Engineering
2:00 p.m. – College of Education and Human Performance
4:00 p.m. – Rankin College of Business of Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts

Saturday, May 10 – Graduate Ceremonies
9:00 a.m. – Rankin College of Business, College of Education and Human Performance, and Dempsey College of Liberal and Performing Arts
11:00 a.m. – College of Science and Engineering

Each ceremony should last approximately 60-90 minutes. There will be no guest limits or tickets required for guests to attend the commencement ceremonies. The commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on the SAU Facebook page for those who wish to attend virtually.

Advertisement

Commencement Address – Friday, May 9 at 10:00 a.m.
David Bethea graduated from SAU with a BS in Mathematics in 2001. Following the September 11 attacks, David felt a strong sense of duty to his country and believed his unique set of skills would be beneficial during a time of such turmoil and uncertainty. He enlisted as a commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force, where his initial assignment was as a Combat Weapons, and Tactics Analyst 2nd Lieutenant with the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron Currently an Air Force Reservist, David has served in the Air Force on active duty and in the Reserves for more than 20 years.

As a Combat Weapons and Tactics Analyst, David gathered data and worked alongside Joint Tactical Air Controllers to determine the optimal process and weapon choices for Close Air Support, especially during firefights where troops were in close contact with the enemy. As a mathematician, he played a key role analyzing the weapons used by his unit, many of which were powered by Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden site.

In 2006, David was selected for the Air Force’s Graduate Degree Program at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), earning his MS in Applied Mathematics in 2008. After graduation, he was reassigned as a Weapons, Tactics and Combat Analyst to the Air Force Wargaming Institute. During his time in active duty, David deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom on three separate deployments as a Weapons, Tactics and Combat Analyst.

Having seen first-hand how critical safe and reliable weapons are in combat, David transitioned from active duty to the Reserves and moved back to Arkansas to begin his career at Aerojet Rocketdyne. He is now the Senior Manager of Manufacturing Engineering for many of the nation’s strategic programs, including PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capabilities Missile Segment Enhancements), ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), GMLRS (Guide Multi-Launch Rocket System), and multiple upcoming Aerojet Rocketdyne Research and Development programs. David and his team improve manufacturing processes for these programs and ensure the company’s products are safely built to the highest quality standards and delivered on time.

Advertisement

Commencement Address – Friday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
Juanita I. Harris is an accomplished educator, Teacher of the Year, founder/CEO, published author, and devoted servant of the Most High God. Through her work, she inspires and shapes the hearts and minds of students, teachers, and the community.

A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, Juanita is the daughter of Virgina Harris and the late Willie Harris. With over a decade of experience in education, she holds a BSE in Early Childhood Education (2010) and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (2013), both from SAU. As the founder of Teachers Support Teachers, Juanita champions educators by providing resources and recognition through an annual gala, alongside a remarkable board and team of ambassadors.

Juanita’s career has been marked by prestigious accolades, including the Early Career Award from Kappa Delta Pi (2013) and the Bessie B. Moore Economics Educator Award (2017). She was named Union Elementary Campus Teacher of the Year (2017) and Texarkana Arkansas School District Teacher of the Year (2018), which led to her selection as one of 14 regional finalists for the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. She was honored at a special ceremony by Governor Asa Hutchinson and Education Commissioner Johnny Key. In November 2021, Juanita received the Civic Award from the Arkansas Education Association for her outstanding contributions to education and her advocacy for staff and students. In 2024, Juanita was recognized by the National Education Association with the Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence.

Beyond the classroom, Juanita has made a lasting impact in various capacities. She served as a Senior Policy Fellow for Teach Plus Arkansas and tutors children within her district and the broader community. She is also a member of Christ Nations Church in Texarkana, Texas. In addition, Juanita continues to give back to SAU by serving as an Alumni Board member.

Advertisement

Commencement Address – Friday, May 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Lucas Melott is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Pecan Deluxe Candy Company in Dallas, Texas. His professional journey began at Merrill Lynch in 2000, where he served as a financial advisor and banker in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. After 10 years, he traded in his fancy suits for some boots and jeans to work in the world of food manufacturing. He spent the next decade as the CFO of Texas Meat Packers before joining Pecan Deluxe.

While growing up in Irving, Texas, and excelling as a five-sport athlete, it is fair to state Lucas never dreamed of wearing a Mulerider jersey. Thankfully, a random visit to SAU in Spring 1995 served as the precursor to an athletic scholarship offer and, ultimately, a historic ride as a member of the 1997 Gulf South Conference Championship football team. Lucas was also fortunate to be named as a First Team All-Conference cornerback for the Muleriders in 1997 and 1998.

Despite his original intent to pursue athletics, Lucas quickly figured out the academic landscape at SAU was just as competitive as its football field. It was at the David F. Rankin College of Business where Lucas forged friendships with both classmates and faculty that have lasted a lifetime. He graduated in 1999 with a BBA in Finance, then went on to earn his MBA at the University of Texas at Arlington. He often brags that graduate school was just a review course compared to his undergraduate education at SAU.

Today, Lucas lives in Prosper, Texas, with his wife, Jill. He can relive his youth through the various sports and activities of his five children: Campbell, Caiden, Lawson, Holt, and Channing. Whether it be subliminal messaging or an array of incentives, Lucas is doing his best to ensure his household has at least one second-generation Mulerider.

Advertisement

Commencement Address – Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Connie Wilson currently serves as the SAU Vice President for Advancement. Her dedication to higher education and deep commitment to the SAU community are inspired by her own experience as a student, which began in 1995. She holds a BSE in English Education and an MEd in Secondary Education, both from SAU. She later earned an EdD in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University. Prior to her current role, Dr. Wilson served as Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Director of the Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision program at SAU. She was also a key member of the Ed.D. Leadership Team, which was instrumental in the development of SAU’s doctoral program.

Dr. Wilson’s professional career in education began in Louisiana, where she served as both an English teacher and assistant principal. Over the years, she has received numerous honors in recognition of her dedication to education and service. These include the Auburn P. Smith Service Award, Spirit of SAU Award, SAU Student Affairs Director’s Choice Award, Broadmoor Middle Laboratory School Teacher of the Year, Cope Middle School Teacher of the Year, Bossier Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year, the National Council of Teachers of English Leadership Development Award, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Sponsor of the Year.

Dr. Wilson has made meaningful contributions to the field of educational scholarship through her publications in the Science and Children Journal and READ: Reading, Exploration, and Discovery. She has also presented at local, state, and national conferences. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Wilson enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband of 27 years, Jason, and their two daughters, Sammie and Lauren.

Advertisement