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SAU Announces Commencement Details

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

Grant Merrill

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.