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SAU Trustees Talk Workforce Development, Academic Programs

Published

3 months ago

March 9, 2026

Grant Merrill

The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on the SAU–Magnolia campus in a regularly scheduled session.

Trustees approved the previous meeting minutes and heard reports on academic programs, workforce development, and student success initiatives across the SAU System.

Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president

Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, began the meeting by welcoming Joe Pieratt as a new member of the Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees and expressing appreciation for his willingness to serve the University.

Hicks provided an overview of recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives across the University, including the success of the first cohort of the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee program. Hicks noted that approximately 80% of the freshman class chose to participate during its first year. To build on its early success and strong student interest, the University plans to transition the initiative to an opt-out model beginning with the fall 2026 cohort and is also exploring transfer pathways so transfer students can benefit.

Hicks also discussed efforts to strengthen SAU’s systemwide pathway approach between SAU Tech and SAU, including expanded 2+2 and transfer partnerships aimed at creating clearer degree pathways.

SAU students and Rider Residents Kylie Pugh and Olivia Munn present to the Board of Trustees.

The Board heard from two students in SAU’s College of Education and Human Performance participating in the Rider Residency Program. Kylie Pugh and Olivia Munn shared reflections on their year-long residency experiences, highlighting the value of full-year classroom immersion, mentorship, and professional development. Pugh noted that being paid during the residency allowed her to focus fully on her students and her development as a teacher, while Munn said the experience provided hands-on preparation that helped her transition from observing in the classroom to leading instruction.

Dr. Jerry Thomas, SAU Tech chancellor, provided updates on recent achievements and momentum on the SAU Tech campus. Thomas reported that SAU Tech has received $20 million in federal funding to support construction and equipment for a Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Camden. The planned 50,000-square-foot facility will expand hands-on training capacity in high-demand areas. The project is expected to strengthen regional workforce pipelines and support employer needs tied to the Highland Industrial Park and the broader southwest Arkansas region.

Dr. Jerry Thomas, SAU Tech chancellor

Thomas discussed the college’s new EMS training facility, as well as recent community investment in Rocket Arena, including a floor sponsorship commitment from Farmers Bank & Trust. He also presented institutional performance data and marketing outreach reports demonstrating increased visibility, digital engagement, and community participation in recent campus events.

Dr. Robin Sronce, SAU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented several new academic programs and program modifications for approval. The Board approved a minor in dance, BS in integrated livestock management, a graduate certificate in project management, an MBA with an emphasis in rural healthcare administration, and several 4+1 degree programs. These academic changes will be presented for formal approval to the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

Dr. Connie Wilson, SAU vice president for advancement

Dr. Connie Wilson, SAU vice president for advancement, provided updates on fundraising efforts and alumni engagement. Wilson reported that 2025 was a record-breaking year for fundraising, with more than $8 million raised through combined efforts across development, alumni relations, grants, and foundation partners. She also shared updates on alumni programming and upcoming events, including scholarship and donor engagement activities scheduled this spring.

Roger Giles, SAU vice president for administration and general counsel, presented a resolution outlining state policy for reimbursement of expenses for Board of Trustees members. The resolution was approved.

Shawana Reed, SAU vice president for finance, and Michael Armstrong, SAU Tech vice chancellor for finance and administration, presented the 2023–2024 audit reports and year-end financial updates, which trustees accepted and approved. Reed also joined Jim Fowler of the Rose Law Firm to present a bond execution resolution related to the refinancing of the University’s privatized housing project, which trustees approved.

Following the executive session, the Board approved personnel changes and adjourned the meeting.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

17 hours 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

17 hours 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

17 hours 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

18 hours 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

18 hours 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.