Carey Baker

The agenda for this meeting includes a roll call, a student presentation from the College of Education and Human Performance, comments from the SAU President and SAU Tech Chancellor, discussion of SAU Academic Changes and Advancement Updates. Other key topics involve a resolution concerning the reimbursement of expenses for Board of Trustee Members, and the review of the 2023-2024 Legislative Audits for both SAU and SAU Tech, followed by an Executive Session.

The meeting agenda covered several key areas. The Teacher Education Department presented updates, highlighting the Rider Residency program's impact on student teachers. Updates from Southern Arkansas University focused on goals for a future-ready campus, new academic programs (project management, AI, workforce non-credit pathways), and experiential learning initiatives. Southern Arkansas University Tech reported progress on the Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence, including federal investment and facility plans, alongside improvements in graduation and transfer rates. Academic changes approved included a dance minor, a new bachelor's degree in Integrated Livestock Management, and various graduate certificate and emphasis options. Advancement updates detailed a significant endowed scholarship and a grant for Talbot Hall renovations, alongside record fundraising achievements. Financial matters included a bond execution resolution for refinancing privatized housing and a review of the 2023-2024 financial statements for both SAU and SAU Tech. An executive session was held to discuss personnel changes, which were subsequently approved.

The SAU System Board of Trustees meeting included student presentations from the Deep Sea College of Liberal and Performing Arts, highlighting a grant for theater production backgrounds and a guitar-making class. SAU President Dr. Hicks announced the university's ranking as the top small public college in Arkansas, accreditation for engineering programs, and the launch of the Banner system. The meeting also covered workforce training initiatives, including a partnership with Mitutoyo for a Metrology lab, and a fundraising event. Additionally, there were discussions regarding academic changes, foundation scholarships, professional development, and an executive session.

The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees convened to discuss several key initiatives and updates. Topics included the election of 2026 Board officers, university updates, LithiumLearns and STEM education initiatives, and a resolution of appreciation for Trustee Nate Evers. The SAU Tech Chancellor's Report was presented, along with academic program proposals, a faculty handbook update, and the SAU Tech Strategic Plan. Additionally, a naming resolution and foundation policy update were discussed and approved. The board also entered an executive session.

The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees meeting included discussions regarding a privatized housing agreement with the Alumni Association, which was used to finance Magnolia Hall, Arkansas Hall, and Columbia Hall through the Series 2015 and Series 2016 Bonds, facilitated by the City of Magnolia's Housing Facilities Board. The Board was requested to authorize the issuance of $23,775,000 for these bonds. Refinancing aims to honor commitments to the Alumni Association, reduce accounting and audit expenses, leverage the current stable interest rate environment, and provide the University with greater financial flexibility.