Southern Arkansas University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Southern Arkansas University (SAU), a public university located in Magnolia, Arkansas, has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds. Originally established as a two-year college, SAU transitioned into a four-year, degree-granting institution in 1949. Over the years, SAU has produced numerous accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni and their achievements.

Academic Excellence and University Growth

SAU has consistently strived for academic excellence and growth. The university recently received a generous grant of $1,189,647 from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) to support renovations to Talbot Hall. With this latest grant, ANCRC’s total investment in the SAU campus now exceeds $6 million, funding renovations that benefit students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

The university has also seen changes in leadership roles. Southern Arkansas University has named Jessica Greaves as the new executive director of the Southern Arkansas University Foundation. Greaves’ appointment reflects her strong background in higher education communications, marketing, and operational leadership, as well as her deep commitment to the Magnolia community and SAU’s mission. The Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association is proud to announce that Makenzi Hamilton has been named executive director of Alumni Relations. Hamilton brings over a decade of exemplary service and leadership to the role, having contributed significantly to student success through both academic and administrative positions across campus.

Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service

SAU has produced several alumni who have excelled in the field of politics and public service. These individuals have dedicated their careers to serving their communities and shaping public policy.

Tommy Tuberville

Tommy Tuberville enrolled in Southern Arkansas University In 1976 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in physical education. Before entering politics, Tuberville was the head football coach at Auburn University from 1999 to 2008. He was also the head football coach at the University of Mississippi from 1995 to 1998, Texas Tech University from 2010 to 2012, and the University of Cincinnati from 2013 to 2016. Thomas Hawley Tuberville is an American politician and retired college football coach who is the senior United States senator from Alabama, a seat he has held since 2021.

Read also: Space Weather & UCLA

Joyce Elliott

Joyce Ann Elliott is an American politician from the state of Arkansas. From 2009 to 2022, she was a member of the Arkansas Senate representing the 31st district, which consisted of portions of Little Rock and Pulaski County. She was previously a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, serving from 2001 to 2007. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Elliott's career reflects a deep commitment to public service and the betterment of her community.

David Fielding

David Fielding is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives representing District 5 from 2011 until 2023. His tenure in the Arkansas House of Representatives demonstrates his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents.

James Herbert Jones

James Herbert "Jimmie Red" Jones was the Arkansas State Auditor from 1956 to 1980 the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard from 1979 to 1981 and 1983 to 1984. Jones's career in public service is marked by his dedication to the state of Arkansas and his commitment to serving its citizens.

Maxie McFarland

Maxie McFarland graduated with Master of Education in psychology and counseling. Maxie L. Army's Training and Doctrine Command located at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Starting in June 2011, he worked as the Executive Vice President for Strategic Planning for the Sierra Nevada Corporation. Maxie McFarland died on 8 November 2013 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2014.

Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment

SAU has also produced alumni who have achieved success in the world of arts and entertainment. These individuals have used their talents to entertain and inspire audiences around the globe.

Read also: Affording SNHU

Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lee Lawrence is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised in Foreman, Arkansas, Lawrence began performing at age 15 and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1990 to begin his country music career. He signed to Atlantic Records Nashville in 1991 and made his debut late that year with the album Sticks and Stones. Lawrence has released numerous albums and has achieved widespread recognition in the country music industry.

Ozzie Smith

With humor, humility, and a touch of the extraordinary, Ozzie Smith, baseball’s legendary “Wizard of Oz,” captivated the crowd at Southern Arkansas University during the 20th Annual Farmers Bank & Trust Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday evening at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.

Notable Alumni in Athletics

SAU's athletic programs have also produced notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in professional sports. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability and dedication to their respective sports.

Jordan Babineaux

Jordan Jude Babineaux is a former American football safety. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2004 out of Southern Arkansas University. Babineaux's career in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and determination.

Tanner Hudson

Tanner Hudson is an American professional football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Southern Arkansas. Hudson's success in the NFL demonstrates his athletic ability and dedication to the sport.

Cedric Thornton

Cedric Thornton is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Arkansas Muleriders and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Thornton's career in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Nik Lewis

Nikolas Lewis is the receivers coach for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and he is a former professional Canadian football slotback who played for 15 years in the CFL. He is a two-time Grey Cup champion, winning in 2008 and 2014 with the Stampeders. In his first season, he won the CFL Rookie of the Year award, followed by five West Division All-Star and three CFL All-Star awards.

Kenneth Pettway

Kenneth Aaron Pettway is a former American gridiron football player. He played in the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) from 2005 to 2012. Pettway's career in professional football is a testament to his athletic ability and dedication to the sport.

Davarus Shores

Davarus Shores is a defensive back who is a free agent. He played college football at Southern Arkansas University and Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Skyler Stromsmoe

Skyler Emerson Stromsmoe is a Canadian former professional baseball utility player. Prior to beginning his professional career, he played college baseball at Longview Community College and Southern Arkansas University. Stromsmoe has also competed for the Canadian national baseball team.

Other Notable Alumni

Horace M. Wade

Horace Milton Wade was a former general in the United States Air Force and a former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

Rickey L. Jasper

Graduating as valedictorian from Parkdale High School, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Accounting from Southern Arkansas University, a Master of Business Administration in Management from Louisiana Tech University, and a Master of Science in Accounting from Strayer University. In recognition of his achievements, Jasper was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in October 2014.

Shelby Blair

Shelby Blair is a 2014 cum laude graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Since then, she has held the positions of staff accountant, controller, and senior vice president of finance and has served as chief financial officer since April 2023.

Tyler Brown

Tyler Brown, 33, of Lowell, AR, is currently the director of imaging at Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, AR. Brown is a 2008 graduate of Parkers Chapel High School and graduated cum laude from SAU in 2012.

Dr. Bob Martin

Dr. Bob Martin is a Shreveport, LA native who graduated from Calvary Baptist Academy in 1981 and attended SAU on an academic scholarship. After graduating from SAU, Bob attended medical school at LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. He completed his Internal Medicine residency in 1993 and Adult Cardiovascular Medicine fellowship in 1996 at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport.

Victoria Williams

Victoria is a dedicated mental health crisis counselor with over ten years of experience providing essential support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Williams was honored as Civilian of the Year in 2023 by the Brookhaven Police Department.

tags: #southern #arkansas #university #notable #alumni