Tanner's Super Win - Summer 2021
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Summer 2021
Tanner’s Super Win
Pages 6-7
Upcoming
SAU Firsts Events
Exceeding goals and setting precedents are important milestones during any year. This was
August 17
especially true at SAU during this past challenging year. While keeping our campus safe in
Blue & Gold Day
the midst of the pandemic, our university, faculty, staff, and students continued to achieve and
August 21
exceed expectations by setting many “SAU Firsts.”
Dr. Downing’s 90th Birthday Party
Within these pages, you will read wonderful success stories, including our pre-med students’
September 11
100% acceptance rate into medical school and our nursing students earning a 100% pass rate on SAU vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State
Univ., Home Football Game
their national exam (NCLEX) two years in a row. Additionally, 32 students have been admitted
into our inaugural doctoral program to pursue an Ed.D. in Rural and Diverse Educational September 16
SAU Giving Day
Leadership.
Thanks to the efforts of our Advancement team, and the unwavering support of Mulerider September 18
Family Day, SAU vs. Harding University,
alumni and friends, our university achieved another milestone during 2020. SAU recorded its Home Football Game
most successful annual fundraising year in its 112-year history, surpassing $6.46 million raised
September 30 - October 1
to support all areas of campus. Fall Break
Even though athletics and student activities competed in many unusual formats, several
October 8-9
students earned special individual honors and many of our teams had championship seasons. Love & Loyalty Campaign Celebration
It is not, however, that we achieved these firsts that was most important – it was that the
October 9
people of SAU continued to dream, innovate, and excel despite all of the challenges around us. Homecoming 2021
SAU vs. Southeastern Okla. State Univ.
That same spirit will continue to keep SAU healthy and vibrant in the years to come!
October 16
SAU vs. Arkansas Tech University,
Go Muleriders! Murphy USA Classic
October 30
SAU vs. Oklahoma Baptist University
Home Football Game
November 4-6
SAU Rodeo
Trey Berry
November 13
SAU vs. University of Arkansas at
Monticello, Home Football Game
November 16
Farmers Bank & Trust Distinguished
Speaker Series
December 2
Celebration of Lights
December 10
Fall Commencement
*Dates are subject to change, please see
SAU website for updated information.
Page 2
Contents Summer 2021 The Stater
The Stater
Summer 2021
The Stater is published twice a year by the University
Communications and Marketing office as a service to the
alumni and friends of Southern Arkansas University.
Submissions Please send any story ideas and/or
photographs to stater@saumag.edu.
University Communications
and Marketing
Phone: (870) 235-4028 Fax: (870) 235-5030
STAFF
Assoc. Dean/Executive Director of Communications
and Marketing Shelly Whaley
Asst. Director of Communications and Marketing
Jessica Williamson
Art Director Bryce Harman
Communications Assistant Dan Marsh
Administrative Specialist Derek Hall
Manager of Web Communications Josh Jenkins
Univ. Photographer/Videographer Matthew Wilkins
Social Media Coordinator Thomas Turner
Online Marketing Coordinator Wilson Impson
SAU BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Senior Celebration
Chair Mr. Monty Harrington
Vice-Chair Mr. Therral Story
Secretary Mrs. Erica Woods
Story on page 24 Member Mrs. Laura Winning
Member Mr. P. Nate Evers
Campus News SAU ADMINISTRATION
President Dr. Trey Berry
A Year of Firsts.......................................................................................... 4 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. David J. Lanoue
100% Medical School Acceptance Rate.................................................. 5 Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Donna Allen
Vice President for Administration and General
Cover Story: Tanner Hudson.................................................................. 6-7 Counsel Roger Giles
Vice President for Finance Shawana Reed
Graduate Studies: A Growing Need....................................................... 8-9 Vice President for Advancement Josh Kee
College of Education: A Growing Program............................................... 9 Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Services
Sarah Jennings
Around Campus Photos..................................................................... 10-11 Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and
Strategic Planning Dr. Jennifer Rowsam
College News Briefs........................................................................... 12-13
Blaise Northern’s Battle........................................................................... 14 NUMBERS TO KNOW
Admissions ............................................. (870) 235-4040
Advancement ......................................... (870) 235-4078
Athletic News
Communications and Marketing.............. (870) 235-4028
Financial Aid ........................................... (870) 235-4023
Switchboard............................................. (870) 235-4000
Running Toward A Challenge.................................................................. 15
A Night Under the Stars for Mulerider Athletics.................................16-17
Three Championship Teams.................................................................... 17
Division of Advancement
Foundation/Development
Foundation Dedications.......................................................................... 18
Love and Loyalty Campaign Update....................................................... 19 Photo Contributed by the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Alumni
Introducing the Alumni App..................................................................... 20
Alumni Association Scholarships............................................................ 21
Legacy Family: The Reeves..................................................................... 22
The Be Right Back Crew......................................................................... 23
100 East University
Senior Celebration................................................................................... 24 Magnolia, Arkansas 71753
Class News.........................................................................................25-31 www.SAUmag.edu
Page 3
Whitney Brown, a
Marine Biology major
at Southern Arkansas
University, has been
named the 2021 College
Disc Golf Women’s
Individual National
Champion, another
important first for SAU.
The native of Alexander,
Arkansas, has returned to
the University for a second
SAU’s first cohort of doctoral students will be admitted in the fall of degree after graduating in May 2020 with an Exercise Science degree.
2021 to pursue the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Rural and Diverse “We are extremely proud of Whitney and congratulate her on being the
Educational Leadership. The program provides advanced training in College Disc Golf Women’s Individual National Champion,” said Sarah
research and practice for professionals holding or seeking leadership Adcox, Director of Mulerider Activity Center/Intramurals. The men’s
positions in rural schools, colleges, and universities, and community and women’s teams participated April 7-10 in the 2021 College Disc Golf
and government agencies. Dr. Katherine Berry, Director of the Ed.D. National Championship in Marion, North Carolina. Brown participated
Program, said the University is excited to offer this opportunity on the Women’s Disc Golf Team that won the National Championship in
for “an advanced, terminal degree to equip our educational and 2019 and currently works in the Mulerider Activity Center.
community leaders for the future.” It is the first doctoral program SAU’s standout
offered through a College of Education south of Little Rock. point guard, Aaron
Extending students’ Lucas, became the first
prior knowledge of safety Mulerider basketball
and injury prevention, player to receive national
physical conditioning, postseason recognition
sport skills and tactics, since 1992-93. The senior
and evaluation is from Tulsa, Oklahoma,
the purpose of the was named Honorable
University’s first Online Mention All-America by
Master of Science in the Division II Conference
Kinesiology-Coaching. Commissioners
Delivered entirely Association (D2CCA). The honor comes on the heels of Lucas earning
online, the program National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) South Central All-
gives working professionals greater flexibility in completing their District First Team honors, marking the third time since 1995-96 that a
degree in a timely manner. Mulerider earned all-region accolades and the first time one appeared
In fundraising efforts, on the first team. Lucas joins eight other Muleriders that have been
the University’s alumni mentioned among the nation’s best performers in any given season and
and friends have truly is one of just 20 players honored by the D2CCA.
shown their dedication SAU’s Nursing
in a very trying year, program continues to
contributing more reflect its excellence, with
than $6.46 million the graduating classes of
during the pandemic. spring 2020 and fall 2020
It marks the first time scoring a 100 percent
the University has first-time passing rate on
broken the $6 million the NCLEX examination.
mark, an achievement Last year, graduates of the
accomplished through the hard work of the Advancement Team. BS in Nursing Program
The University now has more than $46 million in its endowment, ranked first among state-
another tremendous milestone, increasing the fund by the largest funded supported four-
amount ever. SAU now boasts 17 endowed professorships and over year universities in Arkansas for first-time NCLEX pass rate, as reported
926 individual donor established endowment. by the State Board of Nursing.
Page 4
Thomas “T.C.” Cameron Katherine Ashley Jesse
Graham Nichols Pletcher Stewart Tompkins
Southern Arkansas University’s Pre-Health Advisory Committee in medical school, as they did in our courses at SAU. We are proud to
proudly announces that SAU has achieved 100 percent success on its send such compassionate and capable individuals to UAMS.”
medical school acceptance rate, with five students being accepted. Thomas “TC” Graham, who plans to attend UAMS this fall, has been a
Three Pre-Health Biology majors, Thomas “T.C.” Graham (of student leader as a Supplemental Instructor for several biology courses.
Magnolia), Katherine Pletcher (’21, of Magnolia), Cameron Nichols Dr. Daniel McDermott, assistant professor of Biology, remarked that
(’21, of Magnolia) as well as Agriculture major Jesse Tompkins (’21, of “Both in my Immunology and Microbiology courses, TC always had a
Taylor, Arkansas), will attend UAMS in Little Rock beginning this fall. fresh perspective on how ideas discussed in class would apply to real-
Ashley Stewart (’20, of Lewisville, Arkansas) will attend the Edward world situations. We are confident that he will continue to take things
Via School of Osteopathy in Monroe, Louisiana. forward and be a driving force in the medical field.”
“These are exceptional students who demonstrated the work ethic, The Biochemistry and Chemistry Department faculty was also
determination, and discipline to get the most out of their classes at SAU,” pleased to see pre-med students enter the medical field. Dr. Gija
said Dr. Antoinette Odendaal, chair of the Committee and associate Geme, professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry, said, “These
professor of biology and chemistry. “Their professors and peers couldn’t students were great scholarly examples to their peers even in their
be more proud to see them become leaders in the medical field, and we early years at SAU. Being a Pre-Health major is not always easy,
look forward to hearing about their career adventures.” but these students learned to adapt, change and succeed. I love to
Several SAU faculty commented on this remarkable group of pre- see our students develop into professional, successful people, no
medical students. Dr. Jeff Miller, chair of Agriculture, said, “Jesse matter what field they choose to go into. I’m very proud of these
Tompkins is an engaging and studious young man who will excel at students, and I know this is just beginning for them.”
whatever he puts his mind to. We are delighted to see him graduate The Pre-Health Advisory Committee helps advise students interested
from the Ag program and attend medical school at UAMS.” in the pre-health fields, including those studying to be medical
“Ashley Stewart has been an outstanding student in the biology doctors, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, occupational
program and was an integral part of the biology department as a student and physical therapists, optometrists and other related professions.
worker for a number of years,” said Dr. James Hyde, a neuroscientist at The Committee consists of SAU faculty in the Biology and Chemistry
SAU who works closely with many pre-med students in his cell biology Departments who teach many of the upper-level classes taken by pre-
and neuroscience courses. His sentiment was echoed by many biology health students. Members of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee
faculty. include the chair, Dr. Antoinette Odendaal, Associate Professor of
Dr. Jeremy Chamberlain, who teaches many of the pre-med students Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Gija Geme, Professor of Chemistry, Dr.
in his Anatomy and Physiology courses, said it is rewarding “to see Daniel McDermott, Dr. Jeremy Chamberlain, Dr. James Hyde, and Dr.
two incredibly hard-working, dedicated, and intelligent students like Abe Tucker, all faculty in the Biology Department.
Katherine Pletcher and Cameron Nichols make it to the next level in For more information about SAU’s Pre-Health program, please
their education and achieve their career goals. I am sure they will thrive contact ayodendaal@saumag.edu.
Page 5
Page 6
Tanner Hudson ’17 and the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers sail to victory in Super Bowl LV
In the moments following Super Bowl LV, the game clocks in both have competed on professional football’s biggest stage.
the north and south end zones of Raymond James Stadium read 0:00, Hudson became just the third Mulerider to play in a Super Bowl
the digital LED ribbons flashed “CHAMPIONS” accompanied with the joining 2005 SAU Sports Hall of Famer Dennis Woodberry, who played
colors of red, pewter and orange and the finality of the 101st season for the Washington Football Team in the franchise’s Super Bowl XXII win
of the National Football League nestled slowly like a light fog over a over Denver, and 2018 SAU Sports Hall of Famer Jordan Babineaux, who
lake. Multiple, smaller celebrations began to take place succeeding the recorded three tackles and a pass breakup in Seattle’s loss to Pittsburgh in
night’s pinnacle moment: the presentation of professional football’s most Super Bowl XL.
coveted hardware, the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Signed by Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Hudson
Among those sharing in more intimate revelries, and there were was activated for the team’s final two games that season, before
plenty of them as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first NFL erupting the following preseason which propelled him onto the team’s
franchise to win the world championship in their initial 53-man roster in 2019. During the Super
home stadium, was third-year Tampa Bay tight Bowl-winning campaign, Hudson played in 11
end and newly-crowned Super Bowl Champion
It was honestly games, including all four of the Buccaneer’s
Tanner Hudson. The Camden, Tennessee, native unbelievable to think playoff games.
could be found around the 35-yard line on the that I was on a Super Bowl Hudson’s playing career as a Mulerider
south end of the stadium, amidst the fallen winning team. served as the final stepping stone in his journey
confetti on the grass playing surface, taking in to the NFL. During his time in Magnolia, the
the nearly unbelievably surreal moment in time. playmaking pass catcher hauled in 143 passes
“It was honestly unbelievable to think that I
Tanner Hudson for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdowns, and in each
was on a Super Bowl-winning team,” remarked of his final three seasons he recorded at least 40
Hudson. “It was amazing to have my fiance and mom lying on that field receptions for over 600 yards with at least six touchdown grabs.
with me and knowing that my dad was looking down from above.” Hudson and the Buccaneers officially begin their title defense on
Ninety-one players played at least a single snap on that cool, Sunday September 9 in a Thursday night primetime matchup at home against
night in central Florida, including Hudson whose white jersey front was the Dallas Cowboys. Mulerider fans can get their first glimpse of
plastered with a yellowish end zone paint from a late third quarter target the former Mulerider in his fourth year as Tampa Bay’s two-game
from legendary teammate quarterback Tom Brady. preseason slate begins on August 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals
Hudson added that playing in the Super Bowl is “an incredible inside Raymond James Stadium.
feeling” with the week leading up to the game and the pregame certainly When asked about his role for the ’21 season, Hudson feels that it
standing out. “Once you get rolling in the game it definitely calms down will be very similar to the title-winning season of 2020. “I feel that it
a little bit but it is still the Super Bowl.” will be a lot like last season. We still have Gronk [Rob Gronkowski],
A former two-time All-American, recipient of multiple all-region and Cam [Cameron Brate], and OJ [Howard], so I just plan to do my job
All-GAC plaudits and a member of the Great American Conference’s and whenever I get my chance to go in the game [I’ll] make the best of
All-Decade Team, Hudson’s eight snaps played in Super Bowl LV it. We all still have to grind through camp and prove that we are worth
pushed him into the elite company of former Muleriders that putting on this team.” He added, “I look forward to the competition.”
Page 7
The School of Graduate Studies School Counseling
A
The School Counseling program offers students a week-long, hands-
on teaching/learning experience during each summer. Students come
from as far as Alaska to participate in this immersive experience
during Mulerider Kids College.
GROWING Library Media Summer Intensive
During the Library Media and Information Specialist program’s on-
campus summer intensive, practicing teachers return to campus to
NEED
participate in a library makeover project. The project proves to be
an effective and beneficial activity for both the students and area
participating public schools.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
The MAT program continues to grow as more working professionals
Though all universities have faced unprecedented recruitment
choose to shift their expertise from the workforce to the classroom.
challenges due to the pandemic, Dr. Trey Berry, president of SAU,
Candidates who enter the program during the summer qualify to begin
is enthusiastic about this past year’s graduate school enrollment
a teaching career during the fall. The program is only 30 hours long,
and the quality of the programs.
making it easily completed in a 12-month period.
“Those numbers continue to grow,” Berry expressed of
graduate programs and students. “We are seeing promising signs
Master of Business Administration
for the fall.”
Contributing to the stability and growth of the School of Graduate
An exponential reason for this increase is due to the great
Studies is the MBA program. The program has doubled in size during
programs offered and advisors. The most common response to
the past four years, The MBA Advisory Council aides in curriculum
“How did you hear about SAU’s graduate school?” on applications
development, the overall program agenda, and is developing a mentor
is Word of Mouth. Students enjoy their experience in graduate
school at SAU and tell their friends about it. program for students. The innovation and leadership of Dr. Christie
Several programs have received national recognition from Hough continues to keep the MBA program a top pick among students
Intelligent.com, Get Educated (Best Buy), Most Affordable Online seeking advanced business degrees.
Programs (College Consensus), and Most Affordable College
(Online U).
The new Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Rural and Diverse
Educational Leadership begins this fall with the first cohort of 32
students. “This is the first class, and we are extremely excited,” Dr.
Katherine Berry, Director of the Program said. The significance
of the program in the lives of the students “speaks to what our
mission is all about,” she said.
Applications for all graduate programs have increased.
Domestic and international applications for fall 2021 greatly
exceed numbers from fall 2020.
“These are great signs our programs are growing even in the
pandemic,” Dr. Trey Berry said.
Photos by Thomas Turner
(Above) Be an educational leader in your school and district – learn more about SAU’s EDAS
program at web.saumag.edu/ed-admin. (Right) To learn more about how SAU’s Master of
Public Administration will prepare you for the workforce, visit web.saumag.edu/mpa.
Page 8
The School of Graduate The College of Education
A
Studies Program Awards
GROWING
PROGRAM
The College of Education and Human Performance has a brand new
educational space for the Departments of Teacher Education and
Counseling and Professional Studies. Located between Wharton
Nursing Building and Blanchard Hall, the state-of-the-art Education
Building contains modern model classrooms, student meeting
spaces, and for the first time in SAU’s history, a home to all faculty
and staff who serve in the two departments. Students and faculty will
benefit greatly from the new facility, and the growth that the College
has experienced in recent years will no doubt continue by having
so many great new resources, said Dr. Trey Berry, president of SAU.
Our students, faculty and staff are
very excited about the new home for
the Departments of Teacher Education
and Counseling and Professional
Studies. The new education building
will facilitate the development of a
community focused on excellence in
educator and counselor development.
Dr. Kim Bloss
Page 9
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
SAU is very proud of everyone who walked at this spring’s Commencement
Ceremony. SAU is sad to see them go, but is confident that they are well prepared
for the rest of their lives.
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
Masks? On. Snow? Cold. Fun? You know it! Students made the most of the winter
weather on campus this year.
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
Due to COVID-19, events at SAU had to meet
mask and social distancing guidelines. This
year’s Jazz Concert took place in the Greek
Theatre in March, and each performer had a
special mask that allowed them to play their
instruments and also be safe. Go Band!
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
A lot of normal SAU events looked
far different this year, but thankfully,
Greek life made the best of it!
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
Students had a blast participating
SAU President Dr. Berry gives a warm welcome in the Greek Games on the campus
to SAU’s new Mulerider, Malli Dooley! Malli looks mall in March.
forward to continuing the mascot’s tradition of
showing the public what SAU is all about.
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
SAU’s Bell Tower, transformed into a beautiful
candle as part of SAU’s holiday lighting display,
will stay illuminated as a Candle of Hope for
the remainder of 2021. It serves as a symbol of
promise that we are all in this struggle together
as we battle COVID-19.
Page 10Photo by Matthew Wilkins
(Above) To do our part to win the battle against COVID-19, SAU quickly provided
vaccines for faculty, staff and students, meaning “normal” life is officially on
the horizon. A huge thank you to the SAU Health Services staff for working so
hard to take care of our Mulerider Family. (Left) With life slowly returning to
normal, SAU students closed their spring semester by letting loose and painting
beautiful portraits… all over each other!
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
Photo by Matthew Wilkins
The SAU Men’s and Women’s Track
and Field teams got a running start Photo by Thomas Turner
when they hosted the fourth annual
Dan Veach Invitational for the first time Get one favorite SAU event, get another one FREE!
in in two years. This was the first meet Students bust a move and eat good food at the
the Muleriders have hosted since the Headphone Disco and Feeding Frenzy, which
Mulerider Relays in February 2020. happened at the same time this year.
Page 11College of Education and College of Science
Human Performance and Engineering
• Tiauna Young ’16, marketing educator and • The Master of Science in Agriculture program
DECA advisor at Pea Ridge High School, has been ranked fourth in the nation
received the Association Career and Technical through OnlineSchoolsReport.com. The
Education (ACTE) New Teacher of the Year report encourages students to obtain an MS
award, allowing her to compete for the ACTE in Agriculture at SAU, noting the program
Region IV New Teacher of the Year in the incorporates modern technology into critical
spring. In fall 2021, she will compete at the Windgate Foundation studio art scholarships were thinking and problem-solving skills. Student
national level for the same award. It recognizes awarded to Kayla Morrow, Estelle Ramage, Jordan satisfaction with the program achieved 76.6
Career and Technical Education leaders who Scrivner, and Chanda Nail. percent, and its admission rate registered 69
have made significant contributions toward percent.
innovative and unique CTE programs. • A $20,000 Windgate Foundation grant was
• Samantha Jones, a biology student at Southern
• The Instructional Facilitator/LEAD Teacher awarded to the SAU Foundation for Studio
Arkansas University, presented her research
M.Ed., one of a number of advanced programs Art scholarships in the 2020-2021 academic
at the 104th Annual Meeting of the Arkansas
offered to educators through SAU, is offered year. Four scholarships were awarded to Kayla
Academy of Sciences, winning first place in the
fully online. It provides teacher leaders the Morrow, Estelle Ramage, Jordan Scrivner, and
Medical Science and Parasitology division.
opportunity to hone their craft while learning Chanda Nail. All four students were brought
to apply the acquired skills in assisting other to tears when they received word that they
educators. It is the first approved program were selected as recipients of the Windgate
of its type to be offered in Arkansas. Dr. Foundation Scholarship. The Windgate
Denise Moseley ’91, ’11, assistant professor of Foundation recently funded an additional grant
education, is the program director. of $25,000, expanding the annual scholarships
available in the fall from four to five.
College of Liberal
and Performing Arts
Dr. Puska Chapagain, Dr. Lionel Hewavitharana,
and Alexander Golden collaborated on potential
discoveries in future technologies.
• Dr. Puska Chapagain, Dr. Lionel Hewavitharana
(Albemarle Professor), and Dr. Abdel Bachri
Sarah Fincher collaborated with researchers from the
Dr. Svetlana Paulson University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and
• Sarah Fincher ’21, who received her bachelor’s
the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to
• History professor Dr. Svetlana Paulson recently degree in Social Work from Southern Arkansas
discover the potential applications of gold
published her article, “Face to Face with the University, was named the 2021 Outstanding
nano dumbbells in future technologies such as
Tsars’ Capital: American Diplomats and Urban Student for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
nano/microelectronic circuitry, solar cells, and
Spectatorship in Imperial St. Petersburg,” in Department and was recently accepted into the
photonics. This work was published in March
the prestigious Journal of Russian-American Texas Tech University Health Science Center
2021 in the journal of the American Chemical
Studies. The article is based on Dr. Paulson’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Society, ACS Omega. The published article is an
extensive research in American and Russian Fincher credits her success to her experience as
example of SAU’s core vision involving students
archives. A research grant sponsored her travels a Mulerider.
in top-notch research projects and providing
through SAU.
them with the highest level of education.
Page 12Rankin College of Business which indicates the quality of the program Oil Corporation. The Hall of Fame recognizes
offered at SAU. and memorializes remarkable business leaders
• Southern Arkansas University is the most and organizations for professional success,
affordable online MBA program in Arkansas, community service and dedication to SAU and
according to rankings by College Consensus. the College of Business.
• The Arkansas Small Business and Technology
Development Center (ASBTDC) at Southern
Arkansas University was honored for its
quality rural outreach by receiving the 2020
SBA Arkansas Small Business Development
Center of the Year award at a virtual awards
ceremony. ASBTDC Director Janell Morton
’11 and business consultant Kristen Pickett
Cribb ’16 were recognized for achieving
performance milestones, helping new and
established small businesses increase revenue
and create and retain jobs, and opportunities
for entrepreneurial development. As part of its
Dr. Jennifer Logan innovative mission, the Center also educates
the community about SBA programs and Naija White
• Dr. Jennifer Logan, Puterbaugh Professor services.
of Free Enterprise and director of the SAU • Rankin College of Business is adding a • Naija White, a junior majoring in Information
Center for Economic Education and Research Healthcare Administration Degree approved to Systems at the Rankin College of Business,
(CEER), was named the 2021 Honor Professor begin in fall 2021. The program was developed has been selected for the inaugural class of
at the end-of-year faculty ceremony. Dr. with help from alumni in the healthcare the Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program.
Logan earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the field. It will prepare graduates to understand White was among 15 successful applicants in
University of Oklahoma and joined SAU’s and respect the value of people (patients, this highly competitive process among those
faculty in 2007. At SAU, she teaches various employees, community) in the healthcare pursuing careers in Science, Technology,
classes in economics and finance, promoting system and prepare them to lead people, teams, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Naija
economic decision-making and free enterprise. and departments. The program will help meet will be placed in an internship at Windstream
As CEER Director, Dr. Logan works with other the needs of the expanding healthcare industry in Little Rock.
educators to encourage economic education and fit with other university healthcare degrees. • Dr. Tim Wise, Jean McFadden Turner Professor
throughout the state and provide training • The David F. Rankin College of Business at of Business Management, had four cases selected
opportunities for teachers in K-12 economics. Southern Arkansas University announced the for publication in Strategic Management and
• The online MBA program, offered through the 2020 Hall of Fame Class, including Dr. David Entrepreneurial Cases edited by R. Stevens, M.
David F. Rankin College of Business is fully Rankin, president-emeritus of SAU; Mr. Ron Bressler, and L. Silver. The collection includes
accredited body for colleges and schools of LeMay ’67, managing director and co-founder a case on Geauxsicles of Louisiana. Dr. Wise
business. Fewer than five percent of all business of OpenAir Equity Partners and CEO of Main is well known for using the cases he writes on
programs worldwide are accredited by AACSB, Street Data; and business honoree Murphy regional and national businesses in his courses.
Page 13Blaise Northern’s
battle with COVID-19
Walking into 2021 with him
breathing and alive was a miracle.
Addison Bennett
The coronavirus pandemic stopped the world in its tracks a year ago, “Dr. Berry has been so great about keeping in touch, and the
but many encouraging survival stories have emerged. One SAU student, nurses at SAU did a great job of keeping an eye on Blaise,” Addison
Blaise Northern, of DeWitt, Arkansas, is a case in point. said. “He kept up with his school work online, and
After suffering COVID-related multisystem organ we are super-excited about him coming back to
failure last fall, Blaise celebrated his birthday in March classes.”
at an inspirational party thrown by family and friends. Blazek said the party was his first chance to hang
Though limited by the effects of the virus, Blaise out with Blaise since the fall. “He’s become one of
expects to return to SAU full-time this fall, something my best friends,” said Blazek. “We were sorry he
his sister, Addison Bennett, calls miraculous. A junior couldn’t be around for the fall and spring semesters.
at SAU, Addison helped take care of her brother when As he gets better, he is able to do more things. The
he first began suffering from the virus and helped party was definitely a milestone in his recovery.”
arrange the party in DeWitt that, in a sense, welcomed Cram along with Blazek and Jacob Currie drove
him back to life. to DeWitt to help set up the birthday decorations.
“It was good to see Blaise happy and involved again,” “We all came together to celebrate,” Cram said. “We
Addison said. “Blaise got the social interaction he’d did not know in November if Blaise would make it
missed out on for so long due to his hospitalization and to his 19 th birthday. He battled to stay alive.”
treatment.” Cram said Blaise is taking physical therapy,
She, along with her family and Blaise’s close friends, working to strengthen his heart. “I’ve been his best
Parker Cram and Adam Blazek, organized the socially- friend since first grade, and it was hard for me
distanced party. They interacted with Blaise on a while he was in the hospital,” said Cram. “Now as he
Blaise Northern
limited basis while enjoying food, a campfire, and recovers, we cherish every moment. I am grateful
sharing encouraging words. my best friend is with us today.”
“It was a celebration of his life,” explained Addison. “Walking into 2021 Addison said she and her family are grateful for the care shown
with him breathing and alive was a miracle. We sat around a fire and by SAU, particularly Sheryl Edwards, assistant to the president,
talked about our blessings. Everyone brought their own tent and spent during Blaise’s battle.
quality time with Blaise. He needed that positivity.” “We definitely chose the right school,” she said.
Page 14Southern Arkansas University™
Mulerider Athletics
Running toward a challenge
SAU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the don’t think I would,” noted Hale. “It has taught
Jacob Pumphrey Communications Director of ISI Ministries, me so much about priorities, time management,
Director of Athletic Communications
and sponsoring a child in Bolivia through Child to have compassion for others, and not to make
Fund International. assumptions about people.”
“Like a photographer adjusts their camera So what drives Carley Hale? Hint: it isn’t any Hale’s current plans will keep her at SAU,
lens to capture an astounding shot, we must also of the accolades listed above or the fact that where she will serve as a member of the
adjust our perspective lens on life or else miss she has a combined seven All-GAC honors in University’s VISTA program while working
new possibilities.” cross country and track and field or that she was towards her Master of Public Administration
Those are wise words from Carley Hale, named SAU’s Outstanding Senior in Art and with an emphasis in Social Entrepreneurship.
who has lived out that statement and taken Design this past academic year. She also plans to compete in her final seasons
advantage of abundant opportunities during “Honestly, being the underdog,” remarked with the Mulerider Women’s Cross Country and
her time at SAU. The Panhandle, Texas, native Hale. “I love watching the underestimated ones Track and Field programs. But after SAU?
has experienced success as a Mulerider student- do the unexpected and show out.” But that’s “I really want to change the world for the
athlete with major plaudits coming both in the not all. “Change, growth, and improving. That better. I know I’m only one person, but I truly
classroom and during athletic competition. also drives me. I always want to become and do desire to implement change for the overall
However, it took a persistent recruiting better than I did before.” good of humanity. Being a graphic design/
pitch from SAU Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Certainly, the well-deserved honors that she marketing major, I hope to work with non-profit
Country and Track & Field Coach Tim Servis has received in her collegiate career are a by- organizations. I have a passion for ministry and
and brief indecision and uncertainty of wanting product of her desire to constantly improve, would love to do that along with [helping] non-
to compete collegiately by Hale as a high school accept change, and experience growth, profits.”
senior to solidify Southern Arkansas University but “being the underdog”? More insight on Hale’s incredible story
as her college home. You wouldn’t know it on the outside or even and her time as a Mulerider student-athlete
Despite Servis being out of scholarship by looking at the laundry list of accolades that will be available in the fall of 2021 on www.
money during that recruiting cycle, the talented she has obtained, but Hale fights daily to live MuleriderAthletics.com.
Hale became a Mulerider student-athlete after as normal of a life as possible, like that of an
accepting a $1 offer, at 50 cents a semester, for underdog. Hale suffers from narcolepsy with
her first year in Magnolia. cataplexy which is a “chronic neurological
“I laugh now because running and this disorder caused by the brain’s inability to
University have turned out to be the best regulate a stable sleep-wake cycle” coupled
things I’ve experienced thus far,” noted Hale. with “a sudden loss of muscle tone that
“It’s so much fun, and the team is amazing. causes feelings of weakness and loss
As for everything I’ve done and accomplished of voluntary muscle control.”
[athletically], it just happened. I never planned (sleepassociation.org)
it, never! I didn’t even know I was capable of Diagnosed in February of
achieving [such] awards.” her senior year of high school,
Hale perseveres daily as the
Hale’s latest achievement occurred in late disorder has prompted
April as she graduated summa cum laude intense attention to her
with a 4.0 GPA in Art and Design: Media and nightly sleep patterns, a
Marketing with a minor in English. Additionally, low-to-no sodium diet,
Hale is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All- and the overall daily
American. At the Fourth Annual Mulespy struggle with a disorder
Awards, Hale became the first student-athlete that at times affects
to be twice named the Murphy USA Female even the simplest of
Scholar-Athlete of the Year. functions.
Additionally, she has volunteered her time “If I could go back and
in roles such as serving as the Secretary of the change my condition, I
I love watching the
underestimated ones
do the unexpected
and show out.
Carley Hale
Page 15Mulerider Athletics
Fireworks. Figuratively and literally. Figuratively speaking, the Fourth Annual Mulespy Awards, which took
place on Monday, April 26, sent the spring semester out with a bang. The stars of Mulerider Athletics gathered
together for the first time in over a year underneath the bright lights on the playing surface of Wilkins Stadium, Rip
Powell Field, for the department’s annual celebration honoring top athletic performances, outstanding academic
achievement, and senior recognition. Literally speaking, an impressive fireworks display, accompanied by music
and action shots on the stadium video board, lit up the Columbia County sky and served as the proper ending to
a special night on the campus of Southern Arkansas University.
Photo by Mulerider Athletics
(Below) Top award winners from the Fourth Annual Mulespy Awards conclude the night with a group photo to commemorate a
challenging, but successful athletic year. From L to R: Murphy USA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Charlie Thomas, Murphy
USA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Carley Hale, Male Newcomer of the Year Sander Jans, Female Newcomer of the Year
Jessica Jones, Dr. Margaret Downing Female Athlete of the Year Victoria Taylor, Female Comeback Player of the Year Issah
Traylor, Male Comeback Player of the Year Tucker Burton and Auburn Smith Male Athlete of the Year Aaron Lucas.
Page 16Claiming the department’s top two athletic In all, twenty-two student-athletes were a part
honors were Mulerider Men’s Basketball senior of the ceremony that took place following
point guard Aaron Lucas, who was named the the handing out of the Murphy USA Scholar-
Auburn Smith Male Athlete of the Year, and Athlete of the Year awards.
SAU Softball’s senior right-handed pitcher Special addresses by Murphy USA President
Victoria Taylor, who earned the Dr. Margaret and CEO Andrew Clyde, SAU President
Downing Female Athlete of the Year award. Dr. Trey Berry, and Peoples Bank Senior
The player of the year awards are given to the Vice President for Marketing and 2020-
top Male and Female Athlete in a given year at 21 Mulerider Club Chair Debbie Arnold
SAU regardless of classification. The nominees highlighted the middle portion of the evening.
must possess conduct that has been a positive Clyde delivered a thought-provoking message
influence for good and exemplifies the ideals on how student-athletes are more prepared
of Auburn Smith and Dr. Margaret Downing, to handle the world’s adversity than any other Photo by Mulerider Athletics
each an SAU Sports Hall of Famer who left an student group on a collegiate campus. Berry’s Murphy USA President and CEO Andrew Clyde
indelible mark on Mulerider Athletics during message included context about the Mulerider addressed those in attendance as the keynote
speaker of the Fourth Annual Mulespy Awards.
their storied tenures at the University. family and the importance of integrity. Arnold
Murphy USA, the title sponsor of the scholar-athlete
For their outstanding academic achievement, briefly spoke on the Mulerider Club and of its of the year awards, and Southern Arkansas University
extracurricular involvement, and athletic ability, impact past, present, and future, on Mulerider have a strong, longstanding relationship.
the Murphy USA Male and Female Scholar- Athletics.
Athlete of the Year awards were presented to In 2018, through feedback from the SAU Baseball junior Tucker Burton claimed the
SAU Men’s Basketball senior forward Charlie Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, two hardware.
Thomas and Mulerider Women’s Cross Country new award categories were established with Fifteen outstanding student-athletes and
senior Carley Hale, respectively. Hale is the first the Male and Female Newcomer of the Year one outstanding athletic training student
two-time winner of the award after receiving the Awards and the Male and Female Comeback were honored while 37 senior student-athletes
honor in 2018-2019. Player of the Year Awards, with both now being were recognized and gifted a special framed
Both student-athletes are members of the presented annually. Capturing the honors in the letterman patch to commemorate their time as
inaugural induction class of the SAU Chapter newcomer category were Women’s Basketball a Mulerider.
of Chi Alpha Sigma, the first and only national junior transfer Jessica Jones and Men’s Tennis To read more about the individual seasons
scholar-athlete society to honor four-year junior transfer Sander Jans. For the Comeback of the superlative award winners and to watch
collegiate student-athletes who have excelled in Player of the Year award, SAU Women’s Track the Fourth Annual Mulespy Awards, visit www.
both the classroom and in athletic competition. & Field sophomore Issah Traylor and Mulerider MuleriderAthletics.com.
Congratulations to our champions
Baseball Softball Men’s Basketball
Led by fifth-year head coach Justin Pettigrew, Behind an impressive 22-5 league record, the It was an historic season for ninth-year head
the Mulerider Baseball team captured a Mulerider Softball program claimed the Great coach Andy Sharpe’s SAU Men’s Basketball
share of its fifth Great American Conference American Conference’s Regular Season crown team as the Muleriders earned the program’s
Regular Season title and punched a ticket for the third time in as many full seasons. first-ever trip to the NCAA postseason. In a
to the program’s 13th NCAA postseason With a 29-10 overall record, seventh-year head shortened, spring-only season, the Muleriders
tournament. Southern Arkansas finished the coach Jason Anderson’s squad competed in posted a 15-6 record, claimed a share of the
year 30-16 overall with a 23-10 mark in GAC the NCAA postseason for the sixth time in the GAC Eastern Division title and finished as GAC
play. Six players were named All-GAC and four program’s history and for the fifth consecutive Tournament Runner-Up. Three players earned
were selected to the Natural State Baseball All- season. Eight players were honored as All- GAC accolades highlighted by All-America
Arkansas Team, including senior Austin Baker GAC selections with four players receiving all- senior Aaron Lucas’ GAC Player of the Year and
who received a pair of All-America honors. region plaudits. Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Page 17Southern Arkansas University™
Division of Advancement
First Financial Bank Poultry
Education Facility/Baseball Player
Development Center Dedications
Contributed Photos
The University and Mulerider Athletics recognized alumni and friends who made the
Johnson-Dawson Player Development Facility possible.
Contributed Photos
Donors, Board of Trustee Members, and administration dedicated the First Financial
Education Poultry Facility through an “egg cracking.”
Contributed Photos Contributed Photos
Donors enjoyed a tour to experience the Justin Pettigrew, Head Baseball Coach,
multi-faceted facility. shares the impacts of the player
development facility.
Contributed Photos Contributed Photos
Caleb Plyler ‘04, SAU alumnus and Chris Hegi, CEO of First Financial Bank,
Arkansas Farm Bureau Board Member, shared their interest in partnering through
shared how excited he was to see SAU making the poultry education facility a
providing these educational opportunities reality.
in agriculture.
Contributed Photos Contributed Photos
Amy Dawson throws out the first pitch on Norm DeBriyn throws out the first pitch
behalf of the Charlie Dawson family. on behalf of the Willard and Pat Walker
Charitable Foundation.
Contributed Photos Contributed Photos
Contributed Photos
Jeff White ’98, Executive Vice President, Pictured from left to right: Dr. Berry,
During the dedication, attendees toured the facility and learned of the various aspects throws out the first pitch on behalf of Patrick Johnson, Clayton Johnson, Haley
of the facility which features the latest equipment from Chore-Time. Bodcaw Bank. Johnson, Lillian Johnson, Kim Johnson,
Pat Johnson, and Coach Browning.
Page 18Number of Donors Total Raised Endowment Growth
4,023
Goal: 4,500
$27,412,380
Campaign Goal: $22,275,000
87% Towards Goal
Number of Gifts Where They Gave
16,209
Campaign Timeline
5 Years
(Ending Sept. 30, 2021) Student Enrichment – 32%
Academic Programs – 25%
Annual Giving/Other – 13%
Athletics – 13%
Student Life and
Over 100 New Community Engagement – 9%
Endowments Initiated Faculty and Staff Support – 6%
During the Campaign Revitalized Facilities – 2%
Page 19Page 20
The SAU Alumni Association Board of Directors is proud to present the 2021-22 recipients of the
SAU Alumni Association Scholarships. During 2020, the board restructured the alumni scholarships
to service two students; one incoming freshman and one senior. The committee selected the scholars
through a blind review process.
Senior Scholar Pat Weaver Scholar
Samantha Clanton Clara Beth Souter
Hermitage, Arkansas Magnolia, Arkansas
Animal Science Pre-Vet. Nursing
3.90 SAU GPA 4.16 MHS GPA
Daughter of Daughter of
Kristi Clanton McDuff ‘97 Kelli Broome Souter ‘93
I am so grateful to be the recipient of I am so honored to receive the Pat
the Senior Scholarship. To be chosen out of Weaver Scholarship and eager to continue the
the many applicants means the world to me. tradition that my mom started at Southern
Following in my mom’s footsteps as a Mulerider Arkansas University.
has really made my experience at
SAU very special for me.
Clara Beth Souter graduated from Magnolia High School in May 2021.
Clara Beth loves to challenge herself and enjoyed taking AP classes.
Samantha graduated from Hermitage High School in 2018. During high She successfully juggled many extra-curricular activities, such as the
school, she won multiple national championships for livestock judging Yearbook Committee and National Honors Society. She was also a
and forestry through the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization, team leader for the Magnolia Softball and Volleyball Team. She enjoys
where she also served as the Hermitage Chapter President for two years. volunteering for Laundry Love, Stewpot, Salvation Army, Ozark Mission
She was a competitive livestock exhibitor and won many grand and Project, and the Southern Christian Mission. After college, Clara Beth
reserve champion awards. She currently has a 3.9 GPA and has made plans to work in a critical care unit for a couple of years to earn working
the President’s or Dean’s list each semester at SAU. She is in the Ag Club, experience before earning her certificate to become a Nurse Anesthetist.
Pre-Health Club, Pre-Vet Club, Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, and the
Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association. She enjoys volunteering at district
FFA competitions and many other youth events. After graduating from
SAU, Samantha strives to earn a spot at an accredited veterinarian
school on her journey to become a licensed vet. During 2020, Samantha
tragically lost her father. She considered her father one of her biggest
supporters and is determined to become a vet, a goal her father always
encouraged her to accomplish.
Learn more and apply today at
www.saualumni.com/scholarships
Page 21Contributed Photos
(1st from Left) Granddaughters of Barney Hugh Reeves ’62: Top left, the late Whitley Reeves Barnard, top right, Samantha Reeves-Thurman; bottom, Lindsey Ruth Reeves,
Mallory Emma Reeves. (2nd from Left) Orma Pearce Reeves, Mr. Reeves’ mother, pictured while she was a student at the Third District Agricultural School. (3rd from Left)
Barney and the late Nelda Reeves. Barney believes deeply in the spirit of SAU. (4th from Left) Barney Hugh Reeves and his sons, Cris, Gregory and Sam.
If words could summarize the passion Barney Furlow Scholarship Endowment for Nursing; International Jaycee Senator and an auxiliary
Hugh Reeves feels toward Southern Arkansas the W. O. “Bill” Furlow Scholarship Endowment deputy sheriff. In January 1995, he was named
University, those words might be faith, family for Criminal Justice; the Elsie Orma Pearce director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control
and friends. “I believe in those things as God Reeves Elementary Education Scholarship Enforcement Division, serving for nine years
intended,” said Mr. Reeves. For him, establishing Endowment, to an Elementary Education before retiring in 2004.
a legacy of support for the Mulerider spirit has major from Columbia County; the James He and his wife had three sons: Gregory
been one way of exemplifying that belief. Harold Reeves Music Scholarship Endowment, Jess Reeves, Anthony Cris Reeves, and Samuel
Magnolia native Reeves used his time as provided to a student participating in music at Marvin Reeves, seven grandchildren and
a student at Southern State College in the SAU; the Whitley Reeves Barnard Finish Strong three great-grandchildren. He noted that one
1950s as a springboard for careers in industry, Scholarship, to benefit a College of Business of his great-grandchildren “already has his
politics and law enforcement. Graduating from student majoring in Marketing; and the Nelda Mulerider t-shirt!”
Magnolia High School in 1954, he studied Ruth Furlow Reeves Scholarship, recently In 2003, the Arkansas Senate adopted a
Industrial Engineering at SSC before moving to created by Mr. Reeves’ son and daughter-in- resolution commending his leadership in the
California for a job. But prior to his studies at the law.These funds have made it possible for many City of Magnolia, Columbia County and the
college, his mother attended the Third District students to enroll at SAU and enjoy fulfilling State of Arkansas.
Agricultural School in 1919, and his wife’s careers. Through the years, Reeves and his family
mother received an LPN degree at Southern Reeves, who turns 85 in July, amassed 70 have had one other major commitment: their
State. Two of Mr. Reeves’ sons graduated from hours at SSC before accepting an industrial continued support of SAU. “About 30 people
SAU, another son attended summer school at job in California. He returned to Arkansas in directly tied to my family have gone through
SAU to supplement his university studies before 1976 and started his own Magnolia business, SAU over the years,” he said. “We have always
heading to law school. And one daughter- Reeves Aluminum, which he owned and considered it important, both to our family and
in-law graduated from SAU with a teaching operated for several years. “The Good Lord Columbia County.”
degree. His brother and sister attended, and two kept taking care of me,” he said. Reeves said he always stressed the importance
of his grandchildren are alumni, with a third Reeves indulged his love of politics by of SAU as an economic engine. “It is one of the
grandchild attending SAU before attending assisting with several local campaigns and largest employers in our county. It definitely
culinary school, and a fourth grandchild for serving as a justice of the peace before helped my children in their careers,” Reeves
a semester before becoming a US Marine. His becoming Columbia County judge, an office emphasized, “and it helped me. We have always
granddaughter recently received a master’s he held for six years. “Our judge was retiring,” been involved with SAU.” He praised the growth
degree from SAU, and a host of his nieces and he explained, “and I decided I would run. I of the campus as well as enrollment over the
nephews have called SAU home. wanted to help our county.” years and all of the University presidents he
Scholarships provided to the University In addition to serving as county judge, has known. “They have been pillars of our
through the Reeves family include: the Barney Reeves was an active civic volunteer. A community,” he said.
Hugh Reeves Endowment for Criminal Justice member of First Baptist Church, he was Reeves encouraged alumni giving. “It’s so
or Criminology; the Lucy Ann Reeves Wyrick a Little League and Boys’ Club volunteer important to remember SAU and to help SAU
Scholarship Endowment, to a student in the and member of the Dorcheat Community because it has given so much to all of us,” he
College of Business; the Lenna Frances Sanders Rural Water Board. He also served as an said.
Page 22The Be Right Back Crew
After a life-changing experience as a student at Southern popular amenities. At Los Cabos, the group enjoyed a
Arkansas University, L’Tarius Heath ’05 ’19 of Dallas, Texas, private beach party, went on tropical excursions, and went
now organizes worldwide trips for fellow Mulerider alumni, sightseeing aboard a yacht. “To be honest, the BRB Crew
sharing his passion for travel with people who also share his would not be as successful without the help of my wife or
passion for SAU. my sister, Shan Heath. They have been the backbone of the
“Coming to SAU literally changed my life,” enthused organization,” he said.
Heath, “I love SAU, and I love Magnolia. My brother, “It’s safer and so much more fun to travel as part of a group,”
TaVarius “Bubba” Heath, is also an SAU alumnus. We never he said. The group, which varies in size, travels together 12-
miss a year to visit. SAU is like a second home for us. It is 14 times per year. “I’ll set up activities, but we don’t all have
so much fun traveling the world together and with other to do the same thing,” Heath said. “I tell people, ‘it’s your
Muleriders.” vacation. If you want to sit by the pool for three days and
In Dallas, Heath operates a travel agency, Platinum read a book, that’s your vacation. But we do have activities
Getaway Vacations, and regularly puts together packages planned so that when you get there, you’re not wondering
for fellow Mulerider alumni. This year, the group traveled what to do. We can all participate in things together.”
to Mexico for seven days. “The whole purpose is just to It’s all about sharing experiences and making memories.
reconnect with people from SAU, but it’s open to anyone,” However, the 2020 pandemic did cause the group to postpone
Heath explained. “When I first started going on these trips, some trips. “We had a Carnival cruise package that we had to
I just invited friends. That group has grown from five or six cancel,” Heath said, “and we had a trip set for June to South
people to over 30 or 40. This July, for our Los Cabos trip, we Africa that we canceled. A lot of us are just tired from the
had 170 attend.” pandemic and ready to travel.”
Heath majored in biology at SAU but has always enjoyed For Heath, the fun all stems from SAU. “This is my
travel. “It’s great to get outside your comfort zone and extended family,” he said of his Mulerider travel crew. “It is
experience other cultures firsthand,” he said. “Coming to good to catch up with people. There are a couple of guys I
SAU from Daingerfield, Texas, allowed me to make a lot of hadn’t seen in 20 years who brought their wives to Mexico. It
good friends who were international students. That prepared was a big SAU homecoming in Los Cabos.”
me for a life of travel.” Travel makes Heath more aware of and grateful for what
The travel group is called the Be Right Back (BRB) Crew. we have in the United States. “We are truly blessed,” he said.
“We tell the world we will Be Right Back because we will “I want to see all these great things that I read about growing
go on a trip, come back and go on another one,” he said. up.” One of his travel goals is to visit every state capital in the
This year, plans are set for the group to travel to Jamaica U.S. “I have only about 20 more to go on that list,” he said
and Greece. Rome and Dubai are a couple of Heath’s favorite with a laugh. “I also want to visit 40 to 50 countries. So far,
getaways, and he looks forward to traveling to China and I’ve seen 18 or 19.”
Singapore in the future. If you are interested in traveling with the Be Right Back
“My wife, LaTonja, and I are really only home during the Crew, contact info@berightbackcrew.com or visit www.
week,” he laughed. “On weekends, we’ll say, let’s go to San berightbackcrew.com. You can find them on Facebook at the
Francisco or New York. We love going different places all Be Right Back Travel Group.
the time.” “I am in the process of planning a Greek trip and would
Heath books the trips to ensure the group has exclusive love for all Greeks from SAU and other universities to be a
access to unique excursions, swimming pools, and other part of it,” said Heath. “Anyone would be welcome to join us.”
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