Peoples Bank Donates 50K to SAU’s Dean Endowment

Peoples Bank recently presented Southern Arkansas University with a gift of $50,000 to be placed toward its $500,000 funding commitment to the Peoples Bank Endowed Dean’s Chair in the David F. Rankin College of Business. Dr. Trey Berry, president of SAU, has named Dr. Robin Sronce, dean of the Rankin College of Business, as the first recipient of the endowed dean’s chair.
By funding this endowment, Peoples Bank is allowing faculty the opportunity to go beyond the basics and continue offering students a first-rate education.

Berry said SAU’s ability to provide students with the finest education available “rests with the quality of our faculty. Endowed Chairs are crucial for recruiting and retaining the highest-quality faculty and administration, and essential if we are going to continue to excel as an institution.”

In the Press Release, he explained the Peoples Bank Endowed Dean’s Chair “provides a permanent source of annual resources to propel research, pursue collaboration and help a dean realize his or her vision.”

Berry said this is the first endowed dean’s chair at a public university south of Little Rock.

Pictured above at the check presentation are, front row from left:  Jamie Waller, president and CLO, Peoples Bank; Jonathan Baird, CFO, Peoples Bank; Dr. Robin Sronce, dean of the Rankin College of Business; Dr. Trey Berry, SAU president; Macy Braswell, executive director of the SAU Foundation; Debbie Arnold, senior vice president of marketing, Peoples Bank; second row from left, Josh Kee, vice president for advancement, SAU; Dr. David Lanoue, provost and vice president for academic affairs, SAU; Monya Lewis; Emily Hampton; Heather Burns; Hope Young; Shelda Shackleford; Jill McClinton, COO, Peoples Bank; Sharon Gathright; Dina Hayes; Sue Wisecarver; Briana Cooper; Kristen Reeves; Celina Alas; Lisa Wilson; Kacey Lamb; Chessa Williams; Leslie Sharp; Dottye Burleson; Jessica Dean; Fonda Miller; Chuck Fowler; Alan Garrett; Connor Williams; Anglea Risher; Autumn Knighton; Sarah Williams; and Leah Smith.