Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University Began As A Residential Agricultural High School The Third District Agricultural School In 1909. The School Evolved Into A Junior College Popularly Known As Magnolia A&M College And Later Into A Four-Year Institution Southern State College. These Four Institutions Served Primarily Young People Of Southwest Arkansas And Provided Extraordinary Support To Students Often The First In Their Families To Seek Degrees. The Schools' Educational Value Has Been Exceptional As Measured In Graduates' Achievements. Distinguished Graduates Have Included Among Many Others Gen. Horace Wade '36 Vice Chief Of Staff Us Air Force; Leland Tollett '56 President Of Tyson Foods; Harry Thomason '62 Hollywood Producer And Director; Cinda Hallman '66 Ceo Spherion Corporation; Joyce Elliot '73 Arkansas State Senator And Educational Reformer; Joan Dempsey '81 Deputy Director Us Central Intelligence Agency; And Fernando Barbosa '92 Managing Director Walt Disney Television International.