Southern Arkansas University is proud to have a rich heritage of talented students who continue on to become successful and valuable members of their communities. The SAU Distinguished Alumni Awards, sponsored by the Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. (SAUAA), was established to annually recognize extraordinary accomplishments made by SAU alumni and former students.
We are proud to celebrate the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards Honorees on May 8, 2026. We hope you can join us for this special event.
Dr. Jessica M. Lawson — 2006
Hon. Ryan P. Phillips — 2003
Saunak Ranjitkar — 2004
Erica Jackson Woods — 1993
Kaci Matthews — 2010, 2012
Colton Mullins — 2011
Dr. Diann Howell Gathright — 1970
Dan Veach — 1969
Bob Garrett — 1957