Southern Arkansas University recently named Dr. Robin Sronce as the first recipient of the People's Bank Endowed Dean's Chair.
She has served as dean of the David F. Rankin College of Business since July and previously served as dean of the Breech School of Business and associate professor of management at Drury University in Springfield, Mo.
SAU President Dr. Trey Berry said this is the first endowed dean's chair at a public university south of Little Rock.
"I am honored to be the inaugural holder of the Peoples Bank Endowed Dean's Chair at the Rankin College of Business," Sronce said. "Support from the business community is important for a successful, thriving business college, and we appreciate Peoples Bank's commitment to business education. Funding from this chair will be used to broaden our ability to engage with the community and region."
Under Sronce's leadership, the Rankin College of Business will focus on the strategic initiatives of professional preparation for students, enhanced curriculum and technology aligned with today's industry standards, sustainability, marketing of the college's programs, recruitment and retention, and engagement with external constituents.
Peoples Bank partnered with the university to create the endowment, which will provide annual resources to accomplish the vision of the college, along with allowing faculty the opportunity to go beyond the basics to offer students an enhanced education.
Berry said SAU's ability to provide students with quality education rests with the quality of their 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," he said.
Berry added that the chair provides a permanent source of annual resources to propel research, pursue collaboration and help a dean realize his or her vision.
Jonathan Baird, chief financial officer of Peoples Bank of Magnolia, said they were excited to be a part of the growth at SAU and the Rankin College of Business.
"Peoples Bank employs 20 graduates and currently enrolled students, so we know firsthand the opportunities a good education can bring," he said. "SAU is a vibrant part of our community and we recognize the value SAU brings both in terms of human capital and quality of life. We look forward to our continued partnership with SAU."