MAGNOLIA — Southern Arkansas University will recognize 36 graduate students and 136 undergraduates during two fall commencement ceremonies this week.
The first of Friday's graduation ceremonies will include students from the School of Graduate Studies, the College of Business and the College of Science and Engineering. A later ceremony will feature students from the College of Education and the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
SAU Professor of History and 2014 Honor Professor Dr. Ben Johnson will provide both commencement addresses. Johnson became Arkansas' first endowed professor for Arkansas studies in 2013 thanks to the John G. Ragsdale Jr. and Dora J. Ragsdale Endowed Professorship.
Johnson earned a doctorate degree in history from the University of Arkansas, and he has taught in higher education for more than 33 years.