The Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association, Inc. will be honoring nine exceptional alumni during the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner on May 8, 2025. Tickets for the event can be purchased online or by calling the Alumni Office. Award recipients will be recognized in four categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Leland Tollett, the Distinguished Golden Muleriders Award for Dr. John Alexander and John Sinclair, the Distinguished Alumni Award for Bill Anderson, Shanna Singleton-Deitsch, and Dr. Donika Kelly, and the Distinguished Young Alumni Award for Darius Strickland, Ashley Talley, and Steven Wiley.
Leland Tollett, a distinguished alumnus, played a crucial role in the growth and success of Tyson Foods Inc., becoming its CEO and chairman of the board. Dr. John Alexander, a medical professional, has provided outstanding service to his community and currently serves on various boards. John Sinclair, a finance professional, is the owner and CEO of Lycus LTD, LLC. Bill Anderson, a civil engineer, founded Dowdey, Anderson & Associates, Inc. in Dallas, TX. Shanna Singleton-Deitsch is a supply chain management professional and is pursuing a doctoral degree in business. Dr. Donika Kelly, an award-winning poet and professor at the University of Iowa, is known for her poetry collections. Darius Strickland, an event management professional, founded Strickland Event Management and currently works for the Atlanta Falcons. Ashley Talley, a salon and spa industry expert, was named Business Person of the Year by the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce. Steven Wiley, a successful data engineer, has excelled in his career and currently resides in Saint Johns, FL with his family.
The achievements of these outstanding alumni showcase the success and impact of Southern Arkansas University graduates in various fields.
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