Rankin's Farewell Visit to Honors Seminar

Dr. Rankin makes a point about the SAU Budget

Dr. David Rankin paid his annual visit to the Honors Seminar class today. It was likely his last visit as SAU's president.

Rankin spoke about how a fellow president inspired him to create the Honors College shortly after the completion of what is now the Honors Hall. The SAU Honors College was a fasttrack project that began operations shortly afterward, thanks in large part, to faculty buy in and cooperation.

He told students how he backed into an academic life following a lecture he gave in graduate school and a suggestion from a professor that he think about teaching finance.

A chance meeting with Louis Blanchard led to an offer by Imon Bruce, SSC's president, to come to Magnolia. Rankin accepted Bruce's offer (at $8,040 per year!) and the rest is history.

Rankin stated he never imagined he would get the opportunity to serve as SAU's president and, now, 14 years later he is ready to step down. He quoted Kenny Rogers, "You gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em."

Rankin spoke briefly on the presidential search saying that there will be a period of transition, "to pass the baton" was the metaphor he used. He will work with the new president to ensure that there is no gap in leadership.

Later, he opened the floor for questions and comments. Students asked if the honors stipend might be raised, if the cafeteria could serve more fruits and vegetables, and if the library could have longer hours.

Hopefully, SAU's next president will be as committed to honors education as Dr. Rankin has been. The SAU Honors College is his child, a fact that will never be forgotten.

Thank you, Dr. Rankin, for all you have done for SAU and the Honors College.