In a surprise announcement, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee presented a resolution to Dr. David Rankin, president of Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, awarding $601,747 for the new proposed science center and critical maintenance.

“The Governor has been a staunch supporter of higher education in Arkansas, and I believe this is certainly a great example of his continued efforts to strengthen education for everyone in the state,” said Rankin.

This included $101,747 from the Emergency Grant Fund and $414,163 from the Executive Division of the General Improvement funds. An additional $85,837 will be released at the end of the biennium.

Huckabee said that the University deserved some additional attention because of the important role it played in the region, and that there had been times in the past when the University was overlooked in the funding process.

According to Rankin, this new funding will be a significant boost to efforts to construct a new science center and to meet the essential maintenance challenges at the University.

“I think the Governor understands the tremendous challenges and opportunities we have here at Southern Arkansas University,” said Rankin. “I appreciate this substantial grant toward our efforts.”