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07 // CAMPUS FEATURE NEWS

In October of 2025 in Magnolia, Arkansas, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has allotted a $400K grant to Southern Arkansas University (SAU) -- a first for the academic institution.

This grant was given to further the pursuits of research and innovation toward the ever-expanding lithium industry blooming in Arkansas.

SAU's Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Abdel Bachri had this to say upon receiving the grant:

"This is a great way to break the ice with NSF, and it’s just the beginning. Our $400,000 award will allow us to build research capacity, form a consortium of regional institutions, and strengthen partnerships with industry. Most importantly, it positions SAU as a leader in advancing opportunities for our students, our faculty, and our community."

(Image of SAU's Science Building)

The project will be overseen by Bachri, as well as by SAU's Vice President of Finance Shawna Reed and Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering Hayder Zghair. They plan to broaden the access to research opportunities, as well as fostering future partnerships for federal funding regarding STEM related initiatives.

SAU has been a recent trailblazer in STEM related endeavors, having received $2.75M from the Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grant only a year prior. Dr. Bachri is proud to have been rewarded this and the NSF grant, hoping to prove "that [even] a rural university can be at the center of innovation, workforce development, and national progress.”

More information can be found here.

- C. Thomas Bailey

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