University, community leader Dr. Sandi Sanders has died - Talk Business & Politics
Dr. Sandi Sanders, whose community involvement including being interim chancellor of Westark College, director of the Leadership Fort Smith program, and first president of the U. S. Marshals Museum, has died. . . .
Dr. Sandi Sanders, whose community involvement including being interim chancellor of Westark College, director of the Leadership Fort Smith program, and first president of the U. S. Marshals Museum, has died. She was 82. Sanders was a former teacher and principal for Fort Smith Public Schools and held leadership roles at Westark Community College, which is now the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS). She was part of the college’s leadership group that helped transition the college into a four-year university. While at the college and university, Sanders helped create Leadership Fort Smith and was the program’s director for 10 years. Also while at the college, Sanders was instrumental in establishing the University Center, which helped students obtain four-year degree programs with participating universities. Her roles at the college and university included continuing education division director and chief operating officer/provost, UAFS vice chancellor, and UAFS interim chancellor. She was recognized with the Jack White Leadership Award in 1995. “Dr. Sanders had a rare gift for seeing potential in people long before they saw it in themselves,” said UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley. “She encouraged students to pursue opportunities they never imagined possible and challenged colleagues to lead boldly and trust in their own abilities. Her fearless spirit transformed this university. During nearly three decades of service to Westark Community College, Westark College, and UAFS, she served as provost, senior vice chancellor, chief of staff, and interim chancellor. ”Fort Smith Mayor George McGill said he has lost “a longtime friend. ”(from left) Former Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders and Dr. Sandi Sanders were presented with the 82nd Annual Book of Golden Deeds Award by Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club on March 21, 2025, by Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club President Julie Moncrief. “I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Sanders not only as an outstanding leader but as a person of integrity, grace, and genuine kindness,” McGill said. “She had an extraordinary ability to bring people together, inspire confidence, and encourage others to pursue excellence. Her love for Fort Smith was evident in everything she did. The legacy of Dr. Sandi Sanders will live on in the institutions she helped build, the students she inspired, the leaders she mentored, and the countless lives she touched. Our city is stronger because of her life’s work. On behalf of the city of Fort Smith, I extend my deepest condolences to Sandi, her family, and all who loved and admired Dr. Sanders. We pray that God will comfort them during this difficult time and grant them peace in the knowledge that her remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come. ”Sanders, once listed as one of the top 100 most influential women in Arkansas, was the first president and CEO of the U. S. Marshals Museum, and her board service included the United Way of Fort Smith Area, Montessori School, the Fort Smith Public Library, and Girl Scouts. She was appointed to the Arkansas Arts Council by former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. In 2025 she and her husband, former Mayor Sandy Sanders,were recognizedwith the prestigious Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club. Sanders and her husband were married for 62 years. “Sandi was one of the most elegant ladies I’ve ever known,” U. S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, said in a statement. “The perfect complement to her husband. I’m a better human having known her these many years. Fort Smith and Arkansas’ 3rd District have lost a treasure. ”In her statement, Riley said the Sanderses, “championed the arts and cultural life of our state and region and built a place I am proud to call my hometown. ”Then U. S. Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark. , noted her service in February 2010 when she stepped down as president and CEO of the U. S. Marshals Museum. “Her dedication to her community is shown through the numerous hours devoted to making her society a better place for her neighbors and for future residents,” Pryor said on the U. S. Senate floor. “Dr. Sanders has brought great leadership and outstanding integrity to the Arkansas community. Her leadership has been and will continue to be critical in an ever-changing environment. The work of educating young people should not be taken lightly, and I am proud to have Dr. Sanders teaching and advising students in our great state. ”This story will be updated when an obituary is available. Related