As part of School Board Member Recognition Month in the state of Arkansas, the Magnolia School District would like to spotlight each member of the Magnolia School Board. The first spotlight is board president, Mike Waters.
Mike Waters is a lifelong Magnolia resident. He is a 1969 graduate of Magnolia High School. He received his Bachelor's in Business Administration in 1973 from Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University, and later graduated from the University of Oklahoma Banking School. This is Mike’s 28th year serving on the Magnolia School Board. During this period, the board initiated many new academic programs. Additionally, during his tenure, the board made over $75 million in physical improvements, while paying one of the state’s lowest millages. He also served on the state school board for six years.
Mike is a past president of the SAU Alumni Association, Mulerider Club, Boys and Girls Club, Magnolia Housing Authority, Rotary Club, Magnolia Country Club, and MHS Golf Club. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way, Salvation Army, Delta Waterfowl and Conifer Girl Scouts. Mr. Waters was a graduate of the first Leadership Magnolia class. One of Mike’s highlights while attending MHS was to quarterback a 13-0 State Championship team. He still holds the school record for a quarterback of 35-2-1. Mike is married to Angie Waters, and they have two children, the late Joseph Waters and Abby Alphin. They also have grandchildren, Quinton Alphin and Phinley Waters. Mike and Angie attend Asbury Methodist Church. When asked why he enjoys serving on the Magnolia School Board, Mike states, “It has been a great pleasure to watch students come through our school system, have families, and be very productive in life!”