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THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1923
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Graduate student leaves many marks PAGE 5
ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY // THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018 • VOL. 94 NO. 10
Master Plan is approved by the board HANNAH BUTLER
Staff Writer
This past year, Arkansas Tech has been refining its Master Plan, which is intended to improve campus within the next 10 to 20 years. The Master Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees in October of 2017; there is now time to review and await the start of the plan. The Master Planning Process began with assembling task forces, which dealt with analyzing specific parts of growth around campus. The six task forces included: Ensuring Safety and Security; Creating Sustainable Campuses; Improving Technology Infrastructure; Assessing Building/Facility Needs and
Space Utilization; Enhancing Transportation and Parking; and Integrating Community and Preserving Campus Heritage. These task forces worked to understand the best possible methods of where to place each proposed change. Ideas for improvements came partly from student and faculty opinions taken from a survey. Students suggested a recreation facility, a student union, a new Fine Arts & Humanities Building and a 24-hour study facility. Faculty agreed that Tech was in need when it came to classrooms, study rooms and recreation centers. The approved Master Plan includes more academic buildings, demolition of several existing buildings and new socialization areas on campus. Priority projects
Nassar receives 60 years for sexual abuse Ricci Logan Sports Photographer
WWW.ATU.EDU/MASTERPLANNING/
A mock up of the Russellville campus framework design gives an idea of the layout for the campus. For a more detailed look go to www.atu.edu/masterplanning/. within the Master Plan are a STEM building, a performing arts center, a student hall, a new entrance, housing on part of El Paso and a student union. “There are priority projects that we’ll be looking at, and it gives us direction and a guidance that these were the products that were the top priorities,” Jayne Jones, chairperson of the Integrat-
ing Community and Preserving Campus Heritage task force, said. The longterm plans include a new administration building, Greek housing, a pedestrian street, more academic buildings, a second STEM building and new student halls. Demolition includes Stroupe, Dean Hall, Critz and Witherspoon. Funding will be a key
component of this operation. Private donors and companies will be the main source. Faculty and school boards will also be highly reviewed to help fund the Master Plan. Although the final decisions have not been made yet, Jones said the university “will be looking at grant possibilities”
(PLAN page 3)
Gunter named interim chief of staff SAM STRASNER
SUBMITTED
Dr. Mary B. Gunter, a member of the Arkansas Tech University faculty since 1998, took office as interim chief of staff in the ATU Office of the President effective Jan. 2, 2018. Gunter holds the rank of professor of educational leadership at Arkansas Tech. The driving force behind the design and implementation of the first doctoral program in Arkansas Tech history, Gunter has served as dean of the ATU Graduate College since 2009. She added the responsibility of dean in the ATU College
of Education in 2015. “It is a pleasure and an honor to be able to assist our president, Dr. Robin E. Bowen, in the role of interim chief of staff,” said Gunter. “As we continue to achieve the goals set forth in our strategic plan, we maintain a sharp focus on student success. I look forward to the opportunities this role will provide me to work on a broader basis with our educational partners, an opportunity made possible in part by the fact that we have leaders who are ready and willing
to continue our work in the Colof Education and the GradMary B. lege uate College.” Gunter While Gunter is tending to the duties of chief of staff, Dr. Interim Chief Linda Bean will serve as interim of staff dean for the ATU College of Education and Dr. Jeff Robertson will be interim dean for the ATU Graduate College. Robertson will continue as dean of the ATU College of Natural and Health Sciences. Searches for the positions with
DEBATE ON
(GUNTER page 3) Arkansas Tech University hosted a Southern Forensic Championship Tournament. Three of the eight states, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, were competing for their state championship, while the others were trying to place within the tournament itself. Most of the judges for the event came from the Russellville community. Tech will host another tournament Feb. 23-25. JORDAN CLARK/ THE ARKA TECH
Sexual abuse is swept under the rug in the world we live in. Women are scared to confess their experiences with sexual abuse. Sexual abuse could break a family’s loyalty if a step dad, uncle or grandfather sexual abused a young girl. In the sport word, a disturbing secret has been revealed. It is being called one of the biggest sexual abuse scandals in sports history. For 160 women, the man who sexually abused them is finally put behind bars. Larry Nassar worked as team doctor for the USA gymnastics team and worked at Michigan State University as a doctor. Nassar was lauded as a mustsee doctor for the United States’ best gymnasts. He plead guilty to ten counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct will now spend the rest of his life in person. Before he was put behind bars, the women he abused confronted him. “Larry is the most dangerous type of abuser. One who is capable of manipulating his victims through coldly calculated grooming methodologies, presenting the most wholesome and caring external persona as a deliberate means to ensure a steady stream of young children to assault,” gymnast Rachael Denhollander said, according to New York Times. The New York Times also reported Michigan State student Amanda Thomashow said, “I reported it. Michigan State University, the school I loved and trusted, had the audac-
(ABUSE page 3)
Arkansas Tech enters into MOU with Mexican university SAM STRASNER
SUBMITTED
Arkansas Tech University and Universidad Tecnologica de Matamoros of Mexico have entered into an agreement that establishes a formal educational partnership between the two universities. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, and Dr. Gloria Ivett Bermea Vázquez, rector for UTM. Additional parties present for the signing included Rodolfo Quilantan Arenas, head of post for the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, and Dr. Héctor Escobar Salazar, secretary of education of the government of Tamaulipas in Mexico. Provisions outlined in the memorandum include: *collaboration to identify and establish innovative and effective solutions to challenges facing the regional/respective state’s econ-
omies; area businesses; government regulators and academic institutions in the areas of interest and competence for both institutions. *development and maintenance of open communications between both institutions to affect projects, training and/or agreements to the benefit of both institutions. This may include methods for reporting discernable progress, effective practices, strategic changes, mutual agreements and methods for the support and resolution of issues/matters of disagreement. *where permitted by law, sharing resources, to the extent practicable, that will further the mutual objectives of the two institutions and any other parties involved. This may include such items as equipment, informational materials, management expertise, class/ courses and other specific technological knowledge. *pursuit of additional resourc-
TECHNOLOGY TAKING OVER
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The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, and Dr. Gloria Ivett Bermea Vázquez, rector for UTM. es that will improve the effectiveness of individual and joint efforts, and provide reasonable support to one another in the acquisitions of resources. *supporting each other’s efforts to improve the quality and
FOOD REVIEW
access of programming, introduce streamlined services and eliminate duplication of efforts. *building relationship with other institutions and organizations that might aid individual and joint efforts.
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The memorandum of understanding also establishes a framework by which ATU and UTM may create specific agreements for any special projects developed in support of the partnership between the two institutions.
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2 Opinion arkatechnews.com
EZEKIEL MASCUILLI/THE ARKA TECH
FCC ruling bad for Arkansas Here at The Arka Tech, we are committed to keeping our readers informed. As journalists, it’s our job to provide accurate, unbiased information, and to allow the students, staff and faculty to make their own decisions based on that information. In light of this dedication, we chose to address an issue that impacts all of us: net neutrality. Net neutrality refers to the unfettered access to information on the internet. On Dec. 14, 2017, the FCC repealed the 2015 net neutrality rules, which required internet providers to treat all websites, large and small, equally. This means that internet service providers and telecom companies can currently slow down or speed up access to websites, effectively controlling our access to information. “Consumers might not feel the effects of this decision right away. But eventually they could begin to see packages and pricing schemes that would steer them toward some content over others,” according to Brian Fung in a Washington Post article. Companies like Netflix won’t disappear, but its availability from certain providers could change. Additional charges for those services are also likely. “Tech startups may struggle to strike deals with providers and pay up to have their content delivered faster. That could fundamentally alter the future internet
landscape,” according to Seth Fiegermann on CNN. Twenty-one states, plus the District of Columbia, have already filed lawsuits against the FCC as of print. On Monday, Jan. 29, the California State Senate passed a bill to impose restrictions on internet service providers, in direct defiance of the FCC’s repeal. The governors of New York and Montana have signed executive orders to enforce net neutrality, and several other states are considering it. Arkansas is not one of the states involved in the lawsuit against the FCC. In fact, all of the internet service providers and telecom companies in the state have given their support to the FCC, as has Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. In the United States, Arkansas ranks forty-eighth in broadband connectivity; 30 percent of the population is underserved, according to broadbandnow.com. On the surface, the FCC repeal doesn’t seem so bad. Proponents of ending net neutrality argue that it will encourage innovation (which is the same argument every business has used about capitalist deregulation practices for the last century or so). And innovation is the driving force behind technology. But ending net neutrality has created a place where people have to pay attention to what providers do now. What if the only access to news is pro-
Editorial: ed·i·to·ri·al
[ed-i-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] noun: An article that represents the official viewpoint of a newspaper on a topic of public interest. vided by one national station? What if it’s only provided by local stations who have limited funding or motivation to report national and international news? In underserved states, like Arkansas, it’s possible that economically depressed areas, where there is demand but few resources, will not have any access, because it doesn’t make sense to service an area with so few customers. What if only those areas with access to sufficient funding are provided with access to all the internet offers, and other areas are only provided with what is deemed necessary? Moreover, the internet has become an invaluable tool for education. Although the poverty rate in the state is only 18 percent, in some counties that soars to 85 percent. The school districts in those counties already cannot afford the latest technology, much less an increase in internet access. If access to information can be controlled by a corporation, whether for economic or moral reasons, or both, it is both censorship and discrimination.
As journalists, we are fundamentally opposed to a corporation’s ability to decide what we are allowed to know or access. We know that there are dark corners of the internet, rife with information that is offensive, or damaging or outright wrong. We know that social media has given rise to fake journalism and disinformation campaigns. But it is our belief that everyone should be allowed to read or view articles and videos, and gifs, and memes and make up their own mind about what they believe. If a corporation can keep us from doing that, it is censorship. If a corporation withholds access from school districts, based on socioeconomic factors, it is discrimination. Though the FCC has repealed net neutrality, there is still hope. Congress can stop the FCC with a Congressional Review Act. To achieve this, we only need one more vote in the senate. You can write to Congress from battleforthenet.com, or you can call 202-224-3121; this is the Capitol switchboard, just ask to speak with your local representative.
AI replaces workers, high school diploma becoming irrelevant DALE QUAID
Staff Writer
With technology taking over many unskilled professions, the high school diploma isn’t worth as much as it once was. Artificial intelligence is taking over some surprising jobs; these jobs are what used to be done by the generally educated, high school graduate. Unless high schools vastly change their curriculums to include programming, web development skills and computer networking, getting a college degree will be virtually mandatory. As late as the 1970’s, a high school diploma could net you a job with a living wage right after graduation. Computers were just starting to become useful but were not automated yet; they still required an operator to function. Jump to today and the high school diploma won’t even get
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your foot into any doors, and computers can run extremely complex programs without further human input. With a high school diploma 40 years ago, a person could get a job as a construction worker and make enough from that single income to support a family and even buy a house. Now in 2018,
most households require two incomes just to support a family and afford housing, forget trying this making minimum wage, even with overtime. Trends show that high school only education is on the decline and higher education is on the rise, with good reason. But where have the jobs of the past gone?
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
Artificial intelligence is taking over a few skilled but mostly unskilled jobs because AI is less expensive in the long run, it doesn’t make mistakes and it doesn’t get tired. Also, even scarier, AI will be taking some other surprising jobs away from people including, but not limited to, farming, taxi drivers, truck
drivers, construction workers, actors, journalists, translators, transcribers and even medical professionals. A few of these jobs already require a college degree. AI is still in its infancy, and in the future as AI becomes more advanced more and more jobs will become automated leaving even more people out of work. So, what can be done? High schools need to change and adapt to deliver more useful skills. It’s not surprising computer related fields are all growing. If a high school diploma meant that its recipient could program a computer or know enough about networking to acquire a cisco certificate, it would make itself relevant again. Until that is the norm across the entire United States, the high school diploma will stay mostly irrelevant unless you want to continue to college to get into a higher paid, more secure career.
Campus/News 3 arkatechnews.com
Giving veterans an upward hand AMBER QUAID
Managing Editor
As one of fewer than 60 schools chosen for the 201722 Veterans Upward Bound grant program, Arkansas Tech University has opened a new office to help veterans succeed at all stages in life. Grant funding for the first year is $263,938, and the anticipated funding from the U.S. Department of Education from Sept. 1, 2017 through Aug. 31, 2022, is more than $1.3 million. “Our goal is to help them get in school or get academically prepared for school,” said Kristie Wilson, director of Veterans Upward Bound. “One of the criteria is if they have been out of school for five years.” CRITERIA There are two types of criteria a veteran needs to qualify for this program. The criteria are: U.S. veteran having served 180 days of active duty or was a member of the reserve for 30 days or more (training counts) or a reserve component who served on contingency operation on or after Sept. 11, 2001. If a person meets one of those requirements and they are low income or a first-generation college student or demonstrate academic need or have a documented disability then they qualify for this program. For example, a reserve that trained for 30 days and is a first generation college student qualifies for this program. According to the Department of Education, “Veterans Upward Bound is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.” SERVICES Arkansas Tech was notified in Sept. 2017 that it had earned a federal grant to offer Veterans Upward Bound, which will provide student success resources to 125 veterans at Tech each year. It is the fourth TRIO program at Arkansas Tech, joining the existing Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science and Student Support Services programs. While the other upward bound programs focus on high school students, the Veterans Upward Bound focuses on veterans at any level of college as long as they need one of the services they provide. The services offered are: education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants; Instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and other subjects necessary for success in educa-
PLAN
AMBER QUAID/THE ARKA TECH Left to right: Alan Parsons and Allison Sims are academic advisers and Kristie Wilson is the director of Verterans Upward Bound, a new program to help veterans. tion beyond high school; academic, financial, or personal counseling; tutorial services; mentoring programs; information on postsecondary education opportunities; assistance in completing college entrance and financial aid applications; assistance in preparing for college entrance exams; information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and benefits; and various workshops to help veterans succeed (organizational skills, time management, VA education benefits, stress management, test anxiety). “We understand that not everyone can come on campus for the workshops, especially when we serve ten counties, so we’re going to try to put as much as we can online,” said Wilson. THE PEOPLE Kristie Wilson is the first director of Veterans Upward Bound at ATU, while Alan Parsons and Allison Sims are serving in the role of academic adviser. Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Her work experience includes eight years in the Veterans Upward Bound program at Henderson State and service in the Army National Guard.
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and believes “that all revenue sources will be definitely considered and on the table.” As of right now, nothing is set in stone and the Master Plan will continue to be worked on. “It will be evaluated as we go forward, and updated, and whatnot.
ABUSE
Because, in twenty years, I can promise you things will change. Needs will change, student preferences will change. Things that are at the top of their list right now, as some of these things are being met, other things will come about,” Jones said. Jones and the
rest of the master planners will await further news and see how this year goes to consult further improvements or updates to the Master Plan. For more information about the Master Planning process, students can visit https://www.atu. edu/masterplanning/.
From Page 1
ity to tell me that I did not understand the difference between sexual assault and a medical procedure.” Nassar could have been stopped but why wasn’t he? Michigan State and the USA Gymnastics ignored two decades of abuse. How was this man able
GUNTER
to give “pelvic exams” in their hotel or dorm beds at night, wholly unsupervised? This story show how much of a problem sexual abuse is. It is always shocking to see how long sexual abuse is covered up. We need to handle sexual abuse differently. Action
needs to be taken when the first accuser says she has been abused. Is winning gold medals more important than morals? These intuitions should have been protecting these young women. We should never value performance over protection.
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interim appointments will take place in spring 2018. Gunter will serve on the ATU Executive Council and succeed Dr. Jeff Mott, who came to Arkansas Tech as chief of staff in September 2015. In addition to ensuring a proper transition for chief of staff responsibilities, Mott will also work during the spring 2018 semester
to complete the current Leadership Tech year and provide for the sustainability of the program moving forward. Mott will leave the university by the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year. “I cannot sufficiently articulate how much Dr. Mott’s service in the role of chief of staff has assisted me,” said Bowen. “His legacy here includes Leader-
SIMPLY CASUAL
ship Tech, a program that will continue to provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff far beyond his final day with us. As Dr. Mott pursues the next step in his professional journey and seeks out opportunities that will allow him to be closer to his family on a more regular basis, I wish him the very best.”
Parsons earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a graduate certificate in advising from Arkansas Tech. He is on pace to earn a master’s degree in college student personnel from ATU in May 2018. Parsons is a nine-year veteran of active duty with the U.S. Army. Sims received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Arkansas Tech. She is daughter, granddaughter and niece to a veteran. Sims has worked as an education specialist coordinator in the Veterans Upward Bound program at Henderson State and as a graduate assistant in the Office of Veteran Services at ATU. CONTACT INFORMATION Veterans Upward Bound at Tech will serve veterans and service members who live or drill in a region that includes the counties of: Conway, Crawford, Faulkner, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Perry, Pope, Sebastian and Yell. Students wishing to apply for the Veterans Upward Bound program may send e-mail to vub@atu.edu, call Wilson at 479-964-0583 ext. 2425, call Parsons at 479964-0583 ext. 2814 or stop by Rothwell Suite 107 Room 116.
Free trips for Tech students
EVENT: Arkansas General Assembly and Clinton Presidential Library Trip WHO’S HOSTING? Dr. Michael Rogers, Associate Professor of Political Science WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Join Arkansas Tech as we journey to Little Rock, AR to explore the Arkansas General Assembly and the Clinton Presidential Library. This will be an opportunity to see our state government in action! Transportation will be provided by Arkansas Tech. Students will need to bring lunch money to eat in the cafeteria at the Capitol. HOW DO I SIGN UP? Register on theLink on Campus Life’s page under Forms by February 12 at 5 pm. Seating is limited. WHEN IS IT? Monday, February 19, 2018 from 8:00am-5:30pm WHERE IS IT? Departing from Tucker Coliseum WHERE DO I SWIPE MY ID? Attendance will be reported to Campus Life. SPONSOR: Campus Life and Department of History and Political Science EVENT: Crystal Bridges Art Museum WHO’S HOSTING? Dr. Joshua Fisher, Assistant Professor of Art WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. They explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities. Join Arkansas Tech as we journey to Bentonville, AR to explore the artwork at Crystal Bridges. Lunch and transportation will be provided by Arkansas Tech. We will be departing at 9 am from Tucker Coliseum. HOW DO I SIGN UP? Register on theLink on Campus Life’s page under Forms by April 5, 2018 at 5:00 pm. Seating is limited. WHEN IS IT? Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 9:00 am - 6:30 pm WHERE IS IT? Depart from Tucker Coliseum WHERE DO I SWIPE MY ID? Campus Life will submit attendance after the event. SPONSOR: Department of Art and Campus Life
GEORGE CLARK/THE ARKA TECH
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
4 Campus arkatechnews.com
MAN ON THE STREET WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE FCC REPEALING NET NEUTRALITY?
“I think it’s wrong.” Laura Moctezuma Nursing and Spanish Maumelle
SAB PHOTO
The president for SAB is Glen Poole. The Motion Picture Team Leader is Daniel Rivera, the Creative Events Team Leader is Nathaniel Palmer, Lakyn Kidd is the Social Events Leader, Jean Smith takes care of Variety Events, and Kamaron Thompson is the Campus Community Team Leader.
'Fun experts' lead events on campus HANNAH BUTLER
Staff Writer
The Student Activities Board on campus actively works hard to build student success and involvement. The executive board is made up of six students who can relate to other students and keep up with pop culture to help decide what events come up. There is a president and five other team leaders that head the executive board of the SAB, as well as an adviser. The president for SAB is Glen Poole. The Motion Picture Team Leader is Daniel Rivera, the Creative Events Team Leader is Nathaniel Palmer, Lakyn Kidd is the Social Events Leader, Jean Smith takes care of Variety Events, and Kamaron Thompson is the Campus Community Team Leader. The executive board meets weekly to decide and brainstorm fun activities for students throughout the year. As the “fun experts,” the board plans weeks and months in advance to decide what events students would enjoy the most. Annually,
SAB puts on “Tech’s Got Talent,” where students can audition and potentially win money for their talent abilities. The board also often puts on events such as “Big Money Bingo” and regularly has movie nights with current movies. However, these fun events do not happen overnight. Jenny Butler, Assistant Director of Campus Life and Advisor for SAB, said, “We normally plan our schedule for the fall back in April before school’s out in the spring, and then our spring events we try to plan before Thanksgiving.” A lot goes into planning: what space SAB will reserve, who or what will be a part of entertainment, giveaways and more. A few days before the event, or the day of, the general board made up of volunteers will meet in order to assign tasks. Mainly, volunteers come from noticing SAB at the Involvement Fair at the start of semester. Although, students can help out at any time. “Anytime throughout the school year, if someone wants to come to and show up at an event
and is interested in helping, then we take their name and put them on our contact list to help in future events,” Butler said. Typically, volunteers can provide ideas for more SAB events, as well as put up flyers and advertise for events. Volunteers also give a hand in helping up set up the events. Students who decide to be a part of the Student Activities Board as a volunteer do get community service hours. “Being the ‘fun experts’ of campus is definitely rewarding, not only in the way that you get to build a community with the individuals within the program, but that you contribute to the overall experience of college students. Knowing that some of the events you are hosting are going to be some of the most memorable moments of their collegiate career is definitely humbling and exhilarating all at once,” Amanda Hampton, a medical technology major from Murrieta, California and SAB volunteer, said For more information, students can visit https://www.atu.edu/ sab/.
The Arka Tech
GENERAL POLICY
News stories printed in The Arka Tech must be accurate, fair and as unbiased as possible. Any mistakes in fact found in an issue of The Arka Tech will be corrected in the first possible issue. Opinions expressed in The Arka Tech are not necessarily the opinions of Arkansas Tech University or its students. Individual copies of The Arka Tech are free to members of the Tech community. Contact the adviser for pricing of multiple copies.
CoEditor-in-Chiefs: AMBER APPLEBY AMBER QUAID Online Editor: BRUCE THOMAS Sports Photographer: RICCI LOGAN Editorial Cartoonist: EZEKIEL MASCUILLI
Office: Energy Center 138 General email: arkatech@atu.edu Ads email: arkatech.ads@atu.edu
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Staff Writers: HANNAH BUTLER KIERRA HILDRETH DALE QUAID JORDAN CLARK Layout Editor: AMBER QUAID Comic Strip Artist: GEORGE CLARK
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
Gavin Glenn Agriculture business Evansville
“Kids in college won’t be on their phones in class so much; it will help their education.” Katie Harris Health and Wellness Nottingham, England
“In a way, it would be bad cause of how many people use it, but in a way, it’ll be good. It’ll kinda help people unplug a little bit.” Steve Ruddell Agriculture Business Atkins
“I think the FCC is bad. Our tuition is already high and if they add that cost, it’s harder for people to pay, especially if they have a scholarship.” Sarah Reinke Health and Physical Ed. Mansfield, Texas
Entertainment Writer: GABBI CALABRESE SportsWriter: NOAH DELSHAW
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“I guess it’s kind of a bad deal for us cause we use Facebook and Wi-Fi so much and don’t really make that much money as college students.”
Faculty Advisor: TOMMY MUMERT
“I do not think it is right.” Trace Kirchoff Health and Physical Ed. Stuttgart
Feature 5 arkatechnews.com
Driven by passion, artist finds her way AMBER QUAID
Editor-in- chief
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” –Pablo Picasso Infectious laughter with a kind heart, an eye for design and a strong work ethic is what helped Skylar Cox complete over 250 graphic design projects over the last eight months for Arkansas Tech University. She attributes this to her mom. Growing up in Devils Den State Park, television was not an option; there just was no reception to be had. Her mother’s solution for no television—art. Since Skylar could remember, her and her four siblings would draw whatever item, animal or concept their mom would come up with for the day. “I remember this one time, we were told to draw toads, and mom told my brother his was good but didn’t tell me anything about mine. I cried,” Skylar said remembering a pivotal moment in her childhood. This stuck with Skylar as she grew up and continued to improve her fine art skills. Her older brother then started coming home with artwork he produced at Tech and Skylar thought, “I want to do that.” In May of 2016 Skylar graduated Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. While at Tech, Skylar earned numerous awards and accolades for her graphic design talents. Such awards as winner of the ATU Women’s Week art contest, second place at the Eighth Annual Juried Student Competitive Exhibit and first place in the Vintage Violet Boutique T-shirt design contest. Through her undergrad college experience, she never planned on going to graduate school but graduate school had a plan for her. She was offered the opportunity to be the graduate assistant for graphic design in Campus Life. “I found there was an opportunity to grow as a professional at Tech. I applied for the position and was picked, so I applied for grad school and now here I am,” Skylar said of her GA position. Skylar accepted this opportunity because getting her masters debt-free was something she could not pass up. While Tech does pay for most of her schooling through her position she still has to work another job, Brick Oven, to make ends meet and guarantee a debt-free degree. “I love school and I know a lot of others who didn’t. I feel very blessed that way,” said Skylar. “I didn’t like high school but I liked school here [at Tech].” She will graduate this May with her Master of Liberal Arts in Communications degree. Though she is about to graduate, her schedule is still full of projects to be completed for this semester.
Skylar Cox shows off her goofy side with one of her two dogs. In the last seven months, Skylar has completed over 250 projects for various departments and RSOs at Tech. In her position, she works with an interactive PDF to help clients create what they need. She begins with a draft, after communicating with the client about what they are looking for, and after suggestions and alterations she creates the finish product; many of which are seen around campus. One such project she has worked on is the OnTrack Road Map for theLink. This is a 36-page guide that informs students what OnTrack is, what it does, how it benefits students and breaks down events into easy to understand categories to use for OnTrack. Skylar has also completed professional projects such as Ashby St. Outdoor Advertising where she created custom vinyl and digital billboard designs or for Sydney Elizabeth Designs where she created custom, themed and cohesive designs for skorts. Sydney Elizabeth Designs, with the skorts, was just picked up by the Pro Golfers Association store. “Skylar is such a talented artist,” said Sydney Harwood, owner of Sydney Elizabeth LLC. “She really took what was in my mind and made it come to life.” To earn her master’s degree Skylar is creating her own professional branding campaign. Here she will create her own logo and package designs for various products giving her a professional setup to step out on her own. Currently, she is not taking any graphic design requests, as her daily schedule is filled, but she is selling her fine artwork in her ETSY store (piecesbysky). Skylar’s focus for now is on graduation, her two dogs and her fiancé.
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AMBER QUAID/THE ARKA TECH ABOVE: Skylar Cox shows one of the many projects she has worked on this past year. Concepts for these projects are drawn by hand and then a final product is created from that. BELOW: Examples of works produced by Skylar Cox during the last year for various departments within Campus Life.
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6 Entertainment arkatechnews.com
Kob Jai has reasonable prices, decent food DALE QUAID
Staff Writer
Kob Jai is a Thai restaurant located in downtown Russellville; the red sign is hard to miss. Walking in, I noticed the small dining room isn’t overly decorated, with plain colored walls and about seven oriental inspired paintings. I noticed the four small square paintings of various bamboo forests bore Daniel Freeman’s signature, the owner and artist of the Kaliedoclasm gallery. I was free to seat myself so I chose the table next to the window that way I could view just how little goes on in Russellville on a Friday afternoon. The waitress was prompt and took drink orders right away. Of course, if you’re going to eat Thai food there is only one beverage to get—Thai tea. Thai tea is a spiced, strongly brewed black tea, which is then put on ice and sweetened milk is added, pretty similar to Indian Chai. She was then ready to take my order, I started off with Seen Savan and finished with Gang Phet. Not too long after I
ordered, the food arrived. First, the appetizer Seen Savan is a thinly sliced beef, which is dried then fried until crispy and finely coated in a very sticky, but dry enough to handle, sweet sauce. The main entrée followed too quickly. I had not even had time to enjoy my appetizer by the time my main course was on the table. My main course was Gang Phet, which is served with two egg rolls and a side of rice in a neat little steam basket. I first tried the appetizer, since I now had my choice of everything at once. The Seen Savan was crispy, sweet and chewy, served with a spicy sauce on the side which complemented the flavors nicely. Next, I tried the egg roll, which was perfect. These are not the large bubbly heavy egg rolls that you’ll find at many Chinese buffets. These egg rolls are smaller more tightly wrapped and several layers of crispy before the delicious beef filing. On the side, there was a sweet peanut sauce that tasted fairly one note, which is peculiar considering the
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DALE QUAID/THE ARKA TECH Gang Phet, a Thai red curry with potatoes, carrots, bamboo shoots and peas in coconut milk. normal massive amount of flavors going on in Thai foods. Lastly, came the Gang Phet, a Thai red curry with potatoes, carrots, bamboo shoots and peas in coconut milk. I like red Thai curry in coconut milk very much, in fact I could probably eat it every day. I was not disappointed; every part of the dish was
delicious. Overall, I was happy with Kob Jai, but I wish they could have waited to fire the main course after I had at least started on my appetizer. The portions for the main course were quite large; I could easily have shared my meal with another person and we could both leave happy. I ended
9
/10
up taking half of everything home to enjoy later. The prices are reasonable, I think the most expensive item was $11, the service is fast and the food is great. I will definitely be back. Gang Phet: $7.99 Seen Savan: $4.99 Thai Tea: $2.99 Total: $16.21
Food balances peanuts with flavor perfectly BRUCE THOMAS
Online Writer
Kob Jai is a Thai restaurant here in Russellville. It is relatively new in that it hasn’t been open more than a few years. The Arka Tech reviewed Kob Jai back when the restaurant first opened in 2015, but I wanted to go back and see if Kob Jai was still as good as the first reviewers promised. We went to Kob Jai around 1 p.m. on a Friday. It wasn’t packed, but it was relatively busy. The waitress said we could take a seat anywhere, so we sat down in one of the seats right next to the window. Not too long after that, the waitress asked what we would like to eat. I ordered the Pad Thai lunch with beef and a one-star spice rating. This comes with a side of 2 egg rolls. I also ordered a side of sticky rice, mostly because I love white rice. After about 5 minutes, give or take, my egg rolls and rice were brought to the table. The
rice was delicious. The egg rolls were perfectly fried and had the right amount of crisp. They were delicious, especially with the peanut dipping sauce. Shortly after the rice and eggrolls arrived, the food arrived, and boy, was there a lot of it. The plate probably had about 2 portions worth of pad Thai on it. Now, I should mention that I like peanuts, but I don’t love peanuts, and a lot of Thai food often comes with peanuts or has a peanut flavor to it. Not so much that it overrides the rest of the flavor, but enough that you can taste it in almost every bite, or at least I can. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoy Thai food that isn’t too peanut-y. Kob Jai’s pad Thai while, peanut-y, was not abundantly peanut-y. It was the perfect ratio, and was delicious. The noodles were cooked thoroughly and the sauce was well made. The beef was tender and seasoned so perfectly that I began to hunt through the pad Thai just to find it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long
BRUCE THOMAS/THE ARKA TECH The noodles were cooked thoroughly and the sauce was well made.The beef was tender and seasoned perfectly. before I was full and had to stop eating. I left with half of my food in a to-go box. The pad Thai lunch was $7.99. The side of white rice was $2.99. At the end of my meal, my total check was $11. 97. I would consider this a total steal considering I left with
8
/10
half my food in a to-go container. I would definitely recommend Kob Jai. Kob Jai is open Tuesday – Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 313 W B St. in Russellville
Setting helps book not be clichéd AMBER APPLEBY
Editor-in-chief
My mother was the one who convinced me to read Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. So when I saw that Roth had a new series, beginning with “Carve the Mark,” I figured I would give it a try. “Carve the Mark” follows the interwoven stories of Akos and Cyra. They live on the same planet but come from completely different cultures. Akos comes from the Thuvhe culture, which worships the current that gives everyone a special gift; and Cyra comes from the Shotet culture, which is descended from a race of cosmic drifters who sustain themselves by raiding other cultures. These two come from vastly different places, but their fates are inextricably intertwined. You see Akos and Cyra are considered fate favoured, which means that the oracles know their fates, and when all the fate favoured children’s fates are broadcasted to the galaxy, Shotet invaders kidnap Akos and his brother Eijeh. Suddenly, Akos and Cyra are thrust together. They have to decide whether or not they can trust one another, and whether or not their fates are actually set in stone. I will readily admit this book was entirely predictable. Of course this was going to be about love. It’s a
(BOOK page 7)
IDGAF has tremendous beat JORDAN CLARK
Contributing Writer
2018 is an exciting new year, which means a new variety of inspiring music for eardrums to experience. This week make sure to keep an eye out for Dua Lipa, who is no stranger to the topic of love. In her boy troubles, she presents herself as any girl would; but by showing off glamorous and robust messages to her listeners, she is able to give advice that girls need to hear and tell boys what they should be wary of. With the release of her deluxe album, (available on the iTunes and Google Play store, featuring her hit songs “New Rules” and “IDGAF”) has set music on another level of upbeat with a strong background. If you’re a Katy Perry, P!nk, or even a Sia fan, then she might just be for you. The album opens with “Genesis”, a song filled with cosmic tunes that match the singer’s voice. From there, it jumps right up to “Lost in Your Light,” featuring Miguel with a wonderful P!nk vibe. Her latest song, “IDGAF,” gives off a tremendous beat as it should with at title like that. As if taking the gloves off in the ring, Lipa does not hold back her feelings. “New Rules” also makes note of how girls should be when dealing with an ex-man they know are bad for them.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
Lipa started out her singing career doing covers of other artists on YouTube. She was mainly influenced by P!nk and Nelly Furtado. She worked to put her name in the music industry and did so with her first album “New Love” in 2015. Gaining popularity swiftly and with the release of her second single “Be the One,” Lipa became well known throughout Europe and some parts of the world. She gained worldwide attention with the release of her song “Hotter than Hell” in 2016. She continues to pursue her passion in music and does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Entertainment 7 arkatechnews.com
'Showman' not the greatest
GABBI CALABRESE
Staff Writer
As a person with a profound fondness for musicals, circuses and Zac Efron, I suspected before even buying a ticket that Michael Gracey’s “The Greatest Showman” would be a hit for me, which was a mostly-accurate assumption. In a lot of ways, this film imbued me with a shining delight. There were a few aspects, however, that I found to be distinctly underwhelming. “The Greatest Showman” is a largely-fictional biopic of P.T. Barnum, a nineteenth century showman and circus owner. It is the classic rags-to-riches story. As a young boy, P.T. Barnum falls in love with a girl of higher social stature, and though her parents make every effort to keep them apart, they find each other again when they are older. Barnum promises his bride, Charity, that he will take care of her and give her a good life. As the years progress, Barnum grows increasingly dismayed by their poverty, thus forming his
show of curiosities, recruiting the outcasts of society from their time period. The movie is punctuated by pop musical numbers that I haven’t been able to stop listening to in days. If I had to assign a single word to describe this movie, it would be “sensational,” which I’m sure would please Barnum’s character, as that is what he strove for in his own show. The visuals are absolutely stunning, the musical score is energetic, the choreography is compelling and the narrative is heartwarming. It was a pleasure to sit back and witness the sensation, to see dreams come true right in front of me. When I left the theater, I was beaming and already aching to watch the movie again. The film was not without flaws, though. Unfortunately, it fell flat in one very important area: characterization. The actors put on an incredibly convincing performance, so I was still able to become emotionally invested in all the characters, but the only dynamic character present is Barnum. His tough background, his aspirations, his flaws—they’re all laid out for the viewers to see, and
the same cannot be said about any other character in the movie. The so-called curiosities that Barnum has selected to star in his show are arguably the most fascinating aspect of the film, but they are underutilized. We hardly get to know them, and we don’t witness much growth from them. Their presence provides little more than fodder for Barnum’s emotional journey. There is also a major subplot in the movie that was nothing but a waste of screen time. The romance between Barnum’s assistant Carlyle and a trapeze artist in the show is rushed and unnecessary. While it does demonstrate the racism and toxic attitudes of the time, that could have been achieved in a more economical way. Instead of squeezing in another romance when there is already a much more developed, complicated one unraveling, I would have liked to see the other plotlines expanded. “The Greatest Showman” took my breath away, but upon deeper inspection, this film suffers from the same problem for which Barnum’s shows were criticized—it’s an illusion. It appears brilliant and dazzling, but it lacks a certain sub-
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stance. Gracey tried to cram too much into one hour and forty-five minutes. Even still, “The Greatest Showman” is a charming cinematic
experience that I absolutely ate up despite all of my critiques. While it might not be the greatest show, it certainly makes an impression.
BOOK From Page 6 young adult novel, for crying out loud. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s sort of like watching a Hallmark movie. You know the girl is going to pick the small town baker with a heart of gold over the
big city banker who jets her off to Rome to eat pizza, but you’re still going to watch the movie from beginning to end. It’s a feel good, and that’s what this book is. Admittedly, the bad guy
in this book is far more evil than anything in any Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen. But overall, this is the kind of book you just know is going to have a happy ending when you pick it up.
What keeps this novel from being totally clichéd is the setting. There is a system of nine planets, which have separate governments, cultures and ways of life, that are all connected through
one major governing body. Throughout the story, the reader gets to learn about many of these planets and their cultures, which is unendingly fascinating. This book isn’t without its
flaws, but it’s fun and engaging. If you were a fan of the “Divergent” series, you will enjoy this book. The sequel, “The Fates Divide,” is expected to be released on April 10.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
8 Sports arkatechnews.com
Golden Suns sitting in second 2018 Women's Basketball Standings
Noah Delashaw
Sports Writer
The Golden Suns travel to Alva, Oklahoma tonight to take on the Northwestern Oklahoma Lady Rangers at 5:30 p.m. Last weekend, the Golden Suns took on the East Central Lady Tigers in a 68-53 win. The Golden Suns, 11-2 in GAC play, will take on the Lady Rangers, 5-8 in GAC play. The Golden Suns sit at second in the GAC behind Southwestern Oklahoma State, who is 13-0. The Lady Rangers are in a four-way tie for seventh in the GAC with the Harding Lady Bisons, the Southern Nazarene Crimson Storm and the East Central Lady Tigers. Last weekend, the Golden Suns extended the win streak to six after beating the Lady Tigers at home, 68-53. The Golden Suns and the Lady Tigers traded leads throughout the beginning of the first quarter but an 8-0 run gave the Golden Suns a 5-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Golden Suns were able to get their lead to double digits in the second quarter but big runs from the Lady Tigers kept them in the game, tying with a few minutes left in the half. The Golden Suns scored the final points of the half making it 31-28 at half. Into the second half, the Golden Suns had more big runs, giving them an 11-point lead by the end of the third quarter. Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse, from Helena, buried a three-pointer for the Golden Suns with 1:57 left in the game to extend the lead to 22 points, 68-46. The Golden Suns held a 38-30 rebounding advantage over the Lady Tigers. They were 8-of-13 from the free-throw line and shot 47 percent from the field. Kylie Ladd, from Ozark, had 16 points and five
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Ke’Vonshaye Stackhouse, from Helena, buried a three-pointer. assists on the night. Stackhouse and Lyrik Williams, from Crystal, Minnesota, both shot for double figures in the game.
Southwestern Oklahoma State
13-0
Arkansas Tech
11-2
Henderson State
9-4
Oklahoma Baptist
6-7
Ouachita
6-7
Southeastern Oklahoma State
6-7
Northwestern Oklahoma State
5-8
Harding
5-8
Southern Nazarene
5-8
East Central
5-8
Southern Arkansas
4-9
ArkansasMonticello
3-10
This week in sports Thursday, 2/1/18 BB@ Grand Prairie, TX 4 p.m.
Friday, 2/2/18 SB @ Durant, OK 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, 2/3/18 WBB @ Southwestern Oklahoma 1 p.m.
Thursday, 2/1/18 WBB vs Northwestern Oklahoma 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 2/2/18 BB @ Grand Prairie, TX 4 p.m.
Saturday, 2/3/18 SB @ Durant, OK 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, 2/1/18 MBB vs Northwestern Oklahoma 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 2/3/18 SB @ Durant, OK 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, 2/3/18 MBB @ Southwestern Oklahoma 3 p.m.
Friday, 2/2/18 SB @ Durant, OK 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, 2/3/18 BB @ Grand Prairie, TX 1 p.m.
Sunday, 2/4/18 BB @Grand Prairie, TX 10 a.m.
Shooting, rebounding advantage lifts Wonder Boys RICCI LOGAN
Sports Writer
The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys basketball team is 13-6 after defeating the East Central Tigers 83-68. The game was close in the first half. The Wonder Boys held a six-point advantage at the 16:14 mark. The Wonder Boys extended their lead after Montrell Williams, from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, converted a steal into a breakaway dunk. William’s scored 22 points in this game and grabbed 15 rebounds. The Tigers responded cutting into the lead 25-21, but the Wonder Boys went on 14- 4 run to take the largest lead of the game, 39-25. In the closing minutes of the first half, the Tigers trim the lead down to five, 39 -34. However, going into half- time, the Wonder Boys were on top 42-34. The Wonder Boys opened the second half on 8-0 run, that came off a three-pointer by Freddy Lee, from Clarksville. The Wonder Boys’ lead
grew after RJ Glasper, from Forrest City, hit a three-pointer to make the score 61-39. Glasper hit six three-pointers in the game; he scored 25 total points, six rebounds and five assists. The Tigers cut the lead down to 11 points on two different occasions. But the Tigers would eventually lose. The Wonders outshot the Tigers 50.0 to 44.1 percent, connecting on 14 three-pointers. They also won the battle inside as they held a 37-32 advantage on the rebounding glass, while outscoring the Tigers 28-26 in the paint. The Wonder Boys forced 19 turnovers and scored 24 points off those turnovers. This win puts the Wonder Boys in a tie for fifth with Arkansas-Monticello and Southern Arkansas in the GAC standings. The Wonder Boys are back in action on Thursday, Feb. 1, facing Northwestern Oklahoma State in a 7:30 p.m. matchup in Alva, Oklahoma
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
2018 Men's Basketball Standings
RICCI LOGAN/THE ARKA TECH Montrell Williams, from Rocky Mount, NC, dunks on Mulerider defender.
Southern Nazarene
13-0
Northwestern Oklahoma State
8-5
East Central
8-5
Southeastern Oklahoma State
8-5
Arkansas Tech
7-6
ArkansasMonticello
7-6
Southern Arkansas
7-6
Henderson State
6-7
Ouachita
6-7
Oklahoma Baptist
5-8
Harding
2-11
Southwestern Oklahoma State
1-12