FALL 2015, VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
A sea of emotion is visible during May 2015 commencement exercises. In the last five years, A-State has conferred 19,139 degrees; 44 percent of those were graduate degrees and certificates.
in this issue: FEATURES:
10 A PROMISE TOWARD THE FUTURE: RED WOLVES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
12 A NEW LANDMARK TAKES ITS PLACE ON CAMPUS 14 THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE: WILSON FAMILY GIFT
17 CAMPUS PAC PATHS PAVE THE WAY TO FITNESS 19 BUSINESS STUDENTS’ ‘VISION’ FINDS GOVERNOR’S CUP
PROFILES:
04 STUDENT PROFILE 06 CAMPUS PROFILE 08 ALUMNI PROFILE Japhanie Gray
Julie J. Isaacson Wes Ward
DEPARTMENTS:
02 MY VOICE
Lynita Cooksey Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
24 THE LAST WORD
Beth Smith, Executive Director A-State Alumni Association Watch more of the May ceremonies here.
voices | 01
voices The Magazine of Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association
EXECUTIVE EDITOR - BETH SMITH EDITOR - DIANA MONROE DESIGN - MARY R. WILLIAMS PRINTING - A-STATE PRINTING SERVICES
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - RICH CARVELL JR. '91 VICE PRESIDENT - CHARISSE QUARLES CHILDERS '88 SECRETARY-TREASURER - MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76 PAST PRESIDENT - CHARLOTTE LUTES RAZER ‘86
BOARD MEMBERS
JOHN BAINE '97
JOY BAXTER MURPHY '92
RUSTY CHAMBERS '89
PAUL ROWTON ‘98
JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80
BOB SCHOENBORN ‘67
LYNN SITZ HOWERTON '90
STEVEN SIGSBY '72
JAJUAN JOHNSON ‘02
MARK WEBB '89
BOB MCCUISTON '65
NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS '83
RICK MILES '78
MIKE WILLIAMS '92
BRANDON MORRIS ‘08
PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ‘96
DALE MORRIS '70
J. NIEL CROWSON ‘75 - EX OFFICIO
DR. TIM HUDSON - CHANCELLOR DR. JASON PENRY - VICE CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - BETH ASHCRAFT SMITH ’82 DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ’05 DIRECTOR, ANNUAL FUND - ELAINE MAYO POYNTER ’01 DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ’05 DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
Voices is published three times a year by the Arkansas State University Alumni Association. Subscriptions are available through membership in the A-State Alumni Association. Single issues are available for $6 each. Editorial offices are located in the Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our telephone number is (870) 972-2586 and our fax number is (870) 972-2039.
MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org
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EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
my voice:
LYNITA COOKSEY ‘79 BS, ‘81 MS lcooksey@AState.edu
Over the last year, I am certain you’ve heard about one of our initiatives to improve our ability to fulfill our mission at Arkansas State University. As an A-State alumna myself, I want to say to you, my fellow Indians and Red Wolves, we are enhancing our ability to educate the next generations of students. Let me start with the primary reason for the realignment process. The current college alignments were created decades ago to fit the needs of the late 20th century. In light of the changing landscape of higher education, Arkansas State has not created a strategic plan that addresses the current organization of our academic colleges. We have discussed the realignment of our administrative units for the past three years. We’ve included all our shared governance groups in the discussion. Two task forces – one appointed by the Faculty Senate and one from my office – worked on proposed structures. They came to very similar conclusions: a six-college plan that our Shared Governance Oversight Committee accepted. With the input of faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders and students, Chancellor Tim Hudson accepted this plan at the close of the spring 2015 semester. The process is continuing in this academic year as we refine the details toward implementation in July 2016 for the 2016-2017 academic year. Whether it is pursuing a national-level grant or working on local student projects, collaboration across disciplines is increasingly important. The way we work in the early 21st century is in teams, and by reducing the artificial barriers of colleges, we can create attractive opportunities for faculty to forge new programs and new areas of study. Many of our peer institutions in the state and in the region have restructured their colleges. Some did so to take advantage of the positive impacts; regrettably for them, some were in reaction to financial difficulty. We are being proactive in our desire to become more efficient. The budgetary reality is state and federal financing for higher education is declining nationwide. During our discussions, I’ve heard several rumors related to our realignment, and I want to address them for our concerned alumni. Our accreditations are not in jeopardy; individual programs–not colleges or schools–receive national accreditation. No one’s degree changes; diplomas are issued from Arkansas State just as they always have been. Fellow alumni, the last rumor is one I particularly want to address to you––the rumor that the value of our degrees is lessened. That’s just not the case. The strength of our programs has always been, and always will be, you, our alumni. Your achievements are the basis of our academic reputation. In closing, I want to emphasize this: we teach flexibility, lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to our current generation of students. For our alma mater to enrich the future of our state and our region, we need, we must become – to employ the old quote – the change we embrace. Higher education in America has shifted over the past decade, and we are positioning Arkansas State to become a leader. If you have other questions, I welcome them from you. Email me at lcooksey@AState.edu.
Lynita M. Cooksey, Ph.D. Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs voices | 03
studentPROFILE JAPHANIE GRAY ‘15 fall 2015 | 04
he words of encouragement that would become her commencement address to the Arkansas State University Class of 2015 poured from speaker Japhanie Gray’s pen onto the back of a radio script during an on-location remote broadcast. She was working at one of her two jobs in the final month of her college career.
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spotlight on them and promoted volunteerism throughout the student body and our community,” she said. “This show also gave students in broadcast the opportunity to improve on production and creative skills. All around, this program made me feel blessed that I could communicate the message of helping others by the use of educational television.”
That may appear to some as stacking a tough workload with school, but for Japhanie, that is only part of her A-State involvement. Admittedly a person who “loves to stay active at all costs,” she maintained a high grade point average, was one of seven Distinguished Service Award recipients and graduated summa cum laude in May. Staying busy is nothing new to this radio-television graduate; her pathway to a broadcasting career was a different story.
Which brings us back to her commencement address; it’s a speech several say was the best ever delivered by a student. It made such an impression on featured speaker Chris Massingill, federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority, that he publicly offered her a job as a speechwriter at the conclusion of her remarks.
“When I was in elementary school, I had not a clue about broadcast on up until my last year of high school,” she explained. “My favorite subject was science so I wanted to be one of the best scientists in the world; I played in the dirt and loved bugs and animals.” Gray said it was while serving in Junior ROTC at Osceola High School she was given the daily task of leading the Pledge of Allegiance, observing a moment of silence, making the morning announcements over the intercom and reciting speeches and drama monologues for class when she fell in love with the ability to tell a story through an interactive voice.
“I scribbled things I believed needed to be heard in our generation,” Gray said. “Things that could not only self motivate, but encourage those who would hear my words. Throughout the final two weeks of school right before graduation, I edited and continued to edit and practice until I nearly memorized it.
“PEOPLE LIKE OPRAH
AND ELLEN AND HOSTS OF BIG AWARDS
CEREMONIES WERE ABLE TO COMFORTABLY GRAB THE ATTENTION OF THEIR AUDIENCES FOR
THE GREATER GOOD.
I TOLD MYSELF THAT
“It was important to me to produce a perfect product because at the end of the day, it wasn’t for me, it was for the family that I call A-State’s class of 2015. It was their moment to stand in the spotlight. I was just the voice that was there to remind them of just how bright their light could shine.”
INDEED I CAN,
Gray said her ultimate career goal is to one day go down in history as one of the most influential, motivational television talk show “That is what fired up my gears for radio and hosts the world will ever see. She plans to BE ABLE TO DO JUST THAT.” television,” she noted. “People like Oprah and work toward making the concept of her Ellen and hosts of big awards ceremonies were able program ‘You, Me and the Community’ even to comfortably grab the attention of their audiences for the greater good. more of a reality by taking it global and recognizing “the many known and I told myself that indeed I can, and one day, I will be able to do just that.” unknown organizations and individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others.” At Arkansas State, she volunteered for everything she could––from newscasts to TV productions to sporting events and more. She said she She is rightfully proud of her A-State experience; she said she’ll remember was hooked and every time someone needed someone to help on a show Arkansas State as “a vessel of diverse opportunity that has allowed of some sort, she was the first to volunteer. Eventually, she was able to students to seek and find who they are, what they stand for and how to make and host her own programs, acting as the producer and then the make their future dreams come true.” station manager. Arkansas State will remember Japhanie Gray. We look forward to her “I created a program, ‘You, Me and the Community,’ to showcase nonrealizing her dreams, too. profits in our community and what they did for others. This shined the
AND ONE DAY, I WILL
profile extra: Japhanie Gray is one of several A-State alums employed at KAIT. Catch her speech from the morning commencement ceremony here.
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PROFILE JULIE J. ISAACSON
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er maiden name, Juer, is of Austrian descent; the "J" is not pronounced.
"The students always come first––that is why we are here," she asserts. "Whenever I could, I would involve them in my experiences. They 'grounded me' when I was overwhelmed with issues and concerns."
That "J" may be the only part of Julie J. Isaacson that remains silent. The associate professor of nursing has returned to the classroom fulltime this fall, winding up her leadership role as president of A-State's Faculty Association and chair of Faculty Senate. Her associates know her as one who chooses her words carefully, speaking eloquently from her teaching experience and her dedication to Arkansas State University. Recognizing her potential, faculty colleagues chose her in 2012 to be association presidentelect. When the then-president left A-State for another institution, Isaacson was thrust into the presidency a year early, followed by her full two-year term.
One of her privileges as Faculty Association president was to speak at commencement ceremonies. Having addressed thousands of students over the past three years, she may be better known to more graduates than any other current faculty member.
"THE STUDENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST––
THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE," . . . WHENEVER I COULD, I
WOULD INVOLVE THEM
IN MY EXPERIENCES.
THEY 'GROUNDED
During spring commencement, she reminded the new degree holders they are joining numerous A‑State alumni whose personal and career achievements are outstanding. She challenged them to continue to be inquisitive in whatever course they pursue, and to keep in touch with Arkansas State as it continues through one of the most transformative periods in its history. While the association presidency was " … more encompassing than I had envisioned," with a huge portion of the work conducted between meetings, she enjoyed the experience very much.
"The timing to serve in this capacity was an important factor. We had experienced unprecedented administrative turnover and essentially had a new administrative team in place," she "I am overwhelmed and flattered by the trust WITH ISSUES AND CONCERNS." recalled. "I believed the faculty and administration placed in me by so many, faculty and would be willing to take a breath and work administration alike," said Isaacson, a faculty together in the best interest of the institution and its students." member since 1987, noting the guidance she received from individuals with long-term senate experience. "It is a privilege to be exposed to the big As the faculty's representative in administrative deliberations, she picture as well as the day-to-day, faculty/student picture. The perspective has been integrally involved in campus advancements regarding shared is different." governance, institutional accreditation review and renewal, organizational re-structuring and other issues that concern educators. Her most significant accomplishments, in her judgment, were in building relationships, trust and transparency. Those who have watched her chair meetings of the Faculty Senate have admired her leadership style, encouraging thoughtful debate on issues During the last Arkansas State University Board of Trustees meeting where while finding the most optimal course for the educational mission of she represented the faculty, Chancellor Tim Hudson surprised her with the university. the first "Chancellor's Exemplary A-State Colleague Award" for her "sagacious, tenacious, fair-minded, selfless service." Part of the challenge she faced was continuing her work with students while leading the faculty. A voice for the faculty, a voice for higher education, a voice never silent – Julie J. Isaacson.
ME' WHEN I WAS
OVERWHELMED
profile extra: Watch as Carli Weathers, great-granddaughter of Dr. Carl R. Reng, talks about her connection to A-State and her own graduation in May.
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alumniPROFILE WES WARD ‘06
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s a child growing up in Lake City in eastern Craighead County, Wes Ward had one career goal; he wanted to be a soldier.
Following graduation from Riverside High School in 2000, Ward fulfilled his lifelong ambition and joined the U.S. Marines. After a couple of years, the desire to be closer to home and family prompted Ward to return to Northeast Arkansas and pursue a college degree. “I guess my earliest recollection of Arkansas State University was the documentary film ‘Hoop Dreams,’ Ward said. “And it was a strong agriculture school. That’s about all I knew about Arkansas State.” Ward said because he grew up surrounded by agriculture, he believed A-State was a good choice for him. It would indeed serve him well. He chose agricultural finance as an emphasis area, but discovered something else that proved important to his college experience: rodeo.
“Law school is a lot of work,” he said. “The teachers are extremely demanding. My time in the College of Agriculture prepared me for that first year.” He is especially grateful to Dr. Bert Greenwalt, the person who was his biggest influence, always challenging him to do better and helping him make job connections. “It was obvious then that Wes was a leader and would make a significant contribution to society,” said Greenwalt, who is professor of agricultural economics at A-State. “As an agribusiness major, he was the top student in my two senior agribusiness courses.”
“AGRICULTURE IS THE
NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY IN ARKANSAS AND YET OUR AGRICULTURE
After he earned his law degree, Ward went back to law school to get a master’s of law in agriculture and food technology. All these experiences led to him being named secretary of agriculture by Gov. Asa Hutchinson earlier this year.
“Agriculture is the number one industry “I was an older student, a veteran, and in Arkansas and yet our agriculture sometimes people think because of that department is only starting its 10th year. service you’re more mature and don’t need STARTING ITS 10TH YEAR.” as much help,” Ward said. “We’ve learned “My hope is we bring our department in that transitions back to civilian life need line with other states that have had an agriculture department for connections, and for me, becoming a part of the rodeo team was a longer period of time. Our goal is to promote Arkansas that support system.” agriculture and to help producers become more successful, not only in growing their crops and livestock, but in marketing their A bare-back horse and bull rider for the team, Ward recalled that products as well.” while his results weren’t spectacular, there was one important lesson he learned in the club. Greenwalt has no doubt his former student will do well in his new position. “Rodeo is very similar to the military; you have a close-knit bunch of folks who are looking out for each other,” he said. “It’s “Given the trend of agricultural policy devolution from the not really about beating another person in competition. You’re federal to the state level and an increasingly complex regulatory either trying to beat the clock or best the animal. That’s how environment, Wes’s education in agribusiness, economics and agriculture works, too. We’re better when farmers work together.” law is excellent preparation for dealing with the responsibilities of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.” Following graduation, Ward made the decision to study law. There he realized the true value of his A-State education.
DEPARTMENT IS ONLY
profile extra: Wes Ward talks more about his time at A-State and how it is helping him in leading the state’s Department of Agriculture.
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A Promise toward the future: the Red Wolves Leadership Academy For Arkansas State, success in life is paramount to success in sporting events. The Red Wolves Academy is preparing student-athletes for that realization. Click to view a gallery of photos from the studyabroad trip.
ll collegiate athletics departments across the country place an emphasis on graduation, but Arkansas State takes it a step farther with a bold promise: 100 percent job placement for all its graduating student-athletes.
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on a faculty-led academic program. For Mohajir, this is just one of the many ways it all comes back to providing the Red Wolves with the most comprehensive experiences possible to be successful in life.
A-State has met the job-placement goal through its newly developed Red Wolves Leadership Academy, which continues to strengthen with a new studyabroad component added to foster global awareness.
The addition of study-abroad to the RWLA is based on research supporting the positive impact of these types of experiences for today’s student. Media sources like CNN, research studies from UC-Merced and our own Chancellor Dr. Tim Hudson’s experience leading hundreds of students abroad during his academic career provide evidence that these experiences lead to more responsible global citizens.
This past summer Arkansas State student-athletes took part in the first study-abroad program offered by an athletics department in the nation. The program goes hand-in-hand with the Red Wolves Leadership Academy, designed by A-State Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. “We place the highest priority on education, and Arkansas State University provides one of the best in the nation,” said Mohajir. “When you take that kind of education and add experiences such as this outside-the-typical-classroom environment, it becomes a very powerful combination that, as of right now, only our student-athletes will have. “You have to look at the big picture, and truly say ‘In the end, what is our purpose here?’ Yes, we want our student-athletes to be successful in competition and win championships. However, it all comes down to making sure they graduate and leave here in the best position possible to succeed in life after college. The Red Wolves’ study-abroad facet is a groundbreaking step, and its first group of student-athletes went to London fall 2015 | 10
The inaugural group of Arkansas State student-athletes who took advantage of the study-abroad program represent seven different sports: football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s golf and women’s tennis. “I enjoyed exploring a new culture and interacting with some of the international sports like rugby and soccer,” said Booker Mays, a grad student on the A-State football team. “It was a great opportunity to experience that atmosphere and see how it all kind of ties us together as a society. “I believe this kind of trip is definitely an investment into your personal future and gives you an edge in the job market. Some of the things that stand out for me are this not only makes you more culturally diverse, it puts you in a situation where you are taking on and completing a major assignment. This was a life-changing experience.”
mentorship program with KENNY RAINS AND STEVE BRYANT
An excellent example of the value of the mentorship program is A-State alumnus Steve Bryant and Kenny Rains. Bryant, who played on the 1970 College Division national championship A-State football team, works in the pharmaceutical industry; Rains earned a degree in electrical engineering while playing football from 2010-14. The two were paired up because Bryant is a well-respected figure in Batesville, Ark., and Rains was looking for a job in the same community. “Whether the mentor shares the same career field these graduates are pursuing or is part of the community where they want to live, this is a great program that opens new doors for these young people,” said Bryant. “In the case of Kenny, his fiancée–now wife–Suzanne, was living and working in Batesville as a volleyball coach at Southside High School. Kenny wanted to live and work in Batesville, so the mentorship made sense in this case.”
Leading the student-athletes was Dr. Gabriel Tait, an A-State assistant multimedia journalism professor, and Abby Wilson, the Red Wolves’ associate athletics director for student services. Tait, who has traveled to 29 countries during his academic and professional careers, was the Red Wolves’ professor. Prior to joining Arkansas State, he led three study-abroad assignments as an instructor in Kenya, Tanzania and Haiti. Partnering with International Studies Abroad (ISB), Arkansas State sent its student-athletes to several site visits, including Arsenal Stadium, London’s Olympic venues, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Wimbledon and Twickenham Stadium. A-State’s travel party also met with the British minister for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. “I never thought as a student-athlete I would have this chance because you don’t really have an offseason until your last semester,” said Hannah Robey, a senior on the A-State volleyball team. “The fact (A-State) came up with this and it was something I could actually pursue just made me excited it worked out. “I believe to a future employer this could be something they really notice–that even while participating in collegiate athletics and maintaining good grades, I was able to go represent my university by participating in a study-abroad trip.”
In addition to the study-abroad program and jobplacement components, another key element that has made the Red Wolves Leadership Academy successful is heavy participation by a large group of mentors paired with student-athletes in order to educate and provide professional guidance. A-State Senior Associate Athletics Director Rich Zvosec oversees the process, assigning students to mentors based on professional aspirations within the same career field or geographic location. “We’re fortunate to have an outstanding group of mentors who have been successful in all phases of life and who are committed to our Red Wolves Leadership Academy,” said Zvosec. “They understand what we’re trying to accomplish and the impact this program can have on our future leaders. Our students have also bought-in to the program and responded well to the insight their mentors have provided.” Zvosec said the first calls made to potential mentors starts with all A-State alumni, but former student-athletes are priority targets because of their personal connection with the athletics program. While the number of mentors continues to grow, more than 40 current mentors have been assembled, including former letter winners like Terry Gwin (football), Dr. Abby Cheng (volleyball) and Dave Rodley (track and field). Graduate school also falls under the all-encompassing umbrella provided by the Red Wolves Leadership Academy and is included in its goal of 100 percent job placement, because it has a significant impact on future employment. voices | 13
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A-State Senior Associate Athletics Director Rich Zvosec, who oversees the Red Wolves Leadership Academy, connected Rains and Bryant. “I introduced Kenny to some of the upper management at corporations in our area, and they were all interested in him,” Bryant said. “He has a fascinating background, he interviews well and he’s a good person to include in any plans for the future.” One of the corporations was Bad Boy Mowers; they were so impressed with Rains, they created a new position tailored to specifically fit his strengths and the insight he provides. He believes the Red Wolves Leadership Academy played an instrumental role helping him get where he is now professionally. “If Steve had not put me in front of the right people, this would have never happened,” said Rains. “Now I’m helping Bad Boy with everything from developing new products to electrical redesigns.” Bryant and Rains both say the mentorship goes beyond just job placement–the program is rewarding beyond its ultimate goal. “I think this is about building relationships as much as it is about a mentorship, and it has evolved into a friendship with Steve,” said Rains. “We still go out to eat at least once every other week to talk and hang out.” “This (mentorship) gives us, the ones who played for A-State years ago and graduated and moved on, an opportunity to provide something that maybe we weren’t as fortunate to have while we were there,” Bryant said. “It makes you feel good to be a part of helping someone get into a company, and then, in turn, seeing that person help that company be successful. If we want these graduates to be committed to our program for life, we need to be committed to helping them move forward with their lives.”
A facility almost 20 years in the making takes its place as the marquee of the A-State campus, and the stately Wilson Hall prepares for another historic chapter in the life of the university.
“I
t seems like a whole different world.”
That’s how Dr. Joseph Key, chair of the Department of History, described the Humanities and Social Studies Building that now houses his program. In late June, faculty and staff began relocating into the new building from their former offices in Wilson Hall. While students attended a few classes during the second summer term, the beginning of the fall semester marks the start of a new era at Arkansas State University.
“The other component is the New York Institute of Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. The stars aligned just at the right time, and Wilson Hall, in which every living alumnus took a class, will be repurposed for a new landmark program for Jonesboro and the Delta region. Thanks to this partnership, NYIT will educate family physicians and others who’ll go back and serve their communities.”
“I can point to it and say ‘that’s our building,’” he said. “It rivals any building in the state.”
Handwork said the genesis of the idea for a new structure began in 1997 and was discussed again in 1999. In 2002, the Arkansas General Assembly appropriated $2.7 million toward planning, design and other necessary work, and the first set of construction drawings was completed. The razing of Seminole Twin Towers residence hall and the old post office building came next in 2006. In 2008 the state provided more funds toward the project, which was announced by then-Governor Mike Beebe at a groundbreaking ceremony.
With formal dedication set for Sept. 18, Humanities and Social Sciences is the main factor of a long journey for A-State to reshape the heart of the campus.
“Then the recession hit,” Handwork said, “and the project sat dormant for almost four years––it was just a steel skeleton of a building.”
“There are two components to the structure,” noted David Handwork, A-State director of planning, design and construction. “First, you have Wilson Hall, being the historic marquee building being replaced by the marquee building of the 21st Century––a fully modern facility capable of supporting the latest technology located in the heart of the campus. Every student will have classes there.
The state again provided funds to put a ‘skin’ on the building in 2012; that included brick and windows to protect it from the elements. In late 2012, the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees approved a bond issue to finance the completion of the structure. The state has provided $17 million total in general improvement funds toward the planning and construction of the $36 million facility.
Key said coming north on Caraway Road and topping the hill by the Jonesboro Police Department, he has a clear view of the new building, and believes it will catch the eyes of prospective students as well.
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The four-story, 120,000-square-foot facility, is one of the largest instructional buildings on a university campus in the state of Arkansas, and has been labeled by Dr. Chuck Welch, ASU System president, as “a campus icon for academic excellence.” “Everything about it was intentional in its planning,” Handwork said. “It’s probably the first campus building in which the Department of Information and Technology Services was an integral part of the building design early on. “We have a good infrastructure that’s needed for information and technological resources. Our greatest obstacle was making sure it would fit programmatic needs. In the span of two years, we went from wired to wireless; in the beginning plans we had never imagined iPhones or Wi-Fi and there was no iPad to use in a classroom.” The first major instructional facility to be built on the AState campus since the completion of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Health Sciences in 2009, Handwork said the architect purposefully paid homage to Wilson Hall by including art deco designs in the columns and pillars of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building. In addition to classrooms, computer labs, and faculty and staff office spaces, the facility has two dedicated spaces on the north and south sides of the atrium that rise through the center of the building. An Einstein Brother’s Bagel outlet–only the second of the East Coast’s chain located
in the state–is also located in the building, providing students with coffees, drinks, prepared sandwiches and snacks. Handwork said the structure is extremely well designed and well thought out, with “spectacular views of town and the campus. “One can look to the South down the Caraway Mall to the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and observe the life of the university,” he said. “At night there’s the added beauty of the building’s atrium and the glow of the Reng Student Union to the North. The stately sorority row sits to the East and the Historic Mall with Wilson Hall is to the West. We’ve moved back into the world and think more than just the classroom itself enhances the learning experience. “It’s going to be a very special place way past our children and grandchildren’s use,” he noted. “Names associated with the project may not be familiar to students 80 years from now, but the work they’ve performed will stand the test of time and be appreciated.”
You can see more of the new Humanities and Social
“It’s going to be a very special place way past our children and grandchildren’s use ... Names associated with the project may not be familiar to students 80 years from now, but the work they’ve performed will stand the test of time and be appreciated.”
Sciences Building here. –– David Handwork ‘93
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Wilson family endows faculty chair in A-State The Mississippi County family’s involvement of almost a century again makes a difference in the study of agricultural business.
P
erry Wilson, great-great grandson of R.E. Lee Wilson of Mississippi County, has announced his family will endow a faculty chair in Agricultural Business with a $1 million gift to Arkansas State University.
“Perry Wilson and his family have been a part of Arkansas State for nearly a century; their leadership and philanthropy have contributed to the very fabric of our university,” said Dr. Tim Hudson, A-State chancellor. “This generous gift to create an endowed chair further extends the Wilson family’s legacy.
“It is very, very important to my family that Arkansas State carries on the tradition it has had in educating folks to go into agriculture and into business,” Wilson said. “That’s the real purpose of the endowment; to be a crossover between the agriculture school and the business school.”
“The position it supports will allow our agricultural business program to lead the way for generations to come. It is a significant gift for Arkansas State and the publics we serve.”
Wilson said a lot of people come into farming who are well educated in agriculture, but lack the business training they need, for instance, to market their crops. Because Arkansas State is, what he said, “smack in the middle of the Delta,” the university finds itself uniquely situated to address that concern.
According to Dr. Timothy Burcham, agriculture dean, the endowed faculty chair in agricultural business will ensure academic distinction at A-State by attracting a
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Dr. Timothy Burcham
College of Agriculture and Technology
“It is very, very important to my
faculty member who exhibits the highest degree of excellence in agri-business. “When you look at having an endowed faculty chair, that sets you at a whole other level with regard to the type of individual you’re recruiting,” said. “This is a tremendous program and concentration that will allow us to do a great job with our students.” The professor who fills this position will use the endowment’s interest proceeds for teaching, research and/or service-related activities to help agri-business students gain an in-depth understanding of agri-business, food systems, production management, farm and ranch management, commodity trading and environmental issues. The holder will help shape the discipline’s curriculum and, in turn, ensure A-State students will be prepared to meet the challenges and demands of today’s global society.
Wilson said the legacy of his family is what brought him to A-State, but seeing how the university has advanced since he has been involved has been “thrilling.” He said the endowed chair position will draw focus to a subject that may have previously lacked focus by any one institution. “Possibly that will draw students here who are looking for that type of comprehensive agri-business,” he explained. Planning coursework and selecting the chair holder will take time, Burcham said. The university hopes to have a curriculum in place for the fall 2017 semester.
Click to see Perry Wilson
family that Arkansas State carry on the tradition it has had in educating folks to go into agriculture and into business ...
describe the impact of this new chair. voices | 15
–– Perry Wilson
During these late summer days and into the fall season, Arkansas State University’s PAC Paths program is encouraging students, faculty and staff, alumni and members of the community to come to campus for exercise and recreation. The PAC (Pedestrian And Cyclist) Paths are marked trails on A-State’s roads and multi-use paths through campus. Designated in spring 2014, the PAC Paths represent 8.1 miles of the campus transportation network and are marked with the “share the road” sharrow symbol. To make usage easier, A-State designed two PAC Paths Loops. The 1-mile Family Loop winds through the core areas of campus and is almost entirely off roadways on the multi-use paths. “We see the Family Loop as a great starting point for youngsters to learn with parents to ride a bicycle or as a great way for groups to start walking or running programs for personal fitness,” A-State executive director of marketing and communications Bill Smith said. The Family Loop includes the ASU Museum, located in the Dean B. Ellis Library. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and with free admission, the museum is a great rest stop for families who are riding on campus. The ASU Museum has bike racks near its main entrance and a water bottle filing station located inside. A 3.25-mile Campus Loop primarily uses the sharrowed roads of campus, and is geared more for riders who want more distance or higher speeds with the lower traffic environment of the A-State campus. “Certainly runners can follow the Campus Loop on the sidewalks and get a good 5K distance,” Smith added. During A-State’s business hours, non-university community members are encouraged to use the visitor parking spaces located along University Loop. To use the Family Loop without venturing onto regular roads, the visitor spots in lot S-18, located east of the Fine Arts Complex near the Red W.O.L.F. Center, are the best option. For runners and riders using the Campus Loop, convenient visitor parking is available in lot SE-1A located on University Loop on the west side of the Village Apartments. “We want to let everyone know our PAC Paths are open to all,” Smith said. “If you’re coming during the day, make sure to use visitor spaces away from the campus core buildings.”
For its work on the PAC Paths, A-State was named the first BFU in Arkansas.
Individuals and families who want to drive to campus to walk, run or ride after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when the university is closed, can use any non-reserved parking lot. To download maps of the PAC Paths and the new PAC Paths Loops, go to AState.edu/Bike and look for the PAC Paths Loops link.
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Learn the rules of the road when it comes bicycle riding on the A-State campus.
fall 2015 | 18
BUSINESS STUDENTS’ ‘VISION’ FINDS GOVERNOR’S CUP “Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.” That quote, attributed to former media executive Tom Freston, accurately describes the way a group of Arkansas State University students took an idea––an automated irrigation system––and turned it into the winning entry for the state’s prestigious 15th annual Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup collegiate business plan competition. The award was presented in April during a ceremony at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
“Our win showed the education we’ve received at Arkansas State is second to none,” noted Baker. “Not only can we compete with other teams in-state and across the nation, but we can win.” Having won the state award, in late May the Agricultural Innovations team traveled to Las Vegas to contend for the tri-state title against the winners of the Oklahoma and Nevada state-level competitions. At that competition, Baker won the graduate ‘elevator pitch’ segment of the competition, in which he presented the group’s business idea, marketing strategy and competition to potential investors––all in just 90 seconds. He brought home a $2,000 prize.
The group–known as Agricultural Innovations–is comprised of four management majors, including Joshua Baker, Justin Bagley, Frank Kelley and Dirk Tanner, and Master of Science in engineering student Kenny Rains.
“I am so proud of the great work our students did, and so thankful for the outstanding leadership of Dr. Erick Chang, who runs our business plan competition,” said Dr. Shane Hunt, dean of the College of Business. “Our future as a university, business community and state are very bright with entrepreneurs like these."
They developed a sensor-driven irrigation system called WellsVision that would significantly aid farmers in their monitoring process. The team won $1,000 for becoming finalists after delivering oral presentations in early April. They were awarded $25,000 for their firstplace finish in the graduate division. They also took home $3,000 for finishing second in the Arkansas Farm Bureau Agriculture Awards, and they won the Delta Plastics Innovation Award of $5,000 in the graduate division.
“The networking opportunity from the Governor’s Cup was the practical application and the culmination of all we learned in the College of Business,” Baker noted. “We met business members who can invest in our product themselves or put us in contact with others who might be interested in investing.” Baker said WellsVision has gained quite a bit of interest and is now in the prototype stage. He said with close to $40,000 from the competition and their own personal savings, they are on their way to seeing their venture in production.
“Josh Baker, an Iraqi war veteran, has a father-in-law who could not make it to Sunday dinner one day because he needed to turn on his well, and that’s how the business idea started,” said Dr. Erick Chang, A-State associate professor of marketing in the College of Business. “Justin, Franklin and Dirk all took my small business management class. Then, Ken, the only graduate student, joined the team after Dirk (his roommate) asked him. None have a degree beyond their undergraduate studies and did not rely on lots of money in research to come up with their product. They just did their best.”
“These guys–four undergrads and one master of science student–performed at a competitive level versus students with MBAs and year of corporate experience,” Chang noted. “That really tells about how prepared our students are to face these types of challenges. My hope is their accomplishments serve as an example of what future students can do to follow and even surpass them.”
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fall 2015 | 20
scholarship presentations
student send-off
Alumni from around Arkansas represented the Alumni Association by delivering good news–the students received A-State scholarships.
See more of the send-off event.
JULY 16, 2015
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coaches caravan
wilson award
A-State’s coaching staff traveled the region to talk A-State football 2015.
MAY 13-14, 2015
Learn more about the Wilson Award recipient.
APRIL 2, 2015
fall 2015 | 22
red wolves on the rooftop
a-state spring game
JUNE 23, 2015
Central Arkansas alums met at the ASU System Office to hear campus updates.
See the first female head coach, kids’ fun and more here.
APRIL 17, 2015
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the last word:
BETH SMITH ‘82 BS, ‘03 MA E XE CUT IVE E DIT OR smitty@AState.edu
Dear Friends, As this issue of VOICES comes to you we are early in our 2015 fall semester and celebrating the return of our students. Although it is much easier to park, it is not as vibrant as when the students are here. We miss them in the summer months. How exciting it is to see the opening of the new Humanities and Social Sciences building. What an amazing space to learn, to study and to grow. Be sure to read the article in this issue that highlights this magnificent building featured on the cover and what it brings to our campus community. Someone who would be especially proud of this building is the late Dr. Sam Gennuso who died in June. At the time of his retirement in May 2014, he was the longestserving faculty member at A-State, having joined the faculty in 1963 as an English and literature professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. We mourn his passing but celebrate the many student lives he impacted during his tenure. We are also working with an exciting new venture that will be initiated this fall, which includes a template of professional objectives for students. These objectives will include setting up a profile on LinkedIn, networking, résumé and job skills. Each step will be targeted to students at the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior level so they move smoothly through the process. As they approach graduation, they’ll not be just ready to seek employment, but prepared to do so. This is collaborative effort that includes many areas of campus, but specifically Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Career Services, and we are delighted to partner with them in its implementation. The number of License2HOWL scholarships continues to grow thanks to those of you in Arkansas who take your pride for a ride. We awarded $95,000 in scholarships this year–but I think we can get to $100,000. If you have a plate, thank you; please encourage another A-State alum or fan to join you in supporting this program. Plates are available at every revenue office in Arkansas. There is a special bond between those of us who share the road as Red Wolves. We honk and throw our “Wolves Up” as we pass on the highway. Howl Yes! Sharing your pride in A-State,
Beth Smith Executive Director The annual meeting of the Alumni Association will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Cooper Alumni Center. Please make plans to attend. fall 2015 | 24
Mark your Calendars for
HOMECOMING
weekend
2 15 October 2nd, 3rd & 4th
Thursday, October 1 Bonfire and Yell Like Hell TBA • 870.972.2055
Friday, October 2 Class of 1965 Golden Anniversary Reunion 11 a.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586 ROTC Alumni Reception and Open House 3-6 p.m. • Military Science Armory • 870.972.2064 S-TAC Black & Red Gala, A-State STARZ Social Reception 8:30 p.m. • Wolf Creek Clubhouse • 870.972.3062
Saturday, October 3 College of Business Homecoming Breakfast 8:30 - 10 a.m. • Hames Room, Convocation Center Distinguished Alumni Brunch 9 a.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Business Meeting 10 a.m. • St. Francis River Room, Student Center • 870.972.3062 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Outstanding Alumni and Scholarship Award Brunch noon • Spring River Room, Student Center • 870.972.3062 College of Education & Behavioral Science Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony 2 p.m. • College of Education & Behavioral Science • 870.972.3112
College of Nursing & Health Professions Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony 2 p.m. • College of Nursing & Health Professions • 870.972.3112 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Homecoming Stepshow TBA • 870.972.3062 ROTC Tailgate The Pines • 870.972.2064 Honors College Association (HCA) Homecoming Tailgate 3 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2308 Alumni Association All-Alumni Tailgate 4 - 5:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586 College of Media & Communication Tailgate 4 - 6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2468 College of Sciences and Mathematics Tailgate TBA • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City College of Humanities & Social Sciences Tailgate 4 - 6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2468 Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Tailgate 4 - 5:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.3062 A-State vs. Idaho 6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium Pre-game: Homecoming Royalty Announced Halftime: 2015 Distinguished Alumni Recognition Tickets. AState.edu Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Party 10 p.m. • A-State Convocation Center • 870.972.3062
For the most up-to-date list of voices events, visit AState.edu/Homecoming. | 29 25
NONPROFIT US Postage PAID Permit 62 Jonesboro, AR
P.O. BOX 1990 • STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
history: From the 1965 yearbook: Life in an A-State residence hall
Sights and sounds you’re sure to treasure from the A-State choirs and the campus bell tower.