Voices Magazine: Fall 2019

THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FALL 2019, VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00

NEW ARTWORK BECOMES LANDMARK #WEHOWL THE NEW SPOT FOR CAMPUS CASUAL PHOTOS

in this issue: FEATURES:

10 14 16 20 24

A-STATE RADIO-TV PROGRAM PRODUCES BROADCASTING KINGS

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP IN TRANSITION ACROSS FOUR COLLEGES

GIFT FROM HYTROL RESULTS IN UNIQUE TRAINING LAB

KNIGHT PUTS BUSINESS EDUCATION TO WORK FOR SUCCESSFUL CAREER

LOVE FOR OUTDOORS LEADS TO YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR A-STATE COUPLE

PROFILES:

04 STUDENT PROFILE 06 CAMPUS PROFILE 08 ALUMNI PROFILE

Thomas Hamaker ‘19

Dr. Alan Utter

Dr. Martha Spack MS ‘03, Ed.D ‘17

DEPARTMENTS:

03 MY VOICE

Dr. Bryan Terry Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Lindsay Burnett Executive Director A-State Alumni Association

32 THE LAST WORD The ladies of Chi Omega celebrate Bid Day with a yearly tradition of gathering around the fountain they donated to the university in 2004.

Click for more Bid Day highlights.

voices | 01

voices The Magazine of Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association EXECUTIVE EDITOR - LINDSAY BURNETT ‘05 EDITOR - VAN PROVENCE ‘07 DESIGN - MARY REED MELTON ‘04 PHOTOGRAPHER - TRAVIS CLAYTON PRINTING - A-STATE PRINTING SERVICES

A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT - DALE MORRIS ‘70 VICE PRESIDENT - PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ’93, ‘96 SECRETARY - JOHN BAINE ’95, ‘97 PAST PRESIDENT - NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS ’83, ’09, ‘12

BOARD MEMBERS JOHN BAINE ‘95, ‘97

MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76

ERIC BLACKWELL ‘01

JULIE MATTHEWS ‘94

JASON BROWN

MICHAEL MILES ’02, ‘11

CHARISSE M. CHILDERS ’88, ’91, ‘01

RICK MILES ‘78

JENNIFER STOUT COLE ’00

BRANDON MORRIS ‘08

STACY CRAWFORD ‘97

JOY MURPHY ‘92

JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80

NATALIE ROGERS ‘10

BILL HARRIS ‘93

HERMAN STRICKLAND JR. ‘81

RICHARD HARTNESS, SR. ’68

SHELLEY LUNBECK TUSTISON ’04

CHANCELLOR - DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE INTERIM VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT ERIKA KRENNERICH CHUDY

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 DIRECTOR, ANNUAL GIVING - TARA TOWNSEND THOMASON ‘97 DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05 DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN

Voices is published two 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

EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu

my voice:

DR. BRYAN TERRY, VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

As I came in this morning, I watched students stroll by on their way to class, some stopping, admiring, and taking “selfies” at the new #WEHOWL statue. I am beginning my ninth month as a Red Wolf and I can still say without question that this is my favorite time of year. It is simply refreshing to see new students meeting each other for the first time and experiencing the joy of being in college. It’s a season on campus that you likely remember well. Believe me, there are days when I wish I was a 36th-year senior!

I engage in many ways with alumni and I am mindful of the memories that connect you to Arkansas State as well as the distance at which most of you live from campus. Having been on several campuses in several “so-called” college towns, I know the support you have shown me in Jonesboro and all around the state of Arkansas has been real. I also know your extraordinary loyalty, thoughtfulness and interest. So I wanted to take some time, in the midst of the beginning of the school year, to give you my sense of where we are and where we are going.

Our admissions operations and expanding our footprint are areas where we are intently focused and where I believe we must take significant steps forward. To that end, we have made several personnel changes, engaged in an overall restructuring that now includes the Office of the Registrar, joined a premier national college application service known as the Common Application, and implemented a new campus-based application known as SLATE. In addition, we are in the process of hiring a new regional recruiter in St. Louis and YES … we have a recruiter specifically responsible for recruitment in the Northwest part of Arkansas.

All of these measures seem to be working. We have almost three times as many applications from very qualified students at this time than last year. At this point in the enrollment funnel, the number of applications is a key indicator for the success of next year’s class.

Arkansas State University cannot be a great global research university without excellent academic program leadership. Dr. Alan Utter and I have been working well together, and I believe that you will see substantial differences on both process and product moving forward.

However, I need your help to continue our success. As an enrollment management professional, I can tell prospective students all about the wonderful opportunities afforded them as Arkansas State alumni. Admissions counselors give students a wealth of information as well. However, students and families want to know what life is like after they finish their program. They want to know about job opportunities, internships and professional networking. This is where YOU can make a difference. As alumni, you can answer these questions. Moreover as the college-going rate in Arkansas continues to fall, you can help turn things around by showing the power of the college degree. As the higher education market becomes more competitive, it is crucial for Arkansas State University to “stand out from the crowd” and differentiate itself from our competition. An effective way to accomplish this distinction from competition is to successfully utilize alumni to aid in the recruiting process. You’ll notice on the back cover a call for you to become a part of the admissions team. I hope you will contact us to join.

This has been a whirlwind first nine months and my family and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I appreciate all of the kind words and support I have received. We have an outstanding staff here at Arkansas State University and I am happy to lead the enrollment management efforts.

Dr. Bryan Terry Vice Chancellor for Enrollement Management voices | 03

student PROFILE

THOMAS HAMAKER ‘19

fall 2019 | 04

Thomas Hamaker says it himself, “There hasn’t been a day of my life since April that hasn’t been impacted somehow by the award.”

and I was not disappointed. He is what you look for in a leader. He has a positive influence on faculty and staff, on other students.”

Of course, he’s talking about the R.E. Lee Wilson Award that he won in the spring of 2019. A May graduate with a double major in finance and marketing from Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business, he was one of six Distinguished Service Award winners eligible for the honor. The Wilson Award recipient is selected on the basis of character, determination, leadership, service, participation and academic achievement.

He interned at Centennial Bank with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and that has paid off. Hamaker was offered a position in Columbus, Ohio, as a financial institution specialist or bank examiner. He moved to Columbus at the end of July.

Hamaker is all that and much more. But, now it’s time to move on and he has wasted no time putting all of his collegiate accolades to productive use.

“Winning the award changed my life in ways that I never thought it would,” Hamaker said. “One of my driving forces in my life is to make the people who have invested in me and my future proud and to show that the time, energy and opportunity they have given me hasn’t been wasted. So many of those people have reached out to me and told me that I have done a good job of that and that they are proud, and that affirmation and encouragement mean the world to me.

“Leaving Arkansas was hard,” he added. “It was the only home I had ever known. The Jonesboro community, Arkansas State University, and the church that I was a part of were big parts of my life. They were the catalysts for most of the personal growth I have had over the last four years. It hurt to leave it and so many people I loved behind. With that said, the community I have quickly become a part of in Columbus has been incredibly welcoming and thoughtful, and I hope that I am able to make the community back home proud with my next steps.”

“ONE OF MY DRIVING

FORCES IN MY LIFE IS TO MAKE

THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INVESTED IN ME AND

MY FUTURE

PROUD AND TO SHOW

THAT THE TIME,

“After graduation, I took about two ENERGY AND months off,” he said. “I spent some time around Arkansas with my friends and loved ones, got quality time with my parents, and focused on preparing for the next steps of my life. In June, I went to San Antonio with Arkansas State’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter to compete at our National Leadership Conference.”

OPPORTUNITY

THEY HAVE GIVEN ME

He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in finance.

“I still have some choices about how and when to pursue that degree, but my dream is to work as a professor and have the opportunity to give back to academia and be a resource for students the way that so many people were resources for me.”

As a new alum, Hamaker reflects on how Arkansas State University has affected him.

HASN’T BEEN WASTED. ”

That trip proved fruitful as the A-State representatives brought home 22 national awards, including two national championships.

Hamaker placed high in financial analysis and decision making and in future business executive.

“Before I met Thomas, I was told about Thomas,” said Dr. David Kern, McAdams-Frierson Chair of Bank Management, who nominated Hamaker for the Wilson Award. “The way he was described to me was, ‘I think I met the future governor of Arkansas,’

“The community in and surrounding Arkansas State fundamentally changed my life,” he noted. “My value set, my identity, and my goals and aspirations are all deeply, permanently influenced by my experiences in Jonesboro. When I came to school, I had a lot of uncertainties about who I was and about what I wanted my future to look like, and looking back, even the things that I was confident in needed some refinement.

“Now, as I start that next step of my life, I have so much more clarity about what I want my life to be focused on, and I have a good sense of what steps I can take next to continue my personal growth. Also, I would like to thank the alumni for their support of our university that empowered me to become the person I am today.”

profile extra:

Each year at the Wilson Awards Banquet, the careers of volunteer work done by the Distinguished Service Award recipients are highlighted.

Click to see Thomas’ video.

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campusPROFILE DR. ALAN UTTER

fall 2019 | 06

In the search for its next provost, Arkansas State University was looking for someone with a strong background in fostering research, especially studentbased research. With Dr. Alan Utter, the university found its match.

From his 22-years spent both in research and in creating opportunities for new research at Appalachian State University to his brief time at Texas Woman’s University as provost, Utter has organized groups focused on building more interaction between students and faculty through research projects.

“The idea at both universities was to provide students with the opportunity to work with faculty on mentored research projects outside of the classroom,” Utter said.

As the founding director at Appalachian State of the Office of Student Research (OSR), Utter created advisory boards and committees that led to funding more than 400 student research and travel grants. App State led the 16-member University of North Carolina system with the higest overall participation in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

His success with OSR at App State led to promotion to vice provost for research where he oversaw a 50 percent growth in institutional external funding for research grants and contracts, rising from $10.9 million in 2014 to $16.2 million in 2016. Among the administrative achievements was including establishing four distinct divisions within the Office of Research and setting up its own mission separate from the graduate school.

Currently serving as associate editor for Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise (July 2004 to present) and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (April 2006 to present), he was granted a fellowship in 1999 from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) based on his academic work.

His research focus is body composition assessment, sport performance, and cardiovascular, metabolic and perceptual responses to exercise.

Utter has more than 100 research publications in peer-reviewed journals including Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, European Journal of Applied Physiology, Sports Medicine, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition as well as numerous presentations at regional, national and international meetings.

“A-STATE HAS AN

OUTSTANDING FRAMEWORK THROUGH

“That was a lot of fun and challenging,” Utter said of his time at App State. “There was a lot of emphasis on undergraduate students engaging in research, and that’s something I find at Arkansas State as well.”

‘CREATE@STATE’. . .

I CERTAINLY WANT TO CARRY ON THAT

TRADITION AND DO MORE OF IT IN THE FUTURE.”

At Texas Woman’s, Utter pioneered the establishment of an office for student research for the Denton, Texas, university.

In Jonesboro, Utter inherits a strong base that he looks to expand.

“A-State has an outstanding framework through ‘Create@State’ for that same type of student-faculty interaction,” he said. “I certainly want to carry on that tradition and to do more of it in the future.”

An avid runner and hiker, Utter grew up in the part of New Jersey where the Appalachian Trail ran near his childhood home. Initially moving into campus housing for the fall provides Utter with two advantages – the chance to stay immersed in the campus culture but also to have close access to A-State’s running paths.

“It’s a beautiful campus and a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “It’s so nice to be able to step out of my front door and hit the trail.”

Utter’s administrative passion for emphasis on student involvement in research comes from his own background. With research and professional associations in the sports medicine field, Utter has led National Institute of Health grant-funded research as well as being a patent holder and co-inventor on a body weight and nutrition monitoring system.

He holds all four of his degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, including his doctorate in exercise physiology and a master’s in public health. He’s also a former Panther wrestler who finished his career by earning Pitt athletic department’s top award for a graduating student-athlete.

profile extra:

Since arriving in Jonesboro, Utter has worked on talking and listening to the faculty about their needs and concerns.

“But not just listening,” Utter stressed.

“I want to spend time to understand the culture at A-State. That is extremely important.”

Arkansas State recently became a Carnegie Classification Doctoral Granting Research 2 level institution. Researchers like Argelia Lorence are producing world-impacting research – in a warming world, which rice strains will prosper – and providing hands-on opportunities for A-State undergraduate students.

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alumniPROFILE DR. MARTHA SPACK

fall 2019 | 08

When Dr. Martha Spack MS ’03, Ed.D. ‘17 was named dean of students at Arkansas State University in the summer of 2018, one of her goals was to create a more engaging campus community for A-State’s students. With her first year in the position behind her, she’s enjoying the challenges and surprises that come with the position, while seeing an already-vibrant campus continue to evolve into a place that maximizes the academic and personal development of our students.

Spack, who began working at Arkansas State in 2004, and was elevated to director of the Leadership Center in 2008, said that today’s students are spread thinner than ever, juggling classes with work, studying, campus activities, time with family and friends, and volunteer services. Expectations are high, and many come to campus as first-year students without the time-management, communication and decision-making skills to balance it all. As dean of students, she strives to ensure that her staff helps A-State’s students develop the skills they need to succeed.

Spack’s areas of responsibilities include Campus Recreation, Residence Life, the Leadership Center, and Student Conduct, and she said the staff in each of these areas has worked hard to lay a solid foundation for student learning and campus involvement.

“LISTENING TO STUDENT STORIES,

“It has been a pleasure to work with such a great team,” said Spack. “The group consists of student-focused, creative, energetic and enthusiastic team members that believe in student development and student success. These opportunities challenge students to meet their full potential, assist in navigating the university environment and offer outreach to support student success.”

OBSERVING

STUDENTS ‘WORK THROUGH’ ISSUES, AND SEEING THE

JOY OF THEIR SUCCESS ALL ARE

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BEING ON CAMPUS”

Spack said that every day presents a new surprise or opportunity when working with the students, but that interaction is what she enjoys most.

“That is the fun of working in student services,” she said.

“Students are ever-changing and student affairs practitioners must evolve alongside the campus community. Each day offers a wide range of items that allow me to build relationships with students, provide comfort and enjoy campus events while also reinforcing our standard of conduct, handle sensitive issues or resolve a student conflict.

“I enjoy being in the Student Union,” continued Spack.

“Listening to student stories, observing students ‘work through’ issues, and seeing the joy of their success all are what I love about being on campus.”

During the first week of the fall 2019 semester, there was a definite surge in student participation in on-campus activities. Spack sees that as an indicator that student involvement continues to increase at Arkansas State University.

“A strong foundation is in place for our student body,” she said. “The excitement of the Fall Welcome Week makes me hopeful for the future of campus life at A-State.

Students are participating, eager, living on campus and positive.

This demonstrates to me that the campus is on the brink of a big shift in student engagement.”

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Tech in 1999, Spack earned a master’s degree in college student personnel services from A-State in 2003, and her Ed.D. from Arkansas State in 2017. She and her husband Steven have a nineyear-old son, Joseph, who is an avid soccer player. When not watching Joseph play soccer, they enjoy traveling and spending time together at home. They are members of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro.

profile extra:

“It is the responsibility of higher education professionals to create opportunities that challenge and support student growth,” Spack said. “I always tell incoming first-year students to select an activity outside the classroom and invest the time and energy to do that activity well. It is very similar to building blocks – keep adding to the stack once the balance of the current blocks is mastered.”

One of Arkansas State University’s most legendary administrators, Robert Moore, arrived at A-State 70 years ago, in 1949. Robert Moore is still remembered by thousands of A-State alumni. Click to read more.

voices | 09

A-State Radio-TV Program Produces It might seem strange that the financial demise of Dogpatch, U.S.A., a nowdefunct theme park in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, and the absence of a radio station in the Clinton, Ark., area in the late 1970s would have an influence on broadcasting in Central Arkansas today, but that unlikely pairing of events certainly has.

Sid King ’74, was driving from his hometown of Judsonia to Marble Falls, where he wore several hats as an employee of Dogpatch, U.S.A., when he noticed the gap in the airwaves in the Clinton area.

Just a few years out of college, King was working as the public relations director for the Marble Falls ski resort, and as a drummer at Dogpatch, when the twin

resort areas began losing money. He founded KGFL radio station in 1977, and since that time, he and his two daughters, Ashley King Marsh ’99 and Ali King Sugg ’04, have enjoyed successful broadcasting careers after graduating from Arkansas State.

and general manager of Red River Radio and the morning show personality at 101.9 The Lake radio in Heber Springs.

She was also recently named to the inaugural group of Emerging Young Alumni at A-State.

Today, Sid King is the owner and general manager of King/Sullivan Radio in Clinton, where he is also a popular morning show personality. He also owns the GEM Theatre in Heber Springs and Gateway Twin Cinema in Clinton.

Ashley is currently the host of The Vine midday television show on THV11 in Little Rock, while also working as the digital content manager and on-air personality for iHeart Radio’s country stations across Arkansas. Ali is the owner

All three earned their degrees in radiotelevision, and while at A-State, Ashley and Ali were both members of Chi Omega sorority, the A-Team dance team, and worked at local radio stations. Ashley was Miss ASU in 1998 and Ali was a member of the homecoming court.

fall 2019 | 10

According to Sid, he was “just a student.”

“That’s all I was,” he said. “I did work at a local radio station a little bit, and did

Broadcasting Kings some work at one in Augusta. When I was a kid, I played basketball like every kid in every small town does, but I could also play drums. When I got older, I figured out I wasn’t good enough at basketball, and my dad said I wasn’t good enough at drums.”

“But I had gotten used to playing drums,” he added. “I played at Dogpatch, U.S.A., with all the crowds, and I wanted something with all the attention that you got from that. So I saw the handwriting on the wall (at Dogpatch), and I thought doing broadcasting would be pretty similar, and I love music. I just wanted to be around music.”

Shortly after, he founded KGFL in downtown Clinton and in 1982 added Q92.1, and the two stations remain on Main Street today.

For Ashley, a trip to a Little Rock television station with her father when she was about 12 years old decided her career path.

“We decided to just drop in one afternoon at KATV,” Ashley said. “I was able to sit next to the news anchor while she was live during the afternoon broadcast. I’m sitting right next to her and was just amazed at how all of it worked. At that point, I decided I wanted to be a news anchor.”

voices | 11

“Twenty years after graduating with a degree in broadcast news I am officially the host at THV11 . . . I’m getting to live the best of both worlds on radio and TV right now.”

- Ashley King Marsh

“That’s what I loved to tell people, even high school students now – go to college and get a degree, because you may do that job and you may not, but just get a degree. It’s going to open some doors.”

Fast forward a decade, and following her graduation from A-State, she married A-State basketball player Micah Marsh ’98 BS, ’99 MBA. The couple lived in Little Rock, and then Jonesboro when Micah became an assistant basketball coach at Arkansas State. Ashley worked in television in Little Rock and radio stations in both cities before heading to Tennessee when Micah was named head basketball coach at Alcoa, just outside of Knoxville. She hosted a midday radio show for just over six years before the family decided to return to Arkansas.

She was on the air in both Little Rock and Fayetteville for several years, including her current stint as digital content manager for iHeart Radio and on-air personality at stations in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Fort Smith, when the call came about hosting The Vine on KTHV. “I got a call from the news director at THV11 saying that they were thinking about putting on this new show,” Ashley said. “They’d never done a show like this before, and asked if I’d be interested. He said I just had the personality and the kind of thing that they were looking for this new show. It’s more of a lifestyle entertainment show, just fun and personality-driven.

“Twenty years after graduating with a degree in broadcast news I am officially the host at THV11. It took all of 20 years for it to happen,” she laughed. “So here we are, and it was No. 1 in its first month on the air. I’m getting to live the best of both worlds on radio and TV right now.”

“I followed my dad and sister’s footsteps, but I never wanted to do the news,” said Ali. “When I started at Arkansas State, I wanted to either do radio, or be an MTV veejay. I just wanted to be on the music side of it.”

“I loved oldies music because that’s what dad listened to,” Ali added. “I knew every word to every oldies song that there is.

I remember when I was younger saying when I get older I’m going to have an oldies show and we’re going to call it Ali-Oops.”

After college, Ali was the sales manager at her father’s radio stations in Clinton, and in 2016 she built 101.9 The Lake, the only full-power FM radio station licensed to Heber Springs and Cleburne County.

“Going to A-State for radio-TV was what I wanted to do,” she added. “I did the sales side of it, which was crazy because fall 2019 | 12

- Ali King Sugg

I actually ended up in sales through my path at Arkansas State. That’s what I loved to tell people, even high school students now – go to college and get a degree, because you may do that job and you may not, but just get a degree. It’s going to open some doors. You will have many more opportunities with a degree than without.”

Ali’s husband, Joe Sugg ’05, played baseball at Arkansas State and is now an optometrist and owner of Heber Springs Eye Care Center. They have two children, Spencer (8) and Sydney (6).

Ashley and Micah Marsh have three daughters, Madison, who is a freshman at Arkansas State, Avery (15) and Laney (11). Micah is a basketball coach and Associate athletic director at Episcopal Collegiate School.

Sid has been married to Judi (Clark) King for 43 years. The couple met while working at Dogpatch, U.S.A., and also have a son, Tyler King ’07, who is a hospitalist at CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock and was a member of the basketball team while at Arkansas State.

Academic Leadership in Transition Two new deans at Arkansas State University are stepping into roles where they can help prepare talented A-State students for promising and rewarding careers.

Dr. Lynn Boyd, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, and Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharyya, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, share a passion for the future of what has become known in recent years as the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified the 20 occupational groups predicted to create the most new jobs by 2026. Not surprisingly, individuals hoping to occupy more than half of those new jobs will require education in science, mathematics, engineering or computer science.

Sciences and Mathematics Boyd, former professor and biology chair at Middle Tennessee State University, is settling in at A-State, where she found an “ . . . excellent tradition of high academic standards and innovative scholarship,” and pledges to continue support for both.

“My own academic background is rooted in the teacher-scholar tradition. I have run a productive biology research

laboratory at two different public institutions, where I worked with a number of graduate and undergraduate students. It has been extremely rewarding to work with students and see them go on to launch productive scientific careers of their own,” Boyd explained.

“Although I have always loved engaging students in the classroom, there is something very special about having students partake in genuine scientific discovery in the lab or in the field. At A-State, I will continue building the infrastructure and the resources needed so that even more students can have those experiences.”

An ambassador for the value of science education and student research, she most recently has been studying the protein ubiquitin in her lab.

“It is my strong belief our society benefits from students who have high quality training in the sciences and mathematics.

Science education builds valuable skills that professional schools and employers crave: critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation. The college will continue to focus on developing these skills in our students.”

Former students, as well as current ones, are on Boyd’s radar. winter fall 20192019 | 14| 14

“The College of Sciences and Mathematics should be taking advantage of its wealth of alumni in the region and across the country. Current students could benefit greatly from the wisdom and experiences of their predecessors. I plan to work with faculty and staff in the college and at the university to engage more alumni in the activities of the college.”

Engineering and Computer Science Bhattacharyya moved to A-State from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he had served in several administrative capacities, the most recent being interim vice provost for research and dean of the graduate school.

Under recent reorganization at A-State, disciplines from three colleges came together to constitute the new College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Bhattacharyya is the inaugural dean, a role in which he wasted no time getting familiar with the faculty’s outstanding teaching, recruiting, research, and mentoring. He says the college is poised for an exciting future, and he credits tremendous goodwill and support in the region.

“Over the next two to three years, one should expect to see significantly expanded outreach programs, including on-campus summer residential programs, an enhanced student experience in the

Bhattacharyya

Boyd

across Four Colleges college, and structured internships, as well as initiatives with alumni to mentor current students.”

Recruiting opportunities recently included the college’s first summer camp in coding, led by Dr. Jake Qualls, while Dr. Xiuzhen Huang and her team developed and ran a virtual, statewide program called the Arkansas Artificial Intelligence campus. Faculty members Dr. Shivan Haran in mechanical engineering, Dr. Zahid Hossain in civil engineering, and Dr. Rajesh Sharma in technology frequently visit prospects at area high schools.

“Students are very active in their professional societies and have been very involved in competitive activities. For example, civil engineering students, mentored by Jason Stewart, have been very successful in the ASCE Deep South competition and national steel bridge competitions, whereas computer science students have participated in the IEEEXtreme programming contest.

“Further, students have enjoyed enriching experiences, mentored by faculty, working on research projects with concrete, meta materials for energy applications, water, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and more,” he continued.

“A very exciting dimension to the growth of the college is the possibility to partner with our sister campus – A-State Campus Queretaro – to host faculty and student exchanges, as well as to facilitate collaborative senior capstone design teams involving students from both campuses.”

The new dean, whose own research specialties are the emerging fields of smart materials and thin films also expects to assemble a vision council for the college, composed of a cross-section of external stakeholders.

“Thanks to our alumni who have given unstinting help and support in ensuring that we follow through on our commitment that every Red Wolf counts.”

- Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharyya

“Thanks to our alumni who have given unstinting help and support in ensuring that we follow through on our commitment that every Red Wolf counts,” he added.

Agriculture and Business The Colleges of Agriculture and Business will be led this year by interim deans, Dr. Donald (Bud) Kennedy and Dr. Jim Washam, respectively, as search committees seek new permanent leaders.

Overall direction for academic administration comes from new provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and research, Dr. Alan Utter, who is featured on page 6 of this edition of Voices.

voices voices| |1515

Read more about Abhijit Bhattacharyya

Read more about Lynn Boyd

Gift from Hytrol Results in Unique Following a gift from Hytrol Conveyor Co., the Hytrol Materials Handling Laboratory was established on the A-State campus during the spring 2019 semester.

The laboratory, located in Room 130U of the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, is equipped with a fully-functional conveyor system, along with accompanying instrumentation and controls.

The lab is the first of its kind in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and is being used by students taking courses in the engineering curriculum. The conveyor system is a working version of one of Hytrol’s most popular models and one that is currently used by industrial giants such as Amazon, FedEx and Walmart.

“Last year, Arkansas State was reclassified by the Carnegie Foundation as a doctoral university with high research activity – a R-2 university in academic

jargon,” Dr. Kelly Damphousse, chancellor of Arkansas State University said after thanking Hytrol for their partnership. “This makes A-State one of 261 universities out of the 4,415 that Carnegie classifies that are either R-1 or R-2 national research institutions.

“The Hytrol Materials Handling Lab joins several other dedicated spaces where our students and faculty collaborate on teaching and research,” Damphousse added. “These types of hands-on teaching tools bring the real world into our classrooms. This collaboration is a great illustration of how A-State fulfills our R-2 designation.”

Practical experience is key to learning in engineering, and A-State students using the equipment are gaining hands-on experience in the intricacies of control systems, PLC logic and programming.

Having access to the lab is giving Arkansas

fall 2019 | 16

State students a tremendous opportunity to learn about these systems, which in turn will lead to internships and employment in the field of material handling.

“We are excited to add another chapter in our ongoing journey with A-State,” said David Peacock, president of Hytrol.

“Where it leads us is up to us. It is our desire for it to open doors for the students of today and tomorrow, to a bright future together where we move the world forward.

“Our vision is to connect future generations of people, products and solutions by pushing the limits of what is possible in material handling,” Peacock added. “This lab gives Hytrol that connection to the young men and women of A-State who are seeking to make that difference.”

Training Lab The gift is the latest in a long-standing partnership between Arkansas State University and Hytrol Conveyor Co. In 2015, Hytrol established a $200,000 endowment for scholarships in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. A-State students enjoy a long history of internships at Hytrol, and many graduates have been employed by Hytrol, the market leader in material handling systems.

“What you have done is not just a great deed for Arkansas State, but for our community,” said Collin McCrary, a senior engineering major from Harrisburg, and the 2018-19 recipient of the Hytrol Scholarship for Engineering.

“Our students are very excited to be able to use these labs for things that we learn in controls, PLC and robotics.”

“Paige Carswell, the manager of marketing at Hytrol, did a wonderful job with the graphics and presentation,”

Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharyya, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science explained when describing the new facility. “If you go visit the Hytrol facility, you are going to see the same theme at their new research and development center and throughout their facility. It really brings the Hytrol look and feel to the Arkansas State campus, and we couldn’t be more delighted.

“The university and the college are deeply grateful to Hytrol for making this sophisticated facility a reality on campus,” Bhattacharyya added. “This would not have happened without the vision of David Peacock, president of Hytrol, the initiative and passion of Dr. Shivan Haran, director of the mechanical engineering program, the leadership of Dr. Timothy Burcham (then-acting dean of the college) and the collaboration with Dr. Tom Risch, vice provost of research and executive director of Arkansas Biosciences Institute.” voices | 17

“We are excited to add another chapter in our ongoing journey with A-State . . . It is our desire for it to open doors for the students of today and tomorrow, to a bright future together where we move the world forward.

- David Peacock Click to learn more about the Hytrol Materials Handling Lab

Alex Robles, Sophomore

Tyler Hottman, Junior

At A-State, I’ve developed ways to manage my time wisely and found ways to improve my independence. Through Arkansas State I’ve gotten involved with SAB and Phi Beta Lambda, which have helped me become a better student and representation of Arkansas State University.

To me, A-State is not just a wonderful university, it is my home. Everyone from the professors to students, both younger and older, will help you feel like you’ve been welcomed into a new family.

The connections I’ve made at Arkansas State have shaped me into a better person.

Allicen Morris, Junior

Eleanor Stafford, Senior

This scholarship opportunity flipped my future completely around in the best way possible, and I am so thankful for that. I am now a proud Red Wolf at Arkansas State University, and I am forever grateful to the people who helped make this scholarship opportunity possible.

“Thank you,” does not accurately describe just how thankful I am for such a supportive community. It makes me smile seeing all of the cars with A-State license plates because I love seeing our community support their Red Wolves in any way possible. Thank you all so very much for selflessly giving your time to support and believe in us, and Go Red Wolves!

Noah Ford, Senior

Joseph Davault, Junior

The thing that makes me the most proud to be a Red Wolf is the hands-on education that I am receiving from my professors. I feel exceedingly confident that I will be prepared and successful in law school and my future career, and I attribute that largely to the effort put forth by the Red Wolf faculty.

I am proud to be a Red Wolf because I am able to walk through campus and see friends and peers who are here for more than just a degree; I see people who are enjoying their college experience without letting their experience overshadow their education.

I am proud to be a Red Wolf because when I throw my “Wolves Up,” I know the future of the nation is throwing their “Wolves Up” right beside me.

Kelsey Moody, Sophomore

Brienne Jackson, Senior

Becoming a Red Wolf has been one of my proudest achievements. I would highly recommend A-State to anyone if they want to find a welcoming community with a strong school spirit. A-State made me feel right at home and I’m sure any upcoming freshman would easily feel the same!

The License 2 Howl scholarship means the world to me! It’s allowed me to complete my education debt-free, which is something I hope to pay forward when I’m an alumna. Not having a financial weight on my shoulders has enabled me to fully focus on my education, and I can’t say thank you enough.

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Cassidee McGee, Junior

Sierra Hedden, Senior

Joel Rogers, Sophomore

Julia Hudspeth, Junior

Being a Red Wolf is more than just being a college student. Becoming a Red Wolf at A-State, you will find your pack, transition into adulthood, and find your independence. Being a college student, especially a Red Wolf, is about finding out your true identity and where you belong in the world through academics, extra-curricular activities, and the pack.

As a freshman, I remember feeling like I would never find my place at this big school with so many people that I did not know. But as my semester progressed, I found support from my professors, friendships that will last a lifetime, and my heart for this school. A-State is not just any university to me.

A-State will always be my home away from home.

This semester at A-State taught me how to manage my time and find the motivation to finish my work, but most of all A-State taught me this semester that there is so much more to college than the work. There is fun too, and an opportunity to learn how to balance the two.

Because of License 2 Howl, I am on track to graduate debt free, which means so much to me because I am planning on attending law school after graduating from Arkansas State. I am so grateful to both the Alumni Association and individuals who love A-State enough to invest in its students!

Joshua Pruett, Sophomore

Sydney Lane, Sophomore

Sometimes I feel as if I didn’t choose A-State, but that it chose me. I just knew that this was where I belonged.

The campus is beautiful and active, you’ll get good practice in whatever it is you love to do, and everyone here is amazing, caring and passionate. I was in love with this school before I called it home, and I still am.

I have had an amazing freshman year filled with opportunities and experiences that would never have been possible without this scholarship. As a high jumper on the A-State track team my goal is to keep raising the bar. A-State is challenging me to raise the bar in all areas - from the academic challenges of the Honors College to the physical and mental challenges associated with being a college athlete. I couldn’t be prouder to be a Red Wolf.

Leah Coffield, Senior

Keianna Trujillo, Sophomore

I would like to thank the people that have contributed to the License 2 Howl scholarship because without them, I would not be able to attend college here at A-State. I have had a job throughout my time here at school, but with this scholarship I have been able to take a less demanding job, so that I can focus on my studies.

Arkansas State University is a place filled with diverse and amazing students, faculty, staff, and professors who dedicate their time to ensuring your success both inside and outside of the classroom, and amazing opportunities to fulfill all your desires and wants. A-State is truly a place you can call home.

Reed Middleton, Sophomore

Congrats to our incoming 2019-2020 License 2 Howl scholarship recipients!

Deciding to attend A-State was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I would tell anyone interested in attending about the warmth of our amazing chancellor, faculty, and student body.

They all make you feel very welcome and important. Everyone truly cares about your future and the atmosphere is really like a big family.

Erika Bretado Nashville, Ark.

Anna Chaplain Fisher, Ark. - Harrisburg HS

Christian “Bubba” Driver Kenlee Killian Newport, Ark. Pineville, Ark. - Calico Rock HS Hailey Needham Lakresha Holley Maddyson Lamb Hoxie, Ark. Camden, Ark. Imboden, Ark. - Sloan-Hendrix HS

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Knight Puts Business Education to Work for Summer is a busy season for barbecue and David Knight has had a lot on his plate (no pun intended). Because he is so involved with his Ole Hickory Pits barbecue grill business, he can be a hard man to find, especially during the grilling season. But, that’s because of his passion for the barbecue business.

Knight, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 and his Master of Business Administration degree in 1972 from Arkansas State, went on to develop his corporation and watch it grow and expand until it has become an industry leader when it comes to barbecue grills.

“It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention,” said Knight. “My first interest in commercial barbecue smokers began in 1974. Back then there was no modern technology for barbecue restaurants. I wanted to open a barbecue restaurant on the bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Cape Girardeau, Mo. I built my own custom-designed brick barbecue pit inside a three-story,

130-year-old, historic brick building that overlooked the river. The third time the Cape Girardeau Fire Department came to put out the pit fire it dawned on me that there should be a better way.”

And, Knight found a way. Now, Ole Hickory Pits, still located in Cape Girardeau, offers numerous models of wood-burning smokers encased in stainless steel and able to cook up to 4,000 pounds of meat at one time.

He has been in the business for more than 45 years and admits that his specialty when it comes to cooking must be smoked foods. Part of that passion for smoked food includes many of the culinary accoutrements, such as the creation of barbecue sauces, seasonings and premium hickory cook wood products that are also for sale at Ole Hickory Pits. His experience led him to becoming a judge of the Cape Girardeau contest for over 25 years.

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His success earned him admittance into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2016 which “serves to promote and encourage the growth and public support of barbecue by providing official recognition; honoring those individuals, who by extraordinary achievement and service, have made an outstanding impact on the world of barbecue.”

“I must confess that I did not have any idea that I would later be perfecting commercial cooking when I attended Arkansas State,” he continued. “In fact, I didn’t have a clue back then as to what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Fortunately, shortly after I finished my MBA degree at A-State, I received an offer to teach marketing at Jacksonville State University. My two-year term there gave me time to decide that I wanted to enter into the world of business.”

Knight said there were several reasons why he decided to attend Arkansas State. First, it was close to his hometown, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Secondly, he wanted to try a new place

Successful Career to meet new people and had heard many good things about how friendly the people were at the school.

“My first memory of A-State was on my first day as a freshman. I was greeted there by a friendly face sitting at a greeter’s table who asked me if I Dr. Lonnie Talbert, emeritus needed help. I professor of economics and former dean of business, assured the served on A-State’s faculty gentleman that yes, from 1966 to 1998.

I did need help. His name was Dr. Lonnie Talbert. I told him I had no idea what I wanted to choose for a major. He quietly asked if I would consider majoring in business. I quickly asked him to tell me more.

“He then became my counselor and later became my mentor and finally in graduate school, he became my boss. It was my pleasure to first work for Dr.

Talbert as a senior grading assistant and later as a graduate assistant during his term as dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business. Dr. Talbert was a guiding force throughout my college years. His professional approach to problem solving was a perfect example for me to follow throughout the years to come.”

Knight believes, “There is no doubt in my mind that I would have never survived for 45 years in the business world without the knowledge I obtained during my years at A-State.

“After graduating from A-State, I later had the pleasure of serving on the Griffin College of Business Advisory Council for several years. Since then I have had a niece and nephew graduate from the university and I have a niece, Ellie Foote, who is currently enrolled as a freshman. I continue to be amazed at the growth and vitality of Arkansas State University and am proud to consider it my alma mater.”

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“There is no doubt in my mind that I would have never survived 45 years in the business world without the knowledge I obtained during my years at A-State.”

- David Knight

And what could an alum put on their grill? How about Howl’s Pork Sausage from the A-State Meats Lab.

A-State Alumni Association to honor Distinguished Alumni The Arkansas State University Alumni Association will recognize three recipients of Distinguished Alumni Awards during Homecoming, Saturday, Oct. 26. The honorees are Alec Farmer, Tommy Fowler and Don Harmon, all of Jonesboro. Each Distinguished Alumnus has attained an outstanding record of professional and civic achievements, as well as giving loyal support to A-State. This is the 36th year the association has recognized the university’s most distinguished alumni, selected from nominations submitted by the public.

A halftime ceremony will recognize this year’s honorees at Homecoming. A list of previous honorees, along with the nomination form, is available at AStateAlumni.org.

Alec Farmer Alec Farmer is president of Farmer Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned farm and property investment and management company, and a member of the Arkansas State Highway Commission. As a young alumnus, he served on the boards of the Alumni Association and the then-Central Arkansas Indian Club, while completing his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

In 2015 he endowed the Dalton A. Farmer Family Scholarship at A-State in memory of his father.

Farmer’s civic involvement includes serving as chair of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, a special member of the Arkansas State Police Commission, and an original member of the Arkansas Agricultural Board. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts Conservation Hall of Fame. He and his wife Carole, also an A-State alumna, together have four daughters, one of whom is a graduate of the occupational therapy assistant program.

Tommy Fowler Judge Tommy Fowler was elected State District Judge for the 19th Judicial District in 2016.

His previous experience includes serving as circuit judge in the Second Judicial District, a special associate justice for the Arkansas Supreme Court, and deputy prosecutor, along with private practice. After completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at A-State, where he won the R.E. Lee Wilson Citizenship Award, he earned his Juris Doctor at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Fowler is a dedicated member of numerous professional statewide judicial committees, and also presides over the Craighead County Sobriety Court on a volunteer basis.

Recognized in 2017 as a Visionary Arkansan because of judicial reforms he implemented, he frequently addresses judicial, law enforcement and citizen groups on domestic violence. He recently retired as director of the American Legion Arkansas Boys State program after 31 years, and still serves on the Delta Symphony Orchestra board of directors.

Don Harmon After a business career of more than 30 years, Don Harmon retired in 2016 as CEO and president of Home Décor Holding Co., the success of which has been credited to his leadership. The company had grown to more than 300 employees and $250 million in annual sales. With a business degree, he joined Jimco Lamp Corp. as salesman, working his way up to president. Home Décor was formed in 2005 with three entities, including Jimco. As CEO, he led an expansion into five companies under the Home Décor Co. umbrella. Harmon often hired A-State alumni, serving as their mentor, leader and friend. He has been Rotarian of the Year, president of Jonesboro Jaycees, College of Business Executive of the Year, and president of the A-State Chancellor’s Cabinet.

Harmon and his wife, Cherri, have a daughter, Lindsay, who with her husband Jesse Burnett are parents of grandchildren Austin and Allison. fall 2019 | 22

HOMECOMING

2 19 OCTOBER 20TH - 27TH

schedule of events

Sunday, October 20

College of Education & Behavioral Science Outstanding Alumni and Faculty Reception 4 - 5:30 p.m. – Student Union, Spring River Room

College of Agriculture Tailgate 3 p.m. – First Community Bank Tailgating Community at Mike Watson Park

Thursday, October 24

Fowler Center Concert Series, Jake Shimabukuro 7:30 p.m. – Fowler Center

College of Nursing & Health Professions Distinguished Alumni Ceremony 3 p.m. – Reynolds Center for Health Sciences, Room 222

Scarlet and Black Color Run for St. Jude 5 p.m. – PAC Paths Legacy Society Luncheon Noon – Carl R. Reng Student Union, Executive Dining Room, 3rd Floor

Scholars and Donors Reception 4:30-5:30 p.m. – Cooper Alumni Center Homecoming Parade 6 p.m. – Downtown Jonesboro Zach Williams Concert 7 p.m. – First National Bank Arena AState.edu/tickets Science, Engineering and Art: A Juggler’s Perspective, Lecture-Concert Series, Phi Kappa Phi & the Arkansas Science Festival 7 p.m. – Fowler Center Downtown Block Party (SAB/DJA) 8 - 11 pm. – Downtown Jonesboro

Friday, October 25 Class of 1969 50-year Reunion Campus Tour 10 a.m. – Cooper Alumni Center

Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion Luncheon 12 p.m. – Cooper Alumni Center

Yell like Hell Bonfire & Spirit Competition 7 p.m. – Corner of University Loop and Aggie Red Wolves Soccer vs. Coastal Carolina 3 p.m. – A-State Soccer Complex Class of 1969 50-Year Reunion Class Dinner 6 p.m. – 501 Steakhouse

Saturday, October 26 GameDay 5K 8 a.m. – Red Wolf Statue, Aggie Circle Distinguished Alumni Breakfast 9 a.m. – Cooper Alumni Center Pack Preview for future Red Wolves 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Welcome Center and Carl R. Reng Student Union Rugby Alumni Homecoming Match 1 p.m. – Curt Huckaby Field College of Liberal Arts & Communication Tailgate 3 p.m. – Fowler Center College of Sciences & Mathematics Tailgate 3 p.m. – First Community Bank Tailgating Community at Mike Watson Park

Alumni & Friends Homecoming Tailgate 3 p.m. - Cooper Alumni Center Red Wolf Walk 3:45 p.m. – First Community Bank Tailgating Community at Mike Watson Park Homecoming Pre-game 1:30 p.m. – Centennial Bank Stadium Homecoming King and Queen Announcement Pregame – Centennial Bank Stadium A-State vs. Texas State 6 p.m. – Centennial Bank Stadium

Sunday, October 27 Red Wolves Soccer vs. Little Rock 1 p.m. – A-State Soccer Complex

Click to see this year’s special Homecoming theme reveal

For the most up-to-date list of events, visit AState.edu/Homecoming. voices | 23

Love for Outdoors Leads to YouTube For most people, being tabbed as “snakebit” isn’t a positive thing. For Jessica “Jay” Harken ’18 and her husband Cole ’19, being “snakebit” has helped launch the couple’s career as hosts of a YouTube channel with over 60,000 subscribers.

The couple met in 2016 while still students at Arkansas State, began dating, and were married that same year.

“We found out that we had a mutual love for fishing and that we were from the same hometown of Conway. We went fishing on our first date, and we have been hooked on each other ever since.”

Cole’s degree is in wildlife ecology and management, while Jessica’s is in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in animal science, marine science, and psychology. Both are passionate about wildlife. It was that passion that prompted them to post a video of Jessica catching a

snake on her Facebook page, a video that went viral with over 20 million views.

“It was in that moment that we made the decision to start a YouTube channel, mainly for fun, and see how people responded to it,” Jessica said. “We figured that it would be a good time since we had some traction.

“Now, everything we do pretty much revolves around our YouTube channel,” Cole added. “Maintaining it and keeping up with the uploads is like working around the clock. We have a lot of long days and short nights, but the good thing about it is that we are getting to do what we love, and those are the best kind of jobs. Our channel really is a glimpse into our everyday lives and is a good showcase of everything that we enjoy doing.

Fishing, herping, and being outdoors are our main hobbies and activities.”

fall 2019 | 24

Both Cole and Jessica had been students at A-State for a few years before the couple met in an ichthyology lab course.

From that point, the couple was involved together in several clubs affiliated with their majors such as the Wildlife Club, Marine Biology Club, and Natural History Collections Curations Club. As part of their studies, they took trips to Belize, the Florida coast, Washington, D.C., and to various wildlife conferences.

When they were married, Dr. Richard Grippo, then-professor of environmental biology and the couple’s favorite instructor, officiated their wedding.

For Cole, wildlife ecology and management is a field of study he knew he wanted to enter since childhood.

“A-State has the best wildlife program in the state so it was an easy decision to make the move from central Arkansas to attend Arkansas State,” he said.

Channel for A-State Couple Jessica’s degree choice reflected her desire to work in the marine biology field.

“By studying marine sciences at A-State, she was given great opportunities to get a lot of hands-on experience in that field,” Cole continued. “From the time she was little she has loved to catch animals so she could have a really good up-close encounter with them. She also enjoyed rehabbing sick, injured or abandoned animals. She got more into snake catching when she met me, but has never been afraid of anything.”

Both have paid the price, having been bitten numerous times as documented in several videos on the Cole and Jay YouTube channel. Once when bitten, Jessica had to pry the snake’s jaws from her palm. Three days later, she found a tooth stuck in her hand.

Other activities the couple is involved in are working in the butterfly gardens they built and raising caterpillars.

“Our biggest hobby we do together that we don’t showcase enough is our nightly bug collecting adventures in the warm months,” Cole said, adding that they picked up the hobby in an entomology class at A-State. “Every night we drive to a series of lights in search of awesome insects that are attracted by them. We like to collect some, pin them, and make display cases.”

“We don’t do a lot apart from each other simply because we enjoy most of the same things and enjoy each other’s time together,” said Jessica.

Cole will go hunting occasionally with friends, and Jessica enjoys fishing with Cole’s grandmother, but most of their time is spent supporting the YouTube Channel. More than 145 videos have been posted on the channel, with new videos added numerous times each month.

voices | 25

“A-State has the best wildlife program in the state so it was an easy decision to make the move from central Arkansas to attend Arkansas State.”

- Cole Harken

Click to check out the YouTube channel.

Cale Block, a Poinsett County native, graduated summa cum laude with University Honors in 2004, then earned his Juris Doctor degree at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 2007. After joining Barber Law Firm in 2012, he became an owner in 2017 and was named to the firm’s threeperson management committee in 2018. Block assists clients with business and corporate law, construction law, utility and regulatory law, and mergers and acquisitions.

Block has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas since 2008 and is a member of the Downtown Little Rock Kiwanis Club. He regularly presents continuing education legal seminars, and was named to Super Lawyers’ Mid-South Rising Stars List. Block continues his A-State support as a member of the Alumni Association and the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Block and his wife, Jamie, who is also an A-State alumna, live in Little Rock.

Dr. Catherine Rasberry is a health scientist in the Division of Adolescent and School Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In her 12 years at CDC, Rasberry has conducted a wide range of research and evaluation projects on school health topics; her work has become the foundation of the technical assistance she provides to school districts across the country seeking to improve the health and well-being of their students.

Rasberry has authored more than 80 national scientific presentations and more than 40 publications, including peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters and government reports. A Jonesboro native, Rasberry earned her bachelor’s degree in health promotion at A-State in 2001, then a master’s degree in health promotion from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in health education from Texas A&M University. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, Frank Hendrix, and son, Charlie.

fall 2019 | 26

The Arkansas State University Alumni Association and Student Philanthropy Council have teamed up to announce the first recipients of the Emerging Young Alumni award, a new recognition for Arkansas State’s young alumni, their professional accomplishments, and engagement with the university.

Individuals designated as Emerging Young Alumni are those who, through their personal participation, have made significant contributions to Arkansas State University, their profession or their community.

Katrina (Kat) Scoggin, a native of Stuttgart, was a President’s Scholarship recipient at A-State. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and graduated cum laude with university honors in 2003. Upon graduation, Scoggin moved just across the river to Memphis, where she now lives with her husband, Oliver.

Scoggin serves as the Memphis team lead for GlynnDevins, Inc., a full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Kansas City. She is active with Carnival Memphis, The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy, and Memphis Runners Track Club. Scoggin maintains her ties to A-State through her membership in the A-State Alumni Association while supporting the Honors College medallions campaign and the Red Wolves Foundation.

Rep. Jamie Scott, a North Little Rock native, is a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, serving District 37. She serves as vice-chair of the House Constitutional Issues Subcommittee and member of the Juvenile Justice and Child Support Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and House State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee. She is the youngest African American woman ever elected to the General Assembly.

Scott serves as the executive director of Youth Services, leading summer and out-of-school youth programs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and sociology and a Master of Arts in criminal justice from A-State, where she was a Presidential Leadership Scholar, and is an executive education graduate of Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Dedicating time to community service and civic activism, Scott has been recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions.

Ali Sugg, a native of Clinton, is an A-State graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in radio-TV and minor in marketing. In 2016 she built the only full power FM radio station licensed to Heber Springs and Cleburne County, and is now owner/general manager of Red River Radio, Inc., and a morning show personality on KSUG. Before building KSUG she was sales manager for her father’s radio stations, and she enjoys teaching dance at her mother’s studio.

She is a member of the Heber Springs City Council, president of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, and a board member for ASU-Heber Springs Development Council, the Heber Springs Chamber Foundation, and the Heber Springs Future Fund. Her station has received multiple community service awards from the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. Sugg and her husband Joe, who live in Heber Springs, have two children, Spencer and Sydney.

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alumni watering hole at bid day

order of the pack

AUGUST 17, 2019

AUGUST 29, 2019

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commencement

Click for Summer Commencement video highlights

AUGUST 3, 2019

voices | 29

day at the races

APRIL 6, 2019

welcome week events

Click for Welcome Week video highlights

AUGUST 19-23, 2019

fall 2019 | 30

17

ENDOWED FACULTY POSITIONS

(11 added since July 1, 2012)

49 of the TOP 100

SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS

(up from 251 since July 1, 2012)

113,417 45,600 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

IN UNIVERSITY HISTORY (since July 1, 2012)

14,700

LIVING ALUMNI

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

/ArkansasState

(up from 66,533 in 2012)

11-19

ARKANSAS

407

GIFTS AND GIFT COMMITMENTS

5006

$84.43 MILLION

NUMBER OF LICENSE PLATES SOLD

(up from $39.4 million since July 1, 2012)

(101.05% increase since July 1, 2012)

More than 80% of our students receive some sort of financial aid. voices | 31

Alumni Advocacy

my voice:

Loyalty to A-State doesn’t end at graduation.

There are several ways in which you can keep up-to-date on A-State.

LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05

1 follow

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Follow us on social media to learn the latest from campus.

Dear friends, On behalf of the entire alumni relations staff, we hope you all had a wonderful summer! We all enjoyed seeing, and sharing, your various vacation and travel photos on social media – it was fun to see so many people throwing the “Wolves Up!” sign around the world.

The new academic year is off to a great start at Arkansas State. With each new year comes change, and we were sad to say goodbye to Dr. Jason Penry, former vice chancellor for university advancement, who left us in August to take on new responsibilities at another university. We were extremely happy, however, when our

2 attend University events reach across a broad platform of interests and are a great way to take advantage of what A-State has to offer.

chancellor, Dr. Kelly Damphousse named Erika Krennerich Chudy as the interim vice chancellor. Chudy has served as the director of planned giving since joining A-State in 2011, and will do an outstanding job in her new leadership role.

Football season is underway and we were happy to see so many of you at the home opener against SMU, and again in the desert one week later to cheer on the Red Wolves in Las Vegas! The new Centennial Bank Athletics Operations Center is open and it is

3 join Become a member of the A-State Alumni Association. If you’re already a member, consider 1924 Sustaining Life membership.

beautiful. In just a few years, our facilities have evolved into some of the finest in the nation.

The A-State Alumni Association is looking forward to an exciting fall! Don’t miss the Alumni Association tailgate with Centennial Bank on Sept. 21, the Homecoming alumni & friends tailgate on Oct. 26, and our annual Pancakes & PJs with Santa and Howl on Dec. 7.

In addition to those events, the annual Homecoming game is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26, when the Red Wolves host Texas State. We will be honoring the Class of 1969 that week, along with many other activities. Watch your email for a special Homecoming edition of the Inside A-State weekly alumni newsletter for details on all week’s activities leading up to the game.

Until then, Wolves Up!

Lindsay Burnett Executive Director

The Red Wolves opened the 2019 season with a thrilling showdown versus SMU. Click to see highlights of Paint the Town Red Week.

Alumni Relations fall 2019 | 32

4 recruit Be an A-State advocate with friends and family. Bring students to campus for sporting or arts events and show them A-State is a great place.

5 give Your charitable investment, whether through annual gifts or a planned estate gift, will ensure the success of other A-State students.

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P.O. BOX 1990 STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED