Built in 2000, the A-State Equine Center has grown from a single barn to a covered arena and adjacent pastures. The complex covers 40 acres and houses a 52-stall barn with all the major amenities, along with areas for riding instruction and a classroom equipped for teaching equine production and management.
ON THE COVER
The wolf statue on Aggie Circle sports a face covering – a sign of the times during the COVID-19 pandemic that spanned the globe and began during the Spring 2020 semester.
MY VOICE
DR. BERT GREENWALT ‘78 PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
As an alumnus and long-time faculty member of the College of Agriculture (CoA), I’ve had the opportunity to work with many good teachers and students. Emeriti CoA Professors Dr. L.E. Brinkley, Dr. Albin Langlois, Dr. Howard Keene, and the late Dr. George Berger and Mr. Lester Davenport, guided my undergraduate education that laid the foundation for my academic career. Some of these professors later became my colleagues when I joined the faculty. The students I taught early in my career are now leaders in agribusiness, government and public service. I often find myself working with alumni on my family’s farm business or on projects for the university and community. College of Agriculture alumni, such as Congressman Rick Crawford and Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward, are two examples of alumni who are serving our state and industry. CoA alumni are generous supporters of the college and are eager to help current students. One of the trends during my time at A-State has been the steady growth in the CoA’s outreach and service projects for agribusiness and the community. These projects and events include: • A-State Agribusiness Conference • Arkansas Soil and Water Conference • Bill and Alice Nix Petting Zoo • FFA Career Development events • A-State Regional Farmers’ Market • Horticulture Plant Sale • Equine Center events Since I was a student, extracurricular educational opportunities for CoA students have dramatically increased. These programs include: • CoA Student Leadership Program (founded in 1992 by the late Dr. David Agnew) • CoA Ambassadors • Internship program • StaplCotn Congressional Internship in Washington, D.C. • Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter • Agribusiness Club AAEA Quiz Bowl Competition • Delta Tau Alpha Quiz Bowl Competition • New chapter of the Sigma Alpha professional agricultural sorority A recent development is the addition of several new CoA faculty members with diverse backgrounds and experience. Their expertise in agricultural economics, precision agricultural technology, animal science, and crop science will significantly expand the CoA’s teaching, research and service capability. They will be excellent mentors for our students and I look forward to working with them. I can confidently say that opportunities in the A-State College of Agriculture have never been greater. To learn more about the college and faculty, visit the website Agri.AState.edu or the Arkansas State University College of Agriculture Facebook page. Alumni are welcome to contact me at bertg@AState.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.
VOICES
Bert Greenwalt, Ph.D.
INSIDE 8
12
SPRING 2020 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
FEATURE STO R I E S
0 6 – 2 0 YEA RS OF VOI C ES
0 8 – LEWELLEN FU L FI L L S HIS DREA MS
16
1 6 – T HE VOICES OF VOI C ES 2 2 – FOWLER CEN TER AT 20 3 0 – #DIS COVER 2025 STRATEGIC PLAN
MOVING FORWARD
___________________________________
COVER STORY
3 2 – RED WOLVE S R ESPON D
22
ALUMNI FROM ACROSS THE NATION BATTLE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
___________________________________
SNA PSHOTS
0 4 – IN T HE NEWS
1 4 – ON CA MP U S
32
2 8 – A LUMNI EVEN TS 4 6 – WOLVES A ROU N D T HE WORLD
T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R KA N S A S STAT E U N I V E R S I TY A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N 0 2 – VO I C E S
VOICES MAGAZINE OF THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE EDITOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 EDITOR - VAN PROVENCE ‘07 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - GINA BOWMAN ‘76, TOM MOORE ‘73, ‘91, DR. BILL SMITH
DESIGN - MARY REED MELTON ‘04
S H A R E YOU R NE WS
PHOTOGRAPHER - TRAVIS CLAYTON PRINTING - CORNING PUBLISHING COMPANY
3 8 – C L ASS NOTE S
4 4 – B IRT HS AND MAR R IAG E S
___________________________________
SECRETARY - JOHN BAINE ’95, ‘97
BOARD MEMBERS
1 2 – K E IA J O HNSO N ‘ 04
JOHN BAINE ‘95, ‘97
STA F F S P OTLIGHT
3 6 – N E W DE ANS TO GIVE LE A DERS HIP
___________________________________
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
JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80
JOY MURPHY ‘92
BILL HARRIS ‘93
NATALIE ROGERS ‘10
RICHARD HARTNESS, SR. ’68
HERMAN STRICKLAND JR. ‘81*
SHELLEY LUNBECK TUSTISON ’04
CHANCELLOR - DR. KELLY DAMPHOUSSE
0 1 – D R . B E RT G R E E NWALT
MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76
ERIC BLACKWELL ‘01
*Deceased, April 5, 2020. See obituary on page 43.
M Y VO ICE
PRESIDENT - DALE MORRIS ‘70 VICE PRESIDENT - PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ’93, ‘96 PAST PRESIDENT - NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS ’83, ’09, ‘12
A S K T H E ALU M
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
INTERIM VICE CHANCELLOR FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT DR. ERIKA KRENNERICH CHUDY ‘98, ’00, ‘20
PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
T H E L A ST WO R D
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ‘05 DIRECTOR, ANNUAL GIVING - TARA TOWNSEND THOMASON ‘97 DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP - MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ‘05
4 9 – L INDSAY BUR NE TT
DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS - AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
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
is (870) 972-2586 and our fax 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
SUMMER 2020 – 03
EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu
ITN
IN THE NEWS
1.20.20
Following an ordinance passed by the City of Jonesboro, Commerce Drive was renamed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on January 20.
The Dean B. Ellis Library tower took on many colors this spring as it was lighted to honor front-line employees in the fight against COVID-19, and the local high schools
3.5.20
who would have held their commencement ceremonies
State and local dignitaries were on hand March 5 for the long-awaited grand
on the A-State campus.
opening of the Embassy Suites hotel and Red Wolf Convention Center.
2.25.20
The A-State men’s and women’s track and field programs celebrate following their victories Feb. 25, at the 2020 Sun Belt Conference Indoor Championships. The Red Wolves claimed both the men’s and women’s team titles for the first time since 1998.
2.25.20
Arkansas State University Chancellor Kelly Damphousse and Black River Technical College President Martin Eggensperger sign an agreement between the two schools to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree to BRTC students through an arrangement with A-State. 0 4 – VO I C E S
9.14.19
University of Georgia fans held a “pink out” at Sanford Stadium in memory of Wendy Anderson, late wife of A-State head football coach Blake Anderson, when the Red Wolves faced Georgia on Sept. 14. Anderson lost her battle with breast cancer in August.
Following a gift from Hytrol Conveyor Co., the Hytrol Materials Handling Laboratory was established on the A-State campus during the spring 2019 semester.
1.31.20
Arkansas State University announced an agreement to collaborate with Adtalem Global Education to explore the feasibility of creating the first in-state veterinary medical school. The proposed veterinary medicine program would enroll classes of approximately 120 students each year.
3.6.20
ASU System Trustee Christy Clark ‘92 was surprised by her husband William, who presented a $100,000 scholarship endowment in her name at the ASU System Board of Trustees meeting. The Clarks were joined by A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse and ASU System President Chuck Welch.
5.21.20
For its efforts in helping launch Arkansas’ first osteopathic medical school, Arkansas State University was honored with the Riland Medal of Public Service by NYITCOM at the college’s inaugural graduation ceremony on May 21. SUMMER 2020 – 05
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ FALL 2006
VOICES.. Whether it was recollections from the last football bowl trip or a fascinating research topic, the voices in Voices have spanned quite a range in its first 20 years of publication. Voices took us as far as Peru to learn how radiologic technology students assisted in archeologists’ search for mummies, as close as Memphis for the story of Rick Husky ‘61 (52 IN THIS ISSUE, THE LARGEST EVER)
‘61 and the Rolling Stones.
7
Despite its simple title, “The Circle” captured the remarkable story of A-State’s first African
editors
American faculty members, their close-knit neighborhood, and the challenges their families overcame in a much-different era. Another trip took us out west, where “Rock Doc to the Stars” Dr. Joe W. Johnson ’70 didn’t make us wonder what happens in Vegas, but instead let us into his world with the famous.
ISSUES since
39
becoming Elvis Presley’s “big brother,” and across the state for an encounter between Bill Carter
inception
T W O MASCOTS
UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR
most by one person
33
We’ve heard the voices of alumni from across the years, ranging from now-oldest living letterman and scholarship donor John Woodside ’36 to Edwin Faughn ‘88 and his artwork depicting deep space, Ryan Goodner ‘01 and NASCAR marketing, and Rodger Bumpass ’76, voice of cartoon character Squidward Tentacles. We saw a student profile of Kyle Hamsher when he was Howl, and later as an alumnus who helped Astros fans exult in their World Series win as he portrayed their spirit character Orbit. The stories of wildlife explorers and YouTubers Jay ’18 and Cole Harken ‘19, and Miss Arkansas 2018, Claudia Raffo ’18, were radically different and equally entertaining. Alumni voices have told us about clever new business and professional ventures, from prizewinning barbecue, pet resorts and honey farming, to country music television production and medical artwork. On a more personal level, we heard from several alumni “who met their mate at A-State,” we read about Hurricane Katrina victims who found refuge at A-State, and all of us have been dealing with a horrific pandemic as Voices goes to press. Research features have included the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, a study of marine mammals, and developments with the discipline at the heart of the institution’s origin, agriculture. Alumni and students from every academic area have given voice to their array of educational 0 6 – VO I C E S
voices inside covers Winter 2012:ASU Voices 10/1/12 4:08 PM Page 2 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 ~ $6.00
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ SUMMER 2007
v oic es
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ SPRING 2010
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ SUMMER 2008
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
FALL 2017, VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
FALL 2014, VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
WINTER 2018, VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3 ~ $6.00
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SUMMER 2018, VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
FALL 2019, VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1 ~ $6.00
ALLISON FAMILY GIFT SEE PAGE 21
THE MAGAZINE OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ SPRING 2012
THE 'S UNIVERSITY: ONE HOWL OF AN EXPERIENCE MEET KELLY AND BETH DAMPHOUSSE
CAMPUS QUERÉTARO
RECORD-SETTING LEGACY
by the N U M B E R S . STRIVING TO MAKE EVERY RED WOLF COUNT
A-STATE CELEBRATES OPENING OF HISTORIC CAMPUS
and professional pursuits. One young farm broadcaster voice we profiled, Rick Crawford ‘96, is now our congressman. Incoming students who are recipients of the License2Howl Scholarships have been introduced to us, and often showed up in later issues with campus achievements and leadership roles by their names. Voices led us on walks through the heart of state government to renew acquaintance with influential alumni -- in the Governor’s Mansion, the State Capitol, and executive branch. New campus leaders have graced our pages many times, including a recent a close-up of Kelly Damphousse and his wife Beth, now beginning their fourth year in the Chancellor’s Residence on East Nettleton Ave. In all 39 issues, the magazine’s opening feature, “My Voice,” has been the platform for insight, perspective and wisdom from key individuals across campus. Voices stories show how A-State alumni, through ROTC and other disciplines, prepared for and served their country with honor and distinction. Voices has covered the most generous personal, estate and foundation gifts to academics, the arts and athletics in A-State history. These gifts have driven transformational developments, changing the face of campus in countless ways. The 2008 roll-out of a new mascot, Red Wolves, was a big change for generations of Indian fans. Voices has been there with features on A-State’s role in heritage tourism through Arkansas Delta Byways, the arrival of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, and extension of A-State to Campus Queretaro in Mexico.
ALMA MATER WELCOMES NEIL GRIFFIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
2
NEW ARTWORK BECOMES LANDMARK #WEHOWL THE NEW SPOT FOR CAMPUS CASUAL PHOTOS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
executive directors
of
THOUSANDS
PHOTOS
we couldn’t count them all
11
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
..
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
board
eight presidents and CHANCELLORS
FEATURED
(fulltime, interim and acting)
Historical reflections recalled the drive through which the emerging Arkansas State College attained university status in 1967, and the 2009-10 centennial celebration of the institution’s evolution into a major university. The Alumni Association itself has been highlighted, first at its 80-year anniversary, then at 90 in 2014, and the Cooper Alumni Center’s 10-year anniversary in 2018. The 100th anniversary of the Alumni Association’s founding in 1924 will be upon us soon. All the stories are still just a few clicks away, in the online archive for Voices, https://issuu.com/ ArkansasState.
17
IN COLUMNS
AND ARTICLES
ISSUES by one editor
DR. NANCY HENDRICKS ‘74 100 Years
Voices 100 Voices
Arkansas State University Centennial Celebration
Celebrate Voices’ first 20 years with us, virtually, and help give voice to the next 20 with the stories that excite and inspire, and personal notes that share and delight. And, Go Red Wolves! SUMMER 2020 – 07
The ASU AlUmni ASSociATion celebRATion of ARkAnSAS STATe UniveRSiTy’S 100 yeARS
FEATURE STORY
0 8 – VO I C E S
SUMMER 2020 – 09
LEWELLEN FULFILLS HIS DREAMS
T
wenty years ago, Michael Lewellen was featured in the inaugural edition of
Arkansas State University’s new alumni magazine. He called it “humbling.”
After more than three decades in the limelight of media, sports, entertainment and
now higher education, the 1983 graduate is helping to celebrate the anniversary of Voices. “Anytime your alma mater thinks enough of your accomplishments to spotlight you, it’s humbling,” said Lewellen who now works as vice president for marketing and communications at the University of Portland. “Back then, “Voices” was beginning to establish its identity as a new alumni publication. There have been some very successful and well-known A-State alumni down through the decades, and “Voices” has featured them. But for me to be part of the magazine’s early history – and again now – is very gratifying.” After earning a degree in journalism, the Jonesboro native began his career as a sports writer at the Pine Bluff Commercial and considered a professional vocation in the newspaper business. But the opportunity to switch to public relations at Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1985 in Little Rock and then St. Louis really sparked a career path that has reached 38 years and spanned seven states. Lewellen joined the University of Portland in July 2019, and oversees the offices responsible for marketing, public affairs, communications, printing/mailing services and Portland Magazine, the institution’s alumni publication. Prior to joining UP, Lewellen served for seven years as vice president of corporate communications for the Portland Trail Blazers, directing the NBA franchise’s corporate communications, business communications and public engagement strategies. His role also included leadership of public and civic affairs, and media communications concerning Rip City Management, Moda Center, Rose Quarter and Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Lewellen’s award-winning career also includes leadership positions with Nike, Turner Sports, Fox Sports Net, Black Entertainment Television, NBC Universal and Heart of Florida United Way. He was responsible for media strategies, reputation management, sports and entertainment publicity, crisis response and brand communications. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he is an accredited public relations practitioner through both the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). “My five years at Nike World Headquarters in Portland, Ore., from late 1991 through 1996 was tremendously influential because of what I learned about culture and drive at a company founded by an innovative entrepreneur like Phil Knight,” Lewellen continued. “And for the bulk of my career, I’ve been drawn to executive roles with those kind of iconic brands – Turner Sports and TNT in Atlanta with Ted Turner; Fox Sports Network in
VOICES
New York with Rupert Murdoch; and Black Entertainment Television (BET Networks) in Washington, D.C., under Robert L. Johnson. 1 0 – VO I C E S
“Landing in Orlando with NBCUniversal to lead media relations
“Our friendship started at Douglas MacArthur
for their theme parks in 2007 was the first time in my career when
Junior High in Jonesboro and lasted throughout
thoughts of staying put and eventually retiring popped into my
the years. We were in each other’s weddings,
head. But after five years in Central Florida – including one very
and our parents were close, too. Herman helped
rewarding year leading marketing and communications at Heart
keep me involved with the Strong-Turner Alumni
of Florida United Way, the opportunity to return to Oregon as vice
Chapter and the Alumni Association.”
president of corporate communications for the Portland Trail Blazers and their home arena Moda Center was irresistible.”
Lewellen is proud of being mentored and influenced by the African American men who
Herman Strickland Jr.
However, during his career journey, Lewellen remembers his
are key figures in the university’s academic history, including
alma mater with fondness and pride. He doesn’t have many
the late Dr. Calvin Smith Sr., the late Dr. Mossie Richmond, Dr.
opportunities to return to campus, but keeps up with the success
Herman Strickland Sr., Dr. J. W. Mason and Dr. Wilbert Gaines,
of Arkansas State, both academically and athletically.
who is also a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity brother.
“The last time I was on campus for an extended amount of time
Lewellen also played on one of A-State’s men’s tennis teams
was July 2018 when Coach Mike Balado invited me to do media
coached by former decathlete Bob Williams. “I wasn’t very
training for his basketball players and coaching staff. We had an
talented in tennis back then, but Bob taught us a work ethic
absolute blast, and I think the guys learned a few things from me,
that really influenced me.” That work ethic paid off as Lewellen
too.
went on to win a few tournaments and was a certified teaching professional in the United States Professional Tennis Association
“I do marvel, though, every time I drive through campus at how
(USPTA) for more than 20 years.
much Arkansas State has grown and evolved. The NCAA might see us as a ‘mid-major’ in athletics, but A-State can rival the
The Lewellen legacy continues at Arkansas State. His daughter
larger institutions with what it has achieved academically and in
Brandi Lewellen Doan graduated from A-State in 2005 and is a
facilities.
nurse and administrator at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. His youngest son Ethan received his degree in 2015 and currently
“Having grown up in Jonesboro, I played high school basketball in
lives in Portland and is assistant manager of digital content at
the NEA Tournament at the old Indian Fieldhouse and used to run
adidas North America. His oldest son Elliott died suddenly in 2008
around that old crushed brick track at the original Kays Stadium
at the age of 21. He has three grandchildren – Faith, Michael and
as a kid in 1970s. A lot of great things have happened to that
Briley.
campus during my lifetime.” “I’ve never, ever let my small-town upbringing, public school Lewellen said several faculty and staff members during his time as
education or degree from a small university be reasons not to
a student greatly influenced his life, including Dr. Joel Gambill, Dr.
pursue my professional dreams. If anything, those factors helped
Gil Fowler, Richard Carvell, Dr. Jane Gates, the late Sam Gennuso,
make me a very driven individual throughout my career.”
Jerry Schaeffer, Buddy Nichols, Kay Woodiel, Keith Merritt and Larry Lacewell who helped shape the kind of professional he has
Michael Lewellen has had quite the life since his time at Arkansas
become. He also has praise for the late Dick Clay who was the
State.
sports director at Jonesboro’s local ABC affiliate KAIT-TV Channel 8, who helped him secure his student-employment job as the
“Coming out of high school, I was academically accepted into
women’s sports information director.
the University of Oregon, University of Colorado, University of Denver and Ohio University, along with Arkansas State University
“I had some great friends at Arkansas State, but none greater
specifically for their strong journalism and communications
than Herman Strickland Jr., who graduated from Arkansas State
programs. Based on how my career and life have turned out, I
in 1980,” Lewellen said of his friend who passed away in April.
think I made a pretty good choice in attending Arkansas State.”
SUMMER 2020 – 11
ALUMNI Q&A
Keia Johnson is the lead vocal instructor at Stax Music Academy in Memphis. She will also make her directorial debut in the musical “Once on this Island,” scheduled to begin later in 2020 at the Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis. She has performed onstage at the historic Apollo Theatre in New York, and was selected to travel to Los Angeles following her audition for the television show American Idol. During her time at Arkansas State, she was crowned Miss ASU in 2003, was president of the Black Student Association, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Keia describes herself as an “entire artist,” who creates original music and videos, adding, “I still love the process of creating new content and music to encourage, reflect and celebrate love.” 1 2 – VO I C E S
Tell us about your yourself. I love to travel and read. Get me anywhere near water and I am at peace. My passion is music and the arts, for sure, and living in Memphis has allowed me to nurture that passion and turn it into my own business, KJ Management. I don’t have much spare time, but I do try to plan quarterly trips to refresh and be inspired. Tell us about your career at the Stax Music Academy. I work with about 75 students ages 10-18 and the academy is conveniently located next to the Stax Records Museum which is a constant source of inspiration and history. I work with all of our vocalists in various ensembles to educate them on the importance of vocal care and performance. The children go through an audition process to be admitted into the program and then we work all year to grow their musical repertoire with special attention to the Stax Music catalogue and Memphis music influence across the world. This past summer we were honored with an endowment from Justin Timberlake, and Levi’s created a song lab for our students. It’s a great place to work. How did you become involved with the Hattiloo Theatre? About six years ago when the Hattiloo Theater opened, I was cast in the lead role of TiMoune in the musical Once on this Island. It feels like I’ve come full-circle to direct it and pour into young, talented children that have the same passion as I do. Describe the experience of singing onstage at The Apollo. It is still hard to wrap my mind around such an amazing experience. I’m thankful to Music Export Memphis for selecting me as one of the artists to represent the city in our celebration of Memphis’ Bicentennial. It was surreal, and I sang the classic, Otis Redding version of “Change is Gonna Come.” I could feel the energy of such rich history. The backstage area had signatures of all the greats who had been there before and blessed the stage. The sound was so warm, and it’s hard to explain, but singing on that stage I felt like I was being held by all the greatness before me. The energy was so thick and powerful. It was one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve ever had as a performer. Describe the American Idol experience and how it affected your career. I had no expectations, but when I was selected to go to Hollywood, I had to take leave indefinitely from my full-time job that had amazing benefits. I left that to go chase my dreams. While I did not make it past the Top 50, I was there a little bit of time. TV makes it seem like things happen instantaneously but they absolutely do not. When I came home, I had no job and no real claim to the show. I was blessed in that they aired my audition, and then the calls started to come. On my flight home from Hollywood, I felt God telling me to trust him, and I felt so devastated and motivated at the same time. It was a very difficult time for me in that I had to just press through, and ultimately I think my career was positively impacted from it – if for no other reason but people’s fascination with the show and my small connection to it. Describe your life growing up, and when did you begin singing? My father was in the Army, so we moved a lot – and by a lot, I mean I attended nine schools in my 12 years of formal schooling. That was hard. I am the oldest of three and my grades had to stay above 3.0, those were the house rules. The only constant in my life was my faith, my family and music. I often say my longest relationship has been with music. I started singing when I started talking and it’s all I’ve ever known. With so many moves growing up, how did you decide to attend Arkansas State University? My parents always talked about A-State because they were proud alumni, and actually met there. During my senior year of high school, my parents suggested that we come back for Homecoming, and that I take a tour of campus. My cousin was a student at A-State, and connected me with all the right people to show me the realities of college and how amazing the campus and student body was. I fell in love with Arkansas State, found out that for the major I was interested in (Radio/Television Broadcasting), A-State was one of the top in the country. I was ecstatic, and all but made my decision that day, that A-State would be my school. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at Arkansas State? One of my top memories was becoming one of only three African Americans to be crowned Miss ASU at the time. I went on to the Miss Arkansas pageant and was named Miss Congeniality. Seeing brilliant women in the major I was in, Dr. Lillie Fears and Dr. Mary Jackson-Pitts, was beyond inspiring. Graduating in exactly four years was a big goal for me and I was proud to accomplish that. I knew if I went to a big city university, I would never graduate. I loved that Jonesboro was close to Memphis, but far enough away that I could focus and graduate on time. Attending A-State was like a microcosm of the real world that I needed. It felt like home and it’s where I grew into a young woman who knew how to multi-task and always give back. SUMMER 2020 – 13
OC
2.4.20
Congrats to Apple
ON CAMPUS
Dennie of Sherwood who was crowned Miss Arkansas State University 2020 at the 46th annual competition presented by the Delta Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
3.19.20
Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, incoming dean of the graduate school, teaches remotely – the “new normal” for the Spring 2020 semester as A-State adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic.
8.20.19
A-State rugby kicked off their season by hosting.....
2.29.20
2.24.20
The Black History Month planning committee at Arkansas State University conducted its annual celebration recognizing “Living Legends” at a breakfast and awards presentation at the Reng Student Union. This year’s honorees were David Mitchell, Carolyn Shepherd, Harriet Jannice Hyatt, Vickie Newton and LaGanzie Kale.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and area legislators toured the H.O.W.L. Transition Program in the College of Education and Behavioral Science.
2.13.20
Students Arnesha LeFlore and Nyha Dixon enjoy the Valentine’s Day Silent Disco held in Centennial Hall.
2.25.20
Students Paige McCord and Anna Handloser enjoy the annual Crawfish on the Lawn at the Reng Student Union. 1 4 – VO I C E S
11.12.19
Team members, advisers and administrators were on hand for the ribbon-cutting for A-State’s new Esports facility.
1.20.20
Students and community members gather on campus for the 2020 Northeast Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Community Celebration.
12.14.19
Chreshayla Lognion and Lexi Andrews celebrate receiving their diplomas at the Fall 2019 commencement ceremony.
5.14.20
ChrisTina Okolo is selected as the recipient of the 2020 R.E. Lee Wilson Award. SUMMER 2020 – 15
FEATURE STORY
Photo Credit Daniel Meigs
1 6 – VO I C E S
SUMMER 2020 – 17
Photo Credit Da niel Meigs Warner Music Nashville
THE VOICES OF VOICES
One superstar and two rising stars. Voices from Arkansas State University have been heard across the nation and around the world in recent months as Ashley McBryde has established herself in Nashville among country music’s elite, while Cory Jackson and Marybeth Byrd became household names as their careers blossomed, thanks in part to their appearances on NBC’s “The Voice”. McBryde, who was a student at A-State from 2001-06 and a member of the Sound of the Natural State marching band, was named the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Vocalist of the year in 2019, and that same year, also grabbed the Country Music Association New Artist of the Year award. She’s also a three-time Grammy award nominee, and received an Emmy nomination in 2019 for her appearance on “CBS This Morning Saturday”. Her album, Girl Goin’ Nowhere, received a Grammy nomination for Country Album of the Year, and the video for the title song won the Breakthrough Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards, both in 2019. For Jackson, who earned his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Byrd, who will be a sophomore this fall, appearances on season 17 of “The Voice” catapulted them to national fame in 2019. Jackson’s rendition of Glen Campbell’s Galveston turned three chairs and landed him on Team Blake (Shelton), while Byrd turned four chairs while singing Angel from Montgomery by Bonnie Raitt, and eventually advanced to the semifinal round of the season while being coached by John Legend. “Surreal” and “a dream come true,” were terms that Jackson and Byrd used to describe their experience on “The Voice”. “Being on that stage, performing to millions of people was a dream come true,” Byrd said. “As a little girl with big dreams, I would have never thought I’d be doing something so big at only the age of 18, all by myself across the country. ‘The Voice’ built my character, made me stronger, and grew my confidence and work ethic.” “It’s an experience I hope many of my friends get to find themselves in because it is surreal and has been a big stepping stone for me with my career,” said Jackson. “Being onstage on ‘The Voice’ is a nerve-racking and very exciting moment that seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. I remember walking off stage to my family saying I don’t even remember how I sounded or what I even said.” For McBryde, who came to A-State from the small town of Mammoth Spring to play in the band, an unexpected opportunity to sing the national anthem at a women’s basketball game put the spotlight on her vocal abilities and played a part in kickstarting her career. “While I played in the band, I didn’t usually tell anyone I wrote songs and played guitar and sang, I was just too shy,” McBryde said. “And there were these off-campus parties I’d go to in town and they had karaoke of course. I didn’t sing, I just sat quietly and worked on not being such an introvert.”
VOICES
McBryde was conducting the pep band prior to tipoff, when she was notified that the person slated to sing the Star Spangled Banner that night didn’t show up. 1 8 – VO I C E S
“I looked at my director and said, ‘I mean...I could do it,’” she said. “So out I went and sang the anthem. And in attendance at that game were the people that had been at those karaoke parties I’d been going to. After the game they said, ‘You could sing this whole time? Is there anything else you do we don’t know about?’ I said, ‘I play guitar and write songs and stuff.’” From that point on, McBryde’s guitar came along with her to the parties. “We’d do live karaoke, which caused me to learn a ton of cover songs, and I could try out my originals too,” she said. “After a while one of the girls said, ‘Hey, you should play down at the Edge Coffeehouse.’ So, I did. And then I formed a little trio of a band. A little while later, I ventured to play the bars in Memphis and my journey to Nashville began.” It was the reputation and appeal of the Sound of the Natural State band that brought McBryde to Arkansas State. “When it came time to choose schools, my friends were going all over the map,” she said. “The music program at A-State, and specifically the marching band, had a well-known reputation. Marching band was a big deal to me, and I wanted to be part of the best marching program around. “I’ve been singing since I could talk,” she added. “My five siblings and I grew up on a little cattle farm. I think I was five when I first announced to my mother that I was going to live in Nashville someday and write songs for the radio, so I knew early on that a career in music was going to be my path.” Jackson and Byrd were also born and raised in Arkansas and both began singing at an early age. Jackson, who grew up in the shadow of Arkansas State University, said that A-State was the only option he considered. “I always wanted to attend A-State,” he said. “I have grown up in this town and have watched it grow.” “I went to Westside my whole life,” he added. “I always enjoyed singing in the shower, but I was way too shy to ever expect to be doing this now. I dreamed it back then but can’t believe I broke that shell. My grandpa got me interested in playing guitar when I was a junior in high school and I fell in love with it immediately.” Byrd grew up in Armorel in a musically-inclined family, and Arkansas State was a natural fit for her as well. “Growing up in this small community gave me a support system like no other, there’s no love like hometown love,” she said. “I
started singing when I started talking. As a child, music helped me overcome stuttering, so at that point I knew how deep my love was for it.” “College seemed like such a scary thing before I went, but A-State made it feel like a second home. I love how they really care about their students and want the best for their future. I’m about to go into my sophomore year, so I have three more years of awesomeness to go.” Much was on hold for all three during the COVID-19 pandemic. Byrd and Jackson have been writing and recording when possible while most of the world was practicing social distancing. In addition to writing and recording, McBryde hosted numerous #AllCoopedUp live performances on social media. Some of those performances have been aimed at children, and some have benefitted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. “While doing the livestreams, I remembered that there are lots of kiddos homeschooling and a bunch of parents suddenly becoming teachers,” McBryde said. “They could use a break mid-day, and that thought turned us to our friends at St. Jude. We’d been taking donations for MusiCares’ COVID-19 relief fund, so we decided to use the kids episode as a way to remind people that the need for donations there never stops either.” The pandemic interrupted her tour with Luke Combs, as well as her headlining One Night Standards tour. She hopes to be back on the road by late summer or fall. “Things are on pause right now, but once we get back on the road, we’ll be out in full force supporting the new record, Never Will,” she said. “I’ll be back at meet-and-greets hugging fans, playing cornhole at festivals and running around festival grounds with my band eating funnel cakes.” The success she enjoys now was certainly boosted by her time at Arkansas State, a time that challenged her and helped her grow musically. “Everything I was involved in was music-related,” she said. “I was a member of Tau Beta Sigma, a service organization made up of music students, and I don’t think I missed one single football game or basketball game my entire time at A-State. I loved the challenge of classical style music. Most of all, I loved marching band and pep band. Since I wasn’t an athlete, I was proud to support our teams in the only way I could through music and service. I know we are the Red Wolves now, but I was really proud to be an Indian.”
SUMMER 2020 – 19
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SUMMER 2020 – 21
FEATURE STORY
2 2 – VO I C E S
SUMMER 2020 – 23
F O W L E R C E N T E R AT 2 0 : A RT T H AT I N S P I R E S , M U S I C T H AT M OV E S , T H E AT R E T H AT T H R I L L S .
J
ust as Voices magazine turns 20, it shares its time in A-State history with the
iconic Fowler Center, which is completing its 20th year of operation in 2020. A generation of A-State alumni has fond memories of exhibiting their artistic
creations or performing in a concert or theatrical production in Fowler Center. The 79,000-square-foot center for arts and community events, like anything else worthwhile, did not come about overnight. Time Had Come for New Facility Wilson Hall, completed with its auditorium in 1932, had long since been considered inadequate for musical and theatrical presentations, not to mention its centralcampus location that created accessibility issues for area arts patrons. Dr. Harold Copenhaver was dean of fine arts when campus leadership began to focus on the need for a new performance and exhibition venue. “There was a desire for a new facility that would address public needs for an elegant and memorable location on the campus, one that would be accessible and have plenty of free parking,” says Dr. Les Wyatt, who was university president in the 1990s when serious planning began. With the 20th anniversary of the formal opening ceremony just a few months away, Wyatt recalls an array of individuals who through their collective efforts developed and implemented plans for a splendid arts center, especially A-State staff members Jennus Burton, Terry Carty ‘74, Don Tilton, and Robert Evans ‘80. Through their various responsibilities in finance, construction management and governmental relations, they and their associates were successful in planning and securing support for the center. Burton and Carty had led the development of a campus master plan that envisioned a public zone on the east side of the campus, fronting on today’s Red Wolf Blvd. The original concept for the public zone essentially has been completed with the recent opening of the Red Wolf Convention Center and Embassy Suites. State Sen. Jerry Bookout ‘55, longtime advocate for the university‘s interests in the Arkansas General Assembly, and State Rep. Chris Thyer ‘91 were joined by others in securing state funding for the project. ”State Sen. Mike Beebe ’68, a future governor of Arkansas, had sat in Wilson Hall as a student and was more than willing to support replacing Wilson with a new facility. Gov. Mike Huckabee, whose son David ‘05 was an A-State student at the time, also was well aware of Wilson Hall auditorium’s limitations,” Wyatt continued. Jerry Brackett and George Krennerich, partners in one of Jonesboro’s most prominent architectural firms, had recently designed the tower and expansion of the Dean B. Ellis Library, and they were “capable and eager to plan and design a stand-alone,
VOICES
signature facility for the community in which they practiced and lived.”
2 4 – VO I C E S
Brackett says university leadership wisely pursued a plan with
“These are two very special friends of this community,”
multiple performance spaces instead of one multipurpose
Wyatt said at the dedication ceremony, noting the Fowlers’
facility, noting the acoustical requirements and audience
leadership in business and in economic development. Another
accommodations for music and theatre performances are
point of pride for the Fowlers was that the new facility would
quite different. Faculty in art, music and theatre offered their
be a place where young people could have their school field
input throughout the planning process for the proposed facility,
trips for performances and presentations.
and considered how spaces should be arranged for the most effective environment for instruction, performances and
Little Rock financial executive Curt Bradbury’s experience
exhibitions. He also distinctly remembers a highly cooperative
as board chair of the Arkansas Arts Center made him keenly
effort and team spirit among those involved because of their
aware of the value of a public venue for the arts. He funded
dedication to the university and their desire to achieve success.
a naming opportunity in the new facility in honor of his wife, Chucki, ’75 MBA ’76, who was a member of the university’s
The architects, with assistance from consultants who
Board of Trustees. The result is today’s Bradbury Art
specialize in designing performance spaces, planned the
Museum, which includes Windgate Gallery, Vaughn Gallery,
resulting concert hall, drama theatre and experimental
Stella Boyle Smith Gallery, and Kays Gallery.
teaching (black box) theatre, each customized for its particular purpose. They carefully researched best practices, optimizing
Richard Bell, chair of the board of the directors of Riceland
plans for the scope of the project. They gave special attention
Foods Corp. and chair of the university’s Board of Trustees at
to aspects like stage height, audience sight lines, and
the time, was instrumental in securing the company’s gift to
acoustics, and their efforts paid off in big ways. Musicians
name Riceland Hall.
quickly noticed they could hear the whole group with which they were performing, and audiences delighted in the result.
The Pugh family of Jonesboro, also prominent arts benefactors, provided a major gift to name the Grand Hall,
Lasting Recognition for Special Support
beautifully highlighted by the rope-light chandelier at the
The Board of Trustees of the university formally adopted the
center of the elliptical ceiling.
names given to various spaces in the building and the building itself, including Wallace and Jama Fowler, who provided major
atr
e
nd
Sim
pso
nT
he
ha ll C Ha nd Gra
Bra
db
ury
Art Mu se
eli
um
er
funding.
SUMMER 2020 – 25
F O W L E R C E N T E R AT 2 0 : A RT T H AT I N S P I R E S , M U S I C T H AT M OV E S , T H E AT R E T H AT T H R I L L S .
“The opening
In recognition of Bob and Molly Simpson’s longtime commitment to the success of A-State Theatre and their
concert featured
distinguished leadership in a very long string of A-State stage presentations, the experimental black box
the university
chair in 2016, and also served a year as interim Fowler Center director. Molly, ’76 MA ‘79, retired as
choir, wind ensemble, orchestra and
theatre in Fowler Center was named Simpson Theatre in 2016. Bob, ’77, retired as professor and department professor of theatre in 2016. “The collective Board of Trustees of the university supported the project, but Harold Perrin and Velmar Richmond, as trustees from Jonesboro, had an awareness of the value of a university-community venue that would be used for public gatherings,” Wyatt adds. “At that time, there were no other places in the city or region that were large enough for a major event that would be elegant and memorable for attendees.” Opening Concert Packed the Hall
handbells. Every
Jerry Biebesheimer, the first director of Fowler Center, distinctly recalls the first concert for multiple reasons.
seat was taken,
taken, and there were enough people standing and sitting in the aisles to have caused real problems, had the
and there were enough people standing and
sitting in the aisles to have caused real problems, had the fire
marshal showed
“The opening concert featured the university choir, wind ensemble, orchestra and handbells. Every seat was fire marshal showed up. Fortunately he didn’t, and we got off to a great start.” The fine acoustical properties quickly became evident to those who notice such things. “I remember very well Maestro Rachlevsky coming off stage when The Chamber Orchestra Kremlin was having a brief rehearsal before their concert. He was very excited, and I thought we were in trouble for something. It turned out that he was simply blown away by the acoustics of Riceland Hall and the excitement of making music there,” Biebesheimer continued. “We heard the same thing from the Czech Girls Choir, the River City Brass Band and the Festival of Spirituals. The Glenn Miller Orchestra did a couple of numbers with the sound system turned off . . . Their director told me and the audience this wasn’t something they regularly did, but in a hall like Riceland, he wanted the audience to get a taste of what audiences heard when Glenn Miller was leading the group.” During a typical week there was never a dull moment for Wendy Hymes, director of Fowler Center from 2012 to 2015, who enjoyed the array of art, music and theatre activity. “With my background as a musician, I brought some of my favorite performers such as the Moipei Sisters vocal quartet on tour from Kenya and the great jazz stylings of St. Louis vocalist Denise Thimes. I also loved shows with the Queen of Bluegrass Rhonda Vincent, the a cappella acrobatics of Street Corner Symphony, and the Arkansas Symphony.”
up. Fortunately
“We started a group called The Friends of Fowler Center to show our appreciation to the many great people
he didn’t and
the presence of Fowler Center for granted,” Biebesheimer also says. “But I know, as do others, that it is an
we got off to a great start.”
who helped support programs at the Fowler Center,” adds Hymes. “I am sure that by now, everyone takes amazing building that has brought many amazing artists and art to Northeast Arkansas, and has brightened the lives of countless students and people from the area.” Opportunities Abound for Students Fowler Center facilities also help with recruiting performing and visual arts majors. Riceland Hall provides
- Jerry Biebesheimer 2 6 – VO I C E S
“We have laughed there, and cried there, and shared our lives there. We have been proud of our students, and in awe of the talents of visiting musicians.”
-Dr. Lauren Schack Clark, music chair
a first-class experience for choral and instrumental music
The faculty and staff of the theatre, music and art departments
students who participate in the various groups in the
are exceptional and fully engaged with their students in
Department of Music.
producing and presenting high quality performances, recitals, and exhibits, observes Jeff Brown, director of the building
“Unlike many others who have a longer history with A-State,
from 2009 to 2012. “I’ve now run theaters in Los Angeles, New
I can only imagine what it was like without Fowler Center,”
York City and Jonesboro and can honestly report that the
says Dr. Marika Kyriakos, current Fowler Center director and
Fowler Center at Arkansas State University gives no ground
professor of music. “In my mind, this great facility for the
to either coast when it comes to producing and presenting
performing and visual arts supports the university’s mission
quality entertainment and providing a first-class liberal arts
in a most delightful and entertaining manner. What better
education to its students.”
way to educate, enhance and enrich lives than to provide our region with artistic events involving our students, faculty and
“Fowler Center and its programming serves as the cultural
community as well as visiting professionals?”
bedrock for the Northeast Arkansas region,” states Dr. Carl M. Cates, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication,
Dr. Lauren Schack Clark, music chair, says the Fowler Center
of which Fowler Center is a facet. “Many of the performances
is one of the best parts of her job. “All of us have spent
are free to the public, a rarity for this type of facility.”
countless hours there, enjoying the big, beautiful hall. We have laughed there, and cried there, and shared our lives
All in all, Fowler Center is about to wrap up its first 20 years on
there. We have been proud of our students, and in awe of the
a very successful note as the area’s home for the visual and
talents of visiting musicians. Visitors always comment about
performing arts. Credit is due to the cast of individuals who
the beauty of the architecture and the remarkable acoustics.
brought to reality the vision they shared for what it could be,
Many college campuses have good performance venues, but
and what it could mean, for generations to come.
not all universities allow their faculty and students to use them on a regular basis, and we can.” SUMMER 2020 – 27
AE
ALUMNI EVENTS
12.10.19
Danna Evans ’19 and Mandi Lassiter (from right) took part in a Wreath Making Class with Zach Jones ‘17, owner of The Bearded Bouquet in Jonesboro. The class was the inaugural event for the Alumni Association’s new “Culture at The Cooper” series.
APRIL19-25
Holly Hertzberg ’17 and her father Todd Hertzberg took part in the “Run Walk Howl” virtual 5k during the week of April 19-25.
12.20.19
Lai Ferrell ‘01 and Kendall Harris ’19 attended the Friday night Bowl Bash, held at Wintzell’s Oyster House prior to the Camellia Bowl, and sponsored by Centennial Bank and the A-State Alumni Association.
1.18.20
A packed house at Cooper Alumni Center enjoyed
12.7.19
bingo, bubbles and brunch served up by members
Julie Cude ’05, her husband Jerrad, and their children Rouse, Rex, Kate and Boston
of the A-State Rugby Club at the annual Bubbles &
enjoyed the Christmas spirit with Howl and Scarlet at Pancakes and PJ’s.
Bingo. The 2021 event has been set for Jan. 16. 2 8 – VO I C E S
3.7.20
Approximately 90 alumni and friends gathered at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs for the third annual Alumni Day at the Races.
12.7.19
12.21.19 Allen Abston ‘80 , Gene Bradley ’87 and wife Greta enjoyed the 12.10.19
Katie Muckensturm Guinn ’09 and her sons, Connor, Cade and Camden enjoyed themselves at
pregame Alumni Association tailgate prior toPancakes the Camellia andBowl. PJs?
the 2019 Pancakes & PJ’s at Cooper Alumni Center.
APRIL19-25
Colin Hall ’99 was one of many who participated in the “Run Walk Howl” virtual 5k.
SUMMER 2020 – 29
FEATURE STORY
With this edition, the Arkansas State Alumni Association celebrates the 20th anniversary of Voices magazine, and begins a new era with a redesigned look and layout. I had originally planned to use this occasion to celebrate the beginning of A-State’s new strategic plan for the next five years - #Discover2025. We had spent the previous year working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community leaders to draft a plan that would solidify A-State’s unique role as a research university that balances our noble teaching/ learning mission with our imperative to serve as the economic and cultural engine of northeast Arkansas. Like almost everything else that we had planned for the spring semester, managing our response to COVID-19 interrupted our plans to reveal our strategic plan as well. The silver lining of COVID-19, however, was being able to witness firsthand how wonderful our university already is. My first campus communication about needing to plan for COVID-19 was on January 24 (which seems like a hundred years ago). From that point forward, I have watched our leadership team, our faculty and staff members, and even our students step up to face the challenges that stood before us. And those challenges were significant and quite literally changed hour-by-hour during the most intense part of our eventual transition to moving all of our instruction online. As the COVID-19 infection spread across the country and into Arkansas, the university completed that transition to all-online and moving most students/staff off campus with remarkable speed. Many of our instructors who never thought they would ever teach an online class suddenly were teaching all of their classes online in what seemed like a blink of an eye. Most business operations were conducted virtually, as the majority of our employees began the “new normal” of working from home. By the end of Spring 2020, we were conducting Zoom meetings for Greek chapters, holding WebEx presentations for Faculty/Staff Town Halls, and announcing the Wilson Award via a Facebook Live premiere. We even ran a successful online fundraising campaign for our Student Emergency Fund. All while managing the aftermath of the March 28 tornado and significant financial challenges brought on by the pandemic’s impact on the State budget. As I watched the resolve of our campus community, I began to realize that while it was wise to “sit” on our plan for a bit, that we are great enough to do two things at once. Indeed, we were really enacting all five of our major strategic planning goals throughout the COVID-19 response. 1. Develop a diverse learning community and innovative environment that provides engaged and continuous support for future and current students to purse lifelong goals. I cannot be more proud of the way our students, faculty, and staff converted from face-to-face instruction to all-online instruction, and in turn, found innovative ways to interact as a learning community. If being able to serve at physically distanced workplaces and to teach/learn remotely is our “new normal,” A-State did its part to promote those skills that are becoming so important. The fact that A-State is the largest online degree granter in the state put us in an enviable position relevant to other schools. Our academic units were already very familiar with the online learning enterprise, so we were able to make a smooth transition there. 3 0 – VO I C E S
2. Invest in viable and relevant academic programs designed to meet the needs of our students and their future employers. We recognize that A-State plays an important role in the state economy, so our plan is to be sure that our academic programs align with the needs of our employers. This means creating new academic programs that will not only produce graduates who are ready to hit the ground running after graduation, but also contribute to the discovery of novel solutions to the problems our world faces. An excellent example is the strategic “block hire” of three new faculty members in Biological Sciences who will focus their work around the theme of disease in nature. I cannot think of a more timely area of study in light of the advent of coronavirus. Similarly, partnerships between A-State’s Arkansas Biosciences Institute, the Arkansas catalogue of species at our EcoTox facility, and blossoming relationships with our colleagues at NYIT’s College of Osteopathic Medicine move us further ahead on this goal. 3. Strengthen the university’s engagement with the community through economic and cultural endeavors. Whether it was online lessons provided by our Department of Music faculty or working hand-in-hand with our city, county, and state first-responders to marshal resources in response to the pandemic and the tornado, A-State became more involved with our community, and certainly lived up to the aspirations of this third goal. Of course, no finer example of what A-State and the community can do together than the recent graduation of the first physicians from NYITCOM. All of us should be proud to see nearly 100 new doctors graduate this past May (15 of whom are also A-State alumni)! 4. Invest in academic research, scholarly activities, and creative endeavors (faculty and student) that build on academic strengths and leverage regional opportunities. A-State’s ultimate intersection of teaching and research for the past decade has been Create@ State. It is one of our university’s distinctive characteristics. While we usually hold this event in person over the course of several days, our leadership team and faculty kept this signature event on track, with students completing projects and presented them in an all-online forum. It bears mentioning that even in our budgetary retrenchments caused by the COVID-19 economic downturn, we prioritized our most precious resource – our faculty and staff – to protect them from layoffs and furloughs, so they in turn could continue our primary mission of educating our students. 5. Improve campus culture and promote shared values. Sometimes overlooked, but certainly not forgotten, was our response to the EF3 tornado that roared through the heart of Jonesboro. While close to campus, it did not spare our students, faculty, or staff, many of whom lost homes and belongings, but thankfully escaped with their lives. In the aftermath, Red Wolves volunteered to provide meals, gave generously to the Student Emergency Fund, and helped the members of our community start the process of rebuilding their lives.
While we will not have the chance to have a fancy launch event for our strategic plan, and hang new banners all over campus proclaiming our five new goals, we did do something better. We lived out the message of #Discover2025. When we welcome the Class of 2024 this fall, our strategic plan will not seem quite as “new” thanks to the ways we have already adopted (and adapted). But, as I have been sharing on campus recently, now that we have our short-term COVID-19 plans in place for the fall semester, it is time to incorporate our long-term strategic plan goals into our decision making. In my three years in Jonesboro, I have never been more excited for the fall semester to get here!
I would be remiss if I didn’t say something directly to our graduating Class of 2020. It was decades ago and in another century when a group of A-State students graduated into the same kind of uncertainty that you are facing today. When you began your educational journey, none of us could have imagined the coronavirus future you are living in today. But not unlike that Greatest Generation, many of whom left A-State from our ROTC battalion, and went out to face the challenges of World War II and the Cold War, I know that THIS generation of Red Wolves is also ready. I have seen the resolve in your faces on social media posts, as so many students are beginning to move on to the next stage of their lives. I have loved hearing the stories of our graduates who volunteered to work in New York City hospitals, who are on the front lines of COVID-19 testing, and are working every day to protect us from greater spread. I am glad that our readers will get to see their stories in a special feature in this issue. Now you will join them, and you will become the next wave of leaders who were #AStateMade by your experiences here. I am proud of you and I cannot wait to welcome you back to campus again soon.
SUMMER 2020 – 31
COVER STORY
Two recent graduates, Mandy Thomas ‘19 and Josh Godsey ‘19, did not wait for the virus. They volunteered to work in New York City at Mount Sinai Hospital during the peak of the pandemic in April. Godsey works for East Memphis Anesthesia Services while Thomas is with USAP in Sherman, Texas. The duo took on a 21-day assignment. Their families and close friends had similar reactions to their decision. “A combination of worried and incredibly proud at the same time,” Godsey said. “The people at EMAS were very supportive and had a genuine concern for my safety, but they were also proud that I went.” “Most were in shock because I am a single mother of a seven-year-old and 22-year-old,” Thomas said. “After they stepped back and looked at the big picture, they knew that it was a decision that was easy for me to make. This is why my daughter answers, ‘my mom is a saver’ when people ask her what I do. My son is in the Army and referred to it as a mom deployment.” Both agreed that arriving in New York City was a surreal experience, both exactly like and nothing close to what the rest of the country has watched on the nightly news.
Known across the Delta as the leading university for nursing and health professions, Arkansas State University alumni fill the front line ranks of America’s
“Never having been to NYC before, only seeing the city in movies and TV shows, it seemed like an apocalypse,” Godsey said. “It’s difficult to describe, but the fear and unease was palpable in the air. People were afraid to be near each other and even afraid of healthcare workers. The only people that were out were either medical professionals or military personnel from the recent military takeover of the hospitals.” “It was scary, sad, and devastating to walk into the hospital that I was assigned to,” Thomas said. “You could see the sheer exhaustion on the faces of all the healthcare providers.” The work was relentless during their assignment. From assisting on the floors to working alongside teams in the intensive care units, Godsey and Thomas had little time to reflect as they performed a wide range of duties. The enormity of the task kept them moving forward, but not without moments of concern. “Literally every patient, in every room, in every area of the hospital had COVID-19,” Godsey said. “It made me nervous to finally be around positive patients and so many of them. Yet, that was quickly remedied by reminding myself what I was there for, so I dug deep and got to work.”
coronavirus pandemic.
“Here we are and there was only four to 10 patients in the entire hospital that did NOT have COVID-19,” Thomas said. “Everyone had it and everyone was scared. I came from a sheltered place with only a few cases to hundreds in one hospital. It was an eye-opening experience to see the damage COVID-19 was doing.”
Voices takes a look
Along with first-hand skills with a deadly virus, the experience provided both with hope.
at five of those
“Human nature can be a beautiful thing,” Godsey said. “Despite what you see on TV or read online, we are innately good. We want to help our fellow man. I have never experienced a greater coming together of people for a common cause.”
response to the
faces, and recaps for alumni the reaction of A-State to COVID-19.
“The people of New York City were so kind and thankful,” Thomas said. “There was an outpouring of gratitude everywhere we went. It was a scary time. We knew that at any moment, we could be the next 3 2 – VO I C E S
person that caught COVID-19. But do not let fear sideline you in the COVID-19 fight. Human kindness should be shared each day by everyone.” Both returned to quarantine to make sure they did not bring home more than experience and memories from their time in NYC. “I learned that, though I could not save every patient I cared for, I can make a difference,” Thomas reflected. “It didn’t matter to them that I had only been out of CRNA school less than a year. It mattered that I was brave enough to leave my family and friends to stand tall with them on the frontlines in the epicenter of this crisis.” Both said their employers were grateful for their willingness to volunteer and to bring back to their respective hometowns knowledge and skill that can only come from working in such a high-stress environment. “I met so many people from different walks of life, all there to answer the call from NYC for help,” Godsey remembered. “However sad, in its own way it was beautiful to witness such a gathering of incredibly intelligent, skilled, and compassionate people all in one place. “I also learned ways to care for people who contracted the virus, as well as some new skills, new equipment, and approaches to patient management that I would not have received outside this crisis. I am a stronger and more capable provider for the experience and hope I can bring some of that knowledge home to potentially help people here.” Thomas had a special message for the current A-State students. “I was sitting where you are one year ago,” she said. “Push each day to achieve every goal you have and then find new goals after that. Do not think that you cannot help someone just because you are still a student.” And both credited the faculty of the College of Nursing and Health Professions as vital to their preparation. “By far the most important thing that A-State offers is a safe and supportive learning environment,” Godsey explained. “People learn the best when they feel safe and supported by their staff and professors. Ultimately, you’re looking to get an education that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. I was given all the knowledge and skills needed to be a competent CRNA once I graduated. A-State made me the strong provider I am today, and I am very grateful for my education and time I spent there.” “Without my time in the A-State nurse anesthesia program, I would not
have been prepared or brave enough to answer the call for help during this crisis,” Thomas said. “Each test, trial, tribulation, and accomplishment prepared me for those 21 days. Time management and critical thinking learned from my faculty and clinical preceptors gave me the strength for each task that I encountered.” ______________________________________ Dr. David Smalley ‘73 already had a lifetime of service before 2020. A retired brigadier general with 30 years of decorated service in the U.S. Army with numerous active duty assignments and tours, he’s honored by A-State as a member of the Red Wolves Battalion’s Hall of Heroes. His academic career spans over 25 years, notably as a professor of pathology and a professor of clinical laboratory sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. As he did in the Army, he has risen through the ranks to become president of the company now known as American Esoteric Laboratories (AEL) in Memphis. AEL had been in business for over 60 years as a full-service reference laboratory for more than 80 hospitals and thousands of clinics and physician practices across six states. “Although our laboratory always ran 24 hours per day, the impact of receiving thousands of COVID-19 samples at a time has been a huge challenge,” Smalley said. “We have maintained the turnaround times that help our hospitals and providers to respond to the new infections. Because of the COVID testing, AEL is now serving more than 150 hospitals in the Mid-South.” Scale and logistics quickly became the greatest challenges, something his three decades in the U.S. Army uniquely prepared him to tackle. “For example, getting a critical specimen from a patient in remote sites to be tested in a timely fashion as various cities shut down, and the availability of supplies and support forced us to adjust,” Smalley said. “The sheer volume of testing is overwhelming in providing thousands of results to providers in thousands of locations. The impact on healthcare systems was shocking and the requirement to be flexible in dealing with the changes during the spread is a great lesson. No matter how prepared, there will be new things that impact your plan.” While to the general public COVID-19 seems to be unprecedented, for long-time medical professionals like Smalley, it is the latest in a series of great challenges for which his career has prepared him to take on. He served as the director of the state of Tennessee’s Department of Health Laboratory systems during the H1N1
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outbreak, and credits his time at the Army War College and 30 years in the military as crucial to managing the current pandemic’s challenges.
Since early March, as the virus has spread across the globe, Amler said the approach to fighting the virus is much the same, but the scale of the fight against COVID-19 is much greater than the days of thinking that it could be contained to a few travelers and family members.
For Smalley, it all began in Jonesboro at A-State. “My training in the medical laboratory has been a base for all the things that I have done in my professional life,” he said. “The evolution of new technologies that I have seen and experienced are amazing. The core training and education at A-State allowed me to grow as I pursued additional education and training.” And if there is one thing Smalley would like to explain, just like CSI magic that solves crimes in less than an hour, television medical shows do not tell the true story of the complexity of medical testing. “Testing is an important part of controlling this pandemic, and it can’t be taken lightly,” Smalley said. “TV portrays testing as simple and completed during the time of a commercial. The tests that are being done for COVID are complex, and in all of my professional career to think that I would see thousands of molecular tests run per day.” To capture the current scale, AEL first validated in early March to perform the first molecular testing for COVID-19, increasing to 2,500 tests per day by mid-March. By the end of March, AEL tested over 35,000 people and by mid-May topped 200,000 patients with no end in sight. ______________________________________ Dr. Sherlita Amler earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from Arkansas State University in 1979, before going on to earn her M.D. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Currently the commissioner of health at the Westchester County Department of Health in Rochester, N.Y., she has been interviewed extensively by national media outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 15 installment of CBS Television’s 60 Minutes. She is also a faculty member at New York Medical College, where she serves as clinical associate professor of pediatrics, and adjunct professor of epidemiology and community health. With New York being an early hot spot in the pandemic, Amler was asked if anyone could have anticipated the impact that COVID-19 would have on the country and the world.
“In any emergency, the first casualty is information, and the current pandemic was no exception when it emerged from those early case counts,” Amler stated. “The public health response, first, the CDC to state and local health departments, ramped up rapidly to gather critically needed information. How many cases, in what age groups, how mild or how severe, how (was it) transmitted, and how to treat or prevent the disease? Today, with some of that information available, we are combating a much more extensive epidemic that already has killed more than 100,000 Americans. “Every member of my staff has become involved in the response to the outbreak, in addition to the many other vital functions of a full service public health department,” Amler continued. “We are working long hours and weekends to identify those who are ill and need to be isolated, as well as those exposed who require quarantine. We are testing at-risk groups such as seniors in nursing homes, and advising families on ways to minimize risk and stay safe.” When asked what she hoped to look back on, and what she hopes will be better when the pandemic is over, Amler said that she hopes to see a completed textbook chapter on COVID-19, full of the detailed information we currently lack, a list of treatment options, and a safe and effective vaccine. “Personally, I envision newly learned cooperative skills in fighting disease, and I pray for an extended A-State family that is healthy and prosperous,” she added. ______________________________________ A degree in wildlife ecology may not seem the direct path to the COVID-19 front lines, but lab director Amy St. Pierre MS ‘06 found herself at the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in Wyoming. Working for the St. John’s Health in Jackson, Wyo., St. Pierre is at the starting point of testing. One of the two supervisors for St. John’s, her job is to oversee the collection and testing at her hospital. While she’s dealt with high-risk infections or diseases like HIV or tuberculosis in the past, St. Pierre’s focus wasn’t as much on fear of coronavirus as much as getting the job done right. Located in the remote ski areas of Wyoming, the hospital is doing its own testing in-house, and in turn, had to bring online a new special instrument to perform the tests. The multiple-time nominated employee of the month got the system validated and ready in two days, a process normally taking a week. When asked by her local Jackson Hole News and Guide newspaper what the key to the pandemic was, St. Pierre agreed with almost all A-State alumni asked: testing. “I’m not worried about myself,” she said to the News and Guide. “When I get a positive my biggest thing is the next specimen I run.”
“No, I don’t think so,” she said. “When we first learned of this new virus, we knew almost nothing about it, only that a new strain of virus similar to flu and the common cold was spreading rapidly in China, and causing a surprising number of deaths. The first cases reported here in the U.S. were all travel-related and it looked like they might well be contained to just a few travelers and some of their household members. By early March, worldwide spread was occurring and we had our first official cases in New York.”
St. Pierre arrived in Jackson with her husband, Drew Reed, several years ago and worked in wildlife-related jobs before joining the National Museum of Wildlife Art and then the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. She returned to her biology roots by taking a job at St. John’s, initially working as an administrative assistant. Returning to school to become a medical technician, her love of microbiology was rekindled and she rocketed up the ladder at St. John’s. ______________________________________ Kelly Damphousse knew the next few weeks would define the course of the spring 2020 semester. Arkansas State’s 13th chancellor
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was in the final stages of bringing a new strategic plan to completion, ready to set the direction of the university for the coming five years. It was assembled in what has become his expected management style: collecting input from a wide range of sources, allowing discussion, and a refreshing level of communication and transparency. He had committed himself and his leadership team to forging ahead with a new set of guiding principles to start reformatting A-State to meet the demographic changes of the coming high school graduation classes and the needs of a shifting knowledge economy. But in early January, Damphousse saw a larger, more immediate, problem on the horizon. Calling together parts of the university’s emergency response team, he tasked them to begin reviewing the existing pandemic response plan and considering what A-State would do if this new “flu-like” virus spread. “I can’t thank our faculty and staff enough for the way they took action,” Damphousse said. “Even with what seemed like a super-fast pace, our teams keep ahead of the needs and had procedures in place to guide our campus. While we benefited from careful monitoring of other institutions that were ahead of our region in the COVID-19 spread, our folks were ready when we had to take a step like shifting to online classes, closing down most on-campus housing, or providing CARES Act funds to students.” Within weeks, plans became requests for faculty to prepare courses for a potential shift to online delivery. Within a few days after the announcement of a test period for online courses, Arkansas State shifted to remote working, ending on-campus housing for most students, and concluding the semester with virtual town halls, meetings and ceremonies.
“I believe we will all look back at what we accomplished in the spring of 2020 with some measure of pride for what we individually and collectively accomplished.” - Kelly Damphousse “We only succeeded because our faculty and staff showed tremendous tenacity and fortitude to get us to the finish line. History will never know the countless hours our team put in to make the transition to all-online as smooth as possible. We also benefitted from an empathetic student body, who provided wise insight about grading, scholarship, and refund policies, while also doing the best they could to learn in a unique environment.” Along with hundreds of academic courses, many traditional events were postponed, like Spring Commencement, or converted to new online presentations, like Create@State and the Distinguished Service/Wilson Awards. “Something in the Wilson Award presentation sticks with me when I think about this time,” he said. “A-State has gone through some tough times before, like when the whole school essentially burned down in the 1930s, and V.C. Kays and R.E.L. Wilson worked together to build a new building. They had to have classes in barns and other spaces to get by until Wilson Hall was finished. The spirit of our university is to persevere and to overcome, and that’s what we will continue to do.” Looking ahead, Damphousse announced in May it was his intention to be open on campus. “I fully expect that we will conduct the Fall 2020 semester on campus, but I also know It will not be “business as usual,” because we all understand that adjustments will have to be made,” Damphousse said. To create the next wave of plans for A-State, Damphousse created an ad-hoc A-State Continuity Advisory Committee (ACAC) which is composed of seven task forces ranging from on-campus life to academic preparations. Details about this and all of the university’s plans are located on a special website page at AState.edu/Coronavirus. “Our advisory committee and its task forces will prepare the campus for the fall 2020 semester here in Jonesboro,” the chancellor informed campus in May. “We are looking forward to holding classes in person next fall, but we also need to be prepared to keep everyone as safe as possible in the process.” A major hallmark of the strategic planning process became the defining nature of COVID-19 on-campus: the frequent emails, videos and messages in social media to the students, faculty, staff, friends and alumni from Damphousse. Wrapped in his admittedly unabashed enthusiasm for Every Red Wolf, the sometimes daily emails at the height of the transition kept everyone informed. “Kelly and his leadership team were quick to organize, gather information from health experts and execute decisions that were in the best interests of our students and employees,” said Dr. Chuck Welch, president of the ASU System. “This has been totally new territory for our campuses with an extraordinary amount of quick decision-making, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they have handled the situation. I’m confident they will be prepared for multiple scenarios this fall and able to adapt as needed to keep everyone as safe as possible.” SUMMER 2020 – 35
Final advice from alumni: Dr. David Smalley We have a lot to learn but the testing and understanding of the spread, the protective efforts, and our prevention in the future are critical. Listen to the medial professional. This virus has to be contained and we have to abide by the social distancing and face masks use. Wash your hands! Josh Godsey The belief that this disease is hoax or a conspiracy is a luxury. If you maintain that belief, I’m extremely happy for you, for that means you have the luxury of being in an area that is not nearly as affected by COVID-19 as NYC. I assure you, you do not need to believe in the virus, but it surely believes in you. Mandy Thomas COVID-19 is the single most horrible virus that I have ever encountered inside a hospital. It is real andMake it doesthis not discriminate a pullout against age, gender, race, health status, economical status, location, religion, or political views. It is an opportunistic virus that will spread if given the opportunity. Dr. Sherlita Amler Facing a threat with so many unknowns is always a big challenge. People ask whether they should worry, panic, or dismiss the threat. My policy has always been one of honesty – being forthright with the facts as we know them and frank with the gaps in our knowledge. This approach requires us to keep gathering facts as they emerge and provide frequent updates.
New Deans to Give
in Agriculture, Business and Graduate Studies
With three appointments announced during the spring, Arkansas State University has completed the process of filling college dean positions within the division of Academic Affairs and Research. “I’m excited, as the provost, to move into the upcoming academic year with all our deans in place,” stated Provost Alan Utter. They join veteran college deans Dr. Susan Hanrahan, Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Mary Jane Bradley, Education and Behavioral Science; Dr. Carl Cates, Liberal Arts and Communication; Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharyya, Engineering and Computer Science; and Dr. Lynn Boyd, Sciences and Mathematics.
At press time for Voices, A-State is moving ahead with plans to make the campus open for face-to-face classes starting in August. Detailed steps the university will take to help ensure everyone’s safety from the spread of the coronavirus will be announced. Here’s some brief background and outlook from the three new deans who are stepping into the forefront of academic administration at Arkansas State:
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE – Dean Mickey Latour Dr. Mickey Latour, a veteran agriculture researcher, is the new dean of the College of Agriculture. A professor at both Purdue University and Southern Illinois University during his career, Latour served as the dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at SIU in Carbondale for five years. “I recognize that agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Arkansas, and the Delta region is a significant contributor to the overall portfolio,” Latour noted. “In cooperation with Delta region partners, I’m confident the combined efforts of all who touch the college will be part of the agriculture solutions going forward.”
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Latour rose through the professorial ranks at Purdue from 1997 to 2010, earning full professor and serving as an associate dean of the extended campus, and director of distance learning in his final two years in West Lafayette, Ind. He joined SIU in 2012 as the dean until 2017 when he returned to the classroom as professor of animal science. Among his major initiatives at SIU was the development of “Ideas to Investigation” that created pathways for undergraduate students to access funding for research projects, and collaborating with two other colleges at SIU on the “Elevating Research” program. During his post-doctoral research, Latour was a fellow with the National Institutes of Health at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His research area is lipid metabolism, especially as it relates to final food products. A national and international expert in this area, Latour has a lengthy list of publications and co-publications in the field. He has served as the co-primary investigator on four federal grants totaling almost $700,000, and several state, other government agency, or private sector-supported research grants. Before earning his master’s and Ph.D. in animal science at Mississippi State, Latour completed his undergraduate work at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
NEIL GRIFFIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS – Dean Melody Lo Dr. Melody Lo is the inaugural Neil Griffin Endowed Dean of the Griffin College of Business. Formerly professor of economics at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Lo’s acceptance begins a new era of leadership for A-State’s only named college, which recognizes the benevolence of Neil Griffin ‘48. “Having been a first-generation college student in Taiwan and then pursuing a doctorate as an international student in the United States, this is a very humbling moment,” Lo said in the announcement. “I am honored to be the first Griffin Endowed Dean.” Chair of the department of economics at UTSA from 2014 to 2019, Lo utilized industry feedback to create new multidisciplinary concentrations, in financial economics and business data analysis and forecasting, at the master’s degree-level, and updated the economics undergraduate curriculum to better reflect industry changes. “As the Neil Griffin College of Business Dean, my vision for the college is to establish and strengthen partnerships with business and industry and encourage corporate engagement through education and research to accelerate innovation and support the mission,” Lo said. At UTSA, Lo was known for her commitment to student success and her ability to cultivate external partnerships. Earning her Ph.D. and master’s from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue, Lo received her undergraduate degree at National Tsing-Hua University in Taiwan.
Along with a lengthy list of scholarly publications, Lo is co-author of an interdisciplinary forthcoming book, The Empirical Implications of Theoretical Models: Unifying Formal and Empirical Analysis in the Political, Social, and Economic Sciences, under contract with Cambridge University Press. Her main research interest is identifying economic behavioral patterns through quantitative analysis. Lo began as an assistant professor at UTSA in 2006, earning promotion to associate professor in 2008 and full professor in 2016. She also has been a research associate of the Hobby School of Public Affairs’ Center for Public Policy at the University of Houston since 2007.
GRADUATE SCHOOL – Dean Cherisse Jones-Branch In continuance of A-State’s plans to reconstitute the Graduate School, Vaughn Endowed Professor of History Cherisse Jones-Branch was selected to become Graduate School dean, moving into quarters on the sixth floor of the Dean B. Ellis Library. During a previous administrative reorganization, the tasks and responsibilities of a centralized graduate dean were distributed to the respective colleges and schools. Dr. Jones-Branch joined the A-State History Department faculty in 2003 and was promoted to associate professor in 2009. She became the inaugural James E. and Wanda Lee Vaughn Professor in humanities and social sciences in 2017. She was the assistant chair of the History Department from 2009 to 2014, and has received numerous university awards including outstanding faculty service award and the faculty research award. “I am very excited about working with the campus community to rebuild our graduate school, “ she said in the announcement. “I especially and most importantly look forward to continuing to support our students in an even greater capacity as they pursue their graduate degrees.” She most recently co-edited Arkansas Women: Their Lives and Times, published in 2018 by the University of Georgia Press. She also published Crossing the Line: Women’s Interracial Activism in South Carolina During and After World War II in 2014 with the University of Florida Press. Jones-Branch’s next monograph, Better Living by Their Own Bootstraps: Rural Black Women’s Activism in Arkansas, 1913-1965, is forthcoming from the University of Arkansas Press. A Persian Gulf War veteran, Jones-Branch served in the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a member of the North Charleston, S. C., 941st Transportation Company. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in 1994, then earned her master’s at the University of Charleston in 1997. She received her Ph.D. in history from Ohio State University in 2003. Chancellor Kelly Damphousse noted her scholarly record as a faculty member, her experience in research and mentoring students, her communication and leadership skills, and the respect of her colleagues on campus.
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CLASS NOTES 1970s
Bill Ivy ’70 – Bill was a 2018 inductee into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame. Randy Hankins ’72 – Known statewide as popular television and radio personality Craig O’Neill, he was profiled in Arkansas Times in February 2020 for his lifetime of philanthropism and career in journalism. Bob Bidewell ’76 –The Studio Theatre in Little Rock honored Bob, who helped found the theatre, by naming the auditorium “Bidewell Auditorium” in his honor in March 2020.
Gregory Hopkins ’78 – Gregory was named chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank of England in England, Arkansas..
1980s
Carol (Mathis) Barnhill ’80 – Retired from Arkansas State University after 45 years of service. Carol retired as chief procurement officer Mark Hayes ’82 – Mark was named as the 2020 Blue Ribbon Bash honoree of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Alec Farmer ’86 – Alec was elected vice chairman of Arkansas Highway Commission in March 2020.
Ashley King Marsh ’99 – Ashley named host of The Vine midday lifestyle and entertainment show on THV11 in Little Rock in November 2018.
1990s
Jill Jones Hudson ’92 – Jill was named as one of the Top 50 Sales Representatives in 2018 at Express Employment Professionals, where she serves as Business Development Manager. Micha Bradley Huskey ’95 – Micha won the President’s Club honor in 2019 at SALIX Pharmaceuticals.
Stephen Adamson ’96 – After earning his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction in 2013, Stephen served as director of world languages for Dallas ISD before pursuing a full-time career as a National World Language Consultant in educational publishing. He currently resides in Los Angeles. Brandi Hinkle ’98 – Brandi accepted a position in the communications department at Entergy Arkansas in spring 2020.
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Amy (Burke) Shumate ’99 – Amy accepted a position as an English teacher at Heber Springs High School in August 2017.
2000s
Eureka Ice ’02 MS ’05 – Eureka published her first novel A Fancy Tale of Yesterdays in December 2019.
Bill Ivy ‘70
Katrina Suprenant Scoggin ’03 – Katrina was promoted to Account Supervisor at GlynnDevins, in Kansas City, Mo., in January, 2020. Brian Fowler ’04 – Brian was named CEO of Arkansas Surgical Hospital in January, 2020. Allison (Slinkard) Krieger ’04 – Allison recently published a children’s book called Howard and the Wompoopus, based on childhood stories her father told her about his childhood growing up in Trumann, Arkansas.
Alec Farmer ‘86
Eureka Ice ‘02 MS ‘05
Emily (Ballard) Gairhan ’05 – Emily and her husband Scott Gairhan ’02 recently celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary, and the 10th anniversary of her dental practice, Gairhan Dental Care. The couple have two children, Lily Grace (7), and Parker (4).
Brian Fowler ‘04
Haley Fincher ‘10
Jay Bir ’06 – Jay was promoted to host of statewide political talk show Capitol View in December 2019. He is also the lead political reporter and a sports reporter for KARK/Fox16 in Little Rock.
Nathan Gastineau ’06 – Nathan was named the regional vice president of sales for energy and utilities at Vlocity, in June 2019. J. Leslie Knod ’05 – Following almost a decade of training, Leslie began her career in pediatric surgery in Connecticut in 2020. She and her husband welcomed a son Jackson, also in 2020.
Corey Dildine ’05 – Corey served as the 77th president of the Arkansas Seed Dealers Association in 2019.
Abby (Townsend) Powell ’06 – Abby was promoted to the position of human resource manager for Greenway Equipment in April, 2018. Abby has been with the company since 2012.
Sarah Strobbe ’07 – Sarah and her husband Brett opened Strobbe Agency, a Shelter Insurance office, in Lake City, in 2019.
OBITUARY - DANIEL FRANKLIN ROSS On Tuesday, Nov. 13, Daniel (Dan) Franklin Ross (1944-2019) passed away in Jonesboro on National Kindness Day. Dan was born in Paragould to Marion Martel and E.G. Ross on Dec. 27, 1944. He held the position of professor of music and taught the Double Reed Studio at Arkansas State University from 1968-2018. For 24 years, Dan served as principal oboist with the Arkansas Symphony and has performed with the North Arkansas Symphony, Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, Tupelo Symphony, Delta Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Nashville Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, and the St. Louis Chamber Music Society. He was a frequent soloist with the Forum Sinfonia of Krakow, Poland, and toured with them in the United Stated and Europe. He held the title of visiting professor of oboe at the Academy of Music in Krakow, Poland and has been a soloist with the St. Petersburg and Moscow Philharmonic orchestras in Russia. Dan invented and developed the Ross gouging machines which have been helping oboists make oboe reeds since 1984. Dan traveled the United States and Europe giving master classes at universities and at International Double Reed Society conventions. SUMMER 2020 – 39
Lauren Crook ‘11
Voices Magazine welcomes Class Notes submissions from alumni. There are three ways to submit information: STANDARD MAIL: Class Notes Editor Voices Magazine P.O. Box 1990 State University, AR 72467 -------------------------------------------EMAIL: Alumni@AState.edu -------------------------------------------ONLINE: AStateAlumni.org/ClassNotes
2010s
Haley Fincher ’10 – Haley serves as assistant director of the Kennett campus of Three Rivers College and will begin pursuing her Ed.D. in August 2020. Wendy Miller ’10 – Wendy attended the Truckload Carriers Association’s annual convention in Orlando as a member of the media for Trucker Media Group, which produces a newspaper focused on drivers as well as the Truckload Authority magazine. Lauren (Felts) Crook ’11 – Lauren graduated from pharmacy school in May 2017. She married Chase Crook in October 2018, and is now the co-owner of Econo-Med Pharmacy in Walnut Ridge.
CLASS NOTES CONTINUED
Ginger Thornton ‘12 ‘13
Regina Musgrove Sneeze ’11 – Regina served as a volunteer for Super Bowl LIV in Miami in 2020.
Stacey Brabham ‘13
Abbie Haley ‘16
Kevin Bontempo ‘17
Ginger Todd Thornton ’12 ’13 – Ginger joined Hall & Assoc. private practice counseling group in in Paragould in 2018, where she works with all age groups dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, ADHD, and other behavioral/ psychological disorders. Stacey Spivey Brabham ’13 – Stacey was named weekend morning anchor and weekday reporter at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, N.C. in June 2019.
Jessica Womble ’15 – Jessica earned her MSN as a family nurse practitioner, and currently practices at NEA Baptist Windover, as well as working for Northeast Arkansas Recovery and Rehab Center.
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Emma Watkins ‘18
Jason Brown
Abbie Wilbanks Haley ’16 MSA ’19 – After completing her Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership degree online from Arkansas State University in August 2019, Haley immediately began working on her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Superintendency. Now in her fourth year of teaching, Abbie teaches first grade at Jonesboro School District’s International Studies Magnet School. Kevin Bontempo ’17 – Kevin accepted the position of assistant
director of career services at the University of Central Arkansas in February 2019. Christopher Hooks ’17 – Christopher was the winner of the 2019 William H. Sutton Barristers Union Trial Competition Hosted by the University of Arkansas School of Law. Zach Jones ’17 – Zach opened Bearded Bouquet in Jonesboro in May 2019.
Carter Appointed as Director to Federal Reserve Bank in Memphis Davy Carter is proud of being a Red Wolf. And, the Red Wolves are proud of Davy Carter. Carter has enjoyed an illustrious career since earning a bachelor of science degree in corporate finance from Arkansas State University in 1997. His latest venture began in January when Carter was named as a director at the Federal Reserve Bank in Memphis. The Federal Reserve Bank in Memphis is a branch of The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Branch directors provide critical insight from their local markets to the St. Louis district bank. “I am honored to serve on the Board because it’s important that the voices and concerns of Arkansans, particularly those in East Arkansas, be heard and considered at this level,” said Carter. “I take this responsibility seriously because I know it’s important to our area.” Carter, regional president for Centennial Bank in Jonesboro and an attorney, explained his primary role is to collect economic data and other information from Jonesboro, Northeast Arkansas and other surrounding areas and provide this insight to the St. Louis board.
Emma Watkins ’18 – In 2018, Emma accepted a position with Jonesboro Public Schools as the drama teacher at Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School. In 2019, she was named manager and technical director of the Jonesboro Public Schools Center for the Performing Arts. Kyle Clogston ’19 – Kyle accepted a position in the Treasury Management department of Bank OZK in Little Rock, in August 2019. Martha-Kay (Gus) Mettler ’19 – Gus was named to the University of Arkansas Law School’s Summer Public Service Fellowship program in April, 2020, serving law school’s first Delta Fellow.
Alumni Jason Brown – Jason was named as the 2020 Arkansas chapter president for the Public Relations Society of America, where he will lead the statewide organization of public relations professionals.
“The Memphis Branch board meets in Memphis once a month. At meetings, directors provide insight on the latest developments in the local economy,” he added. “This information is shared with the bank’s president and other economists at the bank in St. Louis, which in turn, helps it make important policy decisions that affect us all.” He was nominated by the District Board in St. Louis and his term expires Dec. 31, 2022. He is eligible for two terms. Carter attended high school in Marianna, then went on to the graduate school of banking at Louisiana State University and subsequently received a juris doctor with honors from the W.H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He was a member of the Law Review staff. Carter was elected to represent District 48 in the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2009 and then again in 2011. He served as Speaker of the House from 2012-15, becoming the first Republican speaker since the end of the Civil War. He served as chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. In 2017, Carter was honored as Business Executive of the Year by A-State’s Neil Griffin College of Business. His time at Arkansas State plays a key role in Carter’s professional achievements and credits his education from the university as a serious factor in his career success. “A-State provided me with an outstanding opportunity to learn in one of the best areas in the country,” he concluded. “In short, it prepared me to take on the challenges of life that we all face. “I am very proud to be a Red Wolf.” And the Red Wolves are proud of Davy Carter. SUMMER 2020 – 41
IN MEMORIUM CLASS OF 1943 Mrs. Charlotte Hickox CLASS OF 1948 Mrs. Emma Blackwood CLASS OF 1949 Dr. A E Andrews Mr. Harold Waddle CLASS OF 1950 Mrs. Mariella Hays Mr. Jeffery Hayden CLASS OF 1951 Mr. Jerry Grimes CLASS OF 1952 Mrs. Jewell Burgess CLASS OF 1953 Mr. Bob Blackwood Dr. John Koldus Mr. William Watson
Mr. Carl Curtner Mrs. Betty Oates Mr. Keith Richardson Ms. Freda Cossey Mr. Tom Brown Mrs. Gloria Eickmeyer CLASS OF 1960 Mr. Bernie Kustoff Mr. Gaylon Watson Mr. R O Akins Mr. Bill Carson Mr. Larry Zaborowski CLASS OF 1961 Mrs. Letha Hoggard Mrs. Myrth Hibbard Ms. Geraldine Kernodle Mr. Everett Sullivan Lt. Col. Bill Hughes Mr. Samuel Cron
CLASS OF 1955 Mrs. Lois Endicott Mr. Alfred Crancer
CLASS OF 1962 Mrs. Jean James Mr. Jerry King Mr. Sonny Erwin Dr. James Durham Mr. Charlie Crow Mr. Bill Jones
CLASS OF 1956 Mrs. Lucille Person Maj. Gen. Eugene Stillions Mrs. Janis Knight Mr. John McKelvey Mr. Bobby Hicks
CLASS OF 1963 Mr. Oliver Yates Mrs. Juanita Keller Ms. Bettie Williams Mrs. Jane Hodgkins Mrs. Anita Whitlatch Mr. Sidney Gifford
CLASS OF 1957 Mrs. Joanna Justice Mr. Gregory Thomasson Mr. Herbert Crites Mrs. Martha Fagan
CLASS OF 1964 Mrs. Norah Farrah Mr. Dennis Kwain
CLASS OF 1954 Ms. Ramona Needham
CLASS OF 1958 Ms. Pat Neeley Mr. Bill Lewis Mr. Joe Underwood Mrs. Elta Johnson Mr. Paul Telker Mr. Raymond Robak Mr. Jerry Cooper CLASS OF 1959 Mr. Al Lindsey Mr. Leslie Upton
CLASS OF 1965 Mrs. Joan Graham Mr. Jerry Rook Dr. Donald Quinn Ms. Anne Parker CLASS OF 1966 Ms. Virginia Stone CLASS OF 1967 Dr. Dan Ross Mr. George Kopp
CLASS OF 1968 Mrs. Jo-Ann Carmack Mr. Jimmy Penn Mr. Jim McInturff Mr. Lonnie Busby Dr. Michael Moody Mr. Hubert Smith CLASS OF 1969 Mr. Bob Dawson Mr. Jerry Orr Mr. Norman Clay Mr. Ed Ross Mr. Dighton Ewan Col. Larry Haynes Dr. John Brown Mrs. Annie Morrow Mr. Mike Denton Mr. Johnny Lemke Mrs. Sue Brewer CLASS OF 1970 Dr. Ed Farrow Mr. Jay Kelley Mr. Jim Kirksey Mrs. Linda Moon Mrs. Pam Woodard Mr. Carol Jordan Mrs. Mary Leggett Mr. Harold Kohler Mr. Bill Westrol Mr. Wayne Crocker CLASS OF 1971 Mr. Darryl Porter Col. Bill Merritt Mrs. Lucille Jackson
Mrs. Monica Lindley Mr. Joe Dickens Ms. Gwendolyn Harrison
CLASS OF 1990 Rev. Bob Heath Ms. Faith Wilson
CLASS OF 1975 Mr. Raymond Huckaba Mr. Ricky Stiles Mr. Steve Maynard Mrs. Barbara Williford
CLASS OF 1991 Mr. Elmer West Ms. Alissa Reynolds
CLASS OF 1977 Dr. T. J. Humphreys Mr. William Matthews CLASS OF 1978 Mrs. Jo Williams SN David Sawyer Mrs. Evelyn Osborn CLASS OF 1979 Mrs. Herschel Gaines Mr. James Butler CLASS OF 1980 Mr. Gregory Gamso Mr. Bobby Box Mrs. Peggy Hanshaw CLASS OF 1982 Mrs. Patricia Cooper Ms. Winona Thiel CLASS OF 1983 Mr. Karl Stadler Mr. Mel Stimson CLASS OF 1984 Mr. Lindel Anthony Mr. Dan Phillians
CLASS OF 1972 Mr. Paul Guariglia Mr. Stanley Gibson Mr. Calvin Freehling Mrs. Linda Ray Mrs. Patsy Barfoot Mr. Dennis Reed
CLASS OF 1985 Mr. Rick Baney Dr. Thanh Nguyen Mr. Rodney Davis Mr. Phillip Cissell
CLASS OF 1973 Mrs. Carole Burkett Mrs. Brenda Ashmore
CLASS OF 1988 Mrs. Karen McCoy Mr. James Myers
CLASS OF 1974 Mr. Buster Briggs Mr. Dennis Kersting Mr. Frank Henary
CLASS OF 1989 Mr. Doyle Slaten Ms. Janet Parnell
4 2 – VO I C E S
CLASS OF 1986 Ms. Betty Alexander
CLASS OF 1992 Mr. John Gregson CLASS OF 1994 Mr. Robert Buchanan Mr. Doug Dempsey CLASS OF 1995 Mr. Rusty King Mrs. Shannon Hurst Mr. Charles Priest CLASS OF 1999 Mrs. Nedia Duke Mr. Wallace Carter CLASS OF 2000 Mr. Eric Morrison CLASS OF 2001 Ms. Dorothy Thompson Mrs. Lela Schlenker Mr. Albert Watkins CLASS OF 2002 Mr. Denzil Smith CLASS OF 2004 Ms. Emily Loftin Ms. Bonnie Steele CLASS OF 2006 Mr. Jason Brady CLASS OF 2008 Ms. Dana Jones Ms. Gail Hudson CLASS OF 2011 Mr. Marc Stringer CLASS OF 2012 Mr. Kevin McMasters CLASS OF 2015 Mr. Travis Eibel CLASS OF 2017 Ms. Desirae Green
LET’S TALK. OBITUARY H E R M A N W. STRICKLAND, JR. Herman W. Strickland Jr. of Memphis, an A-State alumnus who was very prominent in the life of the university and the Memphis community, died suddenly Sunday, April 5. Known to many for his service on the board of the A-State Alumni Association and the board of the Arkansas State University Foundation Inc., Strickland was a Jonesboro native and son of Emeritus Professor Herman and Maxcine Strickland.
Did you know? Most Red Wolves first hear about A-State not from a brochure, poster or website, but from someone they know and trust. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have for student recruitment. Please talk it up in your circle, and help identify people you think would benefit from an A-State education. And if you already have a potential Red Wolf in your life, let the Office of Admissions know by visiting AStateAlumni.org/ReferARedWolf. We’ll take it from there. OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 870.972.2782 ASTATE.EDU/ADMISSIONS
He became senior vice president and credit officer of Pinnacle Bank in Memphis after his retirement from First Tennessee Bank (now First Horizon), where he worked for 34 years. He was a deacon and choir member of New Olivet Worship Center. In expressions of sympathy, numerous friends and associates recalled his sense of humor and engaging smile. In addition to his business management degree at A-State in 1981, he also was a graduate of University of Memphis. SUMMER 2020 – 43
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1 Jennifer (Wright) Benson ’94 and her husband Ray Benson recently welcomed their first grandchild, Knox Alexander Maldonado in April 2020. Knox’s parents are Jenna and Luis Maldonado.
2 MIcha Bradley Huskey ’95, married Lt. Col. Brian Huskey ’00 in November 2019.
8 Melody Douglas Abbott ’08, welcomed her son, Grayson Bray Andrews on May 6, 2019.
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Lindsay Harmon Burnett ’05 and Jesse Burnett 05’ welcomed their baby girl, Allie, in April 2019.
4 Courtney (Morgan) Dildine ‘05 and her husband Corey Dildine ‘05 welcomed two sons, Duke Thomas Dildine in April 2017, and Beau Walker Dildine in October 2018. 5
Chelsea Hawkins Bettis ’07, welcomed her daughter, Palmer, on May 31, 2019.
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Katie Lisko Madden ’07 ’13, married Matt Madden in May, 2018 in Slovak, Ark. The
couple welcomed their daughter, Avery Kate, on January 28, 2020.
7 Jodie Cherry Roth ’08 ’10, welcomed her daughter Hazel Mae on January 29, 2020.
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Brian Flagg ’09 and his wife Elana welcomed a son, Brian C. Flagg, Jr., in October 2019.
10 Shanelle Frazier ’09, welcomed her son, Tyler, in February, 2019. 11 Katie Rae Muckensturm Guinn ’09 and Nicholas Guinn ’05 welcomed their third son, Camden Cross on June 16, 2019. 12
Ashley Range Counts ’09, welcomed her daughter, Sarah Jo, on January 3, 2020.
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A STAT E A LU M N I . O R G / C L A S S N OT E S 13
Claire Ramsey Eaton ’10, and her husband, Brody Eaton ’08, welcomed their second girl, Lucy Banks on February 1, 2020.
14 Jolene (Pitt) Smith ’10 and her husband Shaun ’08 welcomed a son, Jude Wells Smith, in December 2019. 15 Kimberly Winchester Short ’11, married Daniel Short ’12 on August 4, 2018. 16
Morgan (Bookout) Brunson ’12 and her husband Matt welcomed a son, Beckham, in February 2020.
17 Bailee (Sims) Rollins ’12 and her husband Jonathan Rollins ’12, ’14 welcomed a daughter, Bennie, in December 2019. 18 Muriel Aston Schrepfer ’12, welcomed her daughter, Eliza Marianne, on March 30, 2019. 19 Stacey Spivey Brabham ’13, married Jake Brabham on August 3, 2019.
22 Shelby and Zach Brogdon ’14, welcomed their son Charles “Charlie,” on August 2, 2019. 23
Britney Cotton Greene ’14, and her husband Casey Greene ‘11, welcomed their son, Trase Lynn on March 13, 2019.
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Meredith Scott Hale ’14, married Ryan Hale on May 26, 2018 in Little Rock. The couple welcomed a son, James Royce Hale on Feb. 5, 2020.
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Lauren Bingham Smith ’14, and her husband, Ross Smith ’12, welcomed their first son, Bingham Thomas on July 25, 2019.
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Danielle Goodwin Wright ’14, and her husband Daniel Wright, welcomed their son, Nicklaus in August 2019.
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27 Emily Miller Baggett ’16, married Nathaniel Baggett ‘19 in June 2018. 28 Hannah Zachary Dewitt ’16, married David Seth Dewitt ’18, on October 6, 2018.
20 Carlos McCants ’13, married Veronica Duarte on Feb. 15, 2020. 21 Devin Harper Nelson ’13 ’16, welcomed her son, Declan Atticus on January 31, 2019.
SUMMER 2020 – 45
VOICES
WAW
Paul Holmes ‘73 sends a #WolvesUp from
WOLVES AROUND THE WORLD
Switzerland near Grindelwald and Interlaken in Alps
#WolvesUp from the Southeastern Optometrists Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Joe Sugg ‘05, Allison Jones ’06, Vicki Farmer ‘93 MSE ‘95, Dr. Bob Smalling ‘70 and Dr. Chevron Ergle ‘97.
Summertime is vacation season and here’s a #WolvesUp from A-State staffer Eric Coleman, his wife Heather and daughter Amelia in Antelope Canyon
#WolvesUp from
near Page, Arizona.
Sandy Neck ‘91 on the beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
A big #WolvesUp from the Henard family beach vacation in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. Right to left, Gary Henard ‘83, Mary Ellen Henard ‘83, Matt Taylor ‘11, Kori Henard Taylor ‘13, Kenna Henard Womack ‘07 ‘08 MBA, Ryan Womack ‘09, Kacey Henard Higgins ‘10, Jeffrey Higgins ‘10, Karagon Henard ‘19 and Becky Jenkins (current student). 4 6 – VO I C E S
#WolvesUp from Jason Rogers ’94 and Heather Moore Rogers ’94 from their visit to Oregon’s Crater Lake.
Wayne Wiggins ’87 and Mark Wiggins ’07 send a #WolvesUp from Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
Rachelle Keller ‘83 sends a #WolvesUp from her visit to Machu Picchu in the
#WolvesUp from high atop the Space Needle in Seattle from Sydney Rebstock ’17, Allison Victory ’19, Kylie Scott, Razan Almehanna ’16 and Jessica Whitaker.
Andes Mountains of Peru.
#WolvesUp from Brown Woodard, son of Lindsey ‘03 & Jared Woodard ‘01 at Opryland Hotel Water Park.
Austin Burnett, son of Lindsay Burnett ‘05 and Jesse Burnett ‘05 sends a #WolvesUp from Disney World’s Rock-N-Roller Coaster.
SUMMER 2020 – 47
3.28.20
Thankfully, no lives were lost, but several students, staff and faculty members suffered extensive property damage when an EF3 tornado ripped through the heart of Jonesboro on March 28.
MA R K YO U R CA LE NDA RS : WATERING HOLE/ MOVE-IN DAY August 22, 2020 A-STATE VS. MEMPHIS
Alumni and Athletics Tailgate
September 5, 2020
A-STATE HOMECOMING September 26, 2020 CULTURE AT THE COOPER Paint Class with Beau Jones
Date TBD
PANCAKES AND PJ’S December 5, 2020
For details or more information, contact 870.972.ALUM (2586) or Alumni@AState.edu.
4 8 – VO I C E S
THE LA ST WORD
LINDSAY BURNETT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS
It is an understatement to say that the Spring 2020 semester ended in an unexpected way. In early March, with news of the COVID-19 virus beginning to spread, Arkansas State University began making preparations for a possible switch to all-online coursework delivery for our students. By March 12 it was announced that A-State would indeed convert to all-online following Spring Break, and just three days later, that plan was accelerated as it was announced that the change would be made immediately. On March 19, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse encouraged employees who could work from home to do so, and one week later, only essential personnel were working on campus. The vast majority of us have not returned, and continue to perform our jobs remotely. The Arkansas State University administration, faculty, staff and most of all, our students, should be applauded for the determination, strength and resiliency displayed during this unprecedented time. As was the case nationwide, Cooper Alumni Center was forced to cancel the majority of its spring and summer calendar of events, and we were forced to postpone our summer “Wolves Up Weekend” scheduled for July 17 in St. Louis. “Wolves Up Weekend” will now be held in the summer of 2021, and will include a tour and lunch at the Endangered Wolf Center, followed by a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium. As this issue of Voices goes to press, we are optimistic that the Fall 2020 semester will bring some return to normalcy, and we look forward to seeing each of you at the events we have scheduled this fall. Plan to join us at the joint Alumni Association-Department of Athletics tailgate in Memphis prior to kickoff of the Red Wolves’ football season-opener scheduled for Sept. 5, against Memphis at the Liberty Bowl. We also hope to see everyone on campus during Homecoming Week, leading up to the Sept. 26 game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. We have several exciting events centered around Homecoming, so be watching your email in the coming weeks for details. Until then, everyone at the A-State Alumni Association wishes you a safe and healthy summer.
VOICES
SUMMER 2020 – 49
NONPROFIT
Alumni Advocacy
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Loyalty to A-State doesn’t end at graduation.
Jonesboro, AR
There are several ways in which you can keep up-to-date on A-State.
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