Tech Action Summer 2012 Tech’s Lowell Lybarger helps Col. Carl Baswell inducted into Afghanistan preserve its Hall of Distinction. See pages 4-5. native music. See pages 6-7.
Tech Action
Join us for Arkansas Tech Homecoming 2012
2
Tech Action
What does Homecoming mean to you? For many, it is a chance to reconnect with old friends, recall old times and tell old stories. For others, Homecoming is about returning to an important place in their life to see how it has changed — and how it has remained the same. We talk a lot about how Arkansas Tech has grown and improved. Our increased enrollment and increased graduation rates over the past 15 years are points of pride. The story of how Arkansas Tech has grown from humble beginnings as a small agricultural school to become a leader for higher education with more than 10,000 students and more than 100 degree programs is an amazing tale. But for all that has changed, there is so much that has remained the same. The chance to work on campus every day reminds me that the same sense of community that existed during my father’s time as a Tech student and during my time as a Tech student remains strong. Our faculty members remain committed to classroom instruction. They give freely of their time and energy to provide our students with every opportunity to realize the life-changing benefits of a college degree.
tech
And there is still something about a stadium full of green and gold-wearing Tech fans cheering on the Wonder Boys during an autumn Saturday night. The next three pages of this issue of Tech Action include a full schedule of events for Tech Homecoming 2012. We hope that you will take note of the items that appeal to you and make plans to join us. If it has not already arrived, you will soon receive a separate registration piece for Homecoming 2012 in the mail. Please fill it out and return it to our offices, or give us a call at (479) 968-0242 or send e-mail to alumni@atu.edu to reserve your place at Homecoming 2012. More information is available at www.techties.atu.edu. Homecoming, like Arkansas Tech, means something different and special to each of us. We look forward to welcoming you to Arkansas Tech Homecoming 2012 for a celebration of our proud heritage and our bright future.
Kelly Davis ‘81 Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Association Board of Directors
President: Shirley Drewry Dodd ‘59
President-Elect: Jim White ‘78
John Carter ‘02 12/12
Kendall Tabor ‘89 & ‘92 12/12
Tayler Melton ‘10 12/13
Sarah Beth Phillips ‘06 12/14
Molly Fleming ‘09 12/12
Angie Wyatt ‘03 12/12
Todd Sweeden ‘76 12/13
Joshua Ray ‘06 12/14
Leslie Miller Harris ‘08 12/12
Katherine Nunn Bowden ‘54 12/13
Jim White ‘78 12/13
Sandy Smith ‘86 12/14
Ronda Hawkins ‘92 12/12
Sue Chiolino ‘68 12/13
Vickie Yates ’79 & ‘89 12/13
Matthew White ‘06 12/14
Ann Irwin ‘83 12/12
Brenda Metcalf Hipp ‘63 12/13
Jim Higgs ‘73 12/14
Cara Hammond Witherspoon ‘78 12/14
Steve Pfeifer ‘71 12/12
Steve Kesner ‘77 12/13
Truman Hill ‘70 12/14
Jared Wood ‘97 12/14 Jimmy Rofkahr, Ozark Campus Rep.
catch up with an old friend today www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action, Volume 48, No. 3. Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association, Alumni House, Russellville, AR 72801 Director of Alumni Relations Kelly Davis Coordinator of Young Alumni & Student philanthropy Alison Parks Coordinator of Alumni Communications & Activities Aaron Jones Alumni Office Administrative Assistant Terry Holland-Finley
Editorial Committee Kelly Davis, Jayne Jones, Julie Nebben Morgan, Susie Nicholson, Sam Strasner publications/creative Services Felisha Weaver Director of New Media Carrie Harris Phillips
Cover Photograph Liz Chrisman Contributing Photographers Steve Newby, Liz Chrisman, Tim Carr E-mail address alumni@atu.edu Web site www.techties.atu.edu
Tech Action is published quarterly by the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801. It is sent to alumni, parents, friends and faculty/staff of Arkansas Tech University. We welcome manuscripts and photographs from our readers. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like your originals returned. Parents, if your son or daughter attended Tech and is no longer living at this address, please notify our office of his or her new address. Address updates can be submitted to the Arkansas Tech Office of Alumni Services by calling (479) 968-0242 or by sending e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
Homecoming 2012
Homecoming 2012 at Arkansas Tech University finds the Wonder Boys football program with a pair of significant new beginnings to celebrate. The most obvious change is the playing surface at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field. A new synthetic playing surface was installed over the summer. Then there is the chance to play a complete Great American Conference schedule for the first time. After a transition year in 2011, the Wonder Boys are set to tackle a full slate of GAC games in 2012 as they pursue their 19th conference title in football. One of those league contests will be the Homecoming game against Southeastern Oklahoma State. The Wonder Boys defeated the Savage Storm 28-16 during the 2011 Homecoming game at Tech. And while they enjoy the new turf and the full GAC schedule, that’s one thing the Wonder Boys don’t want to change — after all, they have won five consecutive Homecoming games.
Summer 2012
3
Homecoming Schedule
Homecoming 2012 Friday, October 5 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tech Bookstore Open W.O. Young Building 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tech Museum Open Techionery 10:30 a.m. Homecoming Golf Classic (3-Person Scramble) Russellville Country Club 10:30: Check-In 11:00: Lunch 11:45: Welcome 12:00: Shotgun Start 12 p.m. Ladies “Champagne Bingo� Luncheon Lake Point Conference Center Dining Room
4
Tech Action
6:30 p.m. Hall of Distinction Reunion Dinner (Invitation Only) Chambers Cafeteria East Dining Hall 8 p.m. to Midnight Alumni & Friends Reception Russellville Country Club
Homecoming Schedule
Saturday October 6 8:30 a.m. Hindsman Players Breakfast Lake Point Conference Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tech Museum Open Techionery 11 a.m. Alumni Gold Registration - Class of 1962 Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Hall 11:30 a.m. Alumni Gold Luncheon - Class of 1962 Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Hall Noon 1970 ROTC Summer Camp Cadet Luncheon Chambers Cafeteria Private Dining Room 1-5 p.m. Bookstore Open W.O. Young Building 2 p.m. Homecoming Parade on Arkansas Tech Campus 3 p.m. Class of 1959, 1960 and 1961 Reunion Tomlinson Hall 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Homecoming Tailgate (Meal $6 Per Person) Centennial Plaza (Outside Thone Stadium) •Reunion Groups: Alumni Gold Class of 1962, Greeks, Classes of 1959, 1960 and 1961, College of Business, Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality, T-Club, 1970 ROTC Summer Camp Cadets, Alumni Chapters
Summer 2012
5
4 p.m. Alumni T-Club Meeting Hull Building Letterman’s Lounge 4:30 p.m. Stadium Bookstore Opens Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field 5:30 p.m. Pre-Game Activities Crowning of Homecoming Queen Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field 6 p.m. Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys vs. SE Oklahoma State Great American Conference Football Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field
For more information www.techties.atu.edu
Cover Story
6
Tech Action
Cultural Preservation Lybarger helps afghans save native music
Photographed, Above: Dr. Lowell Lybarger inside the music lab at
Risking one’s life to save another person’s life is recognized as a heroic act.
the Ross Pendergraft
Library and Technology
So what does it mean to risk one’s life to save another
Center.
person’s culture?
He spent three weeks on the ground in Kabul, and he has returned on two subsequent occasions to observe how the project has progressed. “When the Taliban came in, they wiped out so much
and they were a force that destroyed the heritage of
Dr. Lowell Lybarger, associate librarian and director
something that was so profoundly beautiful,” said
of the music lab at the Ross Pendergraft Library and
Lybarger. “And so, by preserving these recordings and by
Technology Center on the Arkansas Tech University
making them accessible again, the Afghan people will be
campus, knows what it means.
able to reconstruct their traditional culture.
Beginning in late 2006, Lybarger oversaw a project to preserve the native music of Afghanistan.
“I was doing something that was going to assist in that, and to me that is very important,” continued Lybarger. “That is one of the goals of an archivist and a librarian…the
Through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, he and his team taught personnel at Radio
preservation of knowledge. I see that as a calling in my life, and that’s one of the things I really carried away with me.”
and Television Afghanistan how to take reel-to-reel tapes
and convert them to digital files that could be played back
Lybarger was born to American missionary parents
using modern technology and stored for posterity.
living in Pakistan.
Cover Story
He remained there until he was 5 years old, at which point he and his parents moved to the United States.
Lybarger arrived in Kabul five years after the Taliban had been removed from power, but that did not mean that all of the danger had passed.
As Lybarger grew up, he developed an interest in finding a way to return to the region where he was born.
“One day we were sitting in our compound at the American Institute for Afghan Studies in Kabul,” said
He studied cultural anthropology and music at
Lybarger. “Our house shook, and it was actually a
Rutgers University before pursuing a master’s degree in
suicide bomber a mile or so away blowing something
ethnomusicology at the University of Washington.
up. I knew some of the risks that were involved in going there, but we did go out in the community. We went
It was there that he studied under Dr. Lorraine Sakata, an expert in the field of Afghan and Pakistani music. Lybarger remained in touch with his mentor, and
to some of the markets. The main thing was trying to blend in and go with the flow.” Approximately six years after Lybarger began training the Radio and Television Afghanistan
after he earned a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto
personnel on how to digitize the old reel-to-reel tapes,
and developed a specialty in archival work and audio
the work continues.
Before long, Lybarger found himself in Kabul
Members of the staff have since traveled to the
reel tape machine that would be a key component in
Lybarger now works with Arkansas Tech students world music culture and shares his knowledge with
“I was a good fit for it because at the time I was
students in the music lab.
single, which was a good thing,” said Lybarger. “It is
a dangerous place. Also, I wasn’t afraid to go there
Memories of that dangerous place so close to his
because I knew about how to blend into a culture. So I
homeland where he helped
went there to help set up the whole program, and it was
a people preserve its culture
great that I already had a background and a familiarity
are never far away.
Lybarger and his team encountered a collection representing more than 50 years of Afghan music.
“I could see it especially among the older people at the radio station,”
said Lybarger. “They had
“The archivists (at Radio Afghanistan) risked their
been around and they
lives to save this music,” said Lybarger. “The Taliban
had been through all of
went to the radio station and said to give them their
that. For them to be able
music and that they were going to burn it. And so what
to hear those recordings
they did was they hid the traditional recordings, and
again…they just lit up
then they had all of these reel-to-reel recordings of
and remembered so many
the Beatles and other Western music that they were
things. When you hear a
into. They gave the pop music ones to the Taliban, who
piece of music that you
thought they were burning up the traditional ones but
know well, it instantly
they were not. The guys at the radio station would have
triggers memories and
certainly been executed had they been caught. Their
associations in a way that
courage makes it an amazing tale.”
words can’t even do.”
Afghanistan, with his colleagues from Afghanistan.
and faculty on a daily basis. He teaches courses in
with the region.”
(center) in Kabul,
United States for advanced training.
watching a delivery truck unload a refurbished reel-toreclaiming the traditional music of Afghanistan.
Dr. Lowell Lybarger
Radio and Television
digitization, Sakata called with an offer.
Photographed, Below:
Summer 2012
7
Alumni News
Goodman named Arkansas Trooper of the Year Arkansas Tech University alumnus
Goodman was a member of the
Chris Goodman was one of two
1994 Wonder Boys team that captured
individuals selected to receive the
the final Arkansas Intercollegiate
2011 Arkansas State Police Trooper of
Conference football title.
the Year award. These days, Goodman is known for Photographed, Right: Arkansas Tech alumnus Chris Goodman (left) and Philip Hydron
Corporal Goodman of Russellville
sacking criminals.
shared the honor with Corporal Philip Hydron of Brinkley.
During the final nine months of 2011, Corporal Goodman logged 151
(center) were presented with the 2011 Arkansas State Police Trooper of the Year award by Gov. Mike Beebe on May 22.
The awards were presented during the annual
felony arrests, 154 misdemeanor arrests and is credited
Arkansas State Police awards ceremony in Little Rock on
with 38 drug and property seizures associated with
May 22.
suspected drug trafficking.
Goodman is a native of Russellville and a 1997
The seizures occurred during the course of traffic
graduate of Arkansas Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of
stops and included 4,302 pounds of marijuana, 64
Arts degree in sociology.
pounds of cocaine, 27 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 500 oxycodone tablets and cash totaling
During his time at Tech, Goodman was best known for
$2,859,394.
sacking quarterbacks. His 16 career quarterback sacks as a member of the Arkansas Tech football program from
8
Tech Action
Corporal Goodman’s criminal arrests and drug seizures
1993-96 rank him tied for fourth on the Wonder Boys’ all-
during 2011 set new Arkansas State Police records by a
time list in that category.
single state trooper.
There Are No Limits Arkansas Tech University has seen its enrollment increase by 147 percent since 1997, and we believe that we can reach even more students with your assistance. Help our university continue to grow by providing us with information about a student that you believe would benefit from an Arkansas Tech education. Fill out as much information about the prospective student as you can and return this form to: Arkansas Tech Office of Admissions 1605 Coliseum Drive, Suite 141 Russellville, AR 72801-2222
M Mi.
mm
Last Name
Cell Phone
(area) + (number)
Home Phone
dd
F
yyyy
(area) + (number)
E-mail Address State ZIP
City
High School or College Attended ACT
Thank you in advance for your assistance. Involved alumni and friends help ensure that the best days at Arkansas Tech University are still to come.
Gender
Date Of Birth
Name
Alumna/us Please Specify How Student Is Related To Alumna/us
Approx. GPA A
Grad Year
B
C
D
Alumni News
Life on Tour
Tech Alumnus caddies for sister on LPGA Tour Brittany Lang had just hit her
“It was definitely
second shot into a greenside
Coach Falconer,” said
bunker on the par-5 18th hole
Lang. “I visited a few other
at Grey Silo Golf Course in
schools…a couple in
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Oklahoma and a couple
in Texas. I played 18 holes
She was locked in a sudden-
with Coach Falconer, and I
Photographed: Arkansas Tech alumnus Luke Lang checks
death playoff with Hee Kyung
just liked him. He was just
the yardage on the
Seo at the Manulife Financial
a good dude. All of those
par-3 third hole at
LPGA Classic. They had reached
other coaches said we were
Pinnacle Country Club
the third hole of sudden death,
going to get up at 6 a.m.
and the pressure of trying to
and run and work out until 8
secure her first LPGA Tour win in
a.m., but that’s not me and I
her 144th start as a professional
don’t think that’s golf either.
was heavy on Lang’s shoulders.
I really liked Coach Falconer
As she walked toward the
enjoying life on the LPGA Tour, an existence that provides him with the opportunity to travel the world.
“She had been really nervous the whole time, so her
In 2012 alone, the LPGA Tour is visiting Australia,
hands had been shaking on the putts really bad,” said
Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,
Luke Lang. “She kept asking me how she can make the
Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United
putt if her hands are shaking like that. I told her that
Kingdom and a variety of destinations around the
just because you are nervous doesn’t mean you are
United States.
He was right. Brittany put her third shot six feet from
“It’s been cool to see some of those places,” said Lang. “I enjoyed Australia and Hawaii, and seeing Asia
the hole and then rolled in the birdie putt for her first
has been cool, too. But more than anything it really
LPGA Tour victory.
makes you look forward to coming home.”
When Luke offered that advice to his younger sister,
And there’s no doubt that having family along for
it came from personal experience. After all, once upon
the ride on such a hectic and demanding schedule is
a time he was a standout member of the Arkansas Tech
helpful to both player and caddie.
golf team. Lang helped the Wonder Boys reach three
“You’ve got to be positive all the time, even when it’s your little sister and she’s not playing well,” said Lang.
consecutive NCAA Division II regionals (2001, 2002 and
“Sometimes it’s hard, but remaining positive is your
2003) during a career that saw him earn four letters and
No. 1 job as a caddie.”
all-conference honors as a senior in 2003. A native of McKinney, Texas, Lang was drawn to Arkansas Tech by the philosophy and the personality of the late Dave Falconer, who coached the golf team at Arkansas Tech from 1989 until the time of his passing at the age of 73 in 2011.
on Friday, June 29.
These days Lang is
brother and caddie, Arkansas
Championship in Rogers
familiar voice in her ear — her
going to hit a bad shot.”
of the Walmart LPGA
and I enjoyed being there.”
bunker, there was a calming and
Tech University alumnus Luke Lang.
during the first round
They are a team: player and caddie, sister and brother. And Luke believes this could be just the beginning of their success together. “I’ve always said and everyone has always said that if she could win one, she would win a bunch.”
Summer 2012
9
Today’s Tech
Fifty-Two Years
Cohoon retires as longest-serving faculty member In geology, Dr. Richard
When Cohoon joined
Cohoon’s area of expertise
what was then known as
and a discipline that studies
the Division of Science and
Earth back to its beginnings,
Mathematics at Arkansas
52 years is not considered a
Tech in 1960 his colleagues
long time.
included Truman McEver, who served as chairman
Photographed, Right: Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown (left) presented Dr. Richard Cohoon with the 2012
In terms of service to
of the division and is the
Arkansas Tech University,
namesake for the science
52 years is a record-setting
building on campus; and John
amount of time.
Tucker, who was a renowned chemistry instructor in
Arkansas Tech University Faculty Award of Excellence on May 12.
The Arkansas Tech
addition to his exploits in
University Board of Trustees
athletics that earned him the
accepted the retirement
moniker “The Original Wonder
Cohoon, the longest-serving
Boy.”
faculty member in the history of the university, during its meeting on April 19.
Tucker held the record for longest tenure on the Tech faculty (47 years from 1925-72) until Cohoon and Krueger
With 52 years on the faculty, Cohoon has been a part
10
Tech Action
surpassed him.
of the Arkansas Tech community for more than half of the 103-year history of the institution.
Along the way Cohoon earned a doctorate in education from Oklahoma State University, served as dean
“I have enjoyed my association with Tech’s students,
of what is now known as the College of Natural and Health
faculty colleagues and senior administrative personnel,”
Sciences for 23 years and earned the title of distinguished
wrote Cohoon in his letter of retirement. “Each day I
professor of geology.
was energized by the person-to-person interactions and challenges in our efforts to provide the best educational
Cohoon has served under the administration of four
experience to those young people who wisely chose to
university presidents — Dr. Joseph W. Hull, Dr. George L.B.
come to Tech.”
Pratt, Dr. Kenneth Kersh and Dr. Robert C. Brown.
Cohoon was recognized for his more than half-century
He has seen enrollment at Arkansas Tech grow from
of service when he received the 2012 Arkansas Tech
1,360 students in fall 1960 to 10,464 students in fall 2011,
University Faculty Award of Excellence for service during
an increase of 670 percent.
spring commencement ceremonies on May 12. Even though Cohoon’s days as an active member Cohoon joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 1960. The
of the faculty ended with his retirement on May 12, his
only other person to ever serve on the Tech faculty for
familiar face will continue to be seen on the Arkansas
50 or more years is David Krueger, who retired at the rank
Tech campus in Russellville during the 2012-13 academic
of associate professor of history after teaching at the
year.
university from 1960-2010. Cohoon will use that time to complete work on his Cohoon earned his baccalaureate degree from
“Geologic Road Guide to Scenic Route 7.” The first draft of
Oklahoma City University in 1954. He added a Master of
the project is currently under review. Final field checking,
Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1959.
supplemental article writing and final editing began in
One year later he arrived at Arkansas Tech.
June.
Today’s Tech
Clary retires as dean of College of Education Dr. Eldon Clary, dean of the Arkansas Tech University College of Education and a member of the Tech faculty since 1967, retired at the end of the 2011-12 academic year. “I am in the process of completing my 45th year on the faculty at Arkansas Tech University,” wrote Clary in his letter of retirement. “I appreciate the opportunities provided for my professional and personal growth during those years. I have enjoyed serving as dean of the College of Education since 2009. The faculty in the College of Education is outstanding, and in my professional opinion the best in the state.” The first member of his family to attend college, Clary earned three degrees from the University of North Texas and interviewed to join the Arkansas Tech faculty
“You are to be commended for your 45 years of
during the final days of J.W. Hull’s administration as
exceptional service to the university,” wrote Dr. John
Tech president.
W. Watson, vice president for academic affairs, in his letter accepting Clary’s retirement. “Very few people
Photographed, Above: Dr. John W. Watson, vice president for academic affairs (right), congratulates
attain the level of respect and admiration that you
Dr. Eldon Clary at his
he served the campus community as department head,
have earned. Your distinguished career has benefitted
retirement reception.
head of secondary instruction, director of teacher
numerous students, the Tech community and education
education, head of curriculum and instruction and dean
in Arkansas at all levels. An educator can leave no
of graduate studies.
better legacy.”
During four-and-a-half decades at Arkansas Tech,
Summer 2012
11
Bullock, Mudrinich earn faculty awards In addition to Dr. Richard Cohoon’s award for service
In 2010, he became a member of the Department
to Arkansas Tech University, two other members of the
of Electrical Engineering. Bullock holds the rank of
Tech faculty received a Faculty Award of Excellence
associate professor of electrical engineering.
during spring 2012 commencement ceremonies. A member of the Arkansas Tech faculty since 1998, Dr. Daniel Bullock received the Faculty Award of Excellence for scholarship and creative activity, while
Mudrinich holds the rank of associate professor of art. He teaches courses in drawing and painting.
David Mudrinich was presented with the Faculty Award of Excellence in the teaching category.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in art education from Pennsylvania State University in
Bullock is an alumnus of Arkansas Tech. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1997. After he earned a Master of Science degree in
Dr. Robert C. Brown and Dr. Daniel Bullock
1976 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in art from the University of Georgia in 1992. Mudrinich previously received the Arkansas Tech
applied physics (2000) and Doctor of Philosophy degree
Faculty Award of Excellence in the scholarship and
in physics (2001) from the University of Arkansas,
creative activity category in 2005.
Bullock returned home to Russellville as a member of the Arkansas Tech faculty in 2003.
The Arkansas Tech Faculty Awards of Excellence were established in 1996. To be eligible, a faculty
Bullock focused his teaching efforts in physics for more than six years.
member must be tenured and hold the current rank of associate professor or professor.
David Mudrinich and Dr. Robert C. Brown
Today’s Tech
Field to lead Tech College of Education Dr. Sherry L. Field, associate dean for teacher
A member of the University of Texas faculty since 2001,
education, student affairs and administration in the
Field is the Catherine Mae Parker Centennial Professor in
University of Texas at Austin College of Education, was
Education on the Austin campus.
selected to become dean of the Arkansas Tech University College of Education effective Sept. 1.
She has taught and served as an administrator in K-12 education in Arkansas and Texas.
Field will succeed Dr. Eldon Clary, who retired as dean of the Arkansas Tech College of Education on June 30 following a 45-year career at the university.
Her previous faculty appointments included stints at the University of Colorado-Denver and at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Glickman Fellowship in 2000.
Her appointment was approved by the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees during its May meeting.
Field is a former editor of Social Studies and the Young Learner and a former chair of the College and University
Field holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Texas Tech University, a Master of
Faculty Association Executive Board of the National Council for the Social Studies.
Education degree from Stephen F. Austin University and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Austin.
12
Tech Action
She will hold the faculty rank of professor of curriculum and instruction at Arkansas Tech.
Every Brick Has A Story at Tech’s Centennial Plaza
Nearly 400 bricks have been installed in Centennial Plaza and each brick has a story to tell. These stories are of campus life, a respected faculty member, a loyal athletics fan, a celebrated graduation or even an enduring love story. With a $100 gift, you are invited to share another Tech story on the pedestrian mall in front of Thone Stadium and Baswell Hall. Each personalized Brick may be engraved with your name, given as a gift in memory or in honor of someone or to commemorate a special event such as a graduation, a birthday, or an anniversary. Your brick will be a tribute that will last forever.
What is your story? To order, visit the Development Office website at www.atu.edu/ givetotech. For more information, contact Christi Brown at (479) 968-0400 or 1-888-275-8321, send email to bricks@atu.edu “Like” us on Facebook and read about our highlighted Tech stories.
Today’s Tech
Call stations add to campus security Arkansas Tech University has continued its year-long
The 21 call
campaign to improve campus security by installing 21
stations are placed at
emergency call stations on its Russellville campus.
strategic locations on the 533-acre campus
The emergency call stations began appearing on
of Arkansas Tech.
campus in late 2011. During the spring 2012 semester,
They are intended
wiring necessary to make the units operational was
for use only in
performed and each call station was assigned a street
emergency situations.
address so that emergency personnel can be directed to the correct location.
If an individual pushes a call
With all of that work complete, the call stations have
station button, the
now been tested and are functional. They are part of
Pope County 911
an investment of more than $1.6 million in ongoing
emergency system
campus security upgrades at Arkansas Tech.
is activated and the appropriate
Additional campus lighting, electronic door access to classroom buildings, additional security
authorities are dispatched.
cameras, security gates to improve pedestrian safety, additional officers for the Office of Public Safety
In addition to
and a forthcoming addition to the Office of Public
the emergency call
Safety facility that will include an improvement of the
stations, Arkansas Tech students, faculty and staff
department’s communications system are also part of
are encouraged to program the Office of Public Safety
the security enhancements.
telephone number (479-968-0222) into their mobile devices. Officers are available 24 hours per day.
“Arkansas Tech University takes its responsibility to provide for the safety of our students, faculty and
“Our mission is to provide every student with the
staff very seriously,” said Susie Nicholson, Arkansas
opportunity to achieve his or her academic goals,” said
Tech vice president for student services and university
Nicholson. “Providing a safe learning environment is
relations. “Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our campus
part of that mission. Campus security is a daily concern
community. We are appreciative of the support from our
at Arkansas Tech, and we will continue to investigate
Board of Trustees and the dedication of resources to
new ways to keep our students, faculty and staff safe.”
this project. The security upgrades that we have put in place and will continue to develop will forward our longheld reputation as a safe place to study and work.”
For more information about campus security at Arkansas Tech, visit www.atu.edu/psafe.
Hall of Distinction nominations due Oct. 1 To be considered for the Hall of Distinction in 2013,
Individuals may be nominated in any of five
nominations must be delivered or mailed to the Arkansas
categories: Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna; Distinguished
Tech Alumni Office by Oct. 1, 2012.
Service Award; Distinguished Young Alumnus/Alumna; Distinguished Alumni Service; and Distinction in
The Hall of Distinction recognizes genuine
Intercollegiate Athletics.
accomplishment by persons closely associated with the university, cultivates individuals for the purpose of
Please contact the Arkansas Tech Alumni Office at
enhanced service and fundraising and enhances the
(479) 968-0242 or alumni@atu.edu for an information
reputation of the university.
packet and nomination form.
Summer 2012
13
Today’s Tech
North Phoenix Avenue extension opens Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Robert C. Brown and Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton cut a ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday, June 13, to open the $3 million North Phoenix Avenue extension. Photographed: Russellville Mayor Bill Eaton (left) and Tech President Dr.
“We are here to cut this ribbon this morning, but from a symbolic standpoint we should be tying a ribbon,” said Eaton. “This represents a significant partnership between
Robert C. Brown
Arkansas Tech and the city. This project would not have
cut the ceremonial
happened without the concurrence of Dr. Brown and the
ribbon opening the
Tech board. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.”
North Phoenix Avenue
The project was made possible by a land lease
Tech Action
his leadership this project has reached a successful
agreement between Arkansas Tech and the City of
conclusion. This is a wonderful improvement for our
Russellville. The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees approved
city and for Arkansas Tech from an access and safety
the agreement during a meeting on Aug. 18, 2011.
standpoint.”
The lease of approximately 4.53 acres on the west
14
“I want to express my gratitude to Mayor Eaton,” said Brown. “This has been a long time coming, but through
extension.
The Phoenix Avenue extension connects West Main
side of the Arkansas Tech campus will cost the City of
Street with North Arkansas Avenue, which among other
Russellville $1 per year for 99 years. The initial term of the
benefits will provide quicker access to Saint Mary’s
agreement will expire on June 30, 2110.
Regional Medical Center from the north side of Russellville.
Today’s Tech
The One and Only
Tech’s Suggs is state’s lone NASA Ambassador Arkansas Tech University senior Marvin Suggs
This is the second consecutive summer in which
was the only student from an Arkansas college or
Suggs has interned with NASA. In 2011, he worked at the
university selected to participate in the NASA Student
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
Ambassador Cohort IV this summer. “I was able to take the lessons I learned in the Suggs, an electrical engineering major at Arkansas Tech, served his internship at the NASA Langley
classroom at Arkansas Tech and apply them to solve real-world problems,” said Suggs.
Aeronautics Research Center in Hampton, Va. A native of Rison, Suggs chose Arkansas Tech In all, only 100 students from around the country were selected for the NASA Ambassadors Cohort IV.
because of the accreditation of its electrical engineering program and because he felt at home there.
“I am so excited about interning at NASA,” said
“My favorite part of being a Tech student is the
Suggs before departing for Virginia. “It’s a prestigious
people,” said Suggs. “I have made a lot of friends that
institution that will provide me with a lot of great
I will have forever. This time in college is important to
experience studying under world-class mentors and
network and build relationships with people you may
working with world-class technology. They are looking
see in the future.”
for students who are motivated and want to motivate others.”
Visit www.atu.edu/engineering to learn more.
Arkansas Tech No. 1 in college fishing Arkansas Tech
The ACA school of the
University earned the
year program recognizes
inaugural Association of
collegiate clubs that
Collegiate Anglers school
compete in the BoatUS
of the year award for
Collegiate Bass Fishing
the performance of the
Championship Series,
Arkansas Tech Fishing
along with Carhartt
Club during the 2011-12
College B.A.S.S. and
academic year.
National Guard FLW College Fishing.
“I am very proud of the Tech Fishing Club,”
Additional ACA-
said Christy Austin,
sanctioned events were
who helped found the
also selected as part of the
student organization in 2006 and advises the club.
program, making the list 22 events in total during the
“These anglers have stepped up in many different
2011-12 season.
areas within our club. They have donated many hours of community service for the Russellville area, used
A total of 159 institutions from around the United
their knowledge of fishing, boating safety and habitat
States and Canada competed for the inaugural ACA
management to teach elementary and middle school
school of the year award.
students, and even taken time to help individuals with special needs participate in fishing through our annual fishing derby.”
If you or a student you know is interested in the Tech Fishing Club, call (479) 968-0378.
Summer 2012
15
Development Corner
Frueauffs’ generosity benefits Tech students The Charles A. Frueauff Foundation has generously invested in Arkansas Tech in numerous ways through annual grants for close to a decade. Several recent gifts from the Frueauff Foundation have been instrumental in elevating the Arkansas Tech College of Business. Among the gifts was a grant that assisted in the purchase of the state-of-the-art “ticker” for the Rothwell Hall trading lab. Photographed, Right: The trading lab at Rothwell Hall is among the most distinctive
Gifts from the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation also provided academic and professional development resources for the new College of Business College to Career
classrooms at
Center, contributed to the College of Business trading lab
Arkansas Tech.
educational resources and established the Joseph L. Moore Outstanding Economics/Finance Student Award. In addition, the Frueauff Foundation was one of the first Century Forward Circle members marking Tech’s centennial milestone, as well as contributing to the Strategic Planning Endowment and Campus Beautification.
16
The Frueauff Foundation also generously supported Tech Action
the Return to Glory Campaign with a gift that was directed toward the construction of Baswell Hall.
Advising Center made possible by Sturgis Foundation Photographed, Right: Students enjoy the
In 2004, Arkansas Tech
Each program of
received the first $100,000
the Advising Center is
installment of the total
designed to guide students
Academic Advising
$500,000 it was awarded
and give them additional
Center.
by the Roy and Christine
tools to persist to
Sturgis Foundation to help
graduation from Arkansas
construct the Academic
Tech.
lobby at the Roy and Christine Sturgis
Advising Center housed in Rothwell Hall.
Learn More If you would like information about corporate and
The support of the
counseling, financial
Sturgis Foundation
counseling, undecided
was essential to the
student advising and
completion of the Roy and
registration, early warning
Christine Strugis Academic
program, freshman mid-
Advising Center (RCS-AAC) which opened its doors to
term grade counseling, learning styles inventory, Arkansas
students in January 2010.
Academic Challenge Scholarship retention and athletic
foundation relations
retention.
at Arkansas Tech, send
By the fall of 2011, the RCS-AAC had advised and
e-mail to Debra Fithen
registered approximately 2,500 Arkansas Tech University
at dfithen@atu.edu.
Programs of the RCSAAC include freshman
students.
The RCS-AAC is a crucial stepping stone in each student’s journey to achieve a college education.
Development Corner
ANCRC helps preserve Arkansas Tech history The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC), has awarded $2.55 million to Arkansas Tech in recent years for the preservation and renovation of three historical/architectural campus treasures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The ANCRC has presented Arkansas Tech with $550,000 for the Old Art Building, $1 million for Hughes Hall and $1 million for Caraway Hall. One the oldest buildings at Arkansas Tech, the Old Art Building (as it is currently known) is listed on the National Register as the Girls’ Domestic Science and Arts Building. It is the latest Tech building ANCRC has helped restore.
Hughes Hall was built in 1940 and has commonly been known as the Rock Dorm and the Armory Dormitory during its 72-year history. Since its extensive
The Old Art Building was built in 1913. In 1935, Tech President J.W. Hull was authorized to pursue
renovations were completed, it has provided 96 much-
Photographed, Above: Hughes Residence Hall has helped Tech meet its ever-increasing need for student housing.
needed on-campus beds for students.
funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA). With a $7,500 award, the building was renovated and
Caraway Hall was built in 1934 under the auspices of
converted to house the home economics program from
the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works.
1935-72. From 1974-2006, the building housed the
Students have lived in Caraway nearly continuously
Department of Art. Since 2006, when the Department
for more than 70 years. And, in addition to being a
of Art moved into Norman Hall, the building has been
residence hall, Caraway Hall’s large lobby/lounge with
vacant.
its beautiful hardwood floors was also widely used as a central gathering place for dances, ladies teas and
When the renovation is complete in the fall of 2012,
numerous cultural activities from the 1930s through the
the Old Art Building will be used for administrative
1960s. The period and reproduction furniture and pianos
offices.
remind visitors of the long history of the building.
IN MEMORY/HONOR OF (May 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012) The following individuals made gifts to Tech in memory or in honor of a friend or loved one In Memory of B.J. Burton The Brad Hendricks Law Firm Doyle and Susie Tennison In Memory of Evelyn Cannon Johnny and Julie Morgan In Honor of John Clarke Johnny and Julie Morgan In Memory of William John Clement Tommy and Linda Richardson Ed and Carol Williams In Memory of Dale Corley Dan Gray In Memory of Wanda Darter C. A. Kuykendall In Memory of Eddie Epperson Bob Cartwright In Memory of Jim Essman David and Dana Moseley
In Memory of W.R. “Bud” Harper Jim and Linda Harwood Clifton and Jill Ladd David and Dana Moseley Bob and Sandra Norman Dean and Kathy Wilburn
In Memory of Thomas Morris Jr Robert and Marty Young
In Memory of Charles Richison Dusty and Angela Bonds
In Honor of Dana Moseley Eldon and Juanita Clary
In Memory of Jennifer Virden Holley Joyce McCain
In Memory of Beverly Parks Jean Pruitt
In Memory of Don Sevier Travis and Lou Adams Phil Collins Bob and Carolyn Edwards Hindsman and Son Inc Johnny and Julie Morgan David and Dana Moseley Judy Murphy Mary Ann Rollans Frank and Rudda Ward Robert and Marty Young
In Memory of Jack Jones Bob and Sandra Norman Randy and Thelma Veach
In Honor of Richard Perkins Rick and Lalita Perkins
In Memory of Christina Stinnett David and Betty Snellings
In Memory of Verna Pennington David and Dana Moseley
In Memory of Phyllis Wofford Johnny and Julie Morgan David and Dana Moseley
In Memory of Savannah Hintze Laraine Burrows Richard Clayton John and Vicki Storey
In Memory of Jackie Knight Delvin Williams In Memory of Betty Lambert Johnny and Julie Morgan
In Honor of David Moseley Eldon and Juanita Clary In Memory of Tom Palko Jim Cope
In Memory of Rick Redden Bob and Sandra Norman In Memory of Donna “Rockie” Richardson
William Richardson
In Memory of Virginia Rankin Wright Bob and Carolyn Edwards
Summer 2012
17
Class Notes Marriages Cindy Gail Malone Hopper (ELED ’75 & M.Ed. COUN ’07) and Terence Jon Kramer were married on May 26, 2012. Cindy is a counselor at Ozark High School. They live in Ozark. David Motley (COMS ’96) and Dr. Susanne Wagner were married on March 23, 2012. David is employed by Euronet Worldwide. They live in Little Rock. Melody Jean Stanton (COMS ’99) and Joseph Kendall Armer (ALUM) were married on April 28, 2012. Jessica Diane Cook (SPH ’05) and Kevin Walter Chin were married on Oct. 22, 2011. Jessica works at Tulane University. They live in Metairie, La.
Christi Ezzi (ART ED ’11) and Mathew Callaway were married on June 9, 2012. They live in Sherwood. Kyle Russell (HEPE ’11) and Lauren Harper (ECED ‘12) were married on June 9, 2012. They live in Russellville. Krisanna Smith (ENGL ED ’11) and Jonathan Miller were married on April 28, 2012. Alisa McCray (AA-AH & LPN ’12) and Steven Morris were married on March 24, 2012. Alisa is a certified nurses’ assistant for PRN Medical Services. They live in Fort Smith.
Births Stephen Cossey (HIST ’01 & ACCT ’07) and Dr. Melissa Manatt Cossey (SPAN ’04), a son, Jacob Lee,
Hallie Brooke Morris (HEPE ’05) and Mathew Ager were
May 14, 2012. They live in Fayetteville.
married on Dec. 31, 2011. They live in Houston, Texas. Heather Bradley Meeker (ECED ’02) and Stephen Arthur Ashby (EAM ’07 & M.S. EMHS ’09) and Sarah
Meeker (ALUM), a daughter, Nora Kay, May 16, 2012.
Norman (CHEM/BIOL ’08) were married on May 26,
Nora has one sister, Lillian (3).
2012. Arthur is employed by the American Red Cross.
18
Tech Action
Sarah graduated with honors from the University
Brandon Sikes (AGBU ’03) and Stephanie Jones Sikes
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with a Doctor of
(M.A. TESL ’12), a daughter, Sophia Ann, June 7, 2012.
Pharmacy degree in research and a Master of Public
Sophia has one sister, Giuliana. They live in Clarksville.
Health degree in May 2012. She will begin her pursuit of a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical evaluation and policy at
Seth Taylor (ELEG ’03) and Nikki Dedmon Taylor
UAMS this fall. They live in Benton.
(NURS ’03), a daughter, Lainey Alexa, June 15, 2012.
Johanna Frazier (HIM ’07) and Edward Nowlin were
Sarah Ferguson Bailey (SOC ’04) and her husband,
married on June 1, 2012. They live in Sallisaw, Okla.
Justin, a daughter, Anniston Blake, May 22, 2012. Anniston has two older twin sisters: Addison and Allison.
Kristen Hook (BIOL ’08) and Blake Davidson (IT ’10)
Phonathon for College of Business Students, faculty and staff from the Arkansas Tech College of Business will reach out to current and potential donors Oct. 8-11. Call (479) 968-0400 for more information.
were married on Sept. 10, 2011. Kristen is a physical
Carla McMurrin Staggs (ECED ’04) and Ryan Staggs
therapist at HealthSouth Rehabilitation. Blake is a
(HEPE ’04), a daughter, Paisley Layne, Feb. 15, 2012.
systems analyst for Data-Tronics Corp. They live in Alma.
They live in Russellville.
Caleb Pratt (RPA ’09 & M.S. CSP ’11) and Courtney
Jared Brigance (COM SCI ’05) and his wife, Mindy,
Farris (REHAB SCI ’10) were married on June 6, 2012.
a son, Jaystin Matthew, March 10, 2012. Jaystin has one brother, Tyler, and one sister, Morgan. They live in
Brad McBride (ECON ’10) and Lindsey Adams (MATH
Dover.
ED ’10) were married on May 26, 2012. Brad works for Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Lindsey is employed
Ronal Brownlee (MGMT/MKTG ’05) and Sara Reed
by the Bryant School District. They live in Little Rock.
Brownlee (ENGL ED ’07), a son, Isaiah, May 15, 2012. Isaiah has one brother, Malachi (3). They live in Pottsville.
Ryan Racop (HEPE ’10) and Rachel Ragsdale were married on April 21, 2012. Ryan is employed by
Heather Duvall Hallum (PSY/REHAB SCI ’05) and her
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. They live in Little
husband, Brent, a son, William Kingsley, Feb. 28, 2012.
Rock.
They live in Russellville.
Class Notes Jeremy Ragland (HIST ’05) and his wife, Laura, a son,
Eva Owens White (HIST EDU ’66) retired as director
Cason James, May 29, 2012. Cason has one older
of the Crawford County Library System in July.
brother, Trenton Charles. Jeremy was promoted to implementation solutions advisor at FedEx Freight in
Lee Rogers (ART ’69) and Sarah Hunt Rogers (ALUM)
Harrison in April 2012.
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 3, 2012. Sarah is retired after 34 years in banking. Lee
Jennifer Goodman Siebenmorgen (ECED ’05) and
has worked in advertising as an artist, photographer,
Drew Siebenmorgen (HEPE ’10), a daughter, Bella
cinematographer and producer/director/creative
Marie, May 28, 2012. They live in Dardanelle.
director. He continues to work as an artist.
Chad Smith (MGMT/MKTG ’06) and Kori Miller Smith (CWED/ENGL ED ’08), a daughter, Annabella Grace, June 15, 2012. Zach Vest (HIST ED ’06) and Jessica Roberts Vest (ALUM), a daughter, Lilly, April 18, 2012. Clint Brown (HEPE ’08) and Kristen Burgess Brown (MLED ’10), a daughter, Emerson Elise, July 4, 2012. They live in Russellville. Boone Gilbreath (MECH ENGR ’08) and his wife, Jessica, a son, Thomas Barrett, July 8, 2012. Holly Pope Newman (EAM ’09) and her husband, Mickey, a son, Damon, June 19, 2012. Damon has two brothers: Christopher (4) and Samuel (15 months). They live in Dardanelle. Francis Schulde III (ENGL ’10) and Kadie Swanson, a son, Thomas Ian, April 11, 2012. They live in Russellville.
1950s
1970s Tommy Tyler (HEPE ’70) was hired as superintendent of the Crossett School District. David Bartlett (ACCT ’74) was selected as the 2012-13 chairman elect of the Arkansas Bankers Association. David is president and chief operating officer of Simmons First National Corporation and chairman of Simmons First Bank of Hot Springs. Thomas B. Slater (JOUR ’74) published a commentary on the book of Ephesians in the Smyth and Helwys Commentary Series. He is a professor of New Testament language and literature in the McAfee School of Theology on the Atlanta campus of Mercer University. Gary Williams (HEPE ’75) accepted a position as assistant football coach at Hector High School. Charlie Sorrels (HEPE ’76) was named 2011-12 Class 3A athletic director of the year in the state of Arkansas. Charlie serves as director of athletics for the Atkins School District.
Bruce Birkhead (MUED ’57) and his wife, Kaye, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10, 2012. Bruce is retired from the Social Security Administration.
1960s Dorthy Sheets Geibe (BUAD/MKTG ’64) retired from
1980s Dr. Leanne Conatser Lefler (NURS ’82) has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the benefits of physical activity among women age 60 and older. Leanne is a researcher in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing.
Liberty Bank in July 2012 following 48 years of service to the company. Judge Josephine “Jo” Linker Hart (SOC STUDIES ’65) was elected to the Arkansas Supreme Court in May. She had previously served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Jo served in the U.S. Army for 24 years and retired at the rank of colonel.
Anita Wewers Collier (SECR SCI ’83) was promoted to budget director for the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. William Spears (BUAD/MKTG ’84) was inducted into the Fort Smith Northside High School Basketball Hall of Fame.
Summer 2012
19
Class Notes Juanita Clary (M.Ed. ELED ’85) and Dr. Eldon Clary (FMR FACULTY) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 2, 2012. Juanita is retired from a teaching career at Pottsville Elementary School, while Eldon retired from the Arkansas Tech faculty as dean of the College of Education on June 30, 2012. Jason Tennant (BUAD/MKTG ’85) was appointed executive vice president and chief lending officer for Cornerstone Bank. His office is located in Eureka Springs. Karen Schumacher Smith Highfill (ELED ’86 & M.Ed. ITED ’95) was named by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2011-12 Arkansas secondary school assistant principal of the year. Karen works at Rogers High School. Shannon Rhea (HEPE ’88) was hired as varsity defensive line coach and assistant baseball coach at Greenwood High School. William Sherman Richardson (HIST ’88) was named Patricia Behring Arkansas History Day teacher of the
20
year in the high school division for 2012. William is an Tech Action
advanced placement history teacher at Conway High School.
1990s Sharon Hunt Blythe (ELED ’92) and her husband, Bobby, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 22, 2012. Sharon is retired after serving as a gifted and talented teacher in the school districts at Mansfield
She adopted her son, Nicholas, in January 2012. Charles Rector (HEPE ’02) accepted the position of assistant principal at Dardanelle Primary School. He and his wife, Ashley Ivey Rector (SPAN ’03), celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on May 25, 2012. Deb Moore (SPH ’03 & M.A. ENGL ’05) earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte (N.C.) on May 26, 2012. Brooke Southard (ACCT/ECON ’03) passed the Certified Public Accountant examination in March 2012. She is a project/program manager for the Arkansas Tech Office of Payroll and Special Services, where she has been employed since 2007. Elizabeth M. Kasey (RPA ’05) was certified by the Ladies Professional Golf Association as a Class A teaching and club professional. Liz is assistant golf professional at Holiday Golf Club in Panama City Beach, Fla. Heather Struble Strasner (MGMT/MKTG ’06) was hired as visit day coordinator in the Arkansas Tech Office of Admissions. Tommy Fields (PSY ’07 & M.S. CSP ’11) was hired as assistant director of housing in the Arkansas Tech Office of Residence Life. Tommy previously served in
Tara McCleod (ENGL ’07) was selected to become the
a family nurse practitioner at Monfee Medical Clinic in Russellville. Her husband, Jeff Bosold (NURS ’96), is also a nurse practitioner at Monfee Medical Clinic. They have three children: Ellis, Nicolas and Kylie. Jennifer Williams Menard (MGMT/MKTG ’98) and Derek Menard (ALUM) live in Gilbert with their
ArkansasTechAlumni
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville on May 12, 2012.
Carey Ellis Bosold (NURS ’96) graduated from Union
professor of nursing at Arkansas Tech University and
www.facebook.com/
of Education degree in special education from the
the Arkansas Tech Registrar’s Office.
nursing practice on May 19, 2012. Carey is an assistant
Visit
Theresa DuBois (HIST ED ’02) earned a Master
and Paris.
University in Jackson, Tenn., with a doctorate in
Find Us On Facebook
2000s
two children, Logan (9) and Darby (5). They run a manufacturing company that produces steel tanks for the natural gas industry.
new director for the Crawford County Library System. Brian Ramsey (JOUR ’07) was hired by the University of Arkansas at Monticello as assistant athletic director for media relations. He previously served as sports information director at UAM from 2007-11. He spent the 2011-12 academic year as assistant commissioner for communications for the Great American Conference. Adena Strickland White (JOUR/SPH ’07) earned a Master of Arts degree in applied communication studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 19, 2012. Adena is director of marketing for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
Class Notes/Obituaries Questin Darcey (CHEM ’08) earned a Doctor of
Sabrina Billey (M.S. CSP ’09) was hired as an area
Pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas for
coordinator in the Arkansas Tech Office of Residence
Medical Sciences on May 19, 2012.
Life.
Jared Jones (MUED ’08) was among 20 teachers
Ben Mills (BIOL ’09) opened Fossil Cove Brewing Co.
in the Bentonville School District awarded a 21st
on North Birch Street in Fayetteville on June 2, 2012.
century technology grant, which will provide his students with 30 Apple iPad 2 tablets for use in the
Lacey Nicole “Nicki” Zimmerman (HA ’09) was
band room.
named director of sales for Hyatt Place in Rogers.
Thomas Snizek (HIST EDU ’08) is working at the
2010s
Russellville office of the Arkansas Department of
Becky Peden (AGBU ’10) earned a Master of
Workforce Services as a re-employment training
Science degree in student affairs in higher education
specialist.
from Missouri State University in May 2012. She is employed by Arkansas State University-Beebe.
Josh Holloway (’09) was hired as assistant junior high football coach, assistant junior high boys basketball
Jeremy Dunbar (BPS ’11) has signed a professional
coach and assistant softball coach at Greenwood
basketball contract with the Cuxhaven BasCats of
High School.
Germany for the 2012-13 season.
tech
Friends We’ll Miss
Wren Harry Pickren (’35) died June 5, 2012. Wren
Elaine Berry (HOME EC ‘43) died Feb. 7, 2012. After
worked for Uniroyal in Wichita, Kan., before retiring in
graduating from Tech, she taught second grade for five
1975. He played tennis until the age of 89. Wren lived in
years and later served as a substitute teacher in the
Wichita Falls, Texas. He was 95.
Dover School District for many years. She worked as a store clerk at the L.J. Churchill General Store, at The
Thomas Hamilton Chambers (AGRI ’37) died May 28,
New Store and for 26 years at the Colony Shop before
2012. He served as a combat infantry platoon leader
her retirement at the age of 80. Elaine lived in Dover.
and forward observer in World War II. Thomas earned
She was 88.
the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars in recognition of his service in Europe. He went on to a four-decade
Billy K. Berry (‘47) died June 28, 2012. He completed
career with the Department of Agriculture as a
35 bombing missions over Germany during World War
supervisor for Farmers Home Administration. Thomas
II. After beginning a career in pharmacy with Walgreens,
lived in Hamburg. He was 95.
Billy returned to his native Dardanelle and opened Berry Drug Store in 1957. Billy lived in Dardanelle. He
Dr. Alwin V. Miller (’39) died Dec. 31, 2011. He was
was 87.
commissioned in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and retired from the Air Force Reserve at the rank of
Roy James Lewis (POL SCI ’50) died March 2, 2012.
lieutenant colonel in 1966. Alwin taught at Chico State
He was president of the Arkansas Tech Class of 1950,
College (1948-49) and Southern Oregon College (1949-
the first class after Tech transitioned from a junior
57) before accepting a position with the United States
college to a baccalaureate degree-granting, four-year
Agency for International Development as an education
institution. A veteran of World War II, Roy had a 40-year
advisor. He served in that capacity in Indonesia,
career in education that included service as Tulsa Public
Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia and South
Schools (Okla.) division superintendent for instruction.
Vietnam. Alwin later worked with the United Nations
He was past president of the Rotary Club of Tulsa
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
and long-time secretary/treasurer for the Oklahoma
(UNESCO) in Paris. Alwin lived in Lanham, Md. He was
Educational Memorial Trust Foundation. Roy lived in
89.
Tulsa. He was 85.
Summer 2012
21
Obituaries
tech
Friends We’ll Miss (Continued)
James Eugene Collier (MATH ’51) died Jan. 12, 2012. He
Michael Wayne Croom (MUED ’69) died July 9, 2012. He
was a four-year basketball letterman at Arkansas Tech
taught music and directed bands in the school districts
and a member of Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference
at North Little Rock, Fort Smith and Russellville during
championship teams in 1949, 1950 and 1951. A veteran
a 43-year career in education. Mike also served as an
of the Korean War, James added a degree in architectural
adjunct instructor at Arkansas Tech. He was inducted
engineering from the University of Texas at Austin
into the Arkansas Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Mu Hall
and spent a quarter-century working for the Bureau of
of Fame in recognition of his performance in and service
Reclamation and for Housing and Urban Development.
to the field of music education. Mike lived in Russellville.
James lived in Marble Falls, Texas. He was 82.
He was 64.
Bobbie Lee Wilson Pugh (HOME EC ’52) died April 9,
Harold E. “Gene” Loyd (BUAD/MKTG ’73) died July
2012. Bobbie lived in Mannford, Okla. She was 79.
17, 2012. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a controller for Consolidated
Sharon Belle Hon Martin (BUAD ’55) died June 28,
Printing in Van Buren. Gene lived in Alma. He was 65.
2012. In addition to being a homemaker, Sharon also worked as a real estate broker and was a former
Thomas Gideon Morris Jr. (ACCT ’80) died June 9, 2012.
employee of Olson Real Estate. Sharon lived in
He worked for Donrey Media for 10 years and Rheem
Russellville. She was 76.
Manufacturing for 21 years. Thomas lived in Fort Smith. He was 57.
Terry C. Boswell (ART EDU ’60) died May 13, 2012. He
22
Tech Action
taught at Harrison Junior High School for 21 years. Terry
Howard David “Tex” Pitts (HIST/POL SCI ’83) died
lived in Harrison. He was 72.
July 1, 2012. Tex served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was later an
Len Everette Blaylock (SOC STUDIES & JOUR ‘62) died
aircraft mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base for 20 years
March 25, 2012. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps
and a volunteer coach for Special Olympics. Tex lived in
during World War II and retired after 20 years at the rank
Oklahoma City, Okla. He was 74.
of major. Len worked as a store owner, cattle rancher, school teacher and principal before entering politics.
Sally Mae Bradley Ladd (M.Ed. ELED ’84) died June 11,
He worked under Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller as Arkansas
2012. She was a retired Assembly of God minister and
state welfare commissioner. Len was the 1972 Republican
elementary school teacher. Sally lived in Lamar. She was
nominee for governor in Arkansas and was later
89.
appointed by President Gerald Ford to serve as the U.S. Marshal of Eastern Arkansas. He served in that capacity
Clarence Edward Hesselrode Jr. (GEOL ’88) died July
from 1975-78 and was state chairman of the Arkansas
9, 2012. He was a captain with the District 7 Lutherville
Republican Party from 1985-86. Len lived in Perryville. He
Volunteer Fire Department. Clarence lived in Lamar. He
was 93.
was 49.
Virgie Viola Butler Bruce (ELED ’65) died June 28, 2012.
Dr. Stanley J. Henson (FMR FACULTY) died July 22,
She taught school at the Piney one-room school north of
2012. He was a member of the Arkansas Tech faculty
Mulberry during World War II and later had a 21-year career
in secondary education from 1970-96. Stanley taught
at Mulberry Elementary School. Virgie lived in Mulberry.
science in the public schools at Tulsa, Okla., and at
She was 89.
Oklahoma State University before joining the faculty at Arkansas Tech. Stanley lived in Russellville. He was 76.
Mitchell “Mitch” Jefferson Rogers (’67) died June 5, 2012. He worked for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Margie Lee Coffey (FMR STAFF) died June 13, 2012. She
from 1968-81 and for Ducks Unlimited from 1981-2005.
was an accountant at Arkansas Tech for 22 years. Margie
Mitch lived in Clinton, Mo. He was 68.
lived in Dardanelle. She was 84.
Tech Athletics
McSweeney chosen to lead Tech softball Kristina McSweeney has been selected as the head softball coach at Arkansas Tech University.
Mullins said that McSweeney was one of three finalists for the position that were brought on campus for interviews with the five-member search committee
Her appointment as the third head softball coach in
and Arkansas Tech President Dr. Robert C. Brown.
Golden Suns history was announced by Steve Mullins, director of athletics at Arkansas Tech, on Friday, June
A total of 80 individuals applied for the position.
22. McSweeney holds master’s degrees from East McSweeney was previously the head softball coach
Central University (Okla.) and Barry University (Fla.). She
at Seminole State College (Okla.), where she led
obtained Bachelor of Science degree from Barry and an
the Trojans to a 174-66 overall record and a pair of
Associate of Arts degree from Seminole State.
National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Tournament berths from 2009-2012.
Her collegiate playing career included two years at Seminole State, where she was named All-America as
Seminole State was 44-13 overall and finished as
a catcher in 2001; and two years at Barry, where she
runner-up in the NJCAA Region II Tournament during the
helped the Buccaneers reach the 2002 NCAA Division II
2012 softball season.
College World Series.
“We are very excited that Kristina has decided to join
McSweeney was named a National Fast Pitch
our athletic family at Arkansas Tech,” said Mullins in a
Coaches Association All-America Scholar Athlete in
news release from the Tech Department of Athletics.
2002 and 2003.
“She has had tremendous success building a winning program at Seminole State and we know she can achieve the same success here.”
McSweeney and her husband, Jim, have two
Summer 2012
children: Isabella (3) and Dario (1).
I would like to make a donation to the Arkansas Tech Alumni Association Scholarship:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in honor of __________________________________________________:
$__________
I would like to make a donation in memory of _________________________________________________:
$__________
Please make checks payable to the Arkansas Tech Foundation and write Alumni Scholarship in the memo field of the check. Donations may be mailed to the Arkansas Tech Foundation, 8820 Tech Lane, Russellville, AR 72801
Name_________________________________________________ Tech major and year ___________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
23
Graduated or attended (circle one)
let us hear
Spouse’s Name_______________________________________ Tech major and year ____________________________________ (include maiden name if applicable)
Graduated or attended (circle one)
Mailing address________________________________________ City__________________________ State_____ Zip __________ Telephone____________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________ Occupation: His________________________________________________ Hers __________________________________________ News: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mail class notes to Tech Alumni Office, 1313 N. Arkansas Ave., Russellville, AR 72801 or e-mail to alumni@atu.edu.
from you
Tech Action Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Alumni House 1313 North Arkansas Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 Arkansas Tech University Alumni Association Volume 48 No. 3
Arkansas Tech wins first GAC All-Sports Trophy Arkansas Tech won the inaugural
Included in Tech’s run to the GAC
Great American Conference All-Sports
All-Sports Trophy were league titles in
Trophy as the top overall athletics
volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s
program in the league for 2011-12.
basketball and women’s tennis as well as runner-up finishes in men’s golf and
Arkansas Tech accumulated
women’s golf.
67.1 points through its conference finishes in 10 sports — baseball,
Schools earned points toward
men’s basketball, women’s basketball,
the GAC All-Sports Trophy based
women’s cross country, football, men’s
upon their finish in all sports that are
golf, women’s golf, softball, women’s
sponsored by six or more member
tennis and volleyball.
institutions.
Second-place Harding University finished the 2011-12 academic
The regular season standings determined the points in sports
year with 56.2 points. Southwestern Oklahoma State University (3rd,
with a round-robin schedule. The conference championship event
50.4 points), East Central University (4th, 50.2 points), Henderson
determined the points in sports without a regular season format
State University (5th, 47.4 points), Ouachita Baptist University (6th,
(women’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s golf).
45.2 points), Southeastern Oklahoma State University (7th, 42.5 points), the University of Arkansas at Monticello (8th, 35.2 points)
The 2011-12 academic year was the first season of competition
and Southern Arkansas University (9th, 34.9 points) completed the
in the Great American Conference, which was accepted as the 23rd
final standings.
NCAA Division II conference on March 9, 2011.