voices fall 2015
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FALL 2015, VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 ~ $6.00
A sea of emotion is visible during May 2015commencement exercises. In the last five years,A-State has conferred 19,139 degrees; 44 percentof those were graduate degrees and certificates.
FEATURES:
10 A PROMISE TOWARD THE FUTURE: RED WOLVES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
12 A NEW LANDMARK TAKES ITS PLACE ON CAMPUS
14 THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE: WILSON FAMILY GIFT
17 CAMPUS PAC PATHS PAVE THE WAY TO FITNESS
19 BUSINESS STUDENTS’ ‘VISION’ FINDS GOVERNOR’S CUP
PROFILES:
04 STUDENT PROFILE Japhanie Gray
06 CAMPUS PROFILE Julie J. Isaacson
08 ALUMNI PROFILE Wes Ward
DEPARTMENTS:
02MY VOICE Lynita Cooksey Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
24 THE LAST WORD Beth Smith, Executive Director A-State Alumni Association
in this issue:
Watch more of the
May ceremonies here.voices | 01
v o i c e sThe Magazine of Arkansas State University’s Alumni Association
EXECUTIVE EDITOR - BETH SMITH
EDITOR - DIANA MONROE
DESIGN - MARY R. WILLIAMS
PRINTING - A-STATE PRINTING SERVICES
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT - RICH CARVELL JR. '91
VICE PRESIDENT - CHARISSE QUARLES CHILDERS '88
SECRETARY-TREASURER - MARGO AUFDERHEIDE KAGEBEIN ‘76
PAST PRESIDENT - CHARLOTTE LUTES RAZER ‘86
DR. TIM HUDSON - CHANCELLOR
DR. JASON PENRY - VICE CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - BETH ASHCRAFT SMITH ’82
DIRECTOR, ALUMNI RELATIONS - LINDSAY HARMON BURNETT ’05
DIRECTOR, ANNUAL FUND - ELAINE MAYO POYNTER ’01
DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP -MARSHA MAYS CARWELL ’05
DIRECTOR, AFFINITY RELATIONS -AMANDA MILLER MCDANIEL ‘93
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - CARISSA KIRK GRIFFIN
Voices is published three times a year by the Arkansas StateUniversity Alumni Association. Subscriptions are availablethrough membership in the A-State Alumni Association. Singleissues are available for $6 each. Editorial offices are located inthe Cooper Alumni Center, 2600 Alumni Boulevard, Jonesboro,Arkansas. Our telephone number is (870) 972-2586 and ourfax number is (870) 972-2039.
MAIL CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: VOICES
A-STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 1990
STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72467
WEBSITE: AStateAlumni.org EMAIL: [email protected]
JOHN BAINE '97
RUSTY CHAMBERS '89
JANET DAVIS EVANS ‘80
LYNN SITZ HOWERTON '90
JAJUAN JOHNSON ‘02
BOB MCCUISTON '65
RICK MILES '78
BRANDON MORRIS ‘08
DALE MORRIS '70
JOY BAXTER MURPHY '92
PAUL ROWTON ‘98
BOB SCHOENBORN ‘67
STEVEN SIGSBY '72
MARK WEBB '89
NONIE SHEFFIELD WIGGINS '83
MIKE WILLIAMS '92
PEGGY ROBINSON WRIGHT ‘96
J. NIEL CROWSON ‘75 - EX OFFICIO
BOARD MEMBERS
fall 2015 | 02
Over the last year, I am certain you’ve heard about one of our initiatives to improve our ability to fulfillour mission at Arkansas State University. As an A-State alumna myself, I want to say to you, myfellow Indians and Red Wolves, we are enhancing our ability to educate the next generations of students.
Let me start with the primary reason for the realignment process. The current college alignments were created decades agoto fit the needs of the late 20th century. In light of the changing landscape of higher education, Arkansas State has not createda strategic plan that addresses the current organization of our academic colleges.
We have discussed the realignment of our administrative units for the past three years. We’ve included all our sharedgovernance groups in the discussion. Two task forces – one appointed by the Faculty Senate and one from my office – workedon proposed structures. They came to very similar conclusions: a six-college plan that our Shared Governance OversightCommittee accepted. With the input of faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders and students, Chancellor Tim Hudsonaccepted this plan at the close of the spring 2015 semester. The process is continuing in this academic year as we refine thedetails toward implementation in July 2016 for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Whether it is pursuing a national-level grant or working on local student projects, collaboration across disciplines isincreasingly important. The way we work in the early 21st century is in teams, and by reducing the artificial barriers ofcolleges, we can create attractive opportunities for faculty to forge new programs and new areas of study.
Many of our peer institutions in the state and in the region have restructured their colleges. Some did so to take advantageof the positive impacts; regrettably for them, some were in reaction to financial difficulty. We are being proactive in our desireto become more efficient. The budgetary reality is state and federal financing for higher education is declining nationwide. During our discussions, I’ve heard several rumors related to our realignment, and I want to address them for our concernedalumni. Our accreditations are not in jeopardy; individual programs–not colleges or schools–receive national accreditation.No one’s degree changes; diplomas are issued from Arkansas State just as they always have been.
Fellow alumni, the last rumor is one I particularly want to address to you––the rumor that the value of our degrees is lessened.That’s just not the case. The strength of our programs has always been, and always will be, you, our alumni. Yourachievements are the basis of our academic reputation.
In closing, I want to emphasize this: we teach flexibility, lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to our current generationof students. For our alma mater to enrich the future of our state and our region, we need, we must become – to employ theold quote – the change we embrace. Higher education in America has shifted over the past decade, and we are positioningArkansas State to become a leader. If you have other questions, I welcome them from you. Email me at [email protected].
Lynita M. Cooksey, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
my voice:LYNITA COOKSEY ‘79 BS, ‘81 MS
voices | 03
studentPROFILEJAPHANIE GRAY ‘15
fall 2015 | 04
voices | 05
he words of encouragement that would become hercommencement address to the Arkansas State University Class of
2015 poured from speaker Japhanie Gray’s pen onto the back of a radioscript during an on-location remote broadcast. She was working at oneof her two jobs in the final month of her college career.
That may appear to some as stacking a tough workload with school, butfor Japhanie, that is only part of her A-State involvement. Admittedly aperson who “loves to stay active at all costs,” she maintained a highgrade point average, was one of seven Distinguished Service Awardrecipients and graduated summa cum laude in May. Staying busy isnothing new to this radio-television graduate; her pathway to abroadcasting career was a different story.
“When I was in elementary school, I had not aclue about broadcast on up until my last year ofhigh school,” she explained. “My favoritesubject was science so I wanted to be one of thebest scientists in the world; I played in the dirtand loved bugs and animals.”
Gray said it was while serving in Junior ROTCat Osceola High School she was given the dailytask of leading the Pledge of Allegiance,observing a moment of silence, making themorning announcements over the intercomand reciting speeches and drama monologuesfor class when she fell in love with the ability totell a story through an interactive voice.
“That is what fired up my gears for radio andtelevision,” she noted. “People like Oprah andEllen and hosts of big awards ceremonies were ableto comfortably grab the attention of their audiences for the greater good.I told myself that indeed I can, and one day, I will be able to do just that.”
At Arkansas State, she volunteered for everything she could––fromnewscasts to TV productions to sporting events and more. She said shewas hooked and every time someone needed someone to help on a showof some sort, she was the first to volunteer. Eventually, she was able tomake and host her own programs, acting as the producer and then thestation manager.
“I created a program, ‘You, Me and the Community,’ to showcase non-profits in our community and what they did for others. This shined the
spotlight on them and promoted volunteerism throughout the studentbody and our community,” she said. “This show also gave students inbroadcast the opportunity to improve on production and creative skills.All around, this program made me feel blessed that I could communicatethe message of helping others by the use of educational television.”
Which brings us back to her commencement address; it’s a speechseveral say was the best ever delivered by a student. It made such animpression on featured speaker Chris Massingill, federal co-chair of theDelta Regional Authority, that he publicly offered her a job as aspeechwriter at the conclusion of her remarks.
“I scribbled things I believed needed to be heard in our generation,” Graysaid. “Things that could not only self motivate, but encourage those who
would hear my words. Throughout the finaltwo weeks of school right before graduation,I edited and continued to edit and practiceuntil I nearly memorized it.
“It was important to me to produce a perfectproduct because at the end of the day, it wasn’tfor me, it was for the family that I call A-State’sclass of 2015. It was their moment to standin the spotlight. I was just the voice that wasthere to remind them of just how bright theirlight could shine.”
Gray said her ultimate career goal is to oneday go down in history as one of the mostinfluential, motivational television talk showhosts the world will ever see. She plans towork toward making the concept of herprogram ‘You, Me and the Community’ even
more of a reality by taking it global and recognizing “the many known andunknown organizations and individuals who have dedicated their livesto serving others.”
She is rightfully proud of her A-State experience; she said she’ll rememberArkansas State as “a vessel of diverse opportunity that has allowedstudents to seek and find who they are, what they stand for and how tomake their future dreams come true.”
Arkansas State will remember Japhanie Gray. We look forward to herrealizing her dreams, too.
T
Japhanie Gray is one of several A-State alums employed at KAIT. Catch her speech from themorning commencement ceremony here.
profile extra:
“PEOPLE LIKE OPRAH AND ELLEN AND HOSTS OF BIG AWARDS CEREMONIESWERE ABLE TO COMFORTABLYGRAB THE ATTENTION OF THEIR AUDIENCES FORTHE GREATER GOOD.I TOLD MYSELF THAT INDEED I CAN, AND ONE DAY, I WILL BE ABLE TO DO JUST THAT.”
PROFILEJULIE J. ISAACSON
fall 2015 | 06
er maiden name, Juer, is of Austrian descent; the "J" is notpronounced.
That "J" may be the only part of Julie J. Isaacson that remains silent.
The associate professor of nursing has returned to the classroom full-time this fall, winding up her leadership role as president of A-State'sFaculty Association and chair of Faculty Senate.
Her associates know her as one who chooses herwords carefully, speaking eloquently from herteaching experience and her dedication toArkansas State University.
Recognizing her potential, faculty colleagueschose her in 2012 to be association president-elect. When the then-president left A-State foranother institution, Isaacson was thrust intothe presidency a year early, followed by her fulltwo-year term.
"The timing to serve in this capacity was animportant factor. We had experienced unprece-dented administrative turnover and essentiallyhad a new administrative team in place," sherecalled. "I believed the faculty and administrationwould be willing to take a breath and worktogether in the best interest of the institution and its students."
As the faculty's representative in administrative deliberations, shehas been integrally involved in campus advancements regarding sharedgovernance, institutional accreditation review and renewal, organizationalre-structuring and other issues that concern educators.
Those who have watched her chair meetings of the Faculty Senate haveadmired her leadership style, encouraging thoughtful debate on issueswhile finding the most optimal course for the educational mission ofthe university.
Part of the challenge she faced was continuing her work with studentswhile leading the faculty.
"The students always come first––that is why we are here," she asserts."Whenever I could, I would involve them in my experiences. They'grounded me' when I was overwhelmed with issues and concerns."
One of her privileges as Faculty Association president was to speak at
commencement ceremonies. Having addressed thousands of studentsover the past three years, she may be better known to more graduatesthan any other current faculty member.
During spring commencement, she remindedthe new degree holders they are joiningnumerous A‑State alumni whose personal andcareer achievements are outstanding. She
challenged them to continue to be inquisitivein whatever course they pursue, and to keepin touch with Arkansas State as it continuesthrough one of the most transformative periodsin its history.
While the association presidency was " … moreencompassing than I had envisioned," with ahuge portion of the work conducted betweenmeetings, she enjoyed the experience very much.
"I am overwhelmed and flattered by the trustplaced in me by so many, faculty andadministration alike," said Isaacson, a faculty
member since 1987, noting the guidance she received from individualswith long-term senate experience. "It is a privilege to be exposed to the bigpicture as well as the day-to-day, faculty/student picture. The perspectiveis different."
Her most significant accomplishments, in her judgment, were in buildingrelationships, trust and transparency.
During the last Arkansas State University Board of Trustees meeting whereshe represented the faculty, Chancellor Tim Hudson surprised her withthe first "Chancellor's Exemplary A-State Colleague Award" for her"sagacious, tenacious, fair-minded, selfless service."
A voice for the faculty, a voice for higher education, a voice never silent– Julie J. Isaacson.
voices | 07
H
Watch as Carli Weathers, great-granddaughter of Dr. Carl R. Reng, talks abouther connection to A-State and her own graduation in May.
profile extra:
"THE STUDENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST––
THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE," . . . WHENEVER I COULD, I WOULD INVOLVE THEM IN MY EXPERIENCES. THEY 'GROUNDED ME' WHEN I WAS OVERWHELMED WITH ISSUES AND CONCERNS."
alumniPROFILEWES WARD ‘06
fall 2015 | 08
voices | 09
Wes Ward talks more about his time at A-State and how it is helping himin leading the state’s Department of Agriculture.
profile extra:
s a child growing up in Lake City in eastern Craighead County,Wes Ward had one career goal; he wanted to be a soldier.
Following graduation from Riverside High School in 2000, Wardfulfilled his lifelong ambition and joined the U.S. Marines. After acouple of years, the desire to be closer to home and family promptedWard to return to Northeast Arkansas and pursue a college degree.
“I guess my earliest recollection of Arkansas State University was thedocumentary film ‘Hoop Dreams,’ Ward said. “And it was a strongagriculture school. That’s about all I knew about Arkansas State.”
Ward said because he grew up surrounded byagriculture, he believed A-State was a goodchoice for him. It would indeed serve him well.
He chose agricultural finance as an emphasisarea, but discovered something else that provedimportant to his college experience: rodeo.
“I was an older student, a veteran, andsometimes people think because of thatservice you’re more mature and don’t needas much help,” Ward said. “We’ve learnedthat transitions back to civilian life needconnections, and for me, becoming a part of the rodeo team wasthat support system.”
A bare-back horse and bull rider for the team, Ward recalled thatwhile his results weren’t spectacular, there was one importantlesson he learned in the club.
“Rodeo is very similar to the military; you have a close-knitbunch of folks who are looking out for each other,” he said. “It’snot really about beating another person in competition. You’reeither trying to beat the clock or best the animal. That’s howagriculture works, too. We’re better when farmers work together.”
Following graduation, Ward made the decision to study law.There he realized the true value of his A-State education.
“Law school is a lot of work,” he said. “The teachers areextremely demanding. My time in the College of Agricultureprepared me for that first year.”
He is especially grateful to Dr. Bert Greenwalt, the person whowas his biggest influence, always challenging him to do betterand helping him make job connections.
“It was obvious then that Wes was a leader and would make asignificant contribution to society,” said Greenwalt, who is professorof agricultural economics at A-State. “As an agribusiness major,he was the top student in my two senior agribusiness courses.”
After he earned his law degree, Ward wentback to law school to get a master’s oflaw in agriculture and food technology.All these experiences led to him beingnamed secretary of agriculture by Gov.Asa Hutchinson earlier this year.
“Agriculture is the number one industryin Arkansas and yet our agriculturedepartment is only starting its 10th year.
“My hope is we bring our department inline with other states that have had an agriculture department fora longer period of time. Our goal is to promote Arkansasagriculture and to help producers become more successful, notonly in growing their crops and livestock, but in marketing theirproducts as well.”
Greenwalt has no doubt his former student will do well in hisnew position.
“Given the trend of agricultural policy devolution from thefederal to the state level and an increasingly complex regulatoryenvironment, Wes’s education in agribusiness, economics andlaw is excellent preparation for dealing with the responsibilitiesof the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.”
A
“AGRICULTURE IS THENUMBER ONE INDUSTRY IN ARKANSAS
AND YET OUR AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT IS ONLY STARTING ITS 10TH YEAR.”
fall 2015 | 10
For Arkansas
State, success in
life is paramount
to success in
sporting events.
The Red Wolves
Academy is
preparing
student-athletes
for that
realization.
ll collegiate athletics departments across the country
place an emphasis on graduation, but Arkansas
State takes it a step farther with a bold promise: 100 percent
job placement for all its graduating student-athletes.
A-State has met the job-placement goal through its
newly developed Red Wolves Leadership Academy,
which continues to strengthen with a new study-
abroad component added to foster global awareness.
This past summer Arkansas State student-athletes took
part in the first study-abroad program offered by an
athletics department in the nation. The program goes
hand-in-hand with the Red Wolves Leadership Academy,
designed by A-State Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir.
“We place the highest priority on education, and Arkansas
State University provides one of the best in the nation,”
said Mohajir. “When you take that kind of education and
add experiences such as this outside-the-typical-classroom
environment, it becomes a very powerful combination
that, as of right now, only our student-athletes will have.
“You have to look at the big picture, and truly say ‘In
the end, what is our purpose here?’ Yes, we want our
student-athletes to be successful in competition and
win championships. However, it all comes down to
making sure they graduate and leave here in the best
position possible to succeed in life after college.
The Red Wolves’ study-abroad facet is a groundbreaking
step, and its first group of student-athletes went to London
on a faculty-led academic program. For Mohajir, this is
just one of the many ways it all comes back to providing
the Red Wolves with the most comprehensive experiences
possible to be successful in life.
The addition of study-abroad to the RWLA is based
on research supporting the positive impact of these
types of experiences for today’s student. Media sources
like CNN, research studies from UC-Merced and our
own Chancellor Dr. Tim Hudson’s experience leading
hundreds of students abroad during his academic
career provide evidence that these experiences lead to
more responsible global citizens.
The inaugural group of Arkansas State student-athletes
who took advantage of the study-abroad program represent
seven different sports: football, men’s and women’s
basketball, volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s golf
and women’s tennis.
“I enjoyed exploring a new culture and interacting with
some of the international sports like rugby and soccer,” said
Booker Mays, a grad student on the A-State football team.
“It was a great opportunity to experience that atmosphere
and see how it all kind of ties us together as a society.
“I believe this kind of trip is definitely an investment into
your personal future and gives you an edge in the job
market. Some of the things that stand out for me are
this not only makes you more culturally diverse, it puts
you in a situation where you are taking on and completing
a major assignment. This was a life-changing experience.”
A Promise toward the future: the Red Wolves Leadership Academy
A
Click to view a
gallery of photos
from the study-
abroad trip.
voices | 13 voices | 11
An excellent example of the value of thementorship program is A-State alumnusSteve Bryant and Kenny Rains.
Bryant, who played on the 1970 CollegeDivision national championship A-Statefootball team, works in the pharmaceuticalindustry; Rains earned a degree in electricalengineering while playing football from2010-14. The two were paired up becauseBryant is a well-respected figure in Batesville,Ark., and Rains was looking for a job inthe same community.
“Whether the mentor shares the same careerfield these graduates are pursuing or is partof the community where they want to live,this is a great program that opens new doorsfor these young people,” said Bryant. “In thecase of Kenny, his fiancée–now wife–Suzanne,was living and working in Batesville as avolleyball coach at Southside High School.Kenny wanted to live and work in Batesville,so the mentorship made sense in this case.” A-State Senior Associate Athletics DirectorRich Zvosec, who oversees the Red WolvesLeadership Academy, connected Rainsand Bryant. “I introduced Kenny to some of the uppermanagement at corporations in our area, andthey were all interested in him,” Bryant said.“He has a fascinating background, heinterviews well and he’s a good person toinclude in any plans for the future.”
One of the corporations was Bad Boy Mowers;they were so impressed with Rains, theycreated a new position tailored to specificallyfit his strengths and the insight he provides.He believes the Red Wolves LeadershipAcademy played an instrumental role helpinghim get where he is now professionally. “If Steve had not put me in front of the rightpeople, this would have never happened,”said Rains. “Now I’m helping Bad Boy witheverything from developing new productsto electrical redesigns.” Bryant and Rains both say the mentorshipgoes beyond just job placement–the programis rewarding beyond its ultimate goal. “I think this is about building relationships asmuch as it is about a mentorship, and it hasevolved into a friendship with Steve,” saidRains. “We still go out to eat at least onceevery other week to talk and hang out.” “This (mentorship) gives us, the ones whoplayed for A-State years ago and graduatedand moved on, an opportunity to providesomething that maybe we weren’t as fortunateto have while we were there,” Bryant said. “Itmakes you feel good to be a part of helpingsomeone get into a company, and then, inturn, seeing that person help that companybe successful. If we want these graduates tobe committed to our program for life, weneed to be committed to helping themmove forward with their lives.”
Leading the student-athletes was Dr. Gabriel Tait, an
A-State assistant multimedia journalism professor,
and Abby Wilson, the Red Wolves’ associate athletics
director for student services.
Tait, who has traveled to 29 countries during his
academic and professional careers, was the Red Wolves’
professor. Prior to joining Arkansas State, he led three
study-abroad assignments as an instructor in Kenya,
Tanzania and Haiti.
Partnering with International Studies Abroad (ISB),
Arkansas State sent its student-athletes to several site
visits, including Arsenal Stadium, London’s Olympic
venues, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Wimbledon and
Twickenham Stadium. A-State’s travel party also met
with the British minister for the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport.
“I never thought as a student-athlete I would have this
chance because you don’t really have an offseason until
your last semester,” said Hannah Robey, a senior on the
A-State volleyball team. “The fact (A-State) came up
with this and it was something I could actually pursue
just made me excited it worked out.
“I believe to a future employer this could be something
they really notice–that even while participating in
collegiate athletics and maintaining good grades, I was
able to go represent my university by participating in
a study-abroad trip.”
In addition to the study-abroad program and job-
placement components, another key element that has
made the Red Wolves Leadership Academy successful is
heavy participation by a large group of mentors paired with
student-athletes in order to educate and provide professional
guidance. A-State Senior Associate Athletics Director Rich
Zvosec oversees the process, assigning students to mentors
based on professional aspirations within the same career
field or geographic location.
“We’re fortunate to have an outstanding group of
mentors who have been successful in all phases of life
and who are committed to our Red Wolves Leadership
Academy,” said Zvosec. “They understand what we’re
trying to accomplish and the impact this program can
have on our future leaders. Our students have also
bought-in to the program and responded well to the
insight their mentors have provided.”
Zvosec said the first calls made to potential mentors starts
with all A-State alumni, but former student-athletes
are priority targets because of their personal connection
with the athletics program. While the number of mentors
continues to grow, more than 40 current mentors
have been assembled, including former letter winners
like Terry Gwin (football), Dr. Abby Cheng (volleyball)
and Dave Rodley (track and field).
Graduate school also falls under the all-encompassing
umbrella provided by the Red Wolves Leadership Academy
and is included in its goal of 100 percent job placement,
because it has a significant impact on future employment.
mentorship program withKENNY RAINS AND STEVE BRYANT
fall 2015 | 12
t seems like a whole different world.”
That’s how Dr. Joseph Key, chair of the Department of
History, described the Humanities and Social Studies
Building that now houses his program.
In late June, faculty and staff began relocating into the
new building from their former offices in Wilson Hall.
While students attended a few classes during the second
summer term, the beginning of the fall semester marks
the start of a new era at Arkansas State University.
Key said coming north on Caraway Road and topping
the hill by the Jonesboro Police Department, he has a
clear view of the new building, and believes it will catch
the eyes of prospective students as well.
“I can point to it and say ‘that’s our building,’” he said.
“It rivals any building in the state.”
With formal dedication set for Sept. 18, Humanities and
Social Sciences is the main factor of a long journey for
A-State to reshape the heart of the campus.
“There are two components to the structure,” noted
David Handwork, A-State director of planning, design
and construction. “First, you have Wilson Hall, being the
historic marquee building being replaced by the marquee
building of the 21st Century––a fully modern facility
capable of supporting the latest technology located in the
heart of the campus. Every student will have classes there.
“The other component is the New York Institute of
Technology’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. The stars
aligned just at the right time, and Wilson Hall, in which
every living alumnus took a class, will be repurposed for
a new landmark program for Jonesboro and the Delta
region. Thanks to this partnership, NYIT will educate
family physicians and others who’ll go back and serve
their communities.”
Handwork said the genesis of the idea for a new structure
began in 1997 and was discussed again in 1999. In 2002,
the Arkansas General Assembly appropriated $2.7 million
toward planning, design and other necessary work, and
the first set of construction drawings was completed. The
razing of Seminole Twin Towers residence hall and the old
post office building came next in 2006. In 2008 the state
provided more funds toward the project, which was
announced by then-Governor Mike Beebe at a
groundbreaking ceremony.
“Then the recession hit,” Handwork said, “and the
project sat dormant for almost four years––it was just a
steel skeleton of a building.”
The state again provided funds to put a ‘skin’ on the
building in 2012; that included brick and windows to
protect it from the elements. In late 2012, the Arkansas
State University Board of Trustees approved a bond issue
to finance the completion of the structure. The state has
provided $17 million total in general improvement funds
toward the planning and construction of the $36 million
facility.
“IA facility almost
20 years in the
making takes its
place as the
marquee of the
A-State campus,
and the stately
Wilson Hall
prepares for
another historic
chapter in
the life of
the university.
The four-story, 120,000-square-foot facility, is one of the
largest instructional buildings on a university campus in
the state of Arkansas, and has been labeled by Dr. Chuck
Welch, ASU System president, as “a campus icon for
academic excellence.”
“Everything about it was intentional in its planning,”
Handwork said. “It’s probably the first campus building
in which the Department of Information and Technology
Services was an integral part of the building design early on.
“We have a good infrastructure that’s needed for
information and technological resources. Our greatest
obstacle was making sure it would fit programmatic
needs. In the span of two years, we went from wired to
wireless; in the beginning plans we had never imagined
iPhones or Wi-Fi and there was no iPad to use in a
classroom.”
The first major instructional facility to be built on the A-
State campus since the completion of the Donald W.
Reynolds Center for Health Sciences in 2009, Handwork
said the architect purposefully paid homage to Wilson
Hall by including art deco designs in the columns and
pillars of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.
In addition to classrooms, computer labs, and faculty and
staff office spaces, the facility has two dedicated spaces on
the north and south sides of the atrium that rise through
the center of the building. An Einstein Brother’s Bagel
outlet–only the second of the East Coast’s chain located
in the state–is also located in the building, providing
students with coffees, drinks, prepared sandwiches and
snacks.
Handwork said the structure is extremely well designed
and well thought out, with “spectacular views of town
and the campus.
“One can look to the South down the Caraway Mall to
the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and observe the life of
the university,” he said. “At night there’s the added
beauty of the building’s atrium and the glow of the Reng
Student Union to the North. The stately sorority row sits
to the East and the Historic Mall with Wilson Hall is to
the West. We’ve moved back into the world and think
more than just the classroom itself enhances the learning
experience.
“It’s going to be a very special place way past our children
and grandchildren’s use,” he noted. “Names associated
with the project may not be familiar to students 80 years
from now, but the work they’ve performed will stand the
test of time and be appreciated.”
“It’s going to be a very special place way past
our children andgrandchildren’s use... Names associatedwith the project
may not befamiliar to students80 years from now,
but the workthey’ve performedwill stand the testof time and beappreciated.”
–– David Handwork ‘93
You can see more of the new
Humanities and Social
Sciences Building here.
voices | 13
erry Wilson, great-great grandson of R.E. LeeWilson of Mississippi County, has announced his
family will endow a faculty chair in Agricultural Businesswith a $1 million gift to Arkansas State University.
“It is very, very important to my family that ArkansasState carries on the tradition it has had in educatingfolks to go into agriculture and into business,” Wilsonsaid. “That’s the real purpose of the endowment; to bea crossover between the agriculture school and thebusiness school.”
Wilson said a lot of people come into farming who arewell educated in agriculture, but lack the businesstraining they need, for instance, to market their crops.Because Arkansas State is, what he said, “smack in themiddle of the Delta,” the university finds itselfuniquely situated to address that concern.
“Perry Wilson and his family have been a part ofArkansas State for nearly a century; their leadershipand philanthropy have contributed to the veryfabric of our university,” said Dr. Tim Hudson, A-Statechancellor. “This generous gift to create an endowedchair further extends the Wilson family’s legacy.
“The position it supports will allow our agriculturalbusiness program to lead the way for generations tocome. It is a significant gift for Arkansas State andthe publics we serve.”
According to Dr. TimothyBurcham, agriculture dean,the endowed faculty chairin agricultural business willensure academic distinctionat A-State by attracting a
fall 2015 | 14
The Mississippi
County family’s
involvement
of almost
a century
again makes a
difference in
the study of
agricultural
business.
P
Wilson family endows faculty chair in A-State
Dr. Timothy Burcham
faculty member who exhibits the highest degree ofexcellence in agri-business.
“When you look at having an endowed faculty chair,that sets you at a whole other level with regard to thetype of individual you’re recruiting,” said. “This is atremendous program and concentration that willallow us to do a great job with our students.”
The professor who fills this position will use theendowment’s interest proceeds for teaching, researchand/or service-related activities to help agri-businessstudents gain an in-depth understanding of agri-business,food systems, production management, farm and ranchmanagement, commodity trading and environmentalissues. The holder will help shape the discipline’scurriculum and, in turn, ensure A-State students willbe prepared to meet the challenges and demands oftoday’s global society.
Wilson said the legacy of his family is what broughthim to A-State, but seeing how the university hasadvanced since he has been involved has been“thrilling.” He said the endowed chair position willdraw focus to a subject that may have previouslylacked focus by any one institution.
“Possibly that will draw students here who are looking forthat type of comprehensive agri-business,” he explained.
Planning coursework and selecting the chair holder willtake time, Burcham said. The university hopes to havea curriculum in place for the fall 2017 semester.
“It is very, very
important to my
family that
Arkansas State
carry on the
tradition it has had
in educating folks
to go into
agriculture and
into business ...
–– Perry Wilson
College of Agriculture and Technology
voices | 15
Click to see Perry Wilson
describe the impact of
this new chair.
During these late summer days and into the fall season, Arkansas StateUniversity’s PAC Paths program is encouraging students, faculty and staff, alumni
and members of the community to come to campus for exercise and recreation.
The PAC (Pedestrian And Cyclist) Paths are marked trails on A-State’s roads and multi-usepaths through campus. Designated in spring 2014, the PAC Paths represent 8.1 miles ofthe campus transportation network and are marked with the “share the road” sharrow symbol.
To make usage easier, A-State designed two PAC Paths Loops. The 1-mile Family Loop windsthrough the core areas of campus and is almost entirely off roadways on the multi-use paths.
“We see the Family Loop as a great starting point for youngsters to learn with parents to ridea bicycle or as a great way for groups to start walking or running programs for personal fitness,”A-State executive director of marketing and communications Bill Smith said.
The Family Loop includes the ASU Museum, located in the Dean B. Ellis Library. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Saturday and with free admission, the museum is a great rest stop for families who are riding on campus.The ASU Museum has bike racks near its main entrance and a water bottle filing station located inside.
A 3.25-mile Campus Loop primarily uses the sharrowed roads of campus, and is geared more for riders whowant more distance or higher speeds with the lower traffic environment of the A-State campus.
“Certainly runners can follow the Campus Loop on the sidewalks and get a good 5K distance,” Smith added.
During A-State’s business hours, non-university community members are encouragedto use the visitor parking spaces located along University Loop. To use the FamilyLoop without venturing onto regular roads, the visitor spots in lot S-18, located
east of the Fine Arts Complex near the Red W.O.L.F. Center, are the best option.For runners and riders using the Campus Loop, convenient visitor parking is availablein lot SE-1A located on University Loop on the west side of the Village Apartments.
“We want to let everyone know our PAC Paths are open to all,” Smith said. “If you’re coming during the day, make sure to use visitor spaces away from the campus core buildings.”
Individuals and families who want to drive to campus to walk, run or ride after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all dayon Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when the university is closed, can use any non-reserved parking lot.
To download maps of the PAC Paths and the new PAC Paths Loops, go to AState.edu/Bike and look for the PAC Paths Loops link.
Learn the rules of the road when it comesbicycle riding on the A-State campus.
voices | 17
For its work on the PAC Paths, A-State was named the first BFU in Arkansas.
voices | 19
“Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting themtogether in a new way.”
That quote, attributed to former media executive Tom Freston,accurately describes the way a group of Arkansas State Universitystudents took an idea––an automated irrigation system––and turnedit into the winning entry for the state’s prestigious 15th annualDonald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup collegiate business plancompetition. The award was presented in April during a ceremony atthe Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
The group–known as AgriculturalInnovations–is comprised of fourmanagement majors, including JoshuaBaker, Justin Bagley, Frank Kelley andDirk Tanner, and Master of Science inengineering student Kenny Rains.
They developed a sensor-driven irrigationsystem called WellsVision that wouldsignificantly aid farmers in their monitoringprocess. The team won $1,000 for becomingfinalists after delivering oral presentations in earlyApril. They were awarded $25,000 for their first-place finish in the graduate division. They also tookhome $3,000 for finishing second in the ArkansasFarm Bureau Agriculture Awards, and they won theDelta Plastics Innovation Award of $5,000 in thegraduate division.
“Josh Baker, an Iraqi war veteran, has afather-in-law who could not make it to Sundaydinner one day because he needed to turnon his well, and that’s how the business ideastarted,” said Dr. Erick Chang, A-State associateprofessor of marketing in the College of Business.“Justin, Franklin and Dirk all took my small businessmanagement class. Then, Ken, the only graduatestudent, joined the team after Dirk (his roommate)asked him. None have a degree beyond theirundergraduate studies and did not rely onlots of money in research to come up withtheir product. They just did their best.”
“Our win showed the education we’ve received at Arkansas State issecond to none,” noted Baker. “Not only can we compete with otherteams in-state and across the nation, but we can win.”
Having won the state award, in late May the Agricultural Innovationsteam traveled to Las Vegas to contend for the tri-state title against thewinners of the Oklahoma and Nevada state-level competitions. At thatcompetition, Baker won the graduate ‘elevator pitch’ segment of thecompetition, in which he presented the group’s business idea, marketingstrategy and competition to potential investors––all in just 90 seconds.He brought home a $2,000 prize.
“I am so proud of the great work ourstudents did, and so thankful for the
outstanding leadership of Dr. ErickChang, who runs our business plan
competition,” said Dr. Shane Hunt, dean ofthe College of Business. “Our future as auniversity, business community and state are verybright with entrepreneurs like these."
“The networking opportunity from the Governor’sCup was the practical application and the
culmination of all we learned in the College ofBusiness,” Baker noted. “We met business memberswho can invest in our product themselves or put us incontact with others who might be interested ininvesting.”
Baker said WellsVision has gained quite a bit of interestand is now in the prototype stage. He said with close to$40,000 from the competition and their own personalsavings, they are on their way to seeing their venture inproduction.
“These guys–four undergrads and one master ofscience student–performed at a competitive levelversus students with MBAs and year of corporateexperience,” Chang noted. “That really tells abouthow prepared our students are to face these types ofchallenges. My hope is their accomplishmentsserve as an example of what future students cando to follow and even surpass them.”
BUSINESS STUDENTS’ ‘VISION’ FINDS GOVERNOR’S CUP
fall 2015 | 20
voices | 23voices | 21
scholarship presentations
JULY 16, 2015student send-off See more of the send-off event.
Alumni from around Arkansas represented the Alumni Association bydelivering good news–the students received A-State scholarships.
MAY 13-14, 2015coaches caravan
fall 2015 | 22
APRIL 2, 2015wilson award Learn more about the Wilson Award recipient.
A-State’s coaching staff traveled the region to talk A-State football 2015.
JUNE 23, 2015red wolves on the rooftop
voices | 23
Central Arkansas alums met at the ASU System Office to hear campus updates.
APRIL 17, 2015a-state spring game See the first female head coach, kids’ fun and more here.
the last word:BETH SMITH ‘82 BS, ‘03 MA
fall 2015 | 24
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Dear Friends,
As this issue of VOICES comes to you we are
early in our 2015 fall semester and celebrating
the return of our students. Although it is much easier to park, it is not as vibrant as when the
students are here. We miss them in the summer months.
How exciting it is to see the opening of the new Humanities and Social Sciences building. What
an amazing space to learn, to study and to grow. Be sure to read the article in this issue that
highlights this magnificent building featured on the cover and what it brings to our campus
community. Someone who would be especially proud of this building is the late Dr. Sam
Gennuso who died in June. At the time of his retirement in May 2014, he was the longest-
serving faculty member at A-State, having joined the faculty in 1963 as an English and literature
professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. We mourn his passing but celebrate
the many student lives he impacted during his tenure.
We are also working with an exciting new venture that will be initiated this fall, which includes
a template of professional objectives for students. These objectives will include setting up a
profile on LinkedIn, networking, résumé and job skills. Each step will be targeted to students at
the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior level so they move smoothly through the process.
As they approach graduation, they’ll not be just ready to seek employment, but prepared to do
so. This is collaborative effort that includes many areas of campus, but specifically Academic
Affairs, Student Affairs and Career Services, and we are delighted to partner with them in its
implementation.
The number of License2HOWL scholarships continues to grow thanks to those of you in
Arkansas who take your pride for a ride. We awarded $95,000 in scholarships this year–but I
think we can get to $100,000. If you have a plate, thank you; please encourage another A-State
alum or fan to join you in supporting this program. Plates are available at every revenue office
in Arkansas. There is a special bond between those of us who share the road as Red Wolves. We
honk and throw our “Wolves Up” as we pass on the highway. Howl Yes!
Sharing your pride in A-State,
Beth Smith
Executive Director
The annual meeting of the Alumni Association will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at theCooper Alumni Center. Please make plans to attend.
voices | 29voices | 25For the most up-to-date list of events, visit AState.edu/Homecoming.
HOMECOMING
2 15
Mark your Calendars for
October 2nd, 3rd & 4th
weekend
Thursday, October 1Bonfire and Yell Like Hell
TBA • 870.972.2055
Friday, October 2Class of 1965 Golden Anniversary Reunion
11 a.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586ROTC Alumni Reception and Open House
3-6 p.m. • Military Science Armory • 870.972.2064S-TAC Black & Red Gala, A-State STARZ Social Reception
8:30 p.m. • Wolf Creek Clubhouse • 870.972.3062
Saturday, October 3College of Business Homecoming Breakfast
8:30 - 10 a.m. • Hames Room, Convocation CenterDistinguished Alumni Brunch
9 a.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Business Meeting
10 a.m. • St. Francis River Room, Student Center • 870.972.3062Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Outstanding Alumni
and Scholarship Award Brunchnoon • Spring River Room, Student Center • 870.972.3062
College of Education & Behavioral ScienceDistinguished Alumni Award Ceremony
2 p.m. • College of Education & Behavioral Science • 870.972.3112
College of Nursing & Health Professions Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony
2 p.m. • College of Nursing & Health Professions • 870.972.3112Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Homecoming Stepshow
TBA • 870.972.3062ROTC Tailgate
The Pines • 870.972.2064Honors College Association (HCA) Homecoming Tailgate
3 - 5:30 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2308Alumni Association All-Alumni Tailgate
4 - 5:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.2586College of Media & Communication Tailgate
4 - 6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2468College of Sciences and Mathematics TailgateTBA • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City
College of Humanities & Social Sciences Tailgate4 - 6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium, Tailgate City • 870.972.2468
Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter Tailgate4 - 5:30 p.m. • Cooper Alumni Center • 870.972.3062
A-State vs. Idaho6 p.m. • Centennial Bank Stadium
Pre-game: Homecoming Royalty AnnouncedHalftime: 2015 Distinguished Alumni Recognition
Tickets. AState.eduStrong-Turner Alumni Chapter Party
10 p.m. • A-State Convocation Center • 870.972.3062
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history:From the 1965 yearbook: Life in an A-State residence hall
Sights and sounds you’re sure totreasure from the A-State choirs
and the campus bell tower.