An article by Dr. Peter Ako Larbi, assistant professor of agricultural systems technology, has been published in the latest issue of Resource Magazine, the official publication of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Larbi, an active member of ASABE and two of its technical committees, titled his article, "Variable Rate Application and Swath Control Technology." The article is available online.

Congratulations to Arkansas Science Festival director Dr. Amy Pearce and co-directors Dr. Anne Grippo and Dr. Karen Yanowitz for their most recent achievement. The festival's tailgate tent component has been featured as a model 'Just Add Science' program by the national Science Festival Alliance and was highlighted in its newsletter. The tailgate tent also was featured in an article published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Science Communication.

Sandra L. Combs, associate professor of multimedia journalism production, is the new adviser to The Herald, the student-produced newspaper at A-State. She succeeds Bonnie Thrasher, who died in April. Combs, who joined the faculty in 2008, previously taught journalism at Michigan State and Wayne State, and was a journalist for newspapers in Detroit, Oakland and Fort Myers. Her research interests are gender studies, diversity, women's health and media issues.

Dr. Shane Hunt, dean of the College of Business, has been named one of three finalists for the Society for Marketing Advances 2015 Distinguished Teacher Award. Selection as a finalist reflects positively on the marketing education opportunities he and the college offer to A-State students. The winner will be announced in November at the 53rd annual SMA Conference in San Antonio. Details about the award are on the SMA website.

Jon Carvell, safety and emergency management coordinator, is organizing a special event Thursday for the first responders in the community who would come on campus in the event of an emergency. During a morning forum, Carvell will familiarize approximately 70 individuals with the latest maps and access routes. After a networking luncheon, they will participate in a driving tour with emergency vehicles on designated sidewalks to refresh their knowledge of the inner campus.