Dr. Argelia Lorence, professor of metabolic engineering, is one of four invited international scientists to give a plenary address for the opening of a new state-of-the-art research building in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The new facility is part of the Centro de Investigacion en Biotecnologia, Research Center of Biotechnology of Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos (Autonomous University of the State of Morelos), where Lorence taught previously.

Congratulations to Dr. Maureen Dolan, associate professor of molecular biology, who has been selected as October Professor of the Month by the Program-Level Assessment Committee and Office of Assessment at A-State. She and one of her former students, Jarrod Creameans, discuss how to develop students' interest in science, use of effective techniques and inspiration to encourage inquisitiveness, mentoring and formative assessment. The video is available online.

At the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) national conference in Minneapolis, Dr. Holly Hall, associate professor of strategic communication, was announced as incoming vice president and president-elect of Kappa Tau Alpha, a national college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication. Hall will serve in that role for two years before becoming president.

Dr. Frances Hunter, associate professor of English, was quoted in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about the work of music legend and Minnesota native Bob Dylan, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Hunter, who teaches a class on Dylan's poetry, is editor of a collection of scholarly essays, Professing Dylan, expected to be published in November. She also organizes Dylan Day during the annual Delta Symposium.

Dr. Bill Smith, executive director of marketing and communications, recently participated in a presentation on university marketing and brand awareness at the monthly meeting of the Arkansas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Smith was joined by UALR and Arkansas Travelers staff to discuss the challenges of launching new logos. His portion focused on the transition to Red Wolves and A-State.