The Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Biology (second edition) includes a chapter written by Dr. Andrew Sweet, associate professor of evolutionary biology. The invited work focuses on cospeciation, which is when two different groups of organisms with close interactions, such as parasites and their hosts, have similar evolutionary histories. Sweet’s chapter highlights historical, theoretical and empirical perspectives on understanding the cospeciation process.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan, director of choral activities, was recognized as one of three recipients of the 2025 Trailblazer Awards, given by the Arkansas Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA Arkansas). The award celebrates educators and directors who embody the core values of ACDA Arkansas — musicianship, mentorship, and service to the community. Sullivan was recognized for exceptional contributions to collegiate choral artistry, student mentorship, and the broader musical community.

Dr. Holly Kathleen Hall, professor of strategic communication, served as chair of this year’s ethics month for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Board of Ethics and Professional Standards (BEPS). She developed five new ethics case studies, on topics in artificial intelligence and communication in polarized environments, for use by public relations professors and PRSA chapter ethics officers. Her article was published in PRSA’s publication, Strategies & Tactics.

A study by Dr. Stacy Dewald, assistant professor of criminology, has been published in Criminal Justice Policy Review. She examined how personnel in drug courts, mental health courts and veterans’ courts perceive incentives, sanctions and therapeutic adjustments. Results emphasize the need for better dissemination of guidelines and statewide oversight to support consistent best practices and effective program evaluation. The article is available online.

Dr. Banafsheh Aghayeeabianeh, assistant professor of sociology, is author of a research article published in Family Transitions Journal. Aghayeeabianeh explores how legal and political systems influence divorce rates. Her study examines the relationship between divorce laws and divorce rates, focusing on Iran’s legal shift toward more restrictive divorce laws. The study also addresses theoretical and methodological limitations in prior research.