Numerous faculty and staff will be involved with establishment and operation of the Governor Mike Beebe Economic Development & Education Institute.  Gov. Beebe (pictured) announced Saturday he will donate his gubernatorial papers, video, photographs and memorabilia to the university.  Tentative plans involve several university units, including Heritage Studies, Dean B. Ellis Library Archives, the V.C. Kays House, Department of Political Science in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, ASU Museum, College of Business, Delta Center for Economic Development and University Advancement.  Read about the institute's mission in the news release, or listen to Gov. Beebe's comments.

Chancellor Tim Hudson's report to the Board of Trustees Friday included a fast-paced video recap of campus highlights during the summer and early fall semester. Faculty and staff may enjoy the video here.

Check out the Homecoming website with video introduction of the "Celebrate the Legacy" theme, along with the schedule of activities, at AState.edu/a/homecoming/2014/.  Go, Red Wolves!

Dr. Amy R. Pearce, professor of psychology, is project director for the first Arkansas Science Festival, Oct. 3-11.  Joining Pearce on the team as co-directors are Dr. Karen L. Yanowitz, professor of psychology, and Dr. Anne A. Grippo, professor of biology and associate dean of Sciences and Mathematics.  Their goal for the project, for which they have secured partial funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, is to improve public understanding of the STEM disciplines.  The festival will emphasize hands-on, enjoyable, and educational STEM activities for audiences of all ages.  See the festival website and goals here.

Arkansas State University Museum has received a $90,013 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  Dr. Marti L. Allen, director, prepared the grant proposal.  The museum will use the funds to sustain three years of membership in the Arkansas Discovery Network, a coalition of six museums that develops and shares children's hands-on exhibits.  Network membership will enable the museum to continue offering STEM-supportive learning experiences designed for children and help support teachers and the core curriculum of Arkansas.  See details in the news release.

Dr. Holly Hall, associate professor of strategic communication, led a workshop for City of Jonesboro employees during which she discussed responsible social media use and the importance of incorporating an appropriate policy.  Hall reminded participants that even though we have First Amendment protection for freedom of speech, there can still be consequences. Hall also recorded a lecture on "Responsible Social Media Use" to be shown during orientation for new city employees.