Rebecca Oliver, director, and Jamie Beck (left), assistant director, of the Honors College, presented at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) conference in Denver.  Their presentation was titled "Challenging Climb:  Honors Living-Learning Community Growth and Development." Oliver also served on a panel presentation as a part of NCHC's "developing in honors" workshops for Honors administrators, faculty and professional staff.  This session focused on developing a unique identity for an honors program.

Reminder . . . Friday is the deadline for all faculty and staff to add or revise their benefit selections for 2015, including the flexible spending plan.  See the ASU System employee benefits page for access to the enrollment portal and details on insurance, retirement and other benefits.

Dr. Elizabeth Hood, distinguished professor of agriculture, was one of three invited speakers for the annual Biochemistry and Biotechnology Program, Symposium on Biotechnology, held recently at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.  Her talk was titled "Using the Corn Seed Biofactory to Produce Enzymes for Industrial Applications."  Before and after the symposium, Hood also participated with graduate students in panel discussions about careers in science.

The Wind Ensemble and Dr. Timothy Oliver (left), director of bands and coordinator of wind and percussion studies, are among an elite group invited to contribute to a new website, Conducting Masterclass, which features a series of videos geared toward high school and middle school band directors.  Dr. Timothy Crist, professor of music, collaborated with Oliver and the ensemble to tape, edit and provide technical support for "Ideas on How Harmony and Texture Help Create Musical Drama." See the news release.

While planning for 2015, this week is a good time to consider Chancellor Hudson's recent letter to the campus, noting A-State's partnership with United Way of Northeast Arkansas. Complete the pledge card by Friday, Nov. 21, to take advantage of payroll deduction.

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Buzby, assistant professor of political science, who is the 2014 recipient of the "You Made a Difference Award."  The Wilson Advising Center and Student Government Association collaborated to select the recipient of the student-nominated and student-selected award, given annually to a deserving adviser who students feel has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of A-State policies, procedures and curriculum, as well as concern and enthusiasm for student educational outcomes. She was one of 14 nominees representing seven colleges.