Dr. Argelia Lorence, associate professor of chemistry and physics, was introduced at the State Capitol as one of the inaugural group of five Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) Fellows. One ARA Fellow was selected from each of the state's research universities; Lorence was nominated by Chancellor Tim Hudson. The new program is a companion to the ARA Scholars program. Lorence and her National Science Foundation-funded research into plant stress was featured by A-State earlier this semester.

Congratulations to Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research, who is one of eight women statewide selected by Arkansas Money & Politics magazine as 2014 Women of Influence in business, public service and academia.  The article, "Leaders, Mentors, Innovators," cites the women, including Cooksey and alumna Beverly Nix, CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare Associated Regional Providers, in the latest issue of the magazine. 

The 31 individuals who have been selected by the Faculty Association for inclusion on the Distinguished Faculty Wall of Honor will be recognized Wednesday, Dec. 10.  The public event, which highlights the Faculty Association's annual holiday gathering, begins at 4 p.m. in Cooper Alumni Center.  Dr. John Hall, chair of the association's Historical Committee, oversaw the selection process for the Wall of Honor, which was begun as part of the university's Centennial Celebration. See the list of honorees.

On invitation from the National Japanese American Historical Society, Dr. Sarah Wilkerson-Freeman, professor of history, is exhibiting rare photographs from the Rohwer Japanese American Internment Camp at the Presidio in San Francisco through Jan. 4.  She developed the "Art of Injustice" exhibit as part of her research into the work of Paul and Ann Faris, who in 1945 chronicled the camp and the artists who were interned there.  NJAHS has more details online.

During the university Board of Trustees meeting Friday in Beebe, Chancellor Tim Hudson presented a video report summarizing major developments and achievements at the Jonesboro campus this semester.  Compiled by the video team in Marketing and Communications, the report reflects the continued progress at A-State.  Watch the report here.