Dr. Kimberley Davis, assistant professor of special education, led the Principles of Behavior training for the two-day "Special Education Training for Teachers and Paraprofessionals" Conference, conducted at A-State by the College of Education and Behavioral Science and with state Department of Education personnel. Davis, who also serves as president of the Arkansas Federation of the Council for Exceptional Children (AR-CEC), developed the idea for the collaborative conference.

Lisa Bohn, assistant professor of theatre, will serve as a faculty fellow in professional development, organizing and teaching workshops in teaching and learning, pedagogy, navigating the path to tenure, using technology in the classroom, and other topics for first and second-year faculty members. She is working closely with Academic Affairs personnel on new faculty orientation and setting up the seminar series for the ITTC Faculty Center fall programming.

Congratulations to Dr. Jill Simons, dean of University College, and Dr. Gina Hogue, associate vice chancellor for academic services, who were inducted as Apple Distinguished Educators. The ADE designation is for selected educational leaders worldwide who are recognized for producing and encouraging transformative learning. ADEs advise Apple on integrating technology into learning environments as well as share their expertise with other educators and policy makers. The induction was in Miami.

The July edition of the online publication University Business features advice from facilities professionals at five colleges and universities, including Al Stoverink, assistant vice chancellor for facilities management at A-State. Stoverink discussed the state legislature's changes in state policies that encourage energy conservation among public institutions and gives access to performance contracting techniques for reducing project costs through utility savings.

Dr. William McLean, chair of the Department of Political Science, has agreed to serve as interim chair of the Department of Criminology, Sociology and Geography for the upcoming academic year. McLean is familiar with the job, having previously served as interim chair after the death of Dr. Larry Salinger. Dr. Leslie McCallister is concluding her year as visiting interim chair and is returning to East Tennessee State University.