Dr. Dixie Keyes, associate professor of middle-level education, is one of four university professors selected to review and provide an analysis of current education standards in Arkansas, in consultation with a state Department of Education committee. The department announced the review process for standards in math and English language arts. The review process is conducted every six years to help ensure students are properly prepared for college and careers.

Dr. Richard Grippo, professor of environmental biology, has been appointed to the Science Advisory Board of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The board's goal is to help reduce environmental impacts while maintaining and enhancing economic viability, especially in mining, agriculture and water quality. He also will serve on the Science and Technological Achievement Awards (STAA) committee, which promotes and recognizes scientific and technological achievement by EPA employees and collaborators.

Sandra Combs, associate professor of multimedia journalism production, was an invited speaker for the opening reception of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) 40th anniversary convention in Minneapolis. She reflected on her annual experiences as a convention participant since 1992. She also served as a faculty member for NABJ's Jshop, a week-long journalism workshop for high school students who aspire to become journalists.

Dr. John Mello, professor of marketing and director, Center for Supply Chain Management, is co-author of a paper just published in Transportation Journal, titled "Coping Strategies for Overcoming Constrained Supply Chain Technology: An Exploratory Study." Using qualitative research methods, the authors analyzed how firms use supply chain technology in developing countries. They found management utilizes strategies to relax constraints that adversely affect the use of supply chain technology.

Dr. Cheryl Dubose, assistant professor of magnetic resonance imaging and program director, participated in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Leadership Academy for Educators in Albuquerque. Dubose, who serves as president of the National Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology, was a faculty mentor for participants in the academy, which promotes a foundation of shared values and resources for continued success of the radiologic technology profession.

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