Dr. Donald 'Bud' Kennedy, professor of animal science and associate dean of agriculture, was awarded the National Outstanding Teacher Adviser award by Delta Tau Alpha honor society during DTA's national convention in Hays, Kan. The group cited Kennedy for his service to students, both in the classroom and as faculty adviser to the A-State DTA chapter, which was named most outstanding chapter in the nation.

Dr. Diane Gilmore, instructor in biology, uses technology in real time in order to assess student progress and maximize student learning. In recognition of her efforts and demonstrated success, Gilmore has been selected by the Learning Outcomes Advisory Council and Office of Assessment as the A-State "professor of the month" for April. She and student Morgan Tripod explain more in a video.

Beth Smith, executive director of Alumni Relations, was recognized at the District IV conference of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with the 2016 Distinguished Achievement Award. The award recognizes individuals who make significant commitment to the advancement profession, both by service to their institution and volunteer service to CASE and CASE District IV. Smith also is executive director of the A-State Alumni Association.

Congratulations to 16 individuals across campus who have earned the confidence of their colleagues and been elected to serve in the Staff Senate.  Those elected and their respective employment categories are: Jeffrey Gulley, James Hart and Herbert Ogles, skilled crafts; Paula Broadway and Tammy Webb, service/maintenance; Katie Edwards, secretarial/clerical; Matt Huckaby and Sheryl Puckett, technical/para-professional; and Todd Clark, Angela Daniels, Emily Devereux, Rosemary Freer, Sharon Groves, Jarrod Long, Brian Pettie and Judy Reed, professional non-faculty. Senate officers will be elected in May.

Dr. Po-Lin Pan, associate professor of strategic communication, will receive the top faculty research paper award for sports communication at the International Communication Association convention in Fukuoka, Japan, this summer. He will present "Perceived Brand Personality through Sports Sponsorship: Locating a Blurred Line between Entertainment and Persuasion in Mediated Sports" to the convention of international scholars in media and communication research.