Dr. Veena Kulkarni, associate professor of sociology and director of graduate studies in sociology, co-authored an article published in The Economic Times of India. The article explains how cuts in one of the largest federally funded poverty alleviation programs, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), is adversely affecting the rate of participation of eligible households and therefore their chances of moving out of poverty.

Terry Finney is the new assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services, a position that brings together services related to undergraduate student recruitment with administration of financial aid and scholarships. Finney has been serving as interim director of recruiting in January, along with continuing his duties as financial aid director. The new enrollment services office also oversees the testing center and scholarship disbursement. Details are online.

Dr. Kyle Chandler, assistant professor of music and director of music education, presented three research projects at the National Association for Music Education conference in Atlanta. His research utilizes a modified version of Lee Shulman's music teacher knowledge framework, "Pedagogical Content Skill Knowledge (PCSK)." Also, as national co-chair of Critical Examination of the Curriculum for the Society for Music Teacher Education, he led peer discussions on research collaborations.

Dr. Russ Hannah, associate vice chancellor for business and finance, was elected third vice president of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) at the group's annual meeting. He will serve on the Professional Development Committee and board liaison with constituent committees, and also will guide development and implementation of the group's membership plan. He previously has served on numerous SACUBO committees.

Dr. Gabriel Tait, assistant professor of multimedia journalism production, was selected for the National Press Photographer Association (NPPA) annual multimedia immersion workshop at the Newhouse School, Syracuse University. Working in teams and guided by coaches, 42 participants developed visual storytelling skills using the latest multimedia techniques. Tait's project, "A Journey to Kingship," was judged among the best from the workshop and was featured in NPPA's member newsletter.