Dr. Karen L. Yanowitz, professor of psychology, submitted an invited post to "EvaluATE" on using innovative methods for assessing STEM program impact on participants. Yanowitz discussed using possible selves theory to examine STEM identity, which she used in her National Science Foundation-supported program, "CSI: Classroom Student Investigators." Co-PIs included Dr. Tanja McKay, professor of biological sciences, and Dr. Ann Ross, emeritus associate professor of teacher education.

The Delta Center for Economic Development (DCED) has hired Ty Keller to direct the A-State Innovation System. Keller, a native of Jonesboro, comes from Engines Inc. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. The A-State Innovation System is a coordinated network of sites and support services designed to foster entrepreneurship in East Arkansas. Details are online.

Dr. Michele Merritt, assistant professor of philosophy, has organized the first Southern Feminisms Conference, an interdisciplinary conference hosted by the women and gender studies group at A-State. Following the Greenfield Lecture Thursday by conference keynoter Susan Bordo, speakers and panelists Friday and Saturday will explore the way feminism has been operationalized and utilized specifically in the South. The complete program of presentations is available online.

A chapter by Dr. Holly Hall, associate professor of strategic communication, and Dr. Mary Jackson-Pitts (left), professor of multimedia journalism production, was published in the book Social Media in the Classroom. The chapter, "Being Your Own Chief Marketing Officer: Student Perceptions of Personal Branding," focuses on how students should build a personal brand across multiple social media platforms. It includes a guide for faculty.

Dr. Jody Long, assistant professor of social work, spoke to the Total Life Healthcare nursing staff at St. Bernards Medical Center about effective teamwork, effective evidence-based managerial models, and patient outcomes. Next week he addresses the Tennessee National Association of Social Workers on "Intimate Partner Violence," covering preventive measures, specific interventions for domestic violence, and models of psychotherapy that address domestic violence in place of incarceration.