Dr. Stan Trauth, professor of zoology, has been invited to give the keynote address for the Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (SEPARC) annual meeting, which will be in Little Rock. His talk, "Long-term Monitoring and Recovery of a Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminkii) from Northeastern Arkansas," is for those interested in the ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in the southeastern U.S.

A manuscript by Dr. Jody Long, assistant professor of social work, has been accepted for the peer-reviewed journal Academic Psychiatry. Assistant professors Dr. Larry Morton, department co-chair, and Evi Taylor are co-authors of "What Not to Wear: An Analysis of Outpatient Resident Attire." The study explored patients' preferences toward outpatient-year psychiatry residents wearing a white coat, showing more interest in the resident building a therapeutic alliance or warmth and empathy.

Dr. Kimberley Davis, assistant professor of special education, was interviewed in today's Jonesboro Sun for authoritative comment and explanation relating to aspects of a federal court case involving applicable policies and procedures for special needs students in school. She discussed how individualized education plans are normally used to place students in the least restrictive environment possible while meeting the students' educational needs.

Dr. Dale Miller, professor of music and director of choral activities, is again directing the A-State Concert Choir and Chamber Singers in the annual Madrigal Feaste, which runs two nights, Dec. 2-3, in the Grand Hall of Fowler Center. Miller directs the cast of students in presenting an entertaining and educational program complete with excellent music, good humor and a fine meal. Details about the Feaste are available online.

April Sheppard, assistant director for public services, Ellis Library, is leading the implementation of Credo in order to improve college readiness and student success. The goal of the library's partnership with Credo is to bring more information literacy resources and instruction to Arkansas high school students in support of their college readiness. The program also will enhance A-State's relationships with area schools. Details are online.