Dr. Kris Biondolillo, professor of psychology, assumed duties as the chair of the Department of Psychology and Counseling, effective July 1. Biondolillo, who joined the A-State faculty in 1991, had been serving as interim chair. In addition to administrative duties, she will continue to teach and will supervise students in the Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Science in psychological science programs.

Dr. Lance G. Bryant, professor of physical education, became associate dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science July 1, after serving as interim. Previous positions include interim department chair, undergraduate PETE program director, and HPESS graduate program director. He has published numerous papers on social and cultural contexts that shape education, including applications of social media for teacher preparation.

Dr. Paul Finnicum, professor of health promotion, was offered and accepted the position of chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences (HPESS) at the beginning of July. Finnicum completed his doctoral degree at Oklahoma State University in 1989 and has served A-State and the HPESS Department since 1988. Previously he had been serving as interim department chair.

Johnathan Reaves, news director for KASU, 91.9 FM, has been elected to the board of directors of Public Radio News Directors Inc. (PRNDI). He is serving as the small station representative on the seven-member PRNDI board. Reaves' work in public radio has been recognized by the Arkansas Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the Arkansas professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Dr. Greg Phillips, professor of plant biotechnology, received the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for In Vitro Biology at the group's annual meeting. The award is presented in recognition of his contributions to the science of cell culture, service to the society, and mentorship to society members. Phillips served eight years as editor-in-chief of the society's journal, In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant.