Dr. Brett Savary, research professor of protein chemistry, and graduate students Kan Takahashim, biological sciences, and Divya Kandanool, agriculture, presented two research papers in the agricultural and food chemistry division at the American Chemical Society’s meeting in New Orleans. Savary’s research investigates polysaccharides, isolated from rice bran fiber, for their dietary benefits, including a healthier functioning of the colon and reduction of major diseases.

Dr. Jody Long, assistant professor of social work, will present a paper at the Global Awareness Society International conference in Atlanta. His paper, on gender, social injustice and sexual assault, notes the annual number of women sexually assaulted has risen from 1994 to 2016, but the number of reported cases has decreased. Social injustice also has plagued many victims of sexual assault.

Staff members in the Office of Marketing and Communications produced entries that won seven awards, including three gold and four silver, in the annual competition conducted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), District IV. Marketing and Communications is directed by Dr. Bill Smith, associate vice chancellor. The Publications and Creative Services (PCS) team includes director Mark Reeves, assistant director Heath Kelly, and graphic designers Mary Melton and Claire Vickery. The Digital Creative Media (DCM) team includes director Todd Clark, videographers Tyler Silvey and Andrew Geswein, and photographer Travis Clayton. The Communications team includes Gina Bowman, Tom Moore and Van Provence.

Michael Gray, instructor of communication studies and director of debate, along with A-State's Debate and Forensics Team, hosted the second annual Howl Yes High School Tournament on campus. The event attracted 70 Arkansas high school students to visit A-State's campus and compete in events such as public debate, spoken word poetry and informative speaking at the tournament, a level qualifier for the state tournament.

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Region III presented its 2018 Achievers Award for Outstanding Career Achievements to Sandra L. Combs, associate professor of multimedia journalism production and adviser to The Herald. She was recognized during the annual regional conference in Atlanta. Combs, who has been a national member since 1992, also is member and secretary of the Central Arkansas Association of Black Journalists.