An article by Dr. Scott Anderson, assistant professor of communication studies, was published Communication Quarterly. In "Irony in Charleston: Barack Obama’s Eulogy for Clementa C. Pinckney, June 26, 2015," Anderson examines Obama’s use of irony in conjunction with the African American rhetorical practice of signifyin(g) to eulogize Rev. Pinckney, while addressing the racially motivated killing of nine African Americans at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

An article written and researched by Dr. Evi Taylor, assistant professor, Dr. Patricia Guy-Walls, associate professor, Dr. Rejoice Addae, associate professor, social work, and retired faculty member Dr. Patricia Wilkerson was recently published. Titled "The Historical Perspectives of Stereotypes on African-American Males," their article is in the May edition of the Journal of Human Rights and Social Work. The publication is accessible online.

The cabinet of Arkansas Lions District 7-0 issued a formal note of appreciation and commendation to Dr. Susan Whiteland, associate professor of art education. Whiteland and several of her art education students served the past three years as district judges for the annual Lions International Peace Poster contest. The district governor also issued Whiteland an International President's Certificate of Appreciation for introducing the students to the competition.

Congratulations to David Handwork, assistant vice chancellor, Facilities Management, who will be recognized nationally by his peers.  Handwork was selected by the awards and recognition committee of APPA, the professional group for facilities professionals, to receive its Meritorious Service Award. The group's highest individual service award, it will be presented at APPA's annual conference and exhibition next month in Denver. The award also will be announced in Facilities Manager magazine.

Dr. Kelly Damphousse, chancellor, was selected to serve as vice president of the Sun Belt Conference’s Executive Committee during the league’s meeting in Dallas. Damphousse begins a two-year term on the committee along with Dr. Joe Savoie of the University of Louisiana, who was selected as league president. The Executive Committee also includes university presidents from Sun Belt members Georgia State, South Alabama and Texas State.