A peer-reviewed article by Dr. Zahid Hossain, associate professor of civil engineering, titled "Effects of Aging on Physicomechanical and Chemical Properties of Chemically Modified Binders," has been published in the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International Journal of Testing and Evaluation. His study, which had external support, sought to predict the effects of aging on physicomechanical and chemical properties of chemically modified asphalt binders.

Congratulations to Lisa Glasco, procurement manager in Procurement Services, who has been designated a certified public procurement officer (CPPO) by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The CPPO designation is based on her application and exam score. Previously she achieved designations as certified procurement card professional and certified public procurement buyer. UPPCC exams measure professional competence and understanding of the public procurement process.

Dr. Edward Salo, assistant professor of history, and students from his 2018 historic preservation field school prepared a successful National Register of Historic Places nomination for Temple Beth El Cemetery in Helena. Established in 1875, the cemetery was listed on the register for its association with the Jewish heritage of Helena. Salo and the students completed the fieldwork and the nomination for the local congregation.

Dr. Gregory Hansen, professor of folklore and English, recently made two conference presentations. He gave “Heritagization and Florida Fiddling” at the International Country Music Conference in Nashville. His second paper was “Delta Origins and Blues: Legends and Legendry in History and Scholarship,” which he read for the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research annual conference at the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis.

Johnathan Reaves, news director, KASU, has been re-elected to the board of directors of the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) during its conference in Washington, D.C.  He serves as the small station representative on the seven-member 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.