A paper by Dr. Amanda Carpenter, assistant professor of occupational therapy, was accepted for the American Public Health Association annual meeting in Philadelphia. She and her team analyzed unstructured data, including Food and Drug Administration advisory committee transcripts and tweets about diabetes and health disparities. Findings suggest there are gaps in understanding about how policy makers and minority groups perceive and communicate about diabetes.

The Arkansas Nurses Foundation (ARNF) has elected Dr. Brinda McKinney-LeGrand, associate professor of nursing, to its board of trustees. ARNF was established to provide funding for Arkansas registered nurses to promote continuing professional development. LeGrand and the board support nurses in their continual development in education and research, select recipients for scholarships and grants, manage funds, and develop fundraising strategies.

Dr. Michael B. Dougan, distinguished professor of history emeritus, has made several recent presentations, including at the Department of Arkansas Heritage's symposium, "Moving About: A History of Transportation in Arkansas," on the coming of railroads. He discussed "The White River in the Civil War" for the Jackson County Historical Society, and presented "Mary Lewis: From Hot Springs to the Metropolitan Opera" for the Garland County Historical Society.

Jill Clogston, director, Education Renewal Zone and Advanced Placement Summer Institute, has been appointed to serve on the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math & Science (AR AIMS) board of directors. The goals of AR AIMS will support a viable statewide initiative for increasing the mathematics and science pipeline from middle school through college admission, then improved retention and graduation rates in STEM disciplines.

Congratulations to Dr. Aaron Shew, R.E.L. Wilson Chair of Agricultural Economics, one of five individuals to be recognized by the Middle Tennessee State University Alumni Association next week. Shew will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award, given to a graduate age 35 or less who is making a positive impact in the world. He will be recognized for his work in international development and agribusiness.