Best wishes to Donna Caldwell, who took office as Faculty Association president and Faculty Senate chair Aug. 1. She is associate professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, and coordinator of the cardiovascular interventional program. One of her first duties was to carry the mace for the Summer and postponed Spring Commencement. The College of Nursing and Health Professions has elected her to the Senate three times; she previously served as vice president and president-elect.

An article co-authored by Dr. Hashim Ali (left), associate professor of chemistry, Dr. Benjamin Rougeau, instructor of chemistry, and Mohd Kotaiba Abugazleh, Ph.D. student in Ali's lab, has been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.  Based on research Abugazleh conducted, their work introduces an alternate method for removing organic contaminants from wastewater, improving the quality of recycled water for general use.

Dr. Katherine Baker, assistant professor of art history, was named Honors Professor of the Year during the recent Honors Recognition Reception. Baker, who teaches Honors fine arts visual, was recognized for the passion and knowledge she brings to teaching, including during study abroad experiences. Honors students selected her from six nominees, including Dr. Than Boves, Dr. Jessica Curtis, Dr. Jeff Jenness, Jordan Jones and Dr. Rollin Tusalem.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan, director of choral activities, has begun his 2020-22 term as president of the Southwestern Division of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His responsibilities include planning a conference for ACDA membership, as well as professional, community and school choral programs. The conference is set for March 2022 in Little Rock. Sullivan also serves on the organization’s national board to advocate best practices and further research.

Dr. Jake Qualls, assistant professor of bioinformatics, became interim department chair of the Department of Computer Science Monday. He succeeds Dr. Hung-Chi Su, who is stepping down and returning to full-time classroom responsibilities. Qualls received his Ph.D. in bioinformatics from the joint graduate program of UALR and UAMS, and his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science at A-State. Details are online.