Host of the Nov. 18 edition of Project Scope, a webinar series from Arkansas Research Alliance, will be Dr. Xiuzhen Huang, professor of computer science, director of the Center for No-Boundary Thinking, and an ARA Scholar. ARA recently launched the public-facing initiative to familiarize more people with research in Arkansas. Huang will lead an online discussion on artificial intelligence, machine learning and Arkansas' growing role in AI innovation.

Kelli Listenbee, director of Learning Support Services, was named recipient of the Enhancing the Student Experience Award during the Distinguished Performance Awards ceremony Oct. 16. She was recognized especially for her efforts in mentoring students and putting more emphasis on the value of tutoring. Listenbee also has secured technology to improve students' access to learning, and she has worked with faculty members in support of their courses.

Kathryn Pulliam, staff member in Human Resources, is the 2020 recipient of the STAR (Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Reliability) Award because of how she exhibits those traits. At the Distinguished Performance Awards ceremony, she also was cited for her patience, good humor and helpfulness, especially with her willingness to provide support to Taleo system users. Pulliam's generous words of encouragement were also noted by her nominator.

Kyle Walker, who works in the Learning Commons, won the 2020 award as the Outstanding Part-Time staff member during this year's Distinguished Performance Awards recognition event. He was nominated because of his leadership and collaborative spirit. Walker helped formalize a structure for learning group leaders, and helped create more efficient systems for the tracking and reporting on student-learning. He also assisted numerous students through his work as a tutor.

Congratulations to Dr. Russ Hannah, senior associate vice chancellor for finance and associate chief financial officer, who recently was installed as chair of the board of directors of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce. Hannah assumed the chair duties in culmination of his long-time involvement with the Chamber in a progressive sequence of volunteer leadership positions. Andrea Allen, executive director, Delta Center for Economic Development, also was appointed to a three-year term on the board.