Dr. Kimberley Davis, associate professor of special education and assistant department chair, co-presented with a University of Arkansas colleague during the National Council for Exceptional Children virtual conference. In “Setting precedence in education: An examination of culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy beliefs,” they studied teacher education candidates’ culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy and its potential impact on student engagement, instructional strategies, and classroom management that leads to special education referral.

Dr. Edward Salo, associate professor of history, presented a paper for the Florida Conference of Historians. Salo argued that Jimmy Buffett has not only created a party lifestyle, but he also has constructed a representation of the heritage of Florida, the American Gulf Coast and Caribbean through his music and written material, which blends and links the history and culture of the regions. Salo also chaired a session on learning and remembering the past.

Dr. Carlitta Moore, assistant professor of athletic training, and clinical education coordinator, made a presentation last week for the annual conference of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. In her presentation to the virtual conference Moore explored administrators' perceptions of college and university athletes with diverse sexual identities, and she also highlighted best practices and innovative ways to shift to a more inclusive campus environment.

Those watching the Memphis Grizzlies game Monday night might have recognized a familiar face during pregame ceremonies.  Jarod Matheney, director of operations, First National Bank Arena, sang the national anthem for the game, which was broadcast live on Fox Sports. This was Matheney’s third time to perform at an NBA game. Perhaps he brought good luck to the Grizzlies, who topped the Boston Celtics in overtime.

Congratulations to Katey Provence, associate director, Leadership Center, and adviser to the Up ‘til Dawn executive board, for the students’ recent success. Capping a year of fundraising activities for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, A-State’s Up ‘til Dawn students reached a total of $55,850, putting A-State in first place nationally in the competition among colleges and universities. Almost 250 students participated in 16 fundraising teams.