An article by Dr. Lance G. Bryant, professor of physical education, and associate dean, Education and Behavioral Science, was published in Physical & Health Education America. The article, “Increasing Physical Activity in K-12 Students with Autism,” describes “PuzzleWalk,” a smartphone app that offers physical education and classroom teachers an option for providing outside activity opportunities to students who have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Jae-Kur Lockhart, Diversity and Community Engagement, was named Rookie of the Year at the annual Distinguished Performance Awards Ceremony, hosted by Staff Senate. Currently serving as an administrative specialist, Lockhart serves as first point of contact for the division, tracking expenses, managing the budget, welcoming students, planning programs, and other duties. His nominator called his work ethic awesome, and said he is a positive resource through his student interactions.

Best wishes to Dr. Susan Hanrahan, dean, Nursing and Health Professions, whose last day at A-State will be Wednesday. Hanrahan was appointed in 1995 to lead a much smaller college than the one she is leaving after 26 years of adding programs, securing accreditations, expanding facilities and much more. She is among the longest-serving, if not the longest-serving, dean in A-State history. An online article from October details many of her achievements.

Dr. Della J. Winters, assistant professor of criminology, presented a paper at the Law and Society annual conference.  Drawing on 33 interviews of stakeholders in criminal justice, reproductive healthcare, state social services, non-profit organizations, and community organizers in Tennessee, her research highlighted the impact of converging state-based austerity practices and concluded the neoliberal “solution” led to emergence of long-acting reversible contraceptives to control reproduction among criminalized people.

Collin Pillow, instructor in creative media production, is among the retiring faculty members recognized during Faculty Honors Convocation in April. Pillow was commended for his high expectations of professionalism while showing compassion and a great sense of humor. His work beyond the classroom included building the sports media program into a nationally recognized area of excellence. Through sports productions for A-State, he created hands-on experiences for countless broadcasting students.