The Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, announced Dr. Tim Crist, professor of music theory and composition, received the Arts in Education Award, one of the 2022 Governor’s Arts Awards. In addition to teaching, he directs the New Music Ensemble and Guitar Ensembles, and started the Guitar Orchestra. Crist also developed an outreach program with free music classes to homeschooling families, public school children, and military veterans and families.

Dr. Melanie Wicinski will become assistant vice chancellor for accreditation and assessment, effective Jan. 11. She has directed the office of university assessment the past three years at Florida A&M University. She has worked both with campus programs as well as the FAMU Board of Trustees on a range of quality enhancement and assessment projects, including course-level assessments for select colleges and schools. Details are online.

Dr. Anahita Izadyar, associate professor of chemistry, addressed the American Chemical Society Southwest Regional Meeting in Austin, Texas. Her presentation, “Biosensor for Glucose Determination Based on a Novel Recombinant Mn Peroxidase (PPMP) from Corn Cross-Linked to a Modified Gold Electrode,” is based on fabrication of a nano composite and sensitive biosensor to measure glucose using an enzyme derived from corn. Izadyar is working toward a commercial biosensor to detect glucose.

A short story and a creative nonfiction piece by Dr. Khem K. Aryal, assistant professor of English, have been published. His short story, "How Not to Come to America," was published in The Pinch Journal in its fall issue. Aryal’s essay, "Changing Landmarks," which reflects on the value and role of landmarks in one's relationship with place, was published in The Bookends Review. It is available online.

Penny Toombs, director, Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and Southern Tenant Farmers Museum, was recognized by the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts. Nominated by student Madison Arenaz, Toombs received the school’s Teacher Impact Award in recognition of her “care, creativity and commitment to excellence in education” that has benefited their students. Nominations come from throughout the state.