Dr. Susan Whiteland, associate professor of art education, was named Higher Education Art Educator of the Year during the Arkansas Art Educators Conference in Little Rock. The Arkansas Art Education Association selects the recipient from nominations submitted by peers in the association and voted on by the group’s board. The award recipient is recognized as an outstanding professional dedicated to the advancement of art education in their area of teaching.

"We Seven," a wind ensemble composition by Dr. Derek M. Jenkins, assistant professor of music theory and composition, was awarded first prize in the inaugural Winds Composition Contest Saxony. His piece was selected from among 90 entries by more than 70 composers from around the world. His piece will be given its German premiere by the Dresdner Bläserphilharmonie in spring of 2023. One may listen to “We Seven” online.

Dr. Maria de la Soledad del Río Álvarez, assistant professor of mathematics and physics, Campus Querétaro, presented her research on vineyard geolocalization at the World Congress of Vine and Wine. Her project goal is to perfectly know the terroir in order to typify and characterize the wines that are made in the area, improve their quality, and increase the extension of the vineyards. She works in collaboration with the Wine Cluster of Querétaro.

Congratulations to Randy Nelson, admissions analyst for International Programs, for his selection to receive the December PROPS (Proudly Recognizing Our Pack Staff) Award. Nelson, an A-State staff member for 11 years, has become a primary contributor to the success of orientation weeks held throughout the year. The PROPS program recognizes a staff member who works hard to benefit the university. He also was interviewed by the PROPS committee.

Sixteen current and former faculty members who are members of the Delta Symphony Orchestra shared their gifts of music Sunday during DSO’s Holiday Concert at Fowler Center. Music faculty members Dr. Heather Coleman, Dr. Alaina Graiser, and Dr. Nairam Simoes were soloists, while the orchestra is directed by Dr. Neale Bartee, emeritus professor. Other participating music faculty were Juli Buxbaum, Erin Cameron, Jenny Rong Cao, Dale Clark, Craig Collison (emeritus), Bruce Faske, Dennis Hay, Kristin Leitterman and Mike Medrick, while biological sciences faculty Tanja McKay and Andrew Sweet also performed.