Dr. Elizabeth Nix (left), professor of nursing, and Kacie Altom (right), associate professor of nursing, recently presented a poster, “Can We Talk: Home Health and Hospice Nurses Talk about Spirituality,” at the Maui Nursing and Allied Health Professions Conference. Their research article titled “Home Health and Home Hospice Nursing: How Safe is the Environment?” has been accepted for publication in the May/June edition of Home Health Care Now Journal.

Dr. Natalie Johnson-Leslie, associate professor of secondary education, and Dr. H. Steve Leslie, assistant professor of business communication, jointly presented a poster on the use of virtual reality simulation (VRS) to the Mid-South Educational Research Association. This research, which sets the stage for understanding how virtual reality is used effectively in higher education, addressed the applicability of VRS as a viable option for training preservice teachers and in-person internship placements.

Faculty and graduate students in educational leadership and teacher education presented their research at the 50th anniversary of the Mid-South Educational Research Association conference in Little Rock. Those involved include Dr. Natalie Johnson-Leslie, associate professor of secondary education, Dr. Timberly Baker, associate professor of educational leadership, and Dr. Ibrahim Duyar, professor of educational leadership. The graduate program students are Joyce Conyers, Kelli McGaha-Martin, Jennifer Watkins, Jason Reeves, and Jennifer Spiegel. Their research was presented as roundtables, posters and paper sessions.

Mary Elizabeth Spence, assistant director of student learning assessment, recently completed her doctor of education degree in adult and lifelong learning at the University of Arkansas. Her dissertation topic was “How Faculty Perceive Their Role in Student Learning Assessment and Program Improvement.” Spence, who received her diploma Saturday, has been an A-State staff member since 2009.

Sabrina Sturtevant, graphic designer, Publications and Creative Services, serves as vice president for the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Northeast Arkansas chapter. She also serves as director of the chapter’s awards program, which is in February, and she has joined the communication committee for AAF District 10, which includes Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and part of Louisiana. Sturtevant is due to become chapter president in July.