The Academy of Education, a component of the American Physical Therapy Association, recognized Becky Keith, associate professor of physical therapy, at its national conference in San Diego. The Academy presented Keith with its 2023 Distinguished Educator in Physical Therapist Assistant Education Award. The committee making the selection based its decision on her commitment to physical therapy education. She is director of the physical therapist assistant program.

Dr. Gregory Hansen, professor of folklore and English, recently gave an invited presentation to the Florida Folklore Society. Hansen spoke on connections between public folklore projects and research and programming based in A-State’s heritage studies Ph.D. program. He and the other session participants spoke of projects they completed while serving with the Florida Department of State’s Florida Folklife Program.

Woodwind faculty members Dr. Stephanie Hoeckley, Dr. Kristin Leitterman, Dr. Erin Cameron, and Dr. Elissa Kana were invited to perform as guest artists during Woodwind Day at Eastern Tennessee State. They worked with more than 100 students from three states. A gala concert featured the four performing various chamber works. Also, five music faculty members performed at the seventh annual Music by Women Festival at Mississippi University for Women. Hoeckley, Leitterman, Cameron, Kana and Dr. Juli Buxbaum were among those who gathered in Columbus to celebrate music created by women.

Congratulations to Donna McMillin, who is the March recipient of the PROPS (Proudly Recognizing Our Pack Staff) recognition. McMillin, assistant vice chancellor for budget planning and development, is known across campus for her effective work on the university’s annual budget. Her nominator commended McMillin for her ability to find ways to make the best use of resources. More details about her PROPS recognition are online.

Dr. Michael B. Dougan, emeritus professor of history, spoke at the 43rd annual convention of the Grain Elevators and Processors Society (GEAPS) meeting in Brinkley. Working with the topic “ ‘You'll Never Miss the Water Till the Well Runs Dry,' Water in Arkansas' Future," Dougan looked at the history of climate and its future impact on Arkansas, and he offered his judgment on options for the future.