Dr. Russ Hannah, chief financial officer, recently began a one-year term as chair of the board of directors of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). NACUBO, which involves more than 1,700 post-secondary and other higher education institutions in the U.S. and internationally, assists higher education business and finance professionals by providing timely information and advocacy services. More details are online.

A book by Katherine Baker, associate professor of art history, has been published. In A Merchant of Ivory in 16th-Century Paris: The Estate Inventory of Chicart Bailly, she provides the first transcription and annotated translation of an estate inventory of this type. Baker also provides analyses of the Bailly family, their residence in Paris, and the objects in ivory, bone and precious woods produced in their workshop.

Dr. Claudia Benavides-Espinoza, professor of sport management, was one of 35 honorees at the 2023 ceremony recognizing professional, academic and industry excellence, conducted by the president of Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, her alma mater. She is among the 766 Mexicans who have been honored with this prestigious distinction, originated by the Honorary University Council in 2005. The award recognizes the recipient's professional contributions to society.

Dr. Khem Aryal, associate professor of English, has been appointed series editor of a scholarly book series on creative writing studies published by Texas Review Press at Sam Houston State. His work will include recruiting authors and editors along with evaluating and recommending manuscripts that explore topics related to the theories, pedagogies, and practices of creative writing, both as art form and academic discipline. Also, he was nominated to serve as co-editor of the Journal of Global Awareness.

A presentation by Dr. Jim Farris, associate professor of physical therapy, and program director, was accepted for the upcoming Arkansas Physical Therapy Association state meeting in Little Rock. Farris will discuss his work in educating healthcare providers, both current and future, and athletes about cannabis use. Providers can more effectively treat their cannabis-using patients, and athletes can better understand how cannabis use may affect their performance and recovery.