Dr. Glen Jones appointed to board of Arkansas Science and Technology Authority

Oct. 8, 2008 -- Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe announced the appointments of 20 Arkansans to various state boards and commissions on Thursday, Oct. 2, including the appointment of Arkansas State University’s Dr. Glen Jones, senior associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research,  and executive assistant to the chancellor for diversity, to the board of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority (ASTA). Dr. Jones replaces Dr. John White, former chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, on the board.

The Arkansas Science & Technology Authority (ASTA) was created by statute in 1983 with the mission to bring the benefits of science and advanced technology to the people and state of Arkansas. Twenty-five years later, ASTA’s mission is served by the development of strategies to promote scientific research, technology development, business innovation, and math, science, and engineering education throughout the state.

Dr. Jones, whose term will expire Jan. 14, 2010, said, “I am honored that Governor Beebe appointed me to the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. I look forward to working with the staff and fellow board members of ASTA as we serve the citizens of Arkansas by fulfilling the mission of the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority.”

The Arkansas Science and Technology Authority is made up of a board of directors, advisory committees and staff. The 14-member board is appointed by the Governor to staggered four-year terms. The board has three directors who are scientists or engineers, two directors who are representatives of academic institutions, five directors who represent the private sector, three directors who represent the private sector and have knowledge and experience in the field of manufacturing, and the director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (or the director's designee).

ASTA’s staff is led by the president and chief executive officer, who is responsible for the agency's programs, services and support functions. Dr. John W. Ahlen currently serves as ASTA’s president.

ASTA’s activities are divided into three program areas that include research, development, and technology. Three standing committees, made up of board members, make recommendations to the full board. These standing committees include a research committee, an investments committee, and an industry committee. There are also three advisory committees, made up of board and non-board members, and these include the EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) advisory committee, the Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions advisory committee, and the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education Coalition) advisory committee.

For more information on the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, call (501) 663-4400, or visit http://www.accessarkansasscience.org/.            

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