Students in Free Enterprise place in top 10 percent
Twelve members of the Students in Free Enterprise team from the ASU College of Business recently returned from a national exposition in Kansas City as one of the top teams in the country. The Students in Free Enterprise competition is dedicated to educating others about the American economy and business. The ASU team placed in the top 10 and won $5,000. In addition, the team name will appear on boxes of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and other Kellogg’s products as a result of their effort. Sam Walton fellows and advisors for the team are Dr. Larry R. Dale, professor of economics, and Mrs. Patricia Toney-McLin, instructor in accounting. Congratulations to the team and their advisors for their success.

Cutting-edge research from physical therapy
Physical therapy student Randy Phillips and faculty member Dr. Shawn Drake of the ASU College of Nursing and Health Professions presented research last week at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting in Indianapolis entitled "Lighter Baseballs Could Protect Young Pitchers' Arms from Injury." Phillips and Drake concluded that the use of baseballs just one ounce lighter in youth leagues could decrease the forces on arms and shoulders, ultimately protecting young, growing arms. An estimated 16 million children in the U.S. play organized baseball typically pitching with baseballs the same size as those used in the Major Leagues. Following the presentation at the ACSM annual meeting, the story was picked up by The Los Angeles Times and ESPN.

Interim dean selected for Honors College
As announced by e-mail to the campus community this morning, Dr. Gil Fowler will become interim dean of the new Honors College, effective July 1.  A professor of journalism, Dr. Fowler has served previously in administrative capacities as acting dean of the Graduate School and as acting dean of the College of Communications.  He also has served as president of Kappa Tau Alpha and currently serves as south-central vice president-elect for Phi Kappa Phi, both of which are national honor societies. The Honors Program, which has been very successful since its founding in the early 1980s, was approved by the Board of Trustees in May of last year for elevation to Honors College status, effective July 1, 2004.  Congratulations to Dr. Fowler, and best wishes to all faculty and students who will be involved in getting the Honors College off to a great start.

New alumni directory is being prepared
The Arkansas State University Alumni Association has begun the process of producing a new Alumni Directory.  This will be the third such printed directory of alumni, with the last one completed in 1999.  Alumni for whom the Alumni Relations Office has valid e-mail addresses are receiving information and a link to a web-based site for submitting updated information.  Other alums will be contacted by mail.  The new directory is expected to be completed by Harris Publishing Co. in 2005.

Student athletes recognized for graduation rate
The Sun Belt Conference has recognized ASU as one of its member institutions where student athletes have posted a higher graduation rate than the general student body, according to the league office. The Department of Athletics issued a news release about this and other accomplishments late last week.  Four of ASU's athletic programs received the Sun Belt's academic awards, and more than half of ASU's student athletes were named to the spring Athletic Director's Honor Roll with a grade point of 3.0 or higher. Congratulations to all faculty and staff who provide academic guidance and encouragement to student athletes, and congratulations to these energetic students.

First Friday publication to resume in September
Dr. Les Wyatt, president, is taking a summer break from writing his First Friday column, which is distributed by e-mail to all faculty and staff.  He plans to resume in September after ASU convenes for the fall semester.

ASU Museum completes new map exhibit
The Arkansas State University Museum has installed a new permanent exhibit in the main gallery.  Arkansas Growing Up, located near Old Town and adjacent to Living Off the Land, includes 17 maps from the museum collection dating from 1823 to 1895.  The maps illustrate changes that occurred across the state as it developed.  Included in the exhibition is an 1823 map listing geographic and historic facts along with statistics for Arkansas Territory.  An 1836 map lists steamboat routes and mileage. This project is sponsored in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities.  The only university museum in Arkansas accredited by the American Association of Museums, the ASU Museum is a wonderful resource for students, faculty, staff and the people of this region.  Museum hours are 9 to 4 Monday through Friday, and 1 to 5 Saturday and Sunday.

Writing retreat available for adult writers
Beginning next Monday, June 14, the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center at Piggott will host a week-long retreat for writers.  Participants may interact and receive feedback from published and/or aspiring writers in an informal atmosphere.  Dr. Robert Lamm, Donna James and Terry Johnson will serve as mentors. A similar event, for high school students, is underway this week. For details about the retreat and fees, contact the center at 870-598-3487 or Lamm at 351-5266.

Rugby Tribe hosts all-star competition
The ASU Rugby Tribe (which, by the way, we must congratulate as the Number 2-ranked Division II team in the nation for 2004), hosted the West Tennessee High School Rugby League All-Star Game Saturday at the ASU Rugby Pitch off Caraway Road.  Players representing teams from Cordova, Houston, Southaven and White Station had the opportunity to showcase their rugby skills and to take a look at ASU.

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