Dr. Susan D. Allen visits Taiwanese university
Dr. Susan D. Allen, Distinguished Professor, Laser Applications and Science, recently visited Taiwan's National Pingtung University of Education (NPUE) for a symposium held in her honor. Several former doctoral students of Dr. Allen are now professors in Taiwan, and many of them attended the symposium, some serving as featured speakers. The symposium was organized by Dr. Shyan Jer (Jerry) Lee, Dean of Science at NPUE, and a former doctoral student of Dr. Allen. While at NPUE, Dr. Allen presented four department seminars, attended banquets, met with NPUE's Dean of Education and its President, met with faculty and research groups, including student groups, visited one company, and taught a class. She also visited an elementary school, traveled into the mountains, and attended a Dragon Boat festival.

ADWP completes its second summer writing institute
The Arkansas Delta Writing Project (ADWP) completed its second Summer Writing Institute for Teachers on Friday, July 2. The four-week summer writing institute was held at Arkansas State University in the Department of Teacher Education. Worth two graduate courses in the Department of Teacher Education, the institute requires an application process, an interview, and the presentation of an interactive demonstration lesson. This year, two educators joined Dr. Dixie Keyes, director of ADWP, as facilitators of the intensive writing workshop. Trina Walls, a fifth grade literacy teacher from the Nettleton School District and Carolyn Ponce, a music appreciation instructor at ASU, led journaling events, writing marathons, and guided the creation of an institute website. The facilitators and the fellows produced and published two major writing pieces, along with various poems. The culminating events of the institute included the publication of a print anthology and an afternoon Poetry Café read-aloud event. Writing to reflect, writing to learn in content areas, writing to publish, and creative writing were all experienced over the four weeks.All teachers, kindergarten through college, in any content area, are invited to apply to next year’s summer writing institute. For more information, visit the Arkansas Delta Writing Project online, or call Dr. Dixie Keyes at (870) 680-8065.

Second Delta Jazz Workshop gets underway July 12-16
The Department of Music at Arkansas State is hosting the Second Annual Delta Jazz Workshop July 12-16.  The workshop, open to musicians of all ages and backgrounds, focuses on aspects related to the understanding and performance of America's jazz music. The workshop features an impressive staff of educators and professionals from throughout the Delta for course work and lessons, augmented with nightly concerts.  On Monday evening, July 12, the Staff Big Band will present a concert in  Riceland Hall beginning at 7:45 p.m..  On Tuesday evening, July 13, the Staff Big Band will perform additional works, followed by the Staff Jam featuring trombonist Mike Medrick of Plano, Texas, saxophonist Mike Westbrook from Oklahoma and Dr. Ron Horton, director of Jazz Studies at ASU. Local jazz artists, "Jazz Alliance," will take the Riceland stage at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. The Delta Jazz Workshop will host the New Orleans Jazz Ramblers, Thursday, July 15, at 7 p.m.  This outstanding group of Crescent City jazz musicians will offer a glimpse into jazz history during their world-class musical tour. The final concert on Friday, July 16, begins at 7:45 p.m. with the participants of the workshop. The Gala Concert includes performances by the two large ensembles, several small groups and soloists displaying their hard work completed during the workshop. All concerts are free and open to the public. For additional information about the Delta Jazz Workshop, contact Dr. Ron Horton, Director of Jazz Studies, at ext. 2094. 

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