Congratulations to Ty Keller, director of the A-State Innovation System, which was dedicated Monday with a capacity crowd at The Garage in downtown Jonesboro. Keller, who made remarks and introduced the project partners, led extensive planning and preparation to open The Garage and the other two locations comprising the Innovation System: The Lab in the ABI Building and The Shop in the Industrial Park. Details are online.

Dr. Gina Hogue, is the new associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication (CLAC), succeeding Dr. Deborah Chappel-Traylor, who is returning to the classroom as associate professor of English at the end of July. Hogue, associate professor of history, brings recent administrative and technology experience in Academic Affairs and Research, including leadership in the award-winning iPad initiative. Details are in an online news release.

Dr. Shane Hunt, professor of marketing, has been named the R.M. "Bob" Wood Endowed Professor in Sales Leadership. This professorship was made possible through a $1 million gift from the Wood family. During his career, Hunt has published two marketing textbooks and more than a dozen articles in leading journals, including the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management and the Journal of Business Logistics.

Dr. John Hershberger, assistant professor of chemistry, is project director for a competitive grant awarded by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. ADHE administers grants authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to give training and implement professional development opportunities for math and science teachers. "Enhancing Grades 5-8 Science Learning in Northeast Arkansas," which is in its second week, also involves several A-State faculty members.

The Government Finance Officers Association has presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the ASU System for excellence in its comprehensive annual financial report. At the Jonesboro campus, Dr. Russ Hannah, associate vice chancellor for business and finance, and Myra Goodwin, controller, were recognized for their work with other campus chief financial officers and for their effective financial and disclosure practices. See details online.