Dr. Jill Simons has new duties as associate vice chancellor for retention and completion. In this provost-appointed role, she continues to lead the undergraduate studies program area and will work collaboratively with the senior associate vice chancellor and deans. Simons also will chair the Chancellor’s Commission on Completion, which aims to increase the overall retention of A-State students and raise the graduation rate. See details online.

Welcome to Dr. Travis Simkins, new assistant professor of marketing. Simkins comes to A-State after completing his Ph.D. in marketing and management at the University of Wyoming, where his dissertation topic was "The Human Dimension of Exporting: The Role of Exporter Self-Efficacy in Exporter Commitment."  His research interests include international marketing, macromarketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, modeling and marketing systems.

Dr. Myleea Hill, professor of strategic communication, and Dr. Marceline Thompson Hayes, professor of communication studies and department chair, are co-authors of a new book, From Awareness to Commitment in Public Health Campaigns: The Awareness Myth. The authors show how simple awareness rarely leads to behavioral change or sustained participation and support. The book is particularly suitable for courses in health communication, health campaign development or strategic communication.

Dr. Peter Ako Larbi, assistant professor of agricultural systems technology, and graduate student Chin Nee Vong have developed a novel method and system for detecting nozzle clogs during chemical application. Developed in Larbi's precision application technology lab, the patent-pending invention is being tested as part of Vong's master's thesis. Larbi also was named president of the African Network Group of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Dr. Michael Dougan, emeritus professor of history, received the Ransom Bettis Award from Five Rivers Historic Preservation, Inc., in recognition of his research into Randolph County's history. Dougan spoke to the group about Brig. Gen. M. Jeff Thompson, the "swamp fox," captured by Union forces in 1863 at the St. Charles Hotel in Pocahontas. The award is named in honor of one of Pocahontas’ earliest settlers.