The board of the Kays Foundation has awarded a $17,049 grant to support a proposal by Dr. Shivan Haran, associate professor and director, mechanical engineering program. Haran is planning a project titled “Engineering Initiative for Middle/High School Students,” which will develop student interest in engineering careers. This includes camps, after-hour activities with area school students, and other interactions to promote interest in engineering and hands-on learning.

The board of Kays Foundation also approved a proposal by Dr. Gregory Cantrell, assistant professor of exercise science, who will continue his research into bilateral asymmetry in people with multiple sclerosis. With the $24,460 grant, Cantrell will carry out his project, titled “Relationship between H reflex modulation asymmetry, physical function, and postural control in people with multiple sclerosis.” The Kays Foundation grant announcements are online.

Dr. Dixie K. Keyes, professor of education and co-director, Arkansas Delta Writing Project, was awarded a $5,000 civic journalism grant from the National Writing Project and the MacArthur Foundation. The grant will fund professional development in civic engagement, news literacy, and journalistic writing for three English and journalism teachers in Northeast Arkansas. The grant aims to develop a model for addressing the news desert in rural areas.

Mike Smith, assistant director, Procurement Services, passed the Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) exam. The CPCP is administered by the National Association of Procurement Card Professionals (NAPCP), a professional-based association created to advance the commercial card and payment industry. Smith, an A-State staff member since 2019, becomes the third CPCP in Arkansas and the second at A-State; Lisa Glasco, director, Procurement Services, is the other.

Welcome to Kailee Ayers, newly appointed marketing director for First National Bank Arena. Her responsibilities include overseeing development of the arena’s marketing assets, maintaining relationships with event promoters, and serving as the arena’s news media contact. A native of Paragould, Ayers earned a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communications at Ole Miss before joining the A-State staff. Details are online.