Congratulations to the four A-State staff members who have attained service milestones of 30 or more years. They were named during the Distinguished Performance Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony Monday. Jo Ann Nalley (left), Childhood Services, was recognized for 51 years of service. Three individuals who have given 30 years of service, and their employment areas, are: Toni Holt, Treasurer; Ivan Lawson, Information and Technology Services; and Marty Scarbrough, KASU.

Dr. Khem Aryal, assistant professor of English, has contracted with Braddock Avenue Books for publication of his debut short story collection, The In-Betweeners. The collection contains 13 short stories that revolve around the Nepali diaspora in the U.S., struggling to forge a sense of belonging and selfhood by reconciling what they have now with what they have left behind. The book will come out in September 2023.

Nine individuals who have completed 20 years of service were recognized during the Distinguished Performance Awards and Service Recognition Ceremony. Those honored and their employment areas, are: Julia Fleming, Childhood Services; William Hall, Planning, Design and Construction; Brandy Hampton, Treasurer; Rosella Haynes, Childhood Services; Laura Johnson, Payroll Services; David McKinney, Parking Services; Latonya Tidwell, Research and Technology Transfer; Henry Torres, Information and Technology Services; and Karen Trout, Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center.

Dr. Hrishikesh (Hrish) Desai, assistant professor of accounting, was interviewed by MoneyGeek.com in conjunction with the website’s research on tax software and taxation for cryptocurrencies. Desai provided several insights and resources for CPAs who handle tax returns dealing with cryptocurrencies. He also offered guidance to taxpayers that use tax preparation software, especially in regards to determining when to use a CPA instead of software. The interviews are online.

Matthew Robins, instructor in communication studies, was named Honors Professor of the Year during the Honors Recognition Ceremony. Robins was recognized for the energy and passion he brings to the classroom and how he works with students to succeed in public speaking. Honors students selected him from among eight nominees. Other nominees were: Shanon Brantley, communication disorders; Dr. Eric Cave, philosophy, Dr. Mark Lewis, business law, Dr. Jake Qualls, computer science, Bill Rowe, art, Dr. Hao Yang Teng, statistics, and Clint Vogus, management.