LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release on Dec. 20, 2023: Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after filing an amicus brief on behalf of 23 state attorneys general with the Colorado Supreme Court in defense of the First Amendment rights of cakemaker Jack Phillips and Masterpiece Cakeshop, Inc.: "Jack Phillips has already successfully fought for his right to speak consistent with his beliefs before th  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release on Dec. 19, 2023: Attorney General Tim Griffin today announced a settlement with Google over its Play Store for Android apps and issued the following statement: "A bipartisan group of 53 attorneys general has settled with Google, requiring the company to pay $700 million and to stop its anticompetitive practices. Of the $700 million, Google will pay $630 million in restitution, including a  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release on Dec. 18, 2023: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced changes to the Governor's Office personnel. Kelly Eichler, the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff, will depart the Governor's Office for new opportunities. Jamie Barker, the Governor's current Director of Legislative Affairs, will become Deputy Chief of Staff. Judd Deere will stay on as Deputy Chief of Staff. "Kelly brought  more

JONESBORO, Arkansas, Dec. 22 -- Arkansas State University issued the following news: The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Evan L. Lindquist of Jonesboro, emeritus professor of art, who died Monday. Lindquist dedicated his life and career to his art, to the art community of Arkansas, and to thousands of art students he taught and mentored as they embarked on their own careers. A member of Arkansas State University's Department of Art + Desig  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: A piece of Arkansas Tech University history and a symbol of the institution was successfully preserved on Tuesday, Dec. 19. A crew from Kinco Constructors removed the cupola from the top of Tomlinson Hall in advance of the forthcoming demolition of the building. The Tomlinson Hall cupola will be in storage while plans are developed to display it on campus in honor of the Tomlinson family and in memory of th  more

BEEBE, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- Arkansas State University-Beebe issued the following news release: As Arkansas State University-Beebe gears up for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, an exciting opportunity emerges for celestial enthusiasts and science aficionados alike. The Arkansas Skydome Planetarium and Space Science Museum is set to be available on the Beebe, Searcy and Heber Springs campuses from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, 2024. This event, made possible by the generous sponsorship of Eoff &  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 18 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Dr. Russell Jones, Arkansas Tech University interim president, announced during a fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16, that the forthcoming student union and recreation center on ATU's Russellville campus will be known as the Ferguson Student Union. It is named for Jimmy Ferguson, his wife Cindi and their family. Mr. Ferguson served on the ATU staff from 1975-94, advancing to the rank of assistan  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Arkansas Tech University Faculty Senate recognized Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe for her service to the institution during the December ATU Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. Newton Hilliard, ATU Faculty Senate chair, and Dr. Ellen Treadway, ATU Faculty Senate secretary, presented Furst-Bowe with a gift. Members of the ATU Board of Trustees, ATU Interim President Dr. Russell Jones and other ATU administrators also recogn  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Five high school students from around the State of Arkansas were selected as winners in the fall 2023 edition of a competition program created by the Arkansas Tech University Department of Communication and Media Studies. Prizes of $75 for first place and $50 for second place were available in each category. Entries were judged by ATU faculty members Christie Kellar, Tommy Mumert, Dr. Hanna Norton, Frances R  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Arkansas Tech University faculty in the program currently known as geology are taking steps to evolve the program's curriculum to ensure that graduates are prepared for emerging career opportunities related to the discovery and recovery of critical elements such as lithium. Part of the evolution would be changing the name of the ATU Bachelor of Science degree in geology to a Bachelor of Science degree in geo  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Arkansas Tech University faculty member Dr. Kathleen Myers is included in the Women We Admire list of top 50 women leaders of Arkansas for 2023. Myers is assistant professor of teaching and educational leadership and director of special education in the ATU College of Education and Health. She primarily works with pre-service educators. She teaches undergraduate and graduate students in ATU's programs in ear  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: The Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus practical nursing program is ranked among the top five such programs in the State of Arkansas by PracticalNursing.Org. ATU-Ozark is listed in the publication's 2024 Best LPN Programs in Arkansas. PracticalNursing.org reviews National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) exam first-time pass rates to determine its rankings. The NCLEX-PN exam is used by state boar  more

RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- Arkansas Tech University issued the following news: Dr. Valerie Breashears is the new director of admissions and enrollment communications at Arkansas Tech University. Breashears joined the ATU Office of Admissions staff as an emergency hire on Sept. 18. Brittny Daubenheyer, ATU assistant vice president for student affairs in enrollment management, reported that Breashears has since completed the interview process and earned the position on a permanent basis.  more

ARKANSAS CITY, Kansas, Dec. 20 (TNSres) -- Cowley College issued the following news release: Lightcast, a company with more than 20 years of experience working with higher education institutions, recently completed an Economic Impact Study to demonstrate Cowley College's economic value to the local economy. The Economic Impact Analysis, reflecting fiscal year 2021-22, measured how Cowley College affects the local economy. An Investment Analysis, which is a comparison of the costs and benefits   more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Longtime U of A employee Debbie McLoud has announced that she will retire effective Dec. 31, 2023. "Debbie has selflessly served the university for decades, and her many contributions have enhanced the employee experience in countless ways," said Ann Bordelon, executive vice chancellor for finance and administration. "Debbie was a trusted adviser to me since I joined the U of A. I wish her all the best in   more

JONESBORO, Arkansas, Dec. 18 -- Arkansas State University issued the following news: Nearly 2,000 graduates received their diplomas today (Saturday, Dec. 16) during Fall Commencement in First National Bank Arena at Arkansas State University. "I have no doubt that all of you worked hard to get here today, overcoming challenges while balancing your studies with other responsibilities," said Chancellor Todd Shields. Shields, along with Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor,  more

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Dec. 22 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Dec. 21, 2023: Attorney General Gentner Drummond commended the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) today for supporting his effort to halt a residential utility rate increase requested by Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation (AOG). In April, AOG filed a rate change application requesting a major base rate increase that would have resulted in an average monthly increase of $6.40 for  more

CONWAY, Arkansas, Dec. 20 (TNSres) -- Hendrix College issued the following news release: Whether it's a weather report, a feature, or the technology that enables a broadcast to reach homes, cars, computers, and smartphones, listeners to KUAR 89.1, recently rebranded as Little Rock Public Radio, often hear the work of three Hendrix College alumni. Sarah Buford '20, who majored in sociology/anthropology, Josie Lenora '19, an English-creative writing major, and Maggie Ryan '23, who double majored  more

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 20 -- Polsinelli, a law firm, issued the following news release: Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli recently represented client Tyr Energy, and its subsidiary Tyr Energy Development Renewables, a utility-scale project developer with a significant pipeline of projects across multiple U.S. markets, in the sale of three solar projects in MISO territory in Illinois and Arkansas to Adapture Renewables, a utility-scale solar and energy storage project developer, owner and operator  more

NACOGDOCHES, Texas, Dec. 23 -- Stephen F. Austin State University issued the following news: Students in Stephen F. Austin State University's School of Art and Mass Communication and Marketing departments earned honors at the annual District 10 American Advertising Federation Student Conference and Competition held in November in Houston. SFA students worked alongside their peers from other universities in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma to create and present an advertising campaign. T  more

MAGNOLIA, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- Southern Arkansas University issued the following news: After a comprehensive search process, Southern Arkansas University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Jerry W. Thomas as the new Southern Arkansas University Tech chancellor. With a proven track record of leadership and dedication to higher education for the past 29 years, Thomas assumes this pivotal role effective January 10, 2024. Bringing with him a rich background in academia and administration, Th  more

CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 18 -- The University of the Ozarks issued the following news: By Larry Isch University of the Ozarks conferred degrees on 38 graduates Saturday (Dec. 16) during its Fall 2023 Commencement held in Munger-Wilson Chapel. Alumna Shannon (Carlisle) Huggins '91 of Arlington, Texas, provided the keynote address. Huggins, a member of the University's Board of Trustees, has been in healthcare administration for more than 20 years and is currently senior vice president for c  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Dr. Mike Kirk, director of Counseling Services and Health Services, retired this spring after 13 dedicated years of service at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. To honor his commitment to excellence, UA Little Rock has created an endowed professional development fund named in honor of Kirk and his wife Elizabeth, a nurse practitioner who works in long-term care and assisted living. "This fund is a  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Lamar Townsend, a senior political science and finance-real estate double major at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is one of six students nationwide who was awarded a prestigious national scholarship through the Real Estate Education Scholars Program from the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation. The Harold E. Eisenberg Real Estate Scholar Program was started in 2015 with the aim of providing undergrad  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 20 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: A group of University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are learning how to be archeologists through a fascinating convergence of education and exploration. As part of the innovative Archaeological Investigation class, these aspiring archeologists are turning the campus into a learning laboratory by delving into the past right beneath their own feet. "The purpose of the class is for students to learn how  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- The University of Arkansas's School of Medical Sciences issued the following news release: The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has again been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for using the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes for stroke patients. The highest honor awarded was the Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Award, which UAMS received  more

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 20 -- The University of Missouri Kansas City campus issued the following news: Fourth-year School of Pharmacy students Hannah Kempker, Claire Vogl and Rylee Pitts have been hard at work since September preparing and competing in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy's 2023 ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge. The competition spanned several months with multiple rounds and culminated in UMKC going head-to-head with the University of Arkansas in the championship roun  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: After receiving a record number of applications, five mentor artists have been selected to participate in the Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts statewide apprenticeship program. The program, currently in its fourth year, funds teams of mentor artists and apprentices committed to sustaining their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. This year's mentor artists are Pat Bergman, Clarke Buehling, Jerry Fi  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: UA Little Rock's Sociology Club hosted the Sociology Big Event on Dec. 5. The event celebrated the sociology program along with its professors and graduates. The Sociology Club's event was lively, with many smiles and laughs shared among the professors and graduates. Graduates received many congratulations and valuable words of encouragement from the sociology program professors. First to speak was Dr. Jia  more

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Even 60 years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy Jr., one of the most well-known and studied events in American history continues to leave unanswered questions behind and remains a topic of intrigue for people all around the world. Dr. David Montague, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs - student success at UA Little Rock, understands the continued fascination. "There is no sho  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Are you in a department that has a strong faculty mentoring program? If so, submit your proposal for the Inaugural 2024 Provost Award for Departmental Excellence in Faculty Mentoring. The winning department will receive $8,000 and a university plaque recognizing their achievement. The award will be given to the department or academic unit on campus that best displays excellence in onboarding, mentoring an  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: The Office for Faculty Affairs is calling on faculty to nominate their peers for the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. This award provides the opportunity to recognize and celebrate exceptional faculty mentors who have contributed to the success of other faculty at the university. All non-tenure track, pre-tenure and mid-career faculty members can nominate a faculty mentor for the Outstanding Faculty Mento  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 19 (TNSres) -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center (TFSC), the Teaching Academy, the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Provost's Office invite all faculty with teaching responsibility to the Winter Teaching Symposium on Jan. 11, 2024, in the Verizon Ballroom in the Arkansas Union. This year's symposium will include a plenary address on student engagement and persistence, as well as a keynote addr  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 21 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: The U of A Department of Equal Opportunity, Compliance and Title IX (OEOC) recently coordinated campus-wide required training for employees through Workday Learning in accordance with university policies. This training previously had an initial due date of Dec. 13, 2023. However, this date has been adjusted, and the training is now due March 1, 2024. To satisfy training requirements, employees must comple  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 19 -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: U of A Chief People Officer Michelle Hargis Wolfe has announced that Tina Paul will serve as interim human resources (HR) director for Workforce Planning, HR Partners and Employee Relations. This role encompasses much of the work previously performed by Eunice Alberson. Paul will continue her current duties as the HR partner for the College of Engineering while also representing HR on employee relations ma  more

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas, Dec. 18 (TNSres) -- The University of Arkansas issued the following news: Dr. Wei Du, a professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, has been granted $300,000 by the National Science Foundation (NSF EPSCoR). The grant will help Dr. Du's research in the development of semiconductor lasers and passive devices on a singular sapphire platform for integrated microwave photonics (IMWP). Du said, "The long-term goal is to cultivate photonic integrat  more