Lunch with a Leader, experience of a lifetime

BY PAXTON HUSE

Round table discussions with Tech leaders are offering students a chance to learn from the experience of professionals in various fields and have the opportunity to engage in conversations about the university community.

The Lunch with a Leader series is open to all Tech students but is provided on a first come, first serve basis.

This series takes place in Doc Bryan Room 24, and will last through April 14.

On March 2, Dr. Mary Gunter was a part of the Lunch with a Leader series.

Having served Tech for 17 years, she is the visionary behind reshaping graduate degree programs in education and the development of the university’s first doctoral degree.

Amy Pennington is the next guest on April 14. Pennington serves as the dean of students, holds a master’s degree in higher education leadership and has worked in higher education for 18 years.

She has worked in admissions and student recruitment, residence life and international and multicultural student services.

“This is the second semester for the series. It began in fall of 2014 with an idea between the GOLD Cabinet, Aubrey Holt and myself,” said Chelsea Lairamore, graduate assistant for student involvement in the Department of Campus Life.

“Students wanted a way to connect with university officials on a more laid back basis, and this gives anyone an opportunity to make those connections and foster meaningful relationships with professionals.”

Tech students can find out more information on theLink on the Campus Life page.

The categories that the Lunch with a Leader series includes is free food, leader identified, leadership development and life skills.

Students prepare for spring plant sale

BY ASHLEY PEARSON

Horticulture students are springing into action to prepare for the annual spring plant sale at Arkansas Tech.

Dr. Jim Collins started the sale 32 years ago when he began his career in horticulture at Tech.

“It’s a public relations thing,” Collins said. “We started as an agricultural school. Our department is one of the biggest, and it’s grown.”

At the sale, there will be a variety of plants, including geraniums, marigolds, ferns in hanging baskets and vegetables.

According to Collins, the yellow tomato, Yellow Boy, is a popular sell because of its low acidity. There will also be an assortment of red tomatoes and peppers, including jalapeno, bell and banana. Cost will vary, but according to Collins, buyers from previous years have said the prices beat local department stores.

The plants receive a small portion of chemical spray and will be cared for during the spring break by a paid student worker to ensure all is well in all four greenhouses.

“It’s hard to be organic in a greenhouse situation,” said Collins.

The department would be unable to sell if there were insects on the plants. The houses are fumigated once a month to ensure the safety of the plants.

More than 60 freshmen in Collins’ Principles of Plant Science class seeded the plants in January and will help the day of the sale by directing traffic and parking vehicles.

Currently the greenhouses are behind about two weeks because of cancellations on campus. However, all transplants will be done before spring break. Collins will have 28 students from the Green house management class helping transplant.
“Hands-on is where students learn the most,” Collins said.

The spring plant sale will take place April 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Red Hill Lane.

For more information, contact Collins by phone at (479) 968-0632 or email him at jcollins@atu.edu.

PHOTO STORY: Slam dunk

ASHLEY PEARSON/THE ARKA TECH: Slam poet Neil Hilborn recently visited BazTech to share his talent with Tech students.

Tech hosts first debate tournament

BY MALLORY PLESS

After about six weeks of preparation, the Arkansas Tech University Debate and Forensics team was able to host its first debate tournament Friday through Sunday and gain participation from six different universities.

The six universities represented at the tournament included Arkansas State University, Harding University, Langston University, Lee College, Union University and the University of Central Arkansas.

Sierra Abram, junior communications major from Broken Arrow, Okla., and president of the Tech Debate and Forensics team, said the event was difficult to coordinate but ran smoothly.

“The hardest thing we had to deal with in preparing for this was the lack of time, but once everything was finally set in place we, overall, ran an extremely successful debate tournament,” Abram said.

Not only was the entire Tech Debate and Forensics team involved in running the tournament, but the Tech community, including some professors, alumni and students who were seeking service hours also helped with judging the debate rounds and offering an extra hand where help was needed.

Kegan Walls, a Tech alumnus who helped judge debate rounds, said, “I never fully realized how educational debate could be. Just watching the rounds, I learned so much information, and it helped me see why so many people are passionate about the sport.”

Crystal Kilby, a senior communications major from Hot Springs and member of the team, said, “We really learned a lot this past weekend about team work.

“It took all hands on deck to make this tournament a success, and I think I speak for my entire team when I say that I am so proud of how far this team has come and how far I know it has the potential to go.”

Polar Plunge rescheduled for March 14

BY MELODY TABOR

A 5k and cold-water fundraiser called the Polar Plunge was postponed because of inclement weather and will now take place at 9 a.m. on March 14 at Lake Dardanelle State Park.

A thunderstorm caused the postponement of the fundraiser meant to promote awareness and raise money for Special Olympics Arkansas. According to the Special Olympics Arkansas website, the fundraiser is for any individual or team willing to take the plunge. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and forms can be found on the Special Olympics Arkansas website. For more information contact Darla Jones, area director, at nursed911@yahoo.com or call (479) 264-4831.

Jones said the registration is $50 with a T-shirt. There will also be prizes for best costume, most money raised by a team or individual, cool school and other various trophies participates could win.

“The Polar Plunge to me as a coach, parent and area director means that our community is coming together and accepting our athletes. The outcome has been wonderful,” said Jones.

Prior to the race there will be a breakfast brunch sponsored by Russellville Knights of Columbus at the American Legion Hut from 7-11 a.m. with 100 percent of all proceeds going toward the local Special Olympics Arkansas.

Other local businesses will also be helping with the proceeds along with lots of private sectors that help year round, said Jones.

This year will be the fourth annual Russellville Polar Plunge. Jones said last year more than $16,000 was raised and hopes to beat that by raising $20,000.

Jones said the money from the fundraiser goes to helping its athletes with housing charges, travel and competing in 26 Olympic sports.

“The plunge is energy and anticipation. It’s for a good cause,” Jones said. “It’s colder than the ice bucket challenge with lots of community and support.”

Students win advertising awards

BY KESHAWN MOORE

Seven Arkansas Tech graphic design students received awards at this year’s annual American Advertising Federation (AAF) Little Rock ADDY Awards.

Every year the organization rewards its qualified active members with yearly scholarships. The annual ADDY Awards focus on excellence in advertisement.

The ceremony was held in February for projects submitted from the prior calendar year. This year’s winners from Tech were Alex Duvall, Peng Vang, Leng Vang, Tulsi Patel, Rebekah Cooley, Santana Foster and Nick Oates. Duvall, from Atkins, and Peng Vang, from Siloam Springs, both won gold awards. Patel, from Morrilton, and Leng Vang, from Siloam Springs, took home silver awards.

Duvall received a gold award for his layout design for a bread company.

“I was kind of surprised that it won gold,” Duvall said. “I finally felt recognized as a graphic designer.”

After graduating his work will be “submitted as professional work” said Lyn Brands, associate professor of art and a graphic design professor.

The student projects submitted were suggested by Brands and Jasmine Greer, an assistant professor of art. “They were really exceptional projects where the ideas, execution and presentation were good,” Brands said. “We thought they might be interested in seeing if they could win an ADDY.”

Entry costs for the ADDYs are $30 per project.

Patel won a silver award for her design layout for a paint set that included a paint roller, brushes and swatches. The design pictured a graphic image of a white swan outlined in colorful paint strokes. The swan was “very ugly” at first, said Patel.
“It took about ten tries, but Lyn told me not to give up, and it won silver,” Patel said.

Established in 1914, the AAF provides opportunities for professional development, networking and industry promotion in Central Arkansas. Each state has a chapter in the AAF. Members are professionals in marketing, but students are honored for their advertisement projects.

Inauguration week activities planned for April

BY SAM STRASNER, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Arkansas Tech University will honor its 12th president, Dr. Robin E. Bowen, with a week of inauguration activities in April.
Bowen took office as president of Arkansas Tech on July 1, 2014. She is the first female president of a public, four-year university in Arkansas.

“The inaugural activities will be a celebration of the past, present and future of Arkansas Tech University,” said Julie Morgan, assistant to the president and chairperson of the inaugural committee. “The week will provide the Tech family with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements that have made us an institution of significance and collectively imagine the possibilities of our shared, bright future.”

The centerpiece of the week will be the formal inauguration of Bowen. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17, on the south lawn of the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, the same location where the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees unanimously elected Bowen as president on April 22, 2014.

The public is invited to attend the inauguration. Should inclement weather intervene, the inauguration will be moved to Tucker Coliseum.

“This will be the first inauguration in Arkansas Tech history, so it would be natural for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university to be curious about the meaning and timing behind the events,” said Morgan. “Inaugural activities are generally planned for 9-to-12 months after a new university president takes office, particularly if the individual is a newcomer to his or her institution. This provides the new president with an opportunity to develop a feel for the institution and begin to formulate his or her vision for the future of the university. The inaugural activities serve as a launching point for that vision.”

A week of events to celebrate the inauguration will begin on Sunday, April 12.

In addition to a sampling of events that will display the artistic and athletic talents of Arkansas Tech students, the university community and the surrounding communities will work together on a 24-hour drive to register individuals with the “Be the Match” bone marrow registry.

The bone marrow registry drive will begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, and continue through 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15. Individuals age 18-44 are eligible to register for free. Joining the registry is accomplished through collecting cheek cells with a cotton swab.

Trained volunteers will register individuals at the W.O. Young Building Ballroom, located at 207 West O Street on the Arkansas Tech campus in Russellville, throughout the 24-hour period.

More details about the inaugural events can be found at http://www.atu.edu/inauguration.

Sunday, April 12
• Senior graphic design show reception, Norman Hall Art Gallery, noon to 2:30 p.m.
• Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale performance, First United Methodist Church in Russellville, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14
• 24-hour “Be the Match” bone marrow registry drive begins, W.O. Young Building Ballroom, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15
• Community Open House (campus and facility tours), gathering at and departing from Tucker Coliseum, 4-6 p.m.
Friday, April 17
• Inauguration of Dr. Robin E. Bowen, 12th president of Arkansas Tech, Pendergraft Library South Lawn, 2 p.m. (reception to follow)
Saturday, April 18
• Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention, Doc Bryan Student Services Center, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. walk
• NCAA Tennis, Arkansas Tech vs. Southwest Baptist, Chartwells Women’s Sports Complex, noon
• NCAA Baseball, Arkansas Tech vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Tech Field, 1 p.m.

International Women’s Week events scheduled

BY KAREN RICKETTS

International Women’s Week is dedicated to spreading awareness about gender equality. Students can learn about past Arkansas women and those who are currently making a positive impact on the world.

Throughout International Women’s Week in March, students can stop by the Doc Bryan Rotunda to view the Women of Arkansas Gallery Walk. Some of the women who will be highlighted include Stephanie Street, Carolyn B. Witherspoon, Kendra R. Johnson and Leila Dockery.

“It’s more of a passive program where people get to walk by and look and read,” Emily Bradley, coordinator of leadership and service for Campus Life, said. “I hope it inspires other women to achieve things that they are passionate about. We just want women and men to be empowered and see what these ladies are doing here in Arkansas.”

Destiny Freeman, a liberal arts graduate student from Dover who has worked on the planning and marketing for this year’s event, said, “I think it’s really cool for women on our campus to see there are women from Arkansas who have been so successful and so impactful and inspired so much change in the community and in the nation.”

The Women of Arkansas Gallery Walk will be on display until March 13.

“International Women’s Week isn’t just about women; it’s inviting everyone from all walks of life, all groups and every gender,” said Freeman. “We want to include everyone and want everyone to know that women’s issues are not just for women. Equality is an issue for everyone.It’s something we are really trying to push and welcome everyone out to all the events.”

Events for International Women’s Week range from Monday to March 14.

The 2015 Women’s Leadership Conference will take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 14 and will feature Stacy Nadeau, a Dove “Real Woman” in the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. Participants must register on theLink by Wednesday.

From Monday through March 14, students are encouraged to tweet and Instagram what #LikeAGirl means to them. When students use #LikeAGirl and #TechWomensWeek, they are eligible to win $25 each day.

Women’s Week Open Mic Night will be held at 9 p.m. on Tuesday at BazTech.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will start at 10:50 a.m. at Hindsman Tower. The event is a national men’s march to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence against women.

Health fair ensures safe spring break

BY ASHLEY PEARSON

Spring break just got hotter with prizes and safety tips from the Health and Wellness Center’s upcoming health fair.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 18, the Health and Wellness Center is holding its annual spring break health fair in Young Ballroom. The fair allows members of the community in health-related fields to set up tables and talk about services offered.

The first 500 students to swipe their Tech ID cards will receive a bag filled with spring break essentials such as toothpaste, sunscreens, lip balm and condoms. When students attend the fair, their names will be entered in a drawing for door prizes including an iPad, an ENO hammock, free meal certificates from various restaurants, coupons and a bookstore gift card.

The health fair has been a part of Tech for about 10 years. Becky Gray, director of Health Services, took charge of putting the event together three years ago and continues to do so.

“We want to help students make wise choices and stay healthy when on spring break and throughout their lives,” Gray said.
In total there will be about 50 vendors giving out information and free items bearing their logo. The event is part of the On Track program in the Active Mind and Body track.

Tech expands with land purchase on El Paso

BY SIERRA MURPHY

Arkansas Tech expanded its reach during the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees meeting Feb. 19 when it voted to purchase another plot of land on El Paso Avenue.

Another highlight of the board of trustees meeting was tenure approval for several professors that will become effective at the beginning of the 2015-16 academic year.

The property located at 808 N. El Paso Ave., which Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance David Moseley said was purchased for the land and not the building sitting upon the land, was listed for $72,900 and was appraised at $64,000. Tech trustees purchased the land for $65,000.

However, future plans for the Tech owned properties on El Paso Avenue remain unclear.

“We continue to purchase property as it becomes available, and we think it has value for Tech,” Moseley said. “The recent work by the city has made the street more appealing, and we think it will eventually develop into items more than housing in the future.”

The following professors were approved for tenure during the meeting: Dr. Mona Chadwick-Scott, Center for Leadership and Learning; Dr. Erin Clair, Department of English and World Languages; Jamie Earls, Department of Emergency Management; and Dr. Sandra M. Smith, Department of Emergency Management.

The following were promoted to associate professors and granted tenure: Dr. Gabriel L. Adkins, Department of Communication and Journalism; Dr. Alejandra K. Carballo, Department of English and World Languages; Dr. Nicolas del Grazia, Department of Music; Dr. Debra Hunter, Department of Accounting and Economics; Dr. Seung Suk Lee, Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration; Dr. Charles A. Mebi, Department of Physical Sciences; and Dr. Hamed Shojaei, Department of Physical Sciences.

Clair, assistant professor of English, said, “Obtaining tenure is a huge accomplishment. It means that you have proven yourself without a doubt in your teaching, your research and your service to the university and the field.”