ASU System President, DRA Chairman host Reception for Mid-South Chancellor

Dr. Chuck Welch, Arkansas State University System president, and Chris Masingill, Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman, formally welcomed Dr. Debra West as the first chancellor of ASU Mid-South on Thursday.

Dr. Welch and Masingill hosted a well-attended afternoon reception in Dr. West’s honor and addressed the value of leadership and partnerships.

Greyhound 5K Expands to ‘Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats’ (Catfish)

Arkansas State University Mid-South is expanding its annual Greyhound 5K to include a full day of sporting activities, food-fixin’ competition, and family fun on the first Saturday in October.

“Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats” (catfish), set for Oct. 3, will feature the traditional 5K, Pup Dash, and Kids’ Zone inflatables as well as a catfish cooking contest, live music, arts and crafts, recreational sporting events, a “Cheer Off,” and food/concessions. All activities will be held on the ASU Mid-South campus at 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis.

“This is the fourth year of the race, and we wanted to make it into more of a full-day, family event to appeal to a wider range of people,” said Elizabeth Williams, ASU Mid-South Director of Development. “We want this to be a signature event for the college and the community. In the process, we’re hoping to build more awareness for our institution and our athletic program.”

ASU Mid-South Names Rachel Heideman 2015-16 Academic All-Star

Arkansas State University Mid-South student Rachel Heideman of West Memphis has earned Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Academic All-Star recognition for 2015-2016.

“It came as such a surprise; it was awesome,” said the U.S. Army veteran and mother of 3-year-old twin boys. “I knew I had done well in my classes, but I didn’t give any thought to the possibility of receiving such a prestigious honor. I figured they would pick somebody who had done more than I have. I guess I sometimes underestimate what I do.”

Among those who don’t underestimate Heideman’s successes are ASU Mid-South employees Grace Troutman, Dr. Craig Lafferty, Boyce Elliott, Dr. Ray Hawkins, and Mary Field.

“Rachel is such a sweet, dedicated, hard-working young lady,” said Troutman, a biology instructor at the college. “She always had a great spirit in class and was willing to help others. She made an ‘A’ in my biology class which is not an easy feat. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

ASU Mid-South Math Instructor Earns National Excellence Award

Stephanie Krehl, Contextualized Mathematics Specialist and Lead Faculty for Developmental/Technical Math at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has earned a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award.

“I’m honored because I consider it a pat on the back from my peers which means a lot to me,” said Krehl who has worked at the college since August 2010. “Like many people here, I put in a lot of hours and work hard. I don’t do my job for recognition like this, but it is certainly nice to receive a ‘good job’ in whatever way, shape, or form. I appreciate the award and am grateful to those who considered me worthy of it.”

Dr. Cliff Jones, ASU Mid-South Senior Vice Chancellor for Learning and Instruction, said Krehl has helped take the developmental math effort to a new level.

“First and foremost, Stephanie is a great teacher,” he said. “Her team approach to instruction is a fundamental element to creating a great learning environment for our math students. She has worked with her full-time colleagues, adjunct instructors, tutors, staff members and administrators to implement best practices in developmental education. The departmental rates for student success have improved dramatically, and Stephanie certainly deserves a portion of the credit.”

ASU Mid-South Administrative Specialist Earns Staff Award

Virginia Gardner, Administrative Specialist at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has been named an Arkansas Community Colleges’ Outstanding Staff Member honoree for 2015-16.

“I am very humbled and honored,” said Gardner who joined the college staff in 2007. “I felt appreciated. I felt that my hard work had not gone unnoticed. This really means a lot. I take it as a particular honor that this will be the last one awarded by Dr. (Glen) Fenter.”

Gardner said she had no idea she had been nominated and admitted that she wasn’t watching closely as her photo appeared on the screen at the front of the room during a campus-wide meeting.

“I knew it wouldn’t be me, so I was ready to clap for whoever it was,” she said. “I was genuinely surprised. I felt bad that I didn’t say ‘thank you,’ but I couldn’t have done it without crying.”
The award didn’t surprise the people who nominated her.

ASU Mid-South Graphic Designer Earns National Excellence Honor

Pete Sullivan, graphic designer at Arkansas State University Mid-South, has been selected as a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award winner.

“I was completely surprised and humbled,” Sullivan said. “When you think about all of the incredible people on our campus, anybody could have won this award. It happened to be me this time, but it certainly could have been lots of other people.”

ASU Mid-South Offering Late Registration on Monday, Aug. 24

Regular registration for Arkansas State University Mid-South’s fall 2015 semester has ended, but students still have the opportunity to enroll in life-changing courses and educational/technical programs.

Late registration will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Donald W. Reynolds Center (RC 121) on the South Campus.

ASU Mid-South has scheduled nearly 350 classes and labs for the fall term, and first-time as well as returning students will find high-quality academic programs and state-of-the-art technologies designed to enhance the higher learning process. They will also find friendly and knowledgeable employees eager to help them succeed.

Fall classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and continue through Dec. 15.