CAMPUS | NEWS Science of Politics P Political science students from across Arkansas converged on the UAM campus in February POLITICAL SCIENCE STUDENTS AND FACULTY FROM across Arkansas converged on the UAM campus February 26-27 for the 2016 Arkansas Political Science Association’s statewide annual conference. The conference brought together 65 speakers from across the state, according to Dr. Carol Strong, associate professor of political science at UAM who served as conference organizer and program chair. The featured speaker was Chris Masingill, federal co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority, who discussed the unique role educational institutions of all levels play in the development and growth of Arkansas communities, especially those counties in the DRA’s footprint with lower levels of educational attainment. According to Masingill, those communities “stand to gain greatly from stronger connections with regional and local institutions of higher education for job training, skills development, and increased educational levels. DRA is currently working with more than 20 four-year institutions across its eight-state region to develop the Delta Research Consortium to help share and direct funding and focus to Delta-oriented research to help community leaders, policy makers, and economic developers.” Also featured at the conference was Dr. John Kyle Day, an associate professor in the UAM School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, who discussed his recently published book The Southern Manifesto: Massive Resistance and the Fight to Preserve Segregation. In panels, five UAM political science majors presented original research papers. Sarah Phillips and Jimmy Tyler Harrison of Star City, Leslie Beard and Robert Fletcher of Monticello; and Emily Mendiola of Hamburg comprised UAM’s five-person student delegation. Fletcher’s paper, entitled: “Cycling through New Urbanism: Pedestrian-Oriented Opportunities and Innovations in Southeast Arkansas,” considered policies to improve pedestrian access to businesses in Monticello. Harrison’s paper, “All Tea, All Shade: How the Tea Party Effects the American Political Process,” and Beard’s paper, “Who’s Really in Control: A Comparative Examination of Oligarchical Tendencies in Russia and the United States,” considered the changes in national politics with the emergence of anti-establishment parties and actors in mainstream politics. Phillips’ paper, “The People vs. the State: A Comparative Analysis of Power Relations in the Development of Spanish Democracy,” and Mendiola’s paper, “The Power of the Indigenous: Indigenous Autonomy in Mexico,” considered how social movements impact national politics within the international community. Dr. John Davis, a UAM assistant professor of political science, presented a paper entitled “Campaign Inc.: Data from a Field Survey of State Party Organizations.” JACK LASSITER The 2016 Texas A&M-Commerce Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Jack Lassiter, retired UAM chancellor, is the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M University-Commerce. Lassiter graduated from A&M-Commerce (then East Texas State University) in 1968 with a degree in finance and earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1969. “I am humbled and honored to be chosen for this award,” said Lassiter. “When I first came to Commerce, I would have been considered a long-shot to graduate, much less receive an honor like this one. I was admitted as a probationary student, but thanks to the patience of some very supportive faculty, I was able to thrive. I’ve never forgotten that.” Lassiter became the 11th chief executive officer of UAM in 2004 and retired January 5, 2015 after a long and distinguished career in higher education. Prior to becoming UAM chancellor, he served in the central administration office of the UA System as executive vice president after spending four years as chancellor of the UA Community College in Batesville. Lassiter first came to UAM in 1977 as director of the school’s Learning Development Center while completing his doctorate at A&M-Commerce. He left a year later to become dean of college and student services at Wharton (Tex.) Community College, then returned to UAM in 1980 as vice chancellor for university relations and student services, beginning a 17-year stay on the Monticello campus. 4 UAM Magazine
UAM Day At Oaklawn Park 1 3 2 PICTURED: 1 UAM alumni and staff among those in the winner’s circle for the UAM Boll Weevil Run included Matt and Johanna Whiting, Lisa Jo Ross, Tim and Wanda McGee, James and Lisa Clark, Ronnie McFarland, Tony and Kathy Fakouri. 2 Joining the winning horse in the UAM Cotton Blossom Classic were Lisa Jo Ross, Dean Davis, Max Light and his daughter, Cait, and Taylor and Tammy Grayson. 3 (From left) Mandy Henderson, Carole Efird and Roger Martin enjoyed their day at the races. Summer 2016 5