The lecture, “Overrepresentation of African-American Student Athletes in Division 1A Sport Programs: Route to Success or a System of Cordoning Off?” will be delivered by Dr. Earl Smith, professor of sociology and the Rubin Distinguished Professor of American Ethnic Studies at Wake Forest University. He is also director of the Wake Forest University American Ethnic Studies Program.

Dr. Smith is the former chairperson of the department of sociology, Wake Forest University, from 1997-2005. Prior to his appointment at Wake Forest University, Smith was dean of the division of social science at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Tacoma, Washington. He also served as chairperson of the department of sociology at PLU. Professor Smith has numerous publications in the area of professions, social stratification, family, urban sociology, and has published extensively in the area of the sociology of sports. His most recent books are: “Race, Sport, and the American Dream” (2007) and “African American Families” (2007), which he co-authored with Dr. Angela J. Hattery. Dr. Smith will be the Lindsay O’Connor Professor of American Institutions at Colgate University in 2008-2009.

The lecture, sponsored by the Honors College and Multicultural Services, is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Linda Tucker, assistant professor of English at (870) 235-4210.

Bam, a senior from Dhangadhi, Napal, was one of 15 students in the state of Arkansas chosen to participate in the internship. He said working in the Biochemistry and Molecular Science department at UAMS alongside tenured researchers was an experience that gave him a new perspective about working in a lab. This experience was gained after he got past his original intimidation, he said.

“They treated us like we were mature people, as if we already knew what we were going to do,” Bam said. “They expected us to do things on our own and we were treated equally with all the people in the lab.”

To apply for the internship, Bam had to send his transcript in and answer short essay questions. He also received letters of recommendation from Dr. James Rasmussen, professor and chair of biology at SAU, and Tim Daniels, a professor of biology at SAU.

Rasmussen described the internship selection process as very competitive and said the program pays for most of the student’s living expenses. Rasmussen said he remembers the day Bam received notice he was one of the students to be selected.

“He came in here about eight foot high,” Ramussen said. “He was really happy to get to go. This is just a tremendous thing to have on your resume. Sometimes students don’t realize how much this can change their lives.”

While in Little Rock, Bam had to make three oral presentations, one poster presentation and prepare a final research paper.

“I am glad that I didn’t graduate without doing something special,” Bam said. “I was worried about just studying text books in my four years.

Bam’s academic achievements were noted by SAU President Dr. David Rankin during the September board of trustees meeting.

“I am amazed our students do that kind of research,” Rankin said. “I think it just speaks to the quality of our students.”

Bam is the son of Birendra and Lalita Bam of Dhangadhi, Napal. He plans on continuing his education and pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. His special areas of interest are biotechnology and biochemistry.

Those are words of advice from Dr. Lynne Belcher, professor of English and director of the Honors College at Southern Arkansas University, to prospective students who are interested in applying to the Honors College program offered by the University.

“One of the greatest aspects of the Honors College is the diversity of the student population,” said Belcher, who was just announced as the 2006 Honor Professor, the highest honor bestowed to professors by their peers. “Both students and faculty enjoy that aspect of the program.”

Belcher also believes that taking the same classes, sharing the same curriculum, and studying together has formed strong bonds among the students.

“Students have developed life-long relationships through their involvement with the Honors College,” she said.

Beginning freshmen with a composite ACT score of 26 or higher are encouraged to apply to the Honors College. Students accepted into the Honors College must maintain a 3.25 grade point average in order to remain in the program.

Those in the program find the courses to be both challenging and rewarding. In addition, the Honors College provides students with an opportunity for a quiet living/learning environment in a designated residence hall. As a part of their studies, students in the Honors College will enroll in 18 hours of lower level Honors courses and six hours of upper level Honors courses.

Students who qualify and participate in the program will also receive a $250 a year stipend in addition to their academic scholarships.

By completing the program, students receive special recognition at graduation and receive the distinction as “Southern Arkansas University Honors College Scholar” on their transcripts and diplomas.

Now is the time to accept the challenge offered by Belcher and apply to become a part of the Honors College program at Southern Arkansas University.

Visit the Honors College website, www.saumag.edu/honorscollege/, to learn more.

“We had a wonderful time,” said David Wingfield, a staff member of the Honors College. “We could not have asked for a more perfect trip for our students.”

After leaving the SAU campus on a Friday morning, the group arrived in Natchez in the early afternoon. They visited downtown, St. Mary’s Basilica, Stratton Chapel Gallery, and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. That night the group took a ghost tour of the city.

“The students enjoyed the ghost tour the most,” said Wingfield. “Our guide was very interesting and knew all of the stories and history of the homes and businesses of Natchez.”

On the second day of the trip, students toured three plantation homes, Longwood, Rosalie, and Stanton Hall. Following the tours of the plantation homes, they then visited historic Jefferson College for a Civil War reenactment.

The group will take another trip during the spring semester.

“We see these trips as something the students will enjoy,” said Wingfield. “This is an opportunity for them to bond together.”

As a part of their studies, students in the Honors College enroll in 18 hours of lower level Honors courses and six hours of upper level Honors courses. Beginning freshmen with a composite ACT score of 26 or higher are encouraged to apply to the SAU Honors College. SAU students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may petition the Honors College for admission. Other criteria may also be used to determine eligibility.

Students who qualify and participate in the program also receive a $250-a-year stipend in addition to their academic scholarships.

For more information regarding the Honors College at SAU, call 870-235-4202.

“It was a really nice ceremony,” said Dr. Lynne Belcher, professor of English and director of the Honors College program at SAU. “It was a very formal ceremony with Dr. Rankin (SAU president) and Dr. Lamkin (SAU vice president for academic affairs) speaking. A lot of parents came, and I think they enjoyed the ceremony.”

Dr. Stacy Clanton, professor of English at SAU, served as the main speaker for the ceremony.

“Dr. Clanton did an outstanding job of addressing our students and guests,” added Belcher.

The Honors College at SAU recognizes significant academic achievement.

Beginning freshmen with a composite ACT score of 26 or higher are encouraged to apply to the SAU Honors College. SAU students who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may petition the Honors College for admission. Other criteria may also be used to determine eligibility.

“As an Honors College member, students are provided with a unique experience to broaden their horizons,” said Dr. Corbet Lamkin, vice president for academic affairs. “I hope students enjoy the experience and gain as much knowledge as they possibly can from the Honors College world-class faculty.”

Students enrolled in the Honors Program will have an opportunity to study in a quiet living/learning environment in a designated residence hall. As a part of their studies, students in the Honors College will enroll in 18 hours of lower level Honors courses and six hours of upper level Honors courses.

Students who qualify and participate in the program will also receive a $250 a year stipend in addition to their academic scholarships.

To earn the distinction as an Honors College graduate, students must complete a total of 24 hours of Honors College credit. Classes offered include seminars, general education courses, upper-level courses in the student’s major field, colloquiums, and independent studies.

Students who complete the course requirement of the Honors College will receive special recognition at graduation and will receive the distinction as “Southern Arkansas University Honors Program Scholar” on their transcripts and diplomas.

For more information regarding Honors College at SAU, call 870-235-4202.