Rotary Roundup
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro-University
Jonesboro, Arkansas - July 28, 2005
Prayer: Joe Stallings
Pledge: Kevin Hufstedler
Dr. Greg Phillips, Dean of the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering, and College of Science and Mathematics at Arkansas State University, was this week's speaker. The College of Agriculture has 350 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students. Several doctoral candidates are now working on research projects. In the colleges he oversees, there are now Ph.D. programs in Science, Environment, Applied Science. There is a new Masters program in Agriculture.
Greg spoke of current research programs, in conjunction with the University of Arkansas. These programs involve four experimental farms and an extension faculty member housed at ASU. Recently, ASU installed a system of test ditches in order to monitor and research water conservation methods.
Twenty-five percent of the Arkansas manufacturing economy is in food processing. A large portion of Arkansas' economy is now based on growing and processing of food products. ASU is collaborating with several food processing companies in research projects.
Biotechnology based research is becoming an important endeavor at ASU. Current projects have an emphasis on metabolic engineering. Faculty members are working on understanding the absorption of nutrients by both plants and animals.
Greg said that he was eager and delighted to bring the three colleges under one umbrella. This will allow for more synergy and a better utilization of resources. Programs at ASU have a large impact on regional development that includes workforce training, being a source of innovations and improved methods, and providing entrepreneurial training for both small business and business plan development.
Good News
Jay Clevenger reported that he and his son won a golf tournament.
James McDaniel's son won the Rebel Award at an Ole Miss Basketball Camp.
Jesse Stafford thanked the club for the support and expressions of sympathy over the recent loss of his father.
New Member Proposal
Dave Davidson has proposed Kevin Brady for membership. Kevin is president of Clean Solutions.
Announcements
District Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament
The club is sponsoring up to two teams to play in the upcoming District Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held on August 19 at the Red Apple Inn in Heber Springs. The club is looking for players. Check with Mike Webb for the details.
Group Study Exchange
The club is seeking individuals to nominate for Team Member positions on next year's trip to District #1030 in northeastern England. The trip is from February 11 to March 11. Team members need to be between the ages of 25 and 40 on February 11. They need to be a business person or a professional, being employed in their current field for a minimum of two years. See Joe Stallings or Glenn Bowers for details and application forms. Applications must be submitted to the District by September 5.
Jay Clevenger announced that the Past President's Council will meet at noon on Tuesday, August 23 at Ponders Restaurant. All past presidents are encouraged to attend.
Guests
Kevin Brady, guest of Dave Davidson
Make-Ups
Jayni Blackburn
Sheila Tipton
