UAMS taps Jorden
for technology post
Rhonda Jorden was recently named vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Jorden -- who has 27 years of experience in information technology -- started at UAMS in 1992. Her roles at the academic health center have included management of patient systems, software development, clinical systems operations and serving as interim chief information officer for 14 months ending in 2011. She has served as director of technical operations and chief technology officer for the past 12 years.
"Throughout her career, Rhonda has demonstrated her commitment to teamwork, customer service and to the mission of UAMS. She is an effective leader and has led multiple projects at UAMS, including the information technology infrastructure for the hospital patient tower, the expansion of Arkansas e-Link, and construction of a new UAMS primary data center," UAMS Chancellor Dr. Dan Rahn said in a news release.
"I am convinced that Rhonda has the knowledge, skills and capability needed to lead IT in a direction that will support advancement of the research, academic, clinical and business goals of our institution."
Jorden's annual salary in her new position will be $235,000, a UAMS spokesman said.
2-year school group
adopts a new name
The Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges has changed its name to Arkansas Community Colleges.
The nonprofit membership association represents all 22 public community colleges in Arkansas, advocates on behalf of students and facilitates the sharing of ideas, resources and opportunities.
"Arkansas Community Colleges are a vital part of our state's economy," Executive Director Bill Stovall said in a news release. "Whether a student is seeking short-term training, a one-year certificate, or an associate's degree, education beyond high school is the key to a better life. That is why we have chosen to simplify our name -- a name that better reflects the diverse mission of our members."
ASU System hires
AG's office attorney
Arkansas Chief Deputy Attorney General Brad Phelps has been appointed as associate general counsel of the Arkansas State University System.
Phelps -- who has served in the attorney general's office since 2003 and became Attorney General Dustin McDaniel's chief deputy in 2010 -- will begin his new duties with ASU System office in Little Rock on Nov. 3.
"We had a strong group of quality candidates, and Brad brings an ideal mix of experience both as a very bright attorney and as a proven leader in the attorney general's office," ASU System President Charles Welch said in a news release.
The new position was needed because of an increased workload for the system and its four institutions, Welch said. Phelps will join General Counsel Lucinda McDaniel and Associate General Counsel Katherine Prescott on the system's legal team.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to serve the ASU System," Phelps said in a news release. "As a native of Jonesboro, I'm a longtime supporter of Arkansas State. I look forward to this next chapter in my legal career and working with Dr. Welch and the rest of the system team to assist the campuses in fulfilling their missions."
Phelp's annual salary in his new position will be $124,000, ASU System spokesman Jeff Hankins said.
Tech's trustees OK
plaza lights project
The Arkansas Tech University board of trustees approved Thursday the installation of 18 additional lights on the plaza area near the Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, Hindsman Tower and Baswell Techionery.
The project -- which was approved during the board's regular meeting Thursday -- will cost about $109,000. The college received a $50,000 grant from the West Central Arkansas Planning District Inc. to cover part of the cost of the project.
On Thursday, the trustees approved the transfer of $59,230 from the unappropriated educational and general fund balance to complete funding of the project.
Faith in workplace
symposium's topic
Integrating faith into the workplace will be the theme of Harding University's fifth annual Faith and Business Symposium that will be held on Friday.
The symposium -- which features 20 panels by 13 business professionals connected with the university -- will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Building on the college campus in Searcy.
The panel discussion topics include When Faith and Business Get Murky presented by Gwen Moritz, editor of Arkansas Business; Your Only Limitation is Your Imagination, presented by Kenneth Forte, co-owner and president of R&F Communications Inc.; and Future of Health Care and Technology, presented by Ray Montgomery, president and chief executive officer of the White County Medical Center.
Steve and Amy Rose, owners of Bailey's Pizza in Searcy will also host a panel discussion about a how a Christian business stands against an anti-Christian movement. Bailey's Pizza was accused of discrimination in August by the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation when the restaurant offered a 10 percent discount if customers brought in church bulletins on Sundays.
State Desk on 10/26/2014