Higher education notebook

LR college to host pioneer in hip-hop

Philander Smith College will have an iconic hip-hop artist headlining its Bless the Mic lecture series.

MC Lyte will headline the series Friday during the college's 2017 homecoming week. The free lecture will start at 7 p.m. in the M.L. Harris Auditorium on the Philander Smith campus. The event is open to the public, and no tickets are required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

The hip-hop artist, also known as Lana Moorer, is a rapper turned actress, author, disc jockey and a voice-over talent, according to a news release from the school. The Brooklyn, N.Y., native was ushered into the spotlight through her early work in the 1980s and continues to be "culturally relevant" by reinventing herself and expanding her portfolio, the college said.

She has been involved in many social projects, including anti-violence campaigns and Rock the Vote. She also travels to colleges and universities speaking about her book, Unstoppable: Igniting the Power Within to Achieve Your Greatest Potential.

Each of the speakers in the Bless the Mic series is part of this year's "Think Justice 2.0" theme, which seeks to heighten awareness of issues related to justice, equality and empowerment.

Campus site open to child advocates

Arkansas Tech University has signed an agreement with a child advocacy center to allow the center to use a space on campus.

The Russellville university entered into a memorandum of understanding with River Valley Child Advocacy Center, Inc., that will provide a safe space for authorities to interview children who are possibly abused or neglected, the university said in a news release. Under the agreement, the center will have access to the Crabaugh House on the campus when needed.

Lyon College gets new provost, dean

Lyon College has hired a new provost and dean of the faculty.

President W. Joseph King has named Melissa Taverner to the position, effective Jan. 15, according to a news release. She will make the move from Emory & Henry College, a liberal-arts college in Emory, Va., where she currently works as an associate professor of biology.

Taverner has worked at the Virginia college for more than two decades and has held positions including biology department chairman, division of natural sciences chairman and interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, the news release said.

She is replacing Paul Bube, who held the position at Lyon as interim since July.

Metro on 10/29/2017

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