Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – Students at Arkansas State University recently competed in the First-Year Experience (FYE) Academic Expo, an annual showcase highlighting first-year student research, campus and community projects, and creative works.

“The Academic Expo serves as an important part of making connections, giving first-year students a chance to complete a significant group project and share their outcomes with faculty, staff, and peers,” said Dr. Shaq Renelique, director of First-Year Experience. “This event supports our broader goal of helping new students build academic skills, form connections, and engage actively in the learning community from their first semester.”

This year’s event featured conference-style poster presentations and drew a record participation of more than 1,200 students. Students competed in three categories: philanthropy, connections, and research.

The Best of Show award, recognizing the overall top project across all categories, went to the class of sociology instructor LaVonda Evans for their work, “Campus Crime Climate Project.” Evans’ class competed in the research category and was awarded $250 to use at their discretion.

Second place Best of Show was awarded to the class of Jeff McLaughlin, professor of theatre, for its project “Struggle Train” in the connections category. The class received a $150 gift card.

Third place Best of Show went to the nursing class led by Dr. Barbara Futrell, assistant professor of nursing, for its philanthropy project, “Seniors + Students = Smiles,” which received a $100 award.

Additionally, the top three projects within each category were recognized and will receive certificates.

Category Award Winners

The class led by Chris Thigpen, instructor, and Dr. Brook Fluker, associate professor of biological sciences, was recognized for outstanding work in the research category. Another winning project came from the class of Dr. Bin Zhang, associate professor of engineering, whose students also earned a top spot in this category. A third research recognition went to the class taught by Desiree Rutter, an education instructor, whose students were honored for their project work.

In the philanthropy category, the class of Tyler Wagganer, academic success coach (A-State Child Care Services) in Transition Studies, was recognized for their work. Another class, led by Kia Jefferson, instructor in biological sciences, was honored for its contribution. A third philanthropy award went to the class of Rachel Jones (Mental Health) in Transition Studies, whose students were acknowledged for their efforts as well.

The connections category recognized three standout classes. The class taught by Nasrin Nipa, an instructor in computer science, earned acknowledgment for its project work. Another recognition went to the class led by Dr. Stacey Sloas, associate professor of physical therapy, whose students excelled in creating meaningful connections through their project. The third connection honor went to the class of Dr. Haley Fitzgerald, instructor in English.