Honors College Mini-Lecture Series has successful start

The Honors Mini-Lecture Series began Tuesday in the Honors Living-Learning Community smart classroom with the presentation of "The Non-Traditional Scholar" by Anthony Adams, professor of sociology.

The lecture focused on the events of Adams's life, describing the obstacles that he faced as a child and teenager and how he overcame them to enter the world of academia.

He talked about the lessons he learned during this time period and how skills learned in places such as a high school hockey team or a paper route provided the tools he would need for his future, notably willpower and self-control.

"I want to emphasize," Adams said to conclude his lecture, "I think the key to success is being disciplined."

Students enjoyed what Adams had to say.

Sophomore Sara Mangrun said that she liked hearing about his childhood and how it molded him into what he is today.

Others agreed.

"Dr. Adams was very influential, his story really challenged me to think about all that I have been blessed with," sophomore Kelsey Lancaster said.

The theme of the Honors Mini-Lecture Series for this year is "The Power of Story."

The series is meant to let students have access to the stories from people of varied backgrounds. Rebecca Oliver, director of student services for the Honors College, said, "The Power of Story" was selected as the theme because "as the Honors College grows we are telling the story of the Honors College, and more importantly, we want students to be able to tell their own stories."

"We think the best way to do that is to have others put their stories out there," Oliver said.

The next Honors Mini-Lecture will be held Tuesday, Oct. 6, and it will feature Dr. Malathi Srivatsan, who will be presenting "Breaking Shackles: The Power of Education." She will talk about her journey to the United States and the influence education has had on her and her family.

Following Srivatsan on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Dr. Will McLean, associate professor of political science and program director for the master of public administration, will examine southern politics and practices in his lecture, "The Unapologetic Southerner."

Dates and speakers for the spring semester are not finalized but the concluding lecture for the series will be the Honors Lecture of the Year on April 6.

Annette Simmons, president of Group Process Consulting and author of "The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling" as well as other books, will present "The Story Factor," a lecture to tie together the entire series.

Oliver described Simmons, saying "what her mission really is it to teach people to tell their stories."

"The Story Factor" will be held in the Student Union Auditorium.

"We want it to be accessible to everyone," Oliver said. "It's not only for the ASU community, but also for the Jonesboro community."