Four Women Appointed Department Chairs at Arkansas State University

The College of Education and Behavioral Science at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has announced the appointment of four new department chairs. All four appointments went to women.

Asher Pimpleton-Gray was named chair of the department of psychology and counseling. Prior to this appointment, she served as both the accreditation liaison and coordinator for the clinical mental health counseling program. Dr. Pimpleton-Grayin earned a master’s degree in professional counseling from Central Michigan University. She holds a doctoral degree in educational psychology, with an emphasis in counselor education and clinical mental health, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Amanda Wheeler-Gryffin is the new chair of the department of health, physical education, and sport sciences. She has been with the department since 2010, first as athletic training program director from 2010 to 2018, and then as exercise science program coordinator since 2018. Dr. Wheeler-Gryffin is a graduate of Arkansas State University, where she majored in athletic training. She holds a master’s degree in physical education/athletic training from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and a Ph.D. in health, leisure, and human performance from Oklahoma State University.

Nicole Covey was appointed chair of the department of teacher education. An associate professor of elementary education, Dr. Covey previously served three years as the district curriculum director for the Brookland Public School district and was an elementary school principal for five years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary social science education and a master’s degree in gifted and talented education from Arkansas State University. She earned a doctorate in instruction and curriculum leadership at the University of Memphis.

Annette Hux will lead the department of educational leadership, curriculum, and special education. She has taught at Arkansas State for 11 years. Her research interests are in district partnerships, online education, and administration internships. Dr. Hux is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. She earned a master’s degree in elementary education administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University.