30 Oct 2023 ASU-Beebe presents ‘Arkansas Backstories, Volume One and Two’  

BEEBE — Arkansas State University-Beebe’s Division of Arts and Humanities will present “Arkansas Backstories, Volume One and Two” by Joe David Rice at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Abington Library as part of the Abington Library Series in the 2023-2024 Performing Arts Season.  

The presentation is free and open to the public. The Abington Library is located on the ASU-Beebe campus at 204 N. Palm Street. 

Born in Paragould, Arkansas, and raised in Jonesboro, Joe David Rice first developed an appreciation for the outdoor world during the many weekends spent with his family on Lake Norfork. He attended the University of Arkansas before earning a graduate degree in environmental planning from the University of Illinois. A former operator of a canoe outfitting business on the Buffalo River, he also owned the second largest cave in the state at one time.

As an avid explorer, he takes delight in discovering hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of the Natural State, making him a respected resource on all things Arkansas.

Rice retired from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism in 2017 after 30 years as the state’s tourism director, serving under five governors. He testified before a U.S. Senate committee on behalf of the Arkansas Wilderness Act, has been published in “American Photographer” magazine, and produced the “Arkansas Floater’s Kit.”

Taking advantage of his vast knowledge of the state, Rice wrote “Arkansas Backstories,” a two-volume book exploring the state’s lesser-known aspects. Few Arkansans realize the state produced a challenger to John F. Kennedy in the 1960 race for the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee or that Arkansas hosted the world’s first UFO conference in 1975. These and other fascinating tidbits make “Arkansas Backstories” a must for residents and ex-pats alike. 

For more information about the Performing Arts Series, visit asub.edu/performing-arts/.