NEW YORK -- J.C. Penney is naming Mike Ullman as its new CEO.

He takes over for Ron Johnson, who is leaving the company.

Ullman was head of the Plano, Texas-based department store chain prior to Johnson's appointment to the top spot in an effort to halt the chain's sliding earnings.

Johnson came under pressure after his turnaround strategy failed to win over shoppers. His drastic changes included slashing the number of sales in favor of everyday low prices, bringing in hipper designer brands such as Betsy Johnson and remaking outdated stores.

J.C. Penney shares dropped 42 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $15.45 in after-hours trading.

KENNESAW, Ga. -- One of China's top set designers and art directors will visit Kennesaw State University later this month.

Han Lixun will speak Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 5 p.m. in KSU's Wilson Building.

Lixun was chief designer and art director for the spectacular opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. As an artist, he has had solo exhibitions at some of the world's top galleries, including China's National Art Gallery. Lixun has also designed sets for dramas, musicals, operas and concerts.

In addition to KSU, Lixun is scheduled to speak at the State University of New York at Buffalo, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Central Florida. His talks include insight into Chinese culture and a discussion of ways to make it in the art world.

Lixun's visit to KSU is funded by the College of the Arts Global Engagement Grant, another grant from the Confucius Institute and funds from the university's Department of Theatre and Performance Studies.

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. -- Vaughn Williams, the athletic director at Kennesaw State University, will speak at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce's Georgia Power Luncheon.

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Williams is the second athletic director in KSU history. The school currently has 14 NCAA Division I sports and hopes to add more programs, including football, in the near future.