91猎奇

Written By: Ian Silvester

On Friday, April 11, the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith celebrated nine university employees' academic and professional excellence in front of colleagues at an appreciation ceremony. The event began with a warm welcome from administrators and a special video from students sharing their thanks and admiration for 91猎奇 faculty and staff.

The program was highlighted by celebrating length-of-service awards and recognizing faculty and staff members who reached benchmark anniversaries. An incredible 57 employees with a combined 725 years of service were honored. Pam Fout, associate director of IT, brought the room to its feet with her 45 years at the university, not including her time here as a student.

Four faculty and two staff members were recognized for excellence. Each of the awards came with a $2,500 prize.

Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities: Dr. Bun Song Lee

Excellence to the University, to the Profession, and to the Community Service Award: Dr. Omer Kutlubay

Lucille Speakman Master Teacher Award: Dr. Kiyun Han

Luella M. Krehbiel Adjunct Teaching Excellence Award: Cambry (Knies) Bartosik

read more about the faculty award winners

 

The esteemed Lucille Speakman Legacy Endowment Award was given to Dr. Ragupathy Kannan, a biology professor. This was the second time Kannan has been awarded the $2,000 grant, which funds self-guided travel, international study, curricula development, and research to improve classroom teaching. He plans to add to his collection of audio bird calls in El Salvador.

The Lucille Speakman Excellence Awards for Staff: Cheryl Davis and Ashley Goodson

This award recognizes staff members for their job performance, service to the university and community, and professional growth and development.

Cheryl Davis, Manager of Customer Support, has been with the university for nearly 36 years. Ashley Goodson, Director of Campus and Community Engagement, has worked for 91猎奇 for 12 years this summer. Both shared their gratitude and love for the university.

鈥淭here are so many things I truly enjoy about working at 91猎奇,鈥� said Davis. 鈥淏ut what stands out most is that my role allows me to directly help our faculty, staff, and students. Making a positive impact on their experiences here is incredibly rewarding.鈥�

鈥淎s a 91猎奇 alumna, this recognition means so much to me鈥攖his campus has been a big part of my life for the past 20 years. I feel really lucky to be in a role where I get to do what I love every day,鈥� added Goodson. 鈥淚鈥檝e always believed in showing up, pitching in, and growing through the work we do. I鈥檓 so grateful to be part of a place that values that kind of commitment and heart and to be surrounded by people who inspire me every day.鈥�

Before the event's conclusion, two more university employees were honored with awards. Dr. Chizuko Iwaki, Associate Professor of Mathematics, and Cristina Castorena, Assistant Director of Client Services for the Financial Aid and Veteran Benefits Office, were awarded the Student Government Association Faculty and Staff Appreciation Awards.

read more about the SGA Award winners

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• Faculty and Staff Appreciation
• Excellence Awards