The University of Central Arkansas honored several faculty members with Faculty Excellence Awards on Aug. 19 at the 2020 Faculty Convocation. Due to COVID-19, the event took place via Zoom.
The Public Service Award recipient was Mary Ruth Marotte ’97, Department of English. Finalists were Cindy Lea ’95, Schedler Honors College, and Twala Maresh ’82, ’98, ’02, Department of Physical Therapy.
The Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award recipient was Arijit Mukherjee, Department of Biology. Finalists were Matthew Gifford, Department of Biology, and Femina Varghese, Department of Psychology and Counseling.
The Teaching Excellence Award recipient was Donna Bowman, Schedler Honors College. Finalists were Brent Gregg ’99, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Benjamin Rider, Department of Philosophy and Religion.
Amy Hawkins, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership, received the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award.
Tansel Halic, Department of Computer Science, received the External Funding Impact Award.
In addition, the university recognized UCA Employee of the Year recipients for the 2019-20 academic year. In the classified employee category, Nancy Bond was named Employee of the Year; Paula Myers ’13 was named a finalist. In the non-classified category, Billie Hill ’99, ’09 was named Employee of the Year; Garth Clayborn ’04 was named a finalist.
The Public Service Award recognizes individuals whose service contributions to the UCA community, professional community and other communities outside the university have been outstanding.
The Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award recognizes individuals whose contributions to their disciplines have been exemplary.
Faculty who have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in teaching are eligible for the Teaching Excellence Award.
The Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals whose commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence on and/or off campus has made a significant impact on various ethnic groups and diverse populations in a positive way.
Established in November 2018, the External Funding Impact Award recognizes a faculty or staff member for excellence in obtaining external funding.