FACULTY AND STAFF HONORED AT 65TH ANNUAL UCA EMPLOYEES SERVICE AWARDS

Adam Frank

Scott Meador

Jennifer Parrack

The University of Central Arkansas hosted its 65th annual Employee Services Awards Tuesday, April 17 to recognize the outstanding contributions made by faculty and staff.

The university presented three awards to outstanding faculty in the following areas:

  • Adam Frank, Schedler Honors College, received the Public Service Award.
  • Scott Meador, Department of Film, Theatre, & Creative Writing received the Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award.
  • Jennifer Parrack, Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literatures, & Cultures, received the Teaching Excellence Award.

Donna Wake

Adriian Gardner

The university awarded the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award to Donna Wake, College of Education, and Adriian Gardner, University College.

Lesley Graybeal

Kortnee Kalberer

Staff members recognized as the non-classified Employee of the Year and as the classified Employee of the Year were Lesley Graybeal, Division of Outreach and Engagement, and Kortnee Kalberer, Department of Music, respectively.

Employees with milestone records of service 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service were also recognized and recent university retirees were also honored.

UCA President Houston Davis, Don Jones and interim Provost and Executive Vice President Michael Hargis

Special recognition was given to Don Jones, Department of History, for 50 years of service and being the longest-serving employee in university history. Jones received a framed certificate that said, in part, “Dr. Don Jones has served as a quiet workhorse in the History Department since his arrival in 1968. During his time at UCA, Don has served as interim department chair and interim director of the Humanities and World Cultures Institute. Beloved by both colleagues and students, Don has a devoted group of alums who go out of their way to keep in touch.”

The Public Service Award recognizes individuals whose service contributions to the UCA community, professional community, and other communities outside the university have been outstanding. It is expected that individuals will have contributed both within and outside the university. Through service work such as volunteering for charitable organizations, serving on advisory boards, donating professional expertise, serving on committees, and conducting outreach programs, these individuals have improved conditions within the community and enhanced the quality of life for all citizens.

The Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activity Award recognizes individuals whose contributions to their disciplines have been exemplary. Through original work in research, scholarship or creative activities (such as performances and artistic productions), they have expanded human knowledge, interpreted the human experience, or enhanced the quality of our lives.

The Teaching Excellence Award is given to faculty who have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in teaching. Recipients of this award strive to enhance student learning as they continually seek ways to improve their teaching.

The Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes individuals whose commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence on and/or off campus have made a significant impact on various ethnic groups and diverse populations in a positive way. These individuals have improved conditions at UCA and within the community that have enhanced society.