News Release
Contact: Jeff Pitchford, vice president of university and government relations, at jeffp@uca.edu or (501) 450-3185
Venita Jenkins, associate director of media relations, at vjenkins@uca.edu or (501) 450-5114.
UCA Faculty Recognized for Teaching, Research and Service
Three University of Central Arkansas faculty members were recently recognized for their work in the field of teaching, research and service during the university’s annual Employee Service Awards.
Dr. Balraj Menon, an assistant professor physics, was presented the 2011 Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Mary Mosley, an associate professor and program coordinator for the Master of Science in Reading, was the winner of the Public Service Award. Dr. Gordon Shepherd, professor of sociology, was recognized for his work in the area of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.
Menon’s passion for his physics and his goal to give students an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and excitement of scientific discovery earned him the Teaching Excellence Award.
“Through a combination of thoughtful strategies and innovative technologies, Dr. Menon enables students in his physics courses to make deep connections,” stated the Faculty Award Committee. “He uses core questions to anchor his teaching. He pays attention to common misconceptions and guides students through problem solving to resolve them. Dr. Menon embeds technology in his courses as a critical learning tool.”
Menon has taught at UCA for the past seven years. He was elated to receive recognition from his colleagues.
“But more importantly, I view this award as a token of appreciation from our students. It is a statement about trust and respect and for a teacher there is nothing more gratifying than gaining this trust and respect,” he said. “I have been very lucky to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic department. I work with a wonderful group of people who have helped me grow and mature as a teacher. This award is as much an affirmation of their sincerity, dedication and effort.”
Other finalists for the Teaching Excellence Award were Dr. Danny Arrigo, associate professor of mathematics and Dr. Melissa Kelly, an associate professor of chemistry.
Dr. Mary Mosley, winner of the Public Service Award, has dedicated her career and her volunteer service to literacy. She serves on the board of directors for the Faulkner County Literacy Council and the Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. Dr. Mosley worked with the Faulkner County Library to develop literacy classes for English Language Learners in central Arkansas. She has also served as a president of the Symphony Guild.
Mosely, who has taught for 20 years, said she was honored to be selected for the award.
“Through my many opportunities for service, I have learned and benefitted far more than those individuals and groups I have been fortunate to serve,” she said. “I am pleased that I will continue to be involved with service to the community and literacy learners for many years. I have appreciated the blessings of my opportunities for service at UCA and throughout the community. Serving is, indeed, the best learning.”
Other nominees for the Public Service Award were Dr. Debra Burris, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy and Dr. Patsy Ramsey, a history lecturer.
Dr. Gordon Shepherd ‘s work focuses upon the ways in which organized religion meets the ever-changing social needs of its members, in particular upon the group mechanisms that produce and sustain resilient religious communities. Shepherd, winner of the Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award, has written three books and 26 articles on the topic.
Shepherd, who has taught at UCA since 1980, said he appreciated the support and recognition given to him by his colleagues.
“Good colleagues in sociology and the College of Liberal Arts at UCA make for a positive work environment in which I feel encouraged to do good work,” he said.
Shepherd believes instructors should attempt to model for students a certain quality of mind that displays systematic, critical, and integrative thinking about the complex elements of their subject matter.
“I try to instill in my students respect for sound thinking based on evidence in place of untested assumptions based on stereotypes,” he added.
Dr. Rahul Mehta, a professor of physics, and Dr. David Welky, an associate professor of history, were finalists for the Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award.
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