
Pam Fout, right, was recognized for her 45 years at ɵ. Courtesy Johnathan Brewer
ɵ Faculty and Staff Recognized
Written By: Ian Silvester
On Friday, April 11, the University of Arkansas – 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 ɵ 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 ɵ for 12 years this summer. Both shared their gratitude and love for the university.
“There are so many things I truly enjoy about working at ɵ,” said Davis. “But 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.”
“As a ɵ alumna, this recognition means so much to me—this 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,” added Goodson. “I’ve always believed in showing up, pitching in, and growing through the work we do. I’m 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.”
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
- Tags:
- Excellence Awards
- Faculty and Staff Appreciation
Media Relations
The ɵ Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.
Send%20an%20EmailRachel Rodemann Putman
- Director of Strategic Communications
- 479-788-7132
- rachel.putman@uafs.edu