Dr. Justin Castro, assistant professor of Latin American history, has been very productive in scholarship over the last year. His publications include peer-reviewed articles and book reviews in the Latin American Research Review, Mexican Studies and The Latin Americanist. His second book, Apostle of Progress: Modesto C. Rolland and the Engineering of Modern Mexico, is forthcoming later this year or in early 2018. He also spoke at multiple national and international forums.

The four recipients of the annual Faculty Achievement awards – in advising, professional service, research and teaching – were announced today during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation. In addition, 14 faculty members who are retiring this year (see the list online) were recognized for their combined 357 years of service to Arkansas State. Ten additional faculty were recognized for service milestones of 50, 45, 25, 20 and 15 years (online list).

Dr. LaQuita Saunders, assistant professor of history and co-director of the Pre-Law Center, advises more than 30 students in the Bachelor of Arts in history program, along with pre-law students from all disciplines on best practices for getting into law school. She also advises academically most vulnerable students through First-Year Experience and Disability Services. Her peers said, "Her good humor, caring attitude and commitment to each student make her successful."

Dr. Evelyn Taylor, assistant professor of social work, was recognized for empowering and motivating her students, and for providing a classroom environment in which students are engaged and use critical thinking skills. She assists students with building confidence and helps them apply newly gained knowledge. She taught in the classroom as well as online during the past year. In evaluations, her students often attribute their success to her teaching skills.

Dr. Stacy Walz, assistant professor of clinical laboratory sciences and department chair, was extremely involved in professional service activities this year. She served in various capacities on more than a dozen university, student, state and local community groups. Her peers commented on her ability to maintain "a level of energy, intensity and team spirit that is unmatched," and called her "a formidable asset in both teaching and administrative capacities."