In this special edition of Inside A-State, we salute the 2021-22 Faculty Achievement Award winners, who were named today during the Faculty Honors Convocation. Congratulations to all who were nominated for these awards. The faculty members who are retiring, along with those recognized for their milestones of service at A-State, will be listed in the next edition of Inside A-State.

The inaugural recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities is Dr. Travis Marsico, professor of botany and associate department chair. This is now the highest honor that A-State faculty may receive. Nominators noted Marsico was extraordinarily productive with six peer-reviewed manuscripts and research presentations at four national and international conferences, while serving as a principal investigator for five external research grants. The other finalist was Dr. Beth Hood, Lipscomb Distinguished Professor, in agriculture.

The Emerging Faculty Scholar Award, formerly known as the Excellence in Scholarship Award, recognizes a pre-tenure faculty member for exceptional scholarly achievement. The first recipient, Dr. Elizabeth Chamberlain, assistant professor of English, was commended as a leader in the Digital Humanities Research Institute and her department’s curriculum and retention grant team, and has an impressive mix of creative and scholarly work. The other finalist was Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee, assistant professor of herpetology.

Dr. Kellie Wilson-Buford, associate professor of history, received the Faculty Advising Award. Wilson-Buford is the primary adviser to undergraduates, and additionally oversees dozens of internships every year. Along with traditional advising duties, she mentors students on the use of technology in the classroom, coursework development, and classroom organization. The other finalist was Addie Fleming, assistant professor of nursing.

The Faculty Award for Teaching went to Dr. Rachael Isom, assistant professor of English. Her nominator said Isom is very dedicated and intentional in ensuring her students both understand course content and develop critical thinking skills. While the transition to online learning was challenging, students praised her ability to keep coursework engaging. Other finalists were Dr. Jessica Camp, assistant professor of nursing, and Dr. GwanSeon (Sun) Kim, assistant professor of agricultural economics.

Dr. Sarah Labovitz, associate professor of music and associate director of bands, is recipient of the Faculty Professional Service Award. Labovitz was recognized in particular for her service as faculty adviser to several student groups, chairing and serving on several committees, and devoting extra time to assessment, faculty development and curriculum improvements. Dr. Kimberley Davis, associate professor of special education and assistant chair, Dr. David Jeong, professor of mechanical engineering, and Dr. Libby Nix, associate professor of nursing, also were finalists.