The six recipients of the 2021-22 Faculty Achievement Awards were announced during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation, a highlight of Convocation of Scholars. The event returned to the Grand Hall of Fowler Center, following two years in an online format. The awards, determined through a campus nomination and committee review process, are for significant and meritorious achievement and include monetary rewards. Retiring faculty members were recognized, as well as individuals attaining service milestones.

The recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities is Dr. Elizabeth Hood, Lipscomb Distinguished Professor of Agriculture. Provided by the Beck Foundation and Distinguished Alumnus Buddy Beck, this is the highest honor an A-State faculty member may receive. Hood, who has served on the faculty since 2004, is a highly accomplished senior scientist. Dr. Michele Merritt, associate professor of philosophy, was a finalist.

The Emerging Faculty Scholar Award recognizes a pre-tenure faculty member for exceptional scholarly achievement. The recipient, Dr. Rasoul Narimani, assistant professor of electrical engineering, was commended for his peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals, a grant from the National Science Foundation, and diligence in promoting student research. The other finalist was Dr. Eric Scudamore, associate professor of exercise science.

Six recipients of the 2022-23 Faculty Achievement Awards were announced during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation, a highlight of Convocation of Scholars. Determined through a campus nomination and committee review process, the awards recognize significant and meritorious achievement and include monetary rewards. Retiring faculty members were recognized, as well as individuals attaining service milestones.

Dr. H. Steve Leslie, assistant professor of business communication, received the Excellence in Teaching, Tenure-Track, Award. Leslie’s nominators noted his contributions to student retention in his college, where he is regularly lauded for his teaching prowess by both colleagues and students. Other finalists were Dr. Tonja Fillippino, associate professor of mid-level education, Dr. Sarah Labovitz, associate professor of music, and Todd Sanders, assistant professor of occupational therapy.

Dr. Maureen Dolan, associate professor of molecular biology and director of the biotechnology program, received the Excellence in Advising Award. Dolan has been very successful interacting with the students she advises, using that information to more effectively help them with getting prepared for professional graduate school or entering the STEM workforce after graduation. Dolan also advised the student team that won a NASA grant and prepared an experiment for the International Space Station.

This year's recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities is Dr. Steve Green, professor of soil and water conservation. Provided by the Beck Foundation and Distinguished Alumnus Buddy Beck, the medal is the highest honor a faculty member may receive. Green has conducted extensive grant-funded and published research at A-State. Dr. Mohammad Alam, associate professor of chemistry, Dr. Natalie Johnson-Leslie, associate professor of secondary education, and Dr. Lauri Umansky, professor of history and director of heritage studies, were finalists.

Dr. Bruce Johnson, professor of physics, received the Excellence in Teaching, Tenure-Track, Award. Johnson’s nominators emphasized his caring attitude, frequently making extra efforts to help students, especially with difficult concepts. Other finalists were Dr. Amanda Carpenter, assistant professor of occupational therapy, Dr. Drew Fleming, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, Dr. Jerica Rich, assistant professor of animal science, and Dr. Sarah Scott, assistant professor of communication studies.

The Emerging Scholar Award recognizes a pre-tenure faculty member for exceptional scholarly achievement. The recipient, Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee, assistant professor of physiology, has published numerous journal articles and secured grants for her lab. The other finalists were Dr. Hrishikesh Desai, assistant professor of accounting, Dr. Derek Jenkins, assistant professor of music, Jody Nutt, associate professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, and Dr. HoYeol Yu, assistant professor of sport management.

Andrea Brown, assistant professor of occupational therapy, received the Excellence in Advising Award.  Brown was commended for her ability to connect with students at all levels, from incoming students, and their families, to those entering professional practice, and for developing these individuals through her dedicated efforts as a faculty member. The other finalist was Dr. Tonja Fillippino, associate professor of mid-level education.

Dr. Alexandr Sokolov, assistant professor of engineering management, was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching, Non-Tenure Track, Award. Sokolov brings a wealth of practical experience to the classroom, where he helps students learn to demonstrate their understanding of planning, organizing and problem-solving skills that provide value-added services in technical or management positions. Dr. Steven Riley, instructor in music, was a finalist.

Dr. Niamat Hossain, assistant professor of engineering management, was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching, Non-Tenure Track, Award. Hossain was commended by nominators for his innovative teaching methods through which he challenges his students and helps them develop critical thinking skills. Jessica Cooper, assistant professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, and Dr. Mark Herman, instructor in philosophy, were the other finalists.

Dr. Jacob Manlove, assistant professor of agricultural economics, was recognized with the Excellence in Professional Service Award. In addition to numerous college, departmental and university committees, Manlove advises two student organizations and has strengthened relationships with the college’s stakeholders. Dr. Lauren Schack Clark, professor of music, and Kendall Youngman, assistant professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, were the other finalists.

Dr. Zahid Hossain, associate professor of civil engineering, received the Excellence in Professional Service Award. Hossain was recognized for the significant positive impact he has made with the development and progress of the civil engineering program, his college, and its stakeholders, including professional communities. Dr. Amanda Mohler, assistant professor of occupational therapy, and Dr. Ed Salo, associate professor of history, were finalists.