Faculty Achievement Awards presented at Convocation of Scholars Ceremony
JONESBORO – Four faculty members at Arkansas State University were recognized today as this year's recipients of the Faculty Achievement Awards.
The awards were presented during the 37th annual Convocation of Scholars in recognition of outstanding professional achievement in the categories of scholarship, professional service, teaching and advising.
Lori Fenner, Dr. Gauri Guha, Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch and Stacy Sloas are the recipients of Faculty Achievement Awards for 2014‑15.
“Convocation of Scholars is a special time during which we honor and celebrate excellence and recognize the faculty for their outstanding performance and dedication,” commented Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Chancellor Tim Hudson also commended the recipients, noting the faculty's crucial role in achieving the institution's highest priority, the students' education. He added, “Recognition of our most outstanding faculty is very important and appropriate because these individuals have excelled in guiding and inspiring our students.”
Excellence in Advising Award
Lori Fenner, instructor in agriculture, was recognized as recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. Fenner regularly advises about 200 students and is considered the College of Agriculture and Technology's "go-to resource" on student advising. The nomination said she is more than just an adviser -- she is an "adviser, mentor and encourager." Her efforts have turned around troubled students and helped them graduate and begin productive careers.
Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Gauri Guha, associate professor of economics, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The departmental nomination noted Guha's effective utilization of new teaching tools and techniques that have been made possible by developments in technology. While implementing new methods, he has kept his focus on enhancing student success through quality, rigorous coursework and maintaining a level of personal involvement with his students.
Excellence in Scholarship Award
Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, associate professor of history, is recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarship. Her most recent book, which was published by University Press of Florida, received the Letitia Woods Brown Award from the Association of Black Women Historians. She is co-author of Arkansas Women: Their Lives and Times, to be published soon by the University of Georgia Press, and author of a third book that is forthcoming from the University of Arkansas Press.
Excellence in Professional Service Award
Stacey Sloas, assistant professor of physical therapy, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Service. The award was based on her numerous campus and community activities outside the classroom including volunteer work for Operation Tucker Freedom and Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). College and department committees and activities included judging for Create @ STATE and assisting with High School Preview Day and Physical Therapy Association Alumni Day.
Six faculty members who are retiring this academic year were recognized today during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation for their longtime service to Arkansas State University, according to Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
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