Outstanding Faculty Recognized during Convocation of Scholars Honors Program
Faculty award winners (from left) are Dr. Lucy Barnhouse, Rashele Wade, Dr. Argelia Lorence, Dr. Ryan Kelly, Dr. Topeka Singleton, Dr. Jerica Rich and (not pictured) Dr. Ryan Sullivan.
JONESBORO – The seven recipients of the 2023-24 Faculty Achievement Awards were announced Tuesday during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation, a highlight of Convocation of Scholars at Arkansas State University.
“We appreciate the faculty for their dedication to outstanding teaching, research and service, including a commitment to meeting the unique educational needs of today’s students while enhancing our research enterprise to better serve our students, community, state and world,” said Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, at the Honors Convocation. “We are changing lives, and none of this is possible without you – our esteemed Arkansas State faculty.”
The awards, determined through a campus nomination and committee review process, are for significant and meritorious achievement in the respective categories and include monetary rewards.
Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities: Dr. Argelia Lorence
This year's recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities is Dr. Argelia Lorence, professor of metabolic engineering. Among her many achievements, she has been responsible as PI or co-PI for projects attracting more than $19 million in grants. Her research sponsored by the National Science Foundation has focused on high nighttime temperature stress and its impact on various rice varieties. Lorence has produced dozens of scholarly works and is author of three patents.
Provost’s Medal for Excellence in Instruction: Dr. Ryan Kelly
Dr. Ryan Kelly, professor of reading, is the first recipient of the Provost’s Medal for Excellence in Instruction. Nominators noted his exemplary ability to plan, teach and assess learning, both in face-to-face and online instruction. Kelly has excellent teaching ratings, shows outstanding dedication to student learning, and devotes unwavering support for student research and publication in the area of literacy. He also incorporates best-practice teaching strategies.
Professional Service Award: Dr. Ryan Sullivan
Dr. Ryan Sullivan, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, received the Faculty Achievement Award for Professional Service. A leader among professional peers, he has served as president of the southwestern region of the National Choral Directors Association. In addition to chairing key departmental committees on undergraduate curriculum and recruiting, Sullivan has conducted workshops for educators and students in numerous public schools, helping boost the choral music program’s profile.
Teaching Award, Tenure Track: Dr. Jerica Rich
Dr. Jerica Rich, assistant professor of animal science, is recipient of the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching, tenure-track. In addition to consistently earning some of the highest teaching evaluations, she was complimented for her instinctive ability to become engaged with prospective students, enhancing recruiting and contributing long-term to classroom success. Rich’s leadership inspires and empowers students to reach higher and push harder toward career goals, especially young women.
Teaching Award, Non-Tenure Track: Dr. Topeka Singleton
Dr. Topeka Singleton, assistant professor of educational leadership, was recognized with the Faculty Achievement Award for Teaching, non-tenure track. Nominators noted her passion for fostering student learning and engagement, made evident by her innovative teaching methods and approaches. Singleton was also cited for her ability to consistently go above and beyond to create a positive and inclusive learning environment, tailoring the teaching to meet the diverse needs of the students served.
Excellence in Advising Award: Rashele Wade
Rashele Wade, assistant professor of social work, received the Faculty Achievement Award in Advising. Nominators attributed a key part of her success to her accessibility, commitment to student achievement, and eagerness to assist others while taking pride in all she does. Peers described her as highly organized, determined, and dedicated to her responsibilities. Wade makes an extra effort to make students feel empowered by becoming more involved in the decision-making process.
Emerging Scholar: Dr. Lucy Barnhouse
This year’s recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award is Dr. Lucy Barnhouse, assistant professor of history. The nomination documents portrayed a scholar who has engaged in rigorous research that demands high levels of expertise and analysis. Barnhouse’s productivity during the past year includes 13 scholarly works, including five book chapters, two peer-reviewed journal articles, two magazine articles, and two books, one as the author and one as editor.
