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. 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.

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.