Faculty Promotions and Tenure for 2026-27 are Approved by Board of Trustees

Arkansas State University has promoted 21 faculty members in academic rank and awarded tenure to 14. The ASU System Board of Trustees Thursday approved the recommendations.

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University has promoted 21 faculty members in academic rank and awarded tenure to 14. The ASU System Board of Trustees Thursday approved the recommendations from the Promotion, Retention and Tenure Committee and university administration, announced Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice president.

The actions are effective July 1, the beginning of the 2026-27 academic year.

“Each promotion and tenure granted affirms our faculty’s enduring commitment to research, teaching, and meaningful service," White emphasized. "Their achievements strengthen and advance the academic mission of Arkansas State University in service to our students, region, and state."

Ten faculty members promoted to professor and their respective departments are Dr. Matthew Hill, Economics and Finance; Dr. Melodie Philhours, Management, Marketing and Supply Chain; Dr. Eric Scudamore and Dr. Veronika Scudamore, Health, Physical Education and Sport Sciences; Dr. Alicia Shaw and Dr. Robert Williams, Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Special Education; Dr. Donghoon Kim, Computer Science; Dr. Michele Merritt, English, Philosophy and World Languages; Dr. James Farris, Physical Therapy; and Dr. Brook Fluker, Biological Sciences.

The 11 faculty members promoted to associate professor are Dr. Joseph Goodman, Management, Marketing and Supply Chain; Dr. Lucy Barnhouse, History; Dr. Erin Cameron and Dr. Nairam Simoes, Music; Kristin Franyutti and Leslie Parker, Art + Design; Dallas Martinez, Theatre; Dr. Katharine Camden, School of Nursing; Jody Nutt and Kendall Youngman, Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences; and Dr. Tiffany Sterling, Health Sciences and Risk Management.

Those who attained tenure were Dr. Jerica Rich, Agriculture; Dr. James Farris, Physical Therapy; Dr. Scott Mangan, Biological Sciences; and 11 individuals who also were promoted to associate professor: Goodman, Barnhouse, Cameron, Simoes, Franyutti, Parker, Martinez, Camden, Nutt, Youngman and Sterling.

Dean B. Ellis Library at Arkansas State University