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.

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.

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. 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.