- University News Archive - Vlogý Little Rock /news-archive/tag/sharon-bailey/ Vlogý Little Rock Fri, 12 Apr 2019 02:30:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Lee, Khodakovskaya, and Mitchell named Faculty Excellence Award winners /news-archive/2019/04/11/faculty-excellence-winners-2019/ Fri, 12 Apr 2019 02:30:06 +0000 /news/?p=74018 ... Lee, Khodakovskaya, and Mitchell named Faculty Excellence Award winners]]> University of Arkansas at Little Rock professors Dr. Jin Wook Lee, Dr. Mariya Khodakovskaya,and Alicia Mitchell have been named the 2019 winners of the Faculty Excellenceɲ. Each of the three professors will receive a $5,000 award as winners of the Faculty Excellence Awards in the categories of teaching, research and creative endeavors, and public service. Lee, assistant professor of systems engineering, received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award while Khodakovskaya was named the winner of the Faculty Excellence and Creative Endeavors Award. Mitchell, assistant visiting professor of law and director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, won the Faculty Excellence in Public Service Award. “Thirty years of recognizing the work of our outstanding faculty underscores the university’s commitment to our mission,” said Dr. Christina Drale, interim executive vice chancellor and provost. “It signifies the value we place on excellent teaching, research and creative activity, and service to our community. These essential components of our institution create a learning environment that enriches the education of our students and prepares them to embrace a bright future.” The winners were honored during an April 11 awards ceremony in the Schueck, McCarty, Lexicon Inc. Auditorium. Fourteen additional faculty members who earned Faculty Excellence awards at the college level also were honored, and they will each receive a $1,000 award. The 15 members of the Vlogý Little Rock Board of Visitors reviewed the achievements and selected the winners. This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Faculty Excellence Awards. Since 1989, the event has provided a way to recognize the great work of Vlogý Little Rock faculty and is made possible through the valued contributions of the Bailey Foundation, Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, and the Vlogý Little Rock Chancellor’s Circle. Sharon Bailey of the Bailey Foundation, which was instrumental in the creation of the Faculty Excellence Awards, presented the Bailey Teaching Award. “I would like to express our appreciation for the outstanding service each of you here have given,” Bailey said. “The Bailey Foundation has a long history with Vlogý Little Rock. My late husband, Dr. Ted Bailey II, recognized the importance of Vlogý Little Rock many years ago and helped establish this teaching award. It is my honor to carry on his legacy.” More about the winners:

Faculty Excellence in Teaching

Dr. Jin Wook Lee is an assistant professor of systems engineering in the College of Engineering and Information Technology. “I never expected this kind of big award,” Lee said. “I am very honored. I would like to thank my wife, Ji, and son, Jason.” He began his career at Vlogý Little Rock in 2013 and previously worked as a senior engineer at Samsung in South Korea. He connects with his students through a “disciplined, yet friendly” approach to instruction. In his teaching, Lee incorporates his personal experiences as examples in the classroom. He enjoys helping students understand new concepts and establish strong foundations to build their future careers. He is known for placing a high priority on his teaching and student interactions. “I just keep asking students questions instead of just giving lectures,” Lee said. “I want to make sure they understand what I am teaching. And after each test, I arrange a one-on-one meeting with those who have below average scores to ask how we can improve their learning. I think that helps a lot.” He contributed to the development of the Bachelor of Science in mechanical systems engineering at Vlogý Little Rock and developed courses in fluid mechanics and computational fluid mechanics. Lee has been a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers since 2010. He was awarded two grants from NASA in 2015 and 2017 and has two patents pending.

Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Endeavors

Dr. Mariya Khodakovskaya is a professor of biology and interim associate dean in the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences at Vlogý Little Rock. Her research is primarily on plant biology and nanotechnology, and she is well known for collaborations with scientists from other disciplines. Last year, she received a $1 million grant to study the genetic qualities of rice to determine its heat tolerance. Khodakosvkaya is a part of a consortium of four universities that collectively received $4.65 million from the National Science Foundation to study heat tolerance in rice in hopes of reducing hunger by helping rice farmers improve their yield. Khodakovskaya’s collaborations with material scientists, nanotechnologists, and other plant molecular biologists and biotechnologists resulted in the development of a unique research area in the intersection of plant biology and nanotechnology. She was the first person to demonstrate that carbon-based nanomaterials can affect plants at genomic and metabolomic levels, which activates genes involved in water transport, cell division, and response to environmental stress. She has also established new methods for increasing seed germination and plant and cell growth using nanomaterials. Khodakosvkaya strives to commercialize her research through interactions with industryprofessionals and through the submission of patent applications. In the past five years, two of her patent applications have been approved. In 2014, she formed a start-up company, Advanced Plant Technologies, LLC. Since 2008, she has been a principal investigator or co-principal investigator on grants totaling more than $9.6 million. Her research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, and the Arkansas Space Consortium.

Faculty Excellence in Public Service

Alicia Mitchell is an assistant visiting professor of law and director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at the Vlogý Little Rock Bowen School of Law. She has worked at Bowen for almost 17 years and has spent her entire teaching career working in the clinical program, training students to ethically and professionally represent parties before the Internal Revenue Service. Alongside her students, Mitchell has served hundreds of economically distressed individuals in need of assistance with tax information. She works with the international student population, ensuring they are in compliance with federal tax regulations. Since 2014, Mitchell has been awarded the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic grant from the National Taxpayer Advocate each year to aid in her endeavors. She also works in the Little Rock Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition and several national taxpayer committees. “The most impactful thing I do for students is give them the opportunity to learn by gaining practical experience,” Mitchell said. “They gain satisfaction by helping their clients in the clinic. When the students get a positive result, it reinforces everything that I am trying to teach them in the clinic – to be a good and impactful attorney.” In the community, she participates in events like the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition Super Saturday. She believes in educating the community on their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers while spreading awareness of the clinic’s services. Mitchell is active on campus in the Delta Project Committee, Law School Admissions Committee, Assessment Committee, Faculty Development Committee, and the Vlogý Little Rock Sustainability Committee. In the upper right photo, the 2019 Faculty Excellence Award winners include Jin Wook Lee (left) for teaching, Mariya Khodakovskaya (midde) for research and creative endeavors, and Alicia Mitchell (right) for public service. Photo by Benjamin Krain.]]> Longtime Vlogý Little Rock supporter Ted Bailey passes away /news-archive/2019/01/24/ted-bailey-passes-away/ Thu, 24 Jan 2019 16:34:14 +0000 /news/?p=73212 ... Longtime Vlogý Little Rock supporter Ted Bailey passes away]]> The Vlogý Little Rock community is mourning the loss of Dr. Howard Ashley Ted Bailey Jr., longtime supporter of higher education and pioneering physician, who passed away Jan. 21 in Little Rock at the age of 94. A reception in his honor will be held at the Country Club of Little Rock, 4200 Country Club Blvd., from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. A private burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock. “Dr. Bailey was a great man to whom we owe so much. His support lifted us to reach our full potential in so many places,” said Vlogý Little Rock Chancellor Andrew Rogerson. “His belief in the university still inspires our work to be world-class.” Dr. Bailey was one of the university’s earliest supporters, having founded the Society of Philanthropy, a precursor to the current. The Bailey Family also facilitated the establishment of the Faculty Excellence Awards in 1988, an awards ceremony that recognizes the contributions of outstanding faculty members in teaching, research, and public service. The family also helped initiate the university’s Foundation Fund Board. In 2002, a generous gift from the Bailey Family Foundation began the construction of the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, named after Dr. Bailey and Virginia, his wife of nearly 58 years who passed away in 2003. The Bailey family is a strong supporter of student scholarships, having created multiple endowed scholarships across disciplines and departments. In 2015, the Bailey Family Foundation made a direct gift of $2 million to support student scholarships. Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor of University Advancement, expressed the university’s love and support to Dr. Bailey’s wife, Sharon; his five children, Mary Maude Shafer, Ted Bailey III, Jo Bailey McCray, John Bailey, and Amy Madeline Bailey; 23 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. “In a special tribute to Dr. Bailey and his wife Sharon, we honored them at the 2017 Taste of Little Rock event for their enduring support,” O’Neal said. “The Bailey family legacy continues to serve the university, with Sharon serving on the ALL IN Campaign Steering Committee; son John Bailey as a member of the Board of Visitors; and son Ted Bailey III through his support of Trojan Athletics.” Dr. Bailey was born in Little Rock in 1924 to parents H.A. Ted Bailey Sr. and Madeline S. Bailey. He graduated from Little Rock High School and received his M.D. degree from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine. He served as a medical officer during the Korean War. He began his private practice in otolaryngology but primarily practiced otology in Little Rock for more than 40 years, being the first physician in Arkansas to limit his practice to otology. His excellence as an ear surgeon was widely recognized, as were his many accomplishments in the medical field. He was the first physician to open an outpatient surgery center in the state. He was a pioneer in stapedectomy surgery, with one of the largest series in the United States, and developed new instruments and techniques for the procedure. He was also the first ear surgeon in Arkansas to perform cochlear implant surgery. Dr. Bailey was a clinical professor of otolaryngology at VlogýMS throughout his career, head of the Division of Otolaryngology for a decade, and chief of staff at Baptist Hospital. He founded the Ear & Nose-Throat Clinic in Little Rock, now the Arkansas Otolaryngology Center, and served as its president and physician administrator until his retirement. Dr. Bailey was a man of many accomplishments who was deeply devoted to public service. He served on the Vlogý Little Rock Foundation Fund Board and the Vlogý Little Rock Board of Visitors in addition to numerous other organizations, including the Little Rock Rotary Club, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Union National Bank in Little Rock, Worthen Bank in Little Rock, United Way, YMCA, Little Rock Boys Club, Arkansas Arts Center Foundation, and Baptist Health Foundation. Memorials may be made to the Vlogý Little Rock Bailey Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of.]]> Taste of Little Rock to honor Bailey Family /news-archive/2016/11/04/taste-ittle-rock-bailey/ Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:36:13 +0000 /news/?p=65699 ... Taste of Little Rock to honor Bailey Family]]> The 14th annual Taste of Little Rock alumni fundraising event will honor the Bailey Family for their decades of support to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Jack Stephens Center, Taste of Little Rock raises funds for student scholarships while introducing guests to some of the best food in the city from the finest restaurants in Little Rock. Led by patriarch Dr. Ted Bailey II, the family is composed of long-time supporters of Vlogý Little Rock and higher education. Dr. Bailey serves as president of the Bailey Foundation. Additional family board members include Dr. Bailey’s wife, Sharon, and children, Mary Bailey Shafer, Ted Bailey III, Jo Bailey McCray, John Bailey, and Amy Bailey. Virginia Bailey, who was married to Dr. Bailey for nearly 58 years when she passed away in 2003, also served on the board. “The Bailey name is synonymous with higher education opportunities at Vlogý Little Rock,” said Christian O’Neal, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Their gifts over the years truly keep on giving through student scholarships, faculty awards for excellence, and the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, the central gathering for our alumni and friends of the university. “It is very fitting that we honor the members of the Bailey family who are so integral to this university.” The Baileys have long invested in the university as a way to give back to and help grow the community. Dr. Bailey is one of the university’s earliest supporters, having founded the Society of Philanthropy, a precursor to the current Chancellor’s Circle. “My family has always had a passion for education and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” Dr. Ted Bailey said. “This university is an essential part of the community, and I have been privileged to watch it grow and reach its potential as I have watched my own children and grandchildren grow over the years.” Individual tickets are $75 and will be available at the door tonight, or you can still contact the Vlogý Little Rock Alumni office at 501.683-7208, emailalumni@ualr.edu, or visit the.Proceeds support Vlogý Little Rock Alumni Association scholarships.

A history of generosity

In 2002, a generous donation by the Bailey Family Foundation facilitated the construction of the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center, named after Dr. Ted Bailey and Virginia, his wife of almost 58 years who passed away in 2003. Throughout the year, the Bailey Center hosts numerous events and gatherings, serving as a welcome center to the university family and the community. The Bailey family members are strong supporters of student scholarships, having multiple endowed scholarships across disciplines and departments. The family foundation made a direct gift of $2 million to boost student scholarships in 2015. The Baileys also started the Faculty Excellence Awards in 1988, an awards ceremony that recognizes the contributions of outstanding Vlogý Little Rock faculty in teaching, research, and public service. They are also supporters of the Vlogý Little Rock Chancellor’s Circle and Trojan Athletics, as well as the College of Engineering and Information Technology. ]]>