“I was working as a paralegal and loving it, but I was laid off, and alongside applying to more jobs, I finally applied to law school,” she said. “I think with my personality and strengths, being a lawyer is the best way I can contribute to society. As a paralegal, I got to observe up close how much of a difference it can make just to have access to legal information, let alone advice, and I wanted to fill that role for my family and community.”

On May 16, James will earn her Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The first-generation law student has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Philander Smith University, an associate degree in paralegal studies from Dallas College – El Centro Campus, and a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution from Southern Methodist University.

The Cedar Hill, Texas, native said Philander Smith professor Justice Wynne encouraged her legal ambitions, including introducing her to Bowen. Wynne passed away before James could share her law school news, but she said his guidance remained influential. “I am not disappointed in my choice to attend Bowen, so I still have him to thank for that,” she said.

While at Bowen, James served on the Black Law Student Association, the First Generation Law Student Organization,  the Honor Council, and as research editor of the Arkansas Journal of Social Change and Public Service, vice president of entertainment for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, and Themis representative. She also worked as an inquiry law clerk for the Arkansas Municipal League (AML).

AML Legal and Inquiry Counsel Caleb Alexander-McKinzie called James dependable, dedicated, and genuinely impactful. “She is a fantastic researcher, she has excellent intuition, and an uncommon ability to understand the balance of governmental interests and individual impact of public policy, “ he said.

James describes her time on the Honor Council, a student court for resolving disputes and conflicts among students, as a meaningful experience. “As Chief Justice, I train the new justices that are elected, determine what cases brought before us fall under our jurisdiction, and facilitate the resolution for the cases we accept,” she explained.

James said support from faculty, including professors Jordan Wallace-Wolf and Aaron Schwabach, and former professor andré douglas pond cummings, helped her adapt to the challenges of law school.

She appreciated cummings for ”helping me adjust to the flavor of law school as a first-generation student. I wasn’t accustomed to the writing style, the study style, but between his course assignments and office hours, I started to find a rhythm.”

James credits Professor Terrence Cain with pushing her to grow academically. “He made me take law school seriously and really forced me to reckon with the idea that I fully don’t understand what’s going on, and I better figure it out,” she said. “However, once I committed to doing the work and figuring it out, he was committed to making sure the work was done properly so I could learn and succeed.”

She added that she received valuable advice from Dean of Academic Affairs Lindsey Gustafson, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Rejena Grotjohn, and former Dean Theresa Beiner.

“Jazmine is a very thoughtful and dedicated student,” Beiner said. “She always followed up after tests to see how she could improve her law school performance. She was also consistently prepared for class.”

She said she remains especially grateful for her parents’ support. “I want to thank my parents, Miles and Tonnie James, for loving me, supporting me, comforting me, and encouraging me throughout my time in law school,” she said.

After graduation, James will focus on preparing for the bar exam. As she prepares to begin her legal career, she encourages future law students to remember the human side of the profession.

“My big advice is to remember people,” she said. “Everything starts to look like a case study in school, so we don’t always instinctively and fully appreciate that all the cases we are learning about were decided by real people because things happened to other real people.” 

James said the law should always be considered in the context of the people it affects.

“We are remiss to consider rules and laws without contextualizing them to the people creating and governed by them,” she said.

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Two ceremonies will take place throughout the day.

Undergraduates from the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (DCSTEM) and the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) will participate in the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 8 a.m.

Special guests for the morning ceremony will include Ms. Danyelle Walker, distinguished alumna, member of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, and the first African American president of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. A graduate of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, Walker is a nationally recognized consumer bankruptcy attorney with 30 years of experience advocating for debtor rights and expanding access to justice in Arkansas.

Dr. Dean Kumpuris, chair of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors, will also participate in the ceremony. A respected cardiologist and civic leader, Kumpuris has long championed educational opportunity, healthcare access, and community engagement in Arkansas. Through his leadership, he has supported initiatives that strengthen student success and advance higher education across the state.

Student Nistha Neupane, recipient of the 2026 Edward Lynn Whitbeck Memorial Award, will be recognized during the morning ceremony. The Whitbeck Award is the university’s highest honor presented to a graduating senior. Neupane, a biology and chemistry student, has earned recognition for her cancer research, leadership, and advocacy work focused on improving access and representation in medicine.

Undergraduates from the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE), along with all graduate students from the Graduate School, will participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Doors for guests will open at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to Walker and Kumpuris, special guests for the afternoon ceremony will include Col. Nathaniel Todd of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees. Todd is a retired military officer and longtime public servant who has supported education, leadership development, and community engagement efforts across Arkansas through his professional and civic service.

Family members and guests are encouraged to review commencement policies and ceremony details before arriving on campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect at the Jack Stephens Center for all commencement ceremonies.

Live streaming information, parking details, guest information, and additional commencement resources are available at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement Information.

For more information about ����Vlog��ý Little Rock commencement, contact the Office of Records and Registration at (501) 916-3110 or visit ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Commencement.

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“����Vlog��ý Little Rock is home to a diverse student body and respected faculty transforming academic endeavors into practical support and solutions for Arkansans. Establishing a full-service veterans legal clinic within the Bowen School of Law and bolstering nanotech research with a wide range of real-world applications will benefit veterans and accelerate innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and medicine,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I’m pleased to have championed these investments and look forward to the exciting impact they will have on our state and beyond in the years to come.”

Chancellor Christina Drale added that these investments further position the university to serve Arkansas through impactful research and programs.

“This level of federal investment affirms the value and impact of the work happening at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Chancellor Christina Drale. “From supporting Arkansas veterans to advancing research in nanotechnology, cybersecurity, and data analytics, these appropriations strengthen our ability to serve the state and deliver research that makes a measurable difference for our communities and our country.

The federal funding package includes two direct allocations secured by Boozman for the veterans legal clinic and nanotechnology research equipment, in addition to the other investments he and the Arkansas congressional delegation supported for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock programs:

• $750,000 to support the Veterans Legal Services Clinic at the William H. Bowen School of Law
• $6 million for nanotechnology initiatives, including:
  • $3 million to enhance nanotechnology research capacity through the purchase of highly specialized state-of-the-art equipment
  • $3 million specifically for nanomaterials for bone regeneration research
• $5 million to develop a cyber-resilient computing platform in partnership with Montana State University
• $1 million to support COSMOS (social networks analysis) research

Veterans Legal Services Clinic

The $750,000 appropriation will enhance the Bowen School of Law’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to Arkansas veterans while giving law students hands-on experience. To date the clinic has supported Veterans in two thirds of Arkansas counties and has secured more than $500k in benefits for veterans. With the additional funding, the clinic hopes to secure additional support to serve all Arkansas counties.  

“This funding strengthens our ability to stand alongside Arkansas veterans and ensure they have access to the legal services they deserve,” said Dean Colin Crawford of the Bowen School of Law. “It also gives our students meaningful, real-world experience advocating for those who have served our country.”

Analytical and Nanotechnology Research Expansion

The $6 million in nanotechnology funding will significantly expand ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s research capacity. The $3 million equipment investment will enhance nanotechnology research through the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, positioning the university for continued growth in high-impact materials science. The instrumentation will serve both the academic as well as the industrial partners and provide educational opportunities for a variety of students and users. An additional $3 million will support research focused specifically on nanomaterials for bone regeneration, with potential applications for injured service members and others requiring regenerative medical treatments.

“These investments strengthen the university’s ability to conduct advanced characterization and research at a higher level both academically and industrially,” said Dr. Alex Biris, Chief Scientist at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences. “The funding expands our research capacity, and the support for the development of technologies focused on advanced bone and tissue regeneration, allowing us to pursue innovative solutions with significant implications for both national defense and medical advancement.”  

Cyber-Resilient Space Computing Platform

The $5 million cyber-resilient computing platform project, a joint effort between ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and Montana State University, will focus on strengthening satellite systems against emerging cyber threats and enhancing national security capabilities in space.

“This project advances our ability to build AI models that protect mission-critical systems operating in increasingly complex and contested cyber environments in space,” said Dr. Philip Huff. “It reflects ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s growing leadership in applied cybersecurity research that directly supports national defense and workforce needs.”

COSMOS: Social Networks Analysis

The $1 million investment in COSMOS (social networks analysis) will expand research capabilities in data analytics and national security applications.

“Social network analysis plays a critical role in understanding complex digital ecosystems and cognitive security challenges,” said Dr. Nitin Agarwal, director of COSMOS Research Center at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. “This funding allows us to deepen our research impact while preparing students to lead in high-demand intelligence and analytics fields.”

Together, these investments accelerate ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s momentum as a leading public research university and a driver of innovation in Arkansas. From supporting veterans in Arkansas courtrooms to advancing technologies that strengthen national security, the university continues to translate research excellence into tangible benefits for the state and the nation.

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Selected from college-level honorees, this year’s winners represent the highest level of achievement across the university. Winners are recognized for excellence in the classroom, advancing knowledge in their fields, and making meaningful contributions to communities across Arkansas and beyond.

����Vlog��ý Little Rock annually recognizes faculty who are making a difference through their work across these areas, with the Faculty Excellence Awards representing the highest honor the university bestows on its faculty. Each year, academic colleges and the William H. Bowen School of Law select top faculty members in each category.

“Our faculty continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, research, and service that strengthens both our university and the communities we serve,” said Provost Ann Bain. “These awards reflect the depth of talent and dedication across our institution.”

Each university-level award recipient receives a $5,000 prize, made possible through private support.

The ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Board of Visitors selects the university-wide winners from the college-level winners in each category. 

“I want to thank the Board of Visitors again for their thoughtful continued commitment to recognizing faculty excellence,” Bain said. “We appreciate their dedication and the positive feedback they consistently share about the impact of our faculty.”

Teaching Award

Sponsored by the Bailey Foundation

Dr. Jana McAuliffe, associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching.

McAuliffe is recognized for her engaging, student-centered approach that encourages students to develop their own intellectual voice while exploring complex philosophical ideas. She teaches across the philosophy and interdisciplinary studies curriculum, including the University Core and the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program.

In the classroom, McAuliffe emphasizes critical discussion, collaborative exploration, and writing for diverse audiences. Her assignments challenge students to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible formats, helping them communicate ideas beyond academic settings.

She is also deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate research, supporting independent student projects, helping students secure Signature Experience grants, and guiding them as they present their work at academic conferences. Her impact extends beyond campus through her work as co-director of the Arkansas High School Ethics Bowl and as project director of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy.

“Philosophy as a discipline is well-known for not offering one ‘right’ answer,” McAuliffe said. “I work hard to help my students feel comfortable enough with that to craft their right answer, and to share that with each other and with the broader world.”

Research and Creative Works Award

Sponsored by Jafaar Golzar 

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, the Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Research and Creative Works.

Agarwal is internationally recognized for his research in social computing, artificial intelligence, and cognitive security. Since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2009, he has built an interdisciplinary research program that examines how information spreads across online networks and how digital influence campaigns shape public perception.

He founded the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding evolving social and cyber behaviors on modern information platforms.

“Understanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,” Agarwal said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities and institutions.”

Over the past five years, Agarwal has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including grants from the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of Defense, with nearly $30 million directly supporting ����Vlog��ý Little Rock research initiatives.

His collaborations span more than 200 researchers across 130 academic, government, and industry organizations worldwide. His work includes 12 books and more than 400 articles in top-tier journals and conferences, earning 26 best paper awards.

Agarwal’s research has also produced widely used tools for analyzing digital information ecosystems, including systems designed to identify adversarial influence campaigns and online scams. These tools are used by organizations such as NATO, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the World Health Organization. He has also been nominated to serve on the Arkansas AI task force established by Governor Sarah Sanders.

Public Service Award

Sponsored by Alfred Williams in Honor of Elaine Eubank

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and chairperson of the Department of Applied Communication in the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Public Service.

Chatham-Carpenter is recognized for applying her expertise in communication to strengthen civic dialogue and democratic engagement at the local, state, and national levels. Her work includes co-hosting the public affairs podcast On the Other Hand, which features conversations with leaders and community members about issues shaping Arkansas and the nation.

She also serves in leadership roles with Braver Angels, a national grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization. In that role, she facilitates workshops, contributes to statewide and national initiatives, and supports community leaders working to bridge political divides and foster more constructive dialogue.

Chatham-Carpenter brings that work back to campus and into the community through courses, trainings, and public programs that help students, faculty, and community partners navigate conflict and engage across differences. Her outreach includes workshops with organizations such as the City of Little Rock and the Arkansas Department of Transportation.

“Service allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “By helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.”

Social Justice Award

Sponsored by Scott and Amy Schuh, Katherine Shoulders and an Anonymous Donor 

Professor Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Faculty Excellence Award in Social Justice.

Penn is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy. She directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to individuals seeking divorces in counties across the Arkansas Delta where access to legal services is limited.

The clinic travels to rural communities to assist individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation or travel long distances to seek help. Through this work, Penn has helped expand access to critical legal services while addressing barriers faced by individuals in underserved regions.

At the same time, the clinic provides law students with hands-on experience working with real clients and navigating complex legal processes. The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing challenging circumstances—including individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship—while preparing students for client-centered legal practice.

“Access to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,” Penn said. “The Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.”

Rising Faculty Award

Sponsored by Scott Bowen

Dr. Kent Kovacs, associate professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Rising Faculty Award.

Kovacs is recognized for his strong early impact in research, teaching, and service since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2024. His work focuses on environmental and resource economics, with particular emphasis on groundwater sustainability, agricultural resilience, and ecosystem services.

He has maintained an active research agenda, publishing in academic journals and securing external funding, including a National Science Foundation award as principal investigator and support from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. His research examines the economic incentives shaping producer and household decision-making, with issues directly relevant to Arkansas and the broader Mississippi Delta region.

In the classroom, Kovacs teaches courses including Macroeconomic Principles, Quantitative Business Analysis, and Environmental Economics, where he connects theory to real-world policy problems through active learning, data-driven exercises, and applied case studies. He has also supported student research and helped revive Environmental Economics as an upper-level elective.

“Economics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,” Kovacs said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s impact.”

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Each academic college has the opportunity to select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized at the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level award will also be announced, which is sponsored by Alfred Williams in Honor of Elaine Eubank. 

The 2026 finalists are Dr. Ashokkumar Sharma of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; and Professor Anastasia Boles of the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Ashokkumar Sharma

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Ashokkumar Sharma, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is recognized for his extensive service to the university, professional organizations, and the broader engineering community. His work spans leadership roles in academic governance, professional societies, and initiatives that advance engineering education and collaboration.

Through his service, Dr. Sharma has helped strengthen connections between academia and industry while contributing to the advancement of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology as disciplines. His leadership in professional organizations and advisory groups has supported opportunities for students and faculty while elevating the visibility of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock within the engineering community.

“I believe service is an important way faculty can contribute beyond the classroom and the lab,” Sharma said. “Whether working with professional organizations, mentoring students, or supporting university initiatives, these efforts help strengthen our programs and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers.”

April Chatham-Carpenter

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, professor and chair of the Department of Applied Communication, is recognized for her work applying communication expertise to strengthen civic dialogue and democratic engagement locally, nationally, and on campus. She also co-hosts the public affairs podcast On the Other Hand, which features conversations with leaders and community members about issues shaping Arkansas and the nation.

Her service includes national and state leadership roles with Braver Angels, a grassroots organization focused on reducing political polarization and strengthening civic discourse. In this capacity, she facilitates workshops, contributes to national and state initiatives, and supports a network of community leaders working to bridge political divides and foster constructive dialogue across differences.

Chatham-Carpenter also brings that work back to campus and the broader community through courses, trainings, and public programs that help students, faculty, and community partners develop skills for navigating difficult conversations and conflict. Her outreach includes facilitating workshops for organizations such as the City of Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and other community partners across the state.

“Service allows us to translate what we study in the classroom into real-world impact,” Chatham-Carpenter said. “By helping people develop the skills to engage across differences, we can contribute to healthier communities and stronger civic dialogue.”

Anastasia Boles

William H. Bowen School of Law

Professor Anastasia Boles of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law is recognized for her leadership in advancing access to justice and expanding opportunities for students to engage in public service.

Boles co-founded the Bowen Center for Racial Justice and Criminal Justice Reform, which leads research and community initiatives addressing disparities in the criminal justice system. Through the center, she directs several major initiatives, including Court Observation Arkansas, a statewide project that trains students to observe court proceedings and gather data to better understand how the justice system operates across Arkansas. 

Her work also includes the Bowen Pathway Project, which helps prepare underrepresented students for law school through LSAT preparation and pipeline programs, as well as collaborations with community partners and courts throughout the state.

“Through my work with the center, I am able to connect academic research and teaching to the real needs of communities,” Boles said. “We aim to expand access to justice while giving students meaningful opportunities to engage with the legal system and serve the public.”

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Each academic college can select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized during the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level award recipient will also be announced. The university-level winner is sponsored by Scott Shuh, Katherine Shoulders, and Janna Riley Knight.

The 2026 recipients are Dr. Lundon Pinneo of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; Dr. Mark Baillie of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and Professor Suzanne Penn of the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Lundon Pinneo

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. Lundon Pinneo, assistant professor in the School of Education and coordinator of the Middle Childhood Education program, is recognized for her work strengthening access to high-quality education for students and educators across Arkansas.

Pinneo contributes to institutional and statewide efforts aimed at expanding opportunity in education. Through grant-funded initiatives and program redesign efforts, she has helped develop paid teacher residencies, strengthen curriculum alignment in teacher preparation, and support educators in rural and underserved communities. Her work emphasizes building systems that support both educators and students while reducing barriers that can limit access to educational opportunity. 

Her work focuses on improving teacher preparation and supporting educators through evidence-based teaching practices. Pinneo plays a leadership role in initiatives such as the Mobile Summer Institutes on Scientific Teaching (MoSI) and related Communities of Practice, which help faculty adopt inclusive, active-learning approaches designed to improve student engagement and persistence. 

“High-quality education is one of the most powerful tools we have for expanding opportunity,” Pinneo said. “My goal is to help create systems that allow educators and students to succeed while ensuring that education serves as a bridge to opportunity.”

Mark Baillie

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Mark Baillie, associate professor of chemistry and director of the STRIVE program, is recognized for his work expanding equitable access to STEM education through faculty development, student mentoring, and statewide outreach initiatives.

As a national leader of the Mobile Summer Institutes on Scientific teaching, Baillie brought this workshop to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock to increase faculty use of evidence-based teaching methods. His team has worked to expand its impact through further faculty training and communities of transformation. These efforts have helped transform instructional practices for faculty across the university and supported more inclusive classroom environments for students. 

He also co-founded the university’s Learning Assistant program, which trains undergraduate students to support active learning in STEM courses while providing peer mentorship for fellow students. In addition, Baillie directs the STRIVE program, which connects middle and high school STEM teachers with industry internships and professional development opportunities designed to expand career awareness and strengthen STEM education across Arkansas. 

“My work is grounded in the belief that education should expand opportunity for every student,” Baillie said. “By strengthening teaching and creating pathways into STEM careers, we can help students discover possibilities they may not have otherwise imagined.”

Suzanne Penn

William H. Bowen School of Law

Professor Suzanne Penn, supervising attorney and assistant clinical professor of legal education at the William H. Bowen School of Law, is recognized for her decades of work expanding access to justice for underserved Arkansans through clinical legal education and community advocacy.

Penn directs the Delta Divorce Clinic, which provides free legal assistance to individuals seeking divorces in counties across the Arkansas Delta where access to legal services is limited. The clinic travels to rural communities to assist individuals who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation or travel long distances to seek help. 

Through the clinic, law students gain hands-on experience working with real clients while helping individuals navigate complex legal processes. The program has assisted hundreds of Arkansans facing challenging circumstances, including individuals experiencing domestic violence or financial hardship, while providing students with practical training in advocacy and client-centered legal practice. 

“Access to justice is a fundamental principle of our legal system,” Penn said. “The Delta Divorce Clinic provides meaningful opportunities for students to serve their communities while helping individuals navigate difficult legal situations.”

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Each academic college can select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized during the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level award recipient will be announced, which is sponsored by the Bailey Foundation. 

The 2026 recipients are Dr. Jana McAuliffe of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; Dr. Juliette Rivero of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Professor Lindsey Gustafson of the William H. Bowen School of Law; and Dr. Tara V. DeJohn of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services.

Jana McAuliffe

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. Jana McAuliffe, associate professor of philosophy in the School of Human Inquiry, is recognized for her engaging, student-centered approach to teaching that encourages students to develop their own intellectual voice while exploring complex philosophical ideas.

McAuliffe teaches courses across the philosophy and interdisciplinary studies curriculum, in the University Core, and the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. In the classroom, McAuliffe emphasizes critical discussion, collaborative exploration, and writing for diverse audiences. Assignments often encourage students to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible formats, helping them communicate ideas beyond academic settings.

McAuliffe is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate research. She has supported numerous independent student research projects and helped students secure Signature Experience grants and present their work at academic conferences. She has also worked to  bring the benefits of ethical and philosophical education to high school aged Arkansans as Co-Director of the Arkansas High School Ethics Bowl and as Project Director of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Ethics and Philosophy Summer Academy.

“Philosophy as a discipline is well-known for not offering one “right” answer,” McAuliffe said. “I work hard to help my students feel comfortable enough with that to craft their right answer, and to share that with each other and with the broader world.” 

Juliette Rivero

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Juliette Rivero, instructor of chemistry and chemistry program coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is recognized for her innovative, student-centered approach to teaching some of the most challenging courses in the chemistry curriculum. Since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2021, Rivero has redesigned several courses, including General Chemistry I, Fundamentals of GOB, and Organic Chemistry, to incorporate active learning strategies such as clicker-based questioning, structured group problem-solving, and peer instruction, helping students move beyond memorization and develop a deeper conceptual understanding of chemistry.

A key component of Rivero’s teaching approach is the integration of undergraduate Learning Assistants into the classroom and supplemental workshops into her courses. She has mentored dozens of undergraduate Learning Assistants who support small-group learning and provide real-time guidance during lectures, helping create an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. Rivero has also led improvements in laboratory instruction by developing hands-on experiments that emphasize safety, green chemistry, and real-world applications.

Beyond the classroom, Rivero mentors teaching assistants and undergraduate researchers and serves as chemistry program coordinator, helping guide curriculum development and support student success across the chemistry program.

Lindsey Gustafson

William H. Bowen School of Law

Professor Lindsey Gustafson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Nadine Baum Professor of Law at the William H. Bowen School of Law, has spent nearly three decades shaping the legal education experience for generations of students.

Her teaching focuses on helping students develop the analytical and professional skills necessary to succeed in the legal field. Gustafson’s courses combine foundational legal instruction with innovative teaching methods, including team-based learning that encourages students to collaborate, analyze legal problems, and apply their knowledge in practical settings. 

In addition to her classroom teaching, Gustafson plays a national leadership role in advancing legal education as a co-director of the Institute for Law Teaching and Learning and as a founding editor of the Journal of Law Teaching and Learning. Through this work, she mentors faculty across the country and promotes evidence-based approaches to teaching law. 

Tara V. DeJohn

College of Business, Health, and Human Services

Dr. Tara V. DeJohn, assistant  professor of social work, is recognized for her student-centered approach to teaching and her dedication to preparing future social workers to serve diverse communities.

Drawing on her professional experience in mental health and social services, DeJohn emphasizes experiential learning and reflective practice in the classroom. Her courses encourage students to explore complex social issues while developing the professional judgment and empathy required in the social work profession. 

As the MSW Program Coordinator, DeJohn also contributes to curriculum development and program assessment within the School of Social Work, helping ensure that courses remain aligned with professional standards and the evolving needs of the field.

“Education can be transformative when students feel supported and challenged to grow,” DeJohn said. “My goal is to create a learning environment where students can develop the skills and confidence they need to serve others.”

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Each academic college can select one faculty member for the honor. These recipients will be recognized during the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-level recipient will also be announced. The university-level award is sponsored by Scott Bowen

The 2026 recipients are Dr. Kent Kovacs of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services; Dr. Maureece Levin of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; Dr. Shweta Dabetwar of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; and Professor Laura Bates of the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Kent Kovacs

College of Business, Health, and Human Services

Dr. Kent Kovacs, associate professor in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, is recognized for his strong early impact in research, teaching, and service since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2024. His work focuses on environmental and resource economics, with particular emphasis on groundwater sustainability, agricultural resilience, and ecosystem services. 

Since arriving at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Kovacs has maintained an active research agenda, publishing in journals. His recent work examines the economic incentives shaping producer and household decision-making, with issues directly relevant to Arkansas and the broader Mississippi Delta region. His research has also attracted external funding, including a National Science Foundation award as principal investigator and support from the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. 

Kovacs also teaches courses including Macroeconomic Principles, Quantitative Business Analysis, and Environmental Economics, where he connects theory to real-world policy problems through active learning, data-driven exercises, and applied case studies. He has also contributed to student research and helped revive Environmental Economics as an upper-level elective. 

“Economics offers powerful tools for understanding and addressing complex environmental and policy challenges,” Kovacs said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring that work into the classroom and to build research and teaching connections that strengthen ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s impact.”

Maureece Levin

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. Maureece Levin, assistant professor of anthropology in the School of Human Inquiry, is recognized for her integration of teaching, scholarship, and community engagement in archaeology and anthropology. Since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2022, she has developed multiple projects that create meaningful educational opportunities for students while strengthening ties between the university and the broader community. 

One of Levin’s signature efforts is the Campus Garden Site Archaeological Project, which began as a hands-on learning opportunity for archaeology students and expanded through grant support from the Arkansas Humanities Council. The project funded paid student internships, engaged more than 30 community volunteers, and uncovered hundreds of historical artifacts, some of which are now displayed in Ottenheimer Library. 

Levin has also connected student learning to her fieldwork in Micronesia, where she developed an archaeological field school on the island of Pohnpei. In the classroom, she is known for discussion-based teaching, experiential learning, and mentoring students through independent studies, Donaghey Scholars projects, conference presentations, and Signature Experience Grants. Her scholarship since arriving at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock includes publications in archaeobotany, archaeology pedagogy, and interdisciplinary plant science. 

“My goal is to create experiential, place-based learning opportunities that connect rigorous scholarship with community engagement,” Levin said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help students develop practical skills while conducting meaningful research and public outreach.”

Shweta Dabetwar

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Shweta Dabetwar, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is recognized for her rapid impact in teaching, research, and professional leadership since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2023. Her work reflects a student-centered approach to engineering education, a growing interdisciplinary research program, and strong service within the university and her profession. 

In teaching, Dabetwar has adopted active learning strategies and has become the first faculty member at her school to implement the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Learning Assistant Program. In research, she founded the Material Intelligence and Prognostics Lab, where she mentors undergraduate and graduate students working on AI-enabled diagnostics and prognostics of engineering and biomedical systems. Her students have presented at international conferences, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, where her mentees earned best research poster awards in two consecutive years. 

Dabetwar’s research also includes competitive grant activity, journal publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations spanning engineering, energy systems, and biomedical imaging. She has served on various grant proposal review panels and as a reviewer for more than 10 high-impact journals. Her professional leadership includes service as an associate editor for the ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part B: Mechanical Engineering, and leadership roles within ASME. She was appointed as the 4th vice chair for the Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis Division of ASME in August 2025.

“Mentoring students as they grow in both technical skill and research confidence is one of the most meaningful parts of my work,” Dabetwar said. “I’m proud to help create learning and research opportunities that reduce the gap between academia and the real/professional world to  prepare them for future success.”

Laura Bates

William H. Bowen School of Law

Professor Laura Bates, assistant professor of law at the William H. Bowen School of Law, is recognized for her contributions to legal education, scholarship, and service during her early years on the faculty. Her work centers on teaching and mentoring students, contributing to legal scholarship, and serving both the law school and the broader community. 

Bates teaches Research, Writing, & Analysis and Law & Literature, with an emphasis on connecting classroom instruction to the work students will do as future attorneys. She prioritizes practical assignments, one-on-one mentoring, and helping students develop strong legal writing, critical thinking, and professional communication skills.

Bates’s scholarship focuses on parental leave laws. In addition, Bates has presented at conferences on legal writing, legal storytelling, and artificial intelligence, served on multiple law school committees, advised student law review notes, and served as faculty advisor to the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Law Review. She is also active in the community through her leadership with the American Red Cross serving Greater Arkansas. 

“Teaching and mentoring students is the most rewarding part of my work,” Bates said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help students build the skills, confidence, and judgment they need to successfully enter the legal profession, as well as to challenge them to think critically about the law and engage in thoughtful discussions of what the law should be.”

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Each academic college can select one faculty member for the honor. The college recipients will be recognized during the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Faculty Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 2, when the university-wide recipient will also be announced, which is sponsored by Jaafer Golzar. 

The 2026 recipients are Dr. Nitin Agarwal of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Dr. Michael Underwood of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education; and Joshua M. Silverstein of the William H. Bowen School of Law.

Dr. Nitin Agarwal

Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Dr. Nitin Agarwal, the Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science, is internationally recognized for his research in social computing, artificial intelligence, and cognitive security.

Since joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2009, Agarwal has built an interdisciplinary research program that examines how information spreads across online networks and how digital influence campaigns shape public perception. He founded the Collaboratorium for Social Media and Online Behavioral Studies (COSMOS), an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding evolving social and cyber behaviors on modern information platforms. 

“Understanding how digital information ecosystems influence society is one of the defining challenges of our time,” Agarwal said. “I’m fortunate to work alongside talented students and colleagues who are committed to advancing knowledge and developing solutions that strengthen communities and institutions.”

Over the past five years, Agarwal has secured more than $60 million in federal funding, including grants from the National Science Foundation, DARPA, and the U.S. Department of War (Army, Navy, Air Force), with nearly $30 million directly supporting ����Vlog��ý Little Rock research initiatives. 

His collaborations span more than 200 researchers across 130 academic, government, and industry organizations worldwide. His research is published widely including 12 books and over 400 articles in top-tier international journals and conferences that have been recognized with 26 best paper awards to date.  

His research has also produced widely used tools for analyzing digital information ecosystems, including systems designed to identify adversarial information/influence campaigns and online scams. These tools are recognized globally as top tools and used by organizations such as NATO, the U.S. Department of War, and the World Health Organization. Recognizing the profound contributions of his AI research to the society, he is nominated to serve on the Arkansas AI task force established by Governor Sarah Sanders. 

Dr. Michael Underwood

College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education

Dr. Michael Underwood, instructor of music in the School of Literary and Performing Arts, has dedicated decades of research and creative work to rediscovering the music of Ann Giffels, a composer whose works had largely disappeared from the historical record.

Through extensive archival research, musical transcription, and performance collaborations, Underwood has brought numerous compositions by Giffels back into public awareness. His work has resulted in new performances, recordings, and scholarly attention to the composer’s contributions to 20th-century music. 

“Research often reveals stories and voices that might otherwise remain hidden,” Underwood said. “Introducing Ann Giffels’s music into the repertoire has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. It’s rewarding to see students and musicians share her work with new audiences.”

Among his most significant achievements is the recovery and recording of “The Invisible Choir,” a large-scale orchestral and choral work composed during Giffels’s graduate studies at Indiana University. Underwood transcribed the long-unheard score and collaborated with ����Vlog��ý Little Rock musicians, community performers, and local Arkansas symphony musicians to bring the piece back to life more than 70 years after it was written. 

His work has uncovered nearly a dozen previously unknown compositions and helped reintroduce Giffels’s music to performers and scholars, expanding the repertoire and highlighting the contributions of a largely overlooked composer. 

Joshua M. Silverstein

William H. Bowen School of Law

Joshua M. Silverstein, professor of law at the William H. Bowen School of Law, is recognized for his extensive scholarship in business  law, and legal education theory.

Silverstein has produced a substantial body of scholarship addressing complex issues in commercial law. His law review articles, many exceeding 80 pages, offer comprehensive examinations of topics such as contract interpretation, empirical legal methods, and bankruptcy law. 

“Legal scholarship plays an important role in clarifying complex issues and strengthening the institutions that shape our justice system,” Silverstein said. “It’s an honor to contribute to these conversations and to be part of a community that values thoughtful inquiry.”

His research has influenced legal debate in courts and academic literature. One of his bankruptcy articles was cited in briefs submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2024 Purdue Pharma case and then was cited by four Justices of the Court itself in the opinion resolving the matter.

In addition to his articles, Silverstein recently became a co-author of “Problems in Contract Law: Cases and Materials,” the most widely used casebook in contracts law education.

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“My time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock didn’t just shape my career — it reshaped the way I understood possibility,” Smith said.

Rather than moving along a rigid academic track, Smith was encouraged to explore how literature, history, culture, and systems of power intersect. She said that intellectual freedom laid the foundation for how she thinks and works today.

One course, in particular, proved transformative. In Dr. Laura Barrio-Vilar’s Black Protest Literature class, Smith began to see storytelling as more than creative expression.

“That class gave language to something I had always felt but couldn’t yet articulate,” Smith said. “Stories are never separate from justice.”

Barrio-Vilar recognized Smith’s intellectual depth firsthand. In a letter of recommendation written in support of Smith’s application to law school, Barrio-Vilar described her as “without a doubt, among the top 1% students I have ever had,” praising her as “an excellent critical thinker and analytical writer, with a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others.”

She also noted that Smith’s undergraduate work demonstrated “the maturity and complexity we expect of graduate students,” particularly in her ability to connect literature, social justice, and critical analysis.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Smith pursued a master’s degree in English at the University of Central Arkansas, where her study of literature further sharpened her analytical lens. She credits that academic background with shaping how she approaches the law.

“Law, at its core, is also a system of storytelling,” Smith said. “Literature taught me to pay attention to voice, structure, silence, and subtext. Meaning is often carried indirectly. Truth isn’t always declared outright.”

Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Smith said her decision to pursue law developed over time, shaped by experiences that expanded her understanding of power and justice. One of the most influential came during a trip to JusticeCon with Dr. Barrio-Vilar’s class, where she heard scholars and activists speak on race, history, and systemic inequality.

“That experience reframed how I understood the role I wanted to play within systems of power,” she said.

Passing the bar marked a major milestone in that journey. Professionally, it signaled the start of her legal career; personally, it represented something deeper.

“Passing the bar felt like a moment where past and present briefly touched,” Smith said. “An achievement like that never belongs to one person alone.”

Smith joined Big Rock Legacy Law Group as an associate attorney in August 2025 after graduating with honors from the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. She sees clear connections between her ����Vlog��ý Little Rock education and her daily work, crediting the university with cultivating her ability to synthesize complex ideas, think across disciplines, and remain comfortable with ambiguity—skills she says are essential in legal practice.

Most importantly, Smith brings a heightened sensitivity to narrative into every case.

“How stories are constructed, how facts are framed, and how perspective shapes outcome—all of that informs how I listen to clients and advocate for clarity,” she said.

For current ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students who may feel uncertain about how their major connects to their future, Smith offers simple reassurance.

“Your major is not a cage; it is a toolkit,” she said. “Trust that the connections will reveal themselves, sometimes long after graduation.”

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