Three members of the Arkansas Tech University faculty have been recognized for their contributions to the campus community with a 2026 ATU Faculty Award of Excellence.
Dr. Soumia Amrine, associate professor of chemistry, is the 2026 ATU Faculty Award of Excellence winner in the teaching category.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, professor of curriculum and instruction, received the 2026 ATU Faculty Award of Excellence in the scholarly and creative activities category.
Dr. Jason Ulsperger, professor of sociology and criminal justice, won the 2026 ATU Faculty Award of Excellence in the service category.
Amrine became an Arkansas Tech faculty member in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Blida, a Master of Science degree from Jordan University of Science and Technology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Ibrahim joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cairo University as well as Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Oklahoma State University.
Ulsperger joined the Arkansas Tech faculty in 2006. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Arkansas State University at Beebe and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Arkansas, a Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Oklahoma State University.
The ATU Faculty Awards of Excellence were founded in 1996.
The 2026 winners were announced during a faculty awards event at Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room on Thursday, May 7.
In addition to the 2026 ATU Faculty Awards of Excellence, ATU faculty members were also recognized for reaching milestones in their service to the institution and for retirement during the 2025-26 academic year.
Additional faculty recognitions during the May 7 event included:
20 Years of Service
Dr. David Eshelman, professor of communication and head of the ATU Department of Communication and Media Studies
Dr. Regina St. John, associate professor of English
Dr. Jason Ulsperger, professor of sociology and criminal justice
Dr. Jason Warnick, professor of psychology
25 Years of Service
Dr. Anwar Bhuiyan, professor of chemistry
Dr. Jacqueline Bowman, professor of biology
Dr. Peter Dykema, professor of history
Dr. Paola Gemme, professor of English
Dr. Carl Greco, professor of electrical engineering
Dr. Hanna Norton, professor of journalism
Dr. Bruce Tedford, professor of biology
35 Years of Service
Dr. Chris Kellner, professor of wildlife science
Dr. John Krohn, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean of ATU College of STEM
Retirees
Dr. Christine Austin, professor of higher education and student affairs, 19 years of service
Dr. John Freeman, professor of educational leadership, 11.5 years of service
Dr. Cheryl Monfee, professor of nursing, 34 years of service
Tommy Mumert, assistant professor of journalism, 37 years of service
Dr. Hanna Norton, professor of journalism, 25 years of service
Dr. Rockie Pederson, professor of health and physical education and head of the ATU Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, 15 years of service
Tammy Weaver, registrar, 42 years of service
Dr. Thomas Vaughn, professor of communication, 23 years of service
