Arkansas Tech University honored its faculty members who reached milestones in their service to the institution during the 2017-18 academic year and those who are retiring during a ceremony at the end of the spring 2018 semester.
Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, associate vice president for academic affairs, presided over the event.
The following faculty members were recognized for their milestones on the ATU faculty:
20 Years
Dr. Glen Bishop, associate professor of recreation and park administration
Dr. Tim Carter, professor of curriculum and instruction
Dr. Robert Fithen, associate professor of mechanical engineering
Dr. Mary Gunter, professor of educational leadership
Dr. Franklin Hardcastle, professor of chemistry
Dr. Wayne Helmer, professor of mechanical engineering
Dr. Shelia Jackson, professor of health and physical education
Dr. David Middleton, professor of computer and information science
Dr. Larry Morell, professor of computer and information science
David Mudrinich, professor of art
Dr. Timothy Smith, professor of music
Dr. Tsunemi Yamashita, professor of biology
25 Years
Dr. Sherman Alexander, associate professor of accounting
Dr. Jennifer Helms, professor of nursing
Dr. Susan Poznar, professor of English
Darla Sparacino, associate professor of health information management
30 Years
Dr. David Bell, professor of curriculum and instruction
Nancy Cox, instructor of English and developmental reading
Dr. Dana Ward, professor of Spanish
Dr. Kevin Mason, professor of marketing
Sarah Robison, associate professor of computer and information science
35 Years
Dr. Ursula Chandler, professor of German
Dr. Mostafa Hemmati, professor of physics
40 Years
Dr. John W. Watson, distinguished professor of mathematics
Retiring faculty members were also recognized:
College of Arts and Humanities
Dr. Deborah Barber, associate professor of music, 16 years
Dr. Thomas DeBlack, professor of history, 23 years
Dr. Cynthia Hukill, associate professor of music, 10 years
Dr. Merlin Mann, associate professor of journalism, six years
College of Education
Dr. Catherine Nichols, associate professor of educational leadership, three years
Dr. Terry Nichols, assistant professor of educational leadership, two years
Dr. Stephanie Pepper, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, eight years
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Dr. Larry Morell, professor of computer and information science, 20 years
College of Natural and Health Sciences
Dr. Vrege Amirkhanian, associate professor of mathematics, 29 years
Dr. Scott Kirkconnell, professor of biology, 36.5 years
Dr. Kenneth Shores, associate professor of mathematics, 32.5 years
Library
Frances Hager, librarian, 28 years
Retired ATU faculty members Dr. Cathy Baker, Dr. Theresa Herrick, Dr. M. Annette Holeyfield and Dr. David Underwood were honored for receiving the title of professor emeritus during the 2017-18 academic year.
Dr. Aaron McArthur, assistant professor of history, was announced as the inaugural ATU Online Innovation Award winner.
