FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Robert Stapp, clinical associate professor of economics in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, has been named the recipient of the Charles and Nadine Baum Faculty Teaching Award for 2004. The award is the highest honor given to a UA faculty member at the end of an academic year and provides a $5,000 stipend.

"Robert has accomplished wonderful things within the Walton College, and I believe he is quite deserving of this honor," said Doyle Z. Williams, dean of the Walton College. "His continued dedication to his students and colleagues reveals that he is an outstanding educator.

"Within the Walton College, Robert was also selected this spring by a committee of peers for our 2004 Excellence in Teaching award."

Stapp has taught economics at the university since 1995. His areas of emphasis include the Japanese economy, macroeconomics, microeconomics and monetary policy. His work has been published in "Japan and the World Economy."

Stapp developed a senior-level seminar course on the Japanese economic system, and he created the Walton College’s Japan Study Abroad Program, in which he leads a group of students every summer to Japan. They are taught by Walton College faculty as well as by international faculty from Kansai University. Students also visit multinational companies such as Daiwa Steel, Boeing, Sanyo, Toyota Motor Company, Mazda, Kawasaki and Sharp.

Stapp received his Ph.D. in economics and finance and his master’s in economics from Oklahoma State University in 1991. He received his bachelor’s degrees in economics and history from Oklahoma City University in 1975.

Stapp’s past teaching awards include the University of Arkansas Alumni Teaching Award; the Phillips Petroleum Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching from the College of Business Administration; and the Order of Omega Greek Community Outstanding Faculty Member.

"The selection committee recognizes Robert’s extraordinary contributions within the Walton College’s economics department," said Bob Smith, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. "His work with micro and macroeconomics and his research into the Japanese economic structure is quite impressive, and I know his philosophy in the classroom is one that students can respond to. We are fortunate to have quality faculty members like Robert here at the university."

A committee of students, faculty and alumni appointed by the provost select the Baum award recipient. The award was established in 1997 by a gift from the Charles and Nadine Baum Foundation. Last year’s award went to another Walton College faculty member, Jeff Murray, associate professor of marketing. Other past recipients include: Douglas A. James (2002), Elliott West (2001), Lynda L. Coon (2000), Ro DiBrezzo (1999), Hamdy A. Taha (1998) and Doris M. Cook (1997).