Fulbright Programs Receive National Recognition

Less than one month into the 2012-2013 academic year, the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas has received word that three distinct groups of faculty and students have been honored for excellence. The hydrogeology program in the department of geosciences was recognized as among the Top 100 in North America. The program in creative writing and translation in the department of English placed among the best in the United States. And Phi Alpha, the social work honors society chapter in the School of Social Work, received the national organization’s service award.

“Our faculty and students are held to high standards in Fulbright College,” said Robin Roberts, dean of the college. “All of those represented in the honors bestowed on the department of geosciences, department of English and School of Social Work have put in many hours of hard work, and it’s wonderful to see them rewarded.”

The National Ground Water Association named the university’s hydrogeology program as one of the Top 100 in North America. The association examined more than 400 hydrogeology programs using criteria centered on the length and strength of the program. The achievement and renown of department faculty was also a factor. The Top 100 list was compiled to be a resource for prospective students with an interest in hydrogeology and groundwater issues.

“Being recognized as a top program is something we’re all very excited about,” said Ralph Davis, professor of geology and chair of the department. “Not only will this attract students with an interest in hydrogeology, it also boosts the reputation and marketability of our current students and graduates.”

In its “2013 MFA Index,” Poets & Writers magazine ranked the university’s creative writing and translation program eighth in job placement for its graduates,  16th in funding for current students, 18th in fellowship placement, which measured the percentage of graduates who earned prestigious national fellowships over the past decade. In addition, it ranked 39th among full-residency master of fine arts programs in the nation and 39th out of 160 in popularity, as measured by the number of students who applied to the program in 2011-2012.

“Creative writing at the University of Arkansas has a long and distinguished history,” said Dorothy Stephens, professor of English and chair of the department. “Our faculty are consistently among the best poets, fiction writers, translators, and teachers nationwide.”

Phi Alpha chooses four of its nearly 400 chapters to honor each year. The Xi Epsilon chapter at the U of A will receive a plaque, $500 to support the chapter’s efforts and an invitation to participate in the poster competition at the 2012 Council on Social Work Education annual program meeting in Washington, D.C., along with a $1000 reimbursement for the faculty advisor, president or a member to attend the national meeting.

“This is a huge honor and another example of the excellence that our students, faculty and staff consistently aim to display,” said Yvette Murphy-Erby, associate professor of social work and director of the school. “We are extremely proud of our Phi Alpha members for their high level of scholarship, the excellent service they provide and for earning this well-deserved award.”