Fulbright College Announces 2015 Connor Faculty Fellows

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Sandra and Robert Connor.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas recently selected its 2015 class of Connor Faculty Fellows. Thirteen outstanding assistant professors were awarded this honor and given funds to support their career development.

“This year’s recipients have made considerable academic contributions to the University of Arkansas in a very short amount of time,” said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. “Their success reflects the high standards of our departments and programs and supports Senator Fulbright’s legacy of peace through education.”

The Fulbright College 2015 Connor Faculty Fellows:

• Stephen Caldwell, assistant professor of music
• Avishek Chakraborty, assistant professor of mathematical sciences
• Geffrey Davis, assistant professor of English
• Lauren DeCarvalho, assistant professor of communication
• Lucas K. Delezene, assistant professor of anthropology
• Song Feng, assistant professor of geosciences
• Casey T. Harris, assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice
• Patricia S. Herzog, assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice
• Shawn Irish, assistant professor of theatre
• Marty Maxwell Lane, assistant professor of art
• Lia Uribe, assistant professor of music
• Jennifer C. Veilleux, assistant professor of psychological science
• J.D. Willson, assistant professor of biological sciences

Robert and Sandra Connor of Little Rock established the Connor Endowed Faculty Fellowship in 2004 to provide essential faculty development opportunities to rising academic experts in the college. Annually, a college committee including the dean recognizes assistant professors who have made excellent contributions to the college and their departments. The award is used to facilitate travel, expand research initiatives and support classroom activities.

The Connors’ original gift of $1.5 million allowed the college to designate up to 10 fellows each year. An additional gift has allowed the college to expand the number of fellowships. Since its inception, the endowment has enabled Fulbright College to recognize more than 75 Connor Fellows, and many are now leaders in their departments, serving in administrative capacities or in prominent teaching and research positions with impressive publication records.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 19 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.