Fulbright College Cabinet Announces Annual Faculty Awards

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From left to right, James Gigantino, Jack Lyons, Lori Holyfield, Shannon Dingman, Sergio Villalobos and Ron Warren.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The College Cabinet in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has named the winners of its annual faculty awards. The cabinet chooses recipients for excellence in teaching, research and advising.

Shannon Dingman, associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, James Gigantino, assistant professor in the Department of History and Ron Warren, associate professor in the Department of Communication, each received the Fulbright College Master Teaching Award. The college honors up to three outstanding teachers, and selection is based on a letter of nomination, teaching evaluations and documentation about the nominee's teaching activities. Each award carries a permanent $500 salary increase.

Jack Lyons, professor in the Department of Philosophy, and Sergio Villalobos, associate professor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, each received the Fulbright College Master Researcher Award. The honor is awarded to up to three outstanding researchers.  Awardees are chosen based on a nomination letter, the nominee's research accomplishments documented in a one-page summary of his or her research outlining its importance, a list of 10 publications, supporting evidence of exceptional performance in research, his or her curriculum vitae and an evaluation by the departmental chairperson. Each award carries a permanent $500 salary increase.

Lori Holyfield, professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice was named Outstanding Advisor. The Fulbright College Outstanding Advisor Award recognizes a faculty member's exceptional contributions to the departmental or college advising program. Awardees are chosen based on a letter of recommendation from someone who is acquainted with the candidate's work as an adviser along with letters of support from colleagues and former students. The award carries a permanent $500 salary increase.

Elizabeth Kiszonas, graduate assistant in the Department of History, received the J. Hillman Yowell Award for Excellence in Teaching, which is given to a Fulbright College graduate assistant in recognition of his or her outstanding contributions to the teaching mission of the college and university. Awardees are chosen based on a letter of nomination, a recommendation by the departmental chairperson, assessments of classroom visitations and other types of departmental review, his or her curriculum vitae, letters of support from faculty and peers as well as current and former students, a list of courses taught at the university and a summary of student evaluations for each course. The award carries a $3,500 award.

Members of the Fulbright College Cabinet congratulate all recipients and express their appreciation for these dedicated educators to support the Fulbright legacy of peace through education by providing the highest quality of teaching, research and advising to our academic community.