The College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas presented awards to faculty and staff members at the college's annual spring end-of-semester meeting Friday. In a surprise to the dean of the college, May 6, 2016, was proclaimed "Dean Tom Smith Day" by Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan.

Smith is stepping down as dean, effective on July 1, after seven years and will return to the faculty of the special education program. He holds the rank of University Professor. Mike Miller, senior associate dean for academic affairs, will take over as dean for a two-year term.

The College Council requested the proclamation from the mayor's office, which cited Smith's service and scholarship in the field of special education and to the college's people and programs.

Smith thanked the college's faculty and staff for the recognition.

"We could not do what we do without all of you doing a superb job," he said. "Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts, and I look forward to being your faculty colleague next year."

Smith also announced awards to members of the faculty, classified staff and non-classified staff. Committees of faculty and staff members chose the winners in each group from submitted nominations.

"These are awards voted on by your peers so they are much more important than any other awards you'll get," Smith said.

Faculty members honored and their awards:

• Steve Dittmore, associate professor of recreation and sport management, Outstanding Mentoring and Advising Award
• Jason Endacott, assistant professor of social studies education, Significant Research Award
• Inza Fort, professor of kinesiology, Career Faculty Award
• Kimberly Frazier, associate professor of communication disorders, Innovative Teaching Award
• Kenda Grover, assistant professor of adult and lifelong learning, Superior Service Award
• Wen-Juo Lo, associate professor of educational statistics and research methods, George Denny STAR Award for Outstanding Service, Teaching, Advising and Research
• Elizabeth Lorah, assistant professor of special education, Rising STAR Award for Outstanding All-around New Faculty Member
• Tom Smith, dean, Career Faculty Award
• Gema Zamarro, holder of Twenty-First Century Endowed Chair in Teacher Quality, Significant Research Award

Non-classified staff members and their awards:

• Jake Ayo, director of field placement, Service to the Larger Community
• Bonnie Crain, project/program specialist, Service to Faculty and Staff
• Kristin DeAngelo, senior assistant director for facilities, Service to Students

Classified staff awards were given for the fall and spring semesters.

Spring winners and their awards:

• Desiree Pendry, administrative specialist, Outstanding Service to Students
• Amy Walker, accountant, Outstanding Service to Faculty and Staff
• Shari Witherspoon, administrative specialist, Outstanding Overall Performance

Fall winners and their awards:

• Kelsey Harelson, fiscal support analyst, Outstanding Service to Faculty and Staff
• Eric Sarquist, computer lab technician, Outstanding Overall Performance
• Sandra Ward, program coordinator, Outstanding Service to Students

Smith also presented a special service award to Lori Foster, assistant to the dean.