Winners of the 2017 Collis R. Geren awards for excellence in graduate education will be honored at a recognition event at noon today in the Gearhart Hall Courtyard.

The Collis R. Geren award is given to faculty and staff members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to graduate education. The award was initiated in 2010 in honor of Geren, who served as the dean of the University of Arkansas Graduate School for nearly 20 years.

The Collis R. Geren university faculty award recipient is Doug Rhoads, director of the cell and molecular biology graduate program and University Professor of biological sciences. Rhoads is being honored for his diligence as a program director. Under his leadership, the cell and molecular biology program has grown to the university's largest doctoral program. Rhoads takes great care in ensuring each student in the program has the support they need to be successful and is proactive in addressing potential issues that may impact a student's academic career.

Bryan Hill, assistant dean for student recruitment and diversity, honors and international programs in the College of Engineering, is the Collis R. Geren university staff award winner. Hill is being acknowledged for partnering with the Graduate School and International Education to enhance recruitment and admissions efforts. He has worked with the unit to implement a new system by which to communicate with prospective students and has supported a joint hire between the Graduate School and the College of Engineering to increase graduate enrollment. The Graduate School and International Education is stronger because of Hill's partnership.

Vicky Hartwell is the recipient of the Collis R. Geren Graduate School and International Education staff award. She is being recognized for her instrumental role in developing administrative structures for graduate fellowships, graduate travel grants, minority student recruitment and the Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs. She has been with the Graduate School and International Education for 20 years and has never wavered in her support for students and has never stopped working for the betterment of the unit or the university as a whole.

All members of the campus community are welcome to attend the recognition event.