Winners of Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education Announced

University Relations

From left: Bruce Ahrendsen, Fran Hagstrom, Cynthia Smith

Three members of the University of Arkansas community have been named winners of the 2017 Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education.

The award recognizes a university faculty member, a university staff member and Graduate School and International Education staff member for their outstanding service to the field of international education.

Bruce Ahrendsen, professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, is the university faculty award recipient. Ahrendsen has played a critical role in the development and operation of the university's Atlantis Program. The program allows graduate students to earn a master's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas and a master's degree in rural development, which is awarded jointly by Ghent University, Humboldt University, Agrocampus Ouest, University of Pisa and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra.

The Atlantis Program has enhanced the quality and reputation of the University of Arkansas, by attracting exceptional students from the United States and around the world to the U of A. Additionally, the program has brought international faculty to Fayetteville and has allowed U of A faculty to serve as visiting scholars at universities worldwide. He has also served as a faculty advisor to numerous international students over the span of his career at the U of A, many of whom have been sponsored by Fulbright Program scholarships, USAID scholarships and other notable international scholarships. 

"Dr. Ahrendsen has a passion for international education and has had extensive leadership experience and service in international education that has promoted mutual understanding between peoples of many nations and the University of Arkansas," said Leslie Edgar, assistant dean for student programs in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Fran Hagstrom, assistant dean for the College of Education and Health Professions, is the university staff award recipient. Hagstrom developed Health Teams Abroad Sweden, a study abroad program that creates a culture of health among students in nursing, speech pathology, kinesiology and pre-med. More than 160 students have participated in the program during the 12 years Hagstrom has been at the helm.

Hagstrom has also heavily contributed to international collaboration and outreach in her college by supporting several international fellows sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, along with the International Research and Exchanges Board to manage the University Administration Support Program that has fostered the development of higher education management capacity in select public universities in Eurasia and Africa. In addition, she has been instrumental in coordinating an international education event in the College of Education and Health Professions since 2016.

"Using her experience with the Sweden program, Dr. Hagstrom has helped set up procedures and support groups as the College of Education and Health Professions has expanded study abroad opportunities," said Steve Dittmore, assistant dean for outreach in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Cynthia Smith, assistant director for outreach programs in the Office of International Students and Scholars, is the Graduate School and International Education staff award recipient. In her work with international student programming, Smith has worked with students from more than 100 countries to connect the campus and community through cultural presentations, intercultural experiential learning and community engagement. Leading the campus' International Education Week planning is one of many ways in which she brings greater awareness to the university's international community. Smith has also been very active in participating in, contributing to and attending NAFSA: Association of International Educators at the state, regional and national level. 

"Cynthia exemplifies the service and leadership prized on a university campus," said Rosa Edwards, office manager for the Office of Student Activities. "Her work in organizing International Education Week and her work advising the International Culture Team especially fits with the spirit of the Purvis award. The students who interact with her really sing her praises."

The award recipients were honored at the Chancellor's Reception for International Scholars on Nov. 15.

About the Hoyt H. Purvis Award for Service in International Education: The award was established to honor Purvis, a professor emeritus of journalism and international relations, for his contributions to and advocacy for international education at the University of Arkansas. He was the first recipient of the award which was begun in spring 2016.