Three members of the University of Arkansas community have earned Collis R. Geren Award for Excellence in Graduate Education. The Graduate School gives the award annually to faculty and staff who demonstrate exceptional commitment to graduate education.

Adnan Alrubaye, Dave Dawson and Cassie Franklin are the 2019 award winners.

This year's recipients were honored at the annual Graduate School and International Education appreciation cookout last week.

Alrubaye is the university faculty award recipient. He was honored for being a tireless advocate for graduate students and for being a champion for diversity and inclusion. His nominator noted, "he goes above and beyond to seek out student interactions and is so supportive of efforts to reach out to a wide range of students and prospective students."

Alrubye is a clinical assistant professor of biology and the associate director of the cell and molecular biology program.

Dawson, the university's registrar, is the university staff award winner. Dawson was honored for the daily support he provides in solving graduate student issues. He is also being recognized for his efforts in co-coordinating the All-University Commencement Ceremony with the Graduate School and International Education.

"He is essentially part of our team," his nominator said. "We value his willingness to partner with us and to advocate for students."

Franklin is the recipient of the Graduate School and International Education staff award. She was honored for the behind-the-scenes work she does to help the unit succeed. She is the assistant to the unit's dean.

"Cassie is a strong role model for other staff members," her nominator said. "She is always willing to help and is an excellent problem solver. I cannot think of someone more deserving."

The award was initiated in 2010 in honor of Collis Geren, who served as the dean of the University of Arkansas Graduate School for nearly 20 years.