Founded in 2010, the primary mission of the Chancellor's Commission on Women is to be an advocate for the interest of the entire community of women at the University of Arkansas.  For the first time this year, the Commission on Women recognized Extraordinary Women as well as Women's Advocates on our campus. These recognitions were established to honor people who are making a difference in the lives of women on the University of Arkansas campus.

An extraordinary woman is a woman who leads by example, is a role model, and is an inspiration for others. She empowers those around her and makes a positive impact on women's experiences on our campus in leadership or service.

This year's recipients of the extraordinary woman recognition include: in the faculty category, Sarah DuRant, assistant professor of Biological Sciences, for leadership and Gema Zamarro Rodriguez, associate professor and 21st Century Endowed Chair in Teacher Quality, for service; in the student category, Mykala Wallace, social work major, for leadership, and McKenzie Meehan, supply chain management major, for service; and in the staff category, Danielle Williams, the assistant vice chancellor and director of the Office of Equal Opportunity for leadership, and Erica Gamboa, director of the Veterans Resource and Information Center, for service.

From left, Bonnie Miller, Samantha Robinson and Todd Shields.

A women's advocate is an individual who leads by example, is a role model, and is an inspiration for others seeking gender equality and women's empowerment. They empower those around them and make a positive impact on women's experiences on our campus.

This year's recipients of the Women's Advocate recognition include: Todd Shields, dean of the J. William College of Arts and Sciences; Samantha Robinson, teaching assistant professor of Mathematical Sciences; and Bonnie Miller, academic program coordinator in the School of Law.

"The Commission on Women membership thought there was no better way to shine a light on extraordinary women and women's advocates than to collect nominations of those outstanding members of the University of Arkansas community who inspire and support others through a public nomination process. We opened nominations to the campus and were overwhelmed by the campus' desire to recognize women and those who advocate for women", Zajicek, chair of the Women's Commission, said.

"I'm delighted the Commission on Women created a vehicle for gathering and sharing examples of good work and leadership by our campus women and those who support them. They had a great year of creating conversations and dialogue around key issues through two signature events," Joe Steinmetz, chancellor said. "This outreach to the campus community is an essential and valued mission of the group and I thank the commission and chair Anna Zajicek for her leadership."