Twelve outstanding, hard-working faculty members have been selected as the 2019 class of Connor Faculty Fellows at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Their expertise spans the natural sciences, humanities, fine arts and social sciences and the funds from the Connor fellowship are intended to help each rising academic further their career development.

"This is such an amazing and accomplished group of faculty members, who have already achieved so much in their respective fields," said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. "I cannot wait to see what they take on next - I know they'll make us proud!"

The Fulbright College 2019 Connor Faculty Fellows include: 

• Jeremy Michael Beaulieu, assistant professor, Department of Biological Sciences
• Erica Lynn Westerman, assistant professor, Department of Biological Sciences
• Robert Henry Coridan, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Ryan Neville-Shepard, assistant professor, Department of Communication
• Lissette Szwydky-Davis, assistant professor, Department of English
• Lance E. Miller, assistant professor, Department of Mathematical Sciences
• Kimberly Hannon Teal, assistant professor, Department of Music
• Pradeep Kumar, assistant professor, Department of Physics
• A. Burcu Bayram, assistant professor, Department of Political Science
• Connie Lamm, assistant professor, Department of Psychological Science
• Brittany Hearne, assistant professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology
• Erika Almenara, assistant professor, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Robert and Sandra Connor of Little Rock established the Connor Endowed Faculty Fellowship in 2004 to provide essential faculty development opportunities to rising academic experts in the college. Annually, a college committee including the dean recognizes faculty who have made excellent contributions to the college and their departments. The $5,000 award is used to facilitate travel, expand research initiatives and support classroom activities.

The Connors' original gift of $1.5 million formerly allowed the college to designate up to 10 fellows each year. An additional gift has now allowed the college to expand the number of fellowships. Since its inception, the endowment has enabled Fulbright College to recognize 170 Connor Fellows, many of whom are now leaders in their departments, serving in administrative capacities or in prominent teaching and research positions with impressive publication records.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with three schools, 16 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.