Nominations Sought for University of Arkansas Extraordinary Women and Women Advocates

In an effort to spotlight extraordinary women and women's advocates at the University of Arkansas, the Chancellor's Commission on Women encourages all faculty, staff, and students to consider recognizing such women and persons.

A University of Arkansas 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 one of the following two categories: leadership or service/volunteerism. A women's advocate is an individual who has actively advanced, advocated or supported women's rights, equality and empowerment in a way that has had a positive impact on the lives of women on the University of Arkansas campus.

Nominations for all recognitions are accepted year-round, but the commission will meet in late March to select nominees to be recognized at their annual awards celebration in April.

Any member of the University of Arkansas community or a UA-based organization may nominate a person to be recognized as an extraordinary woman. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please follow this link for nomination forms and information on eligibility and the recognition process.

In spring 2020, the following persons received the extraordinary woman recognitions:

• Faculty
  • Frances Griffith, research associate in the Department of Civil Engineering, for leadership
  • Silka Spiesshoefer, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, for service
• Students
  • Morgan Middlebrooks, graduate student, Department of Psychology, for leadership
  • Christine Carroll, University Recreation facilities assistant, for service
• Staff
  • Synetra D. Hughes, associate director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion of the Sam M. Walton College of Business, for leadership
  • Cecilia Grossberger, assistant director of marketing and communications at New Student and Family Programs, for service.

The commission also recognized Bryan Hill, associate dean for student success in the College of Engineering, as the Women's Advocate.

About the Chancellor's Commission on Women: Founded in 2010, the Chancellor's Commission on Women is an advisory group charged with reviewing and monitoring policies, programs and issues to ensure that all women at the university are given the best possible opportunities for success within the institution and in their professional and college careers. Membership comprises both graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff who serve on staggered three-year appointments to ensure fresh and diverse points of view. The group collectively decides on issues to address each year, and relies on input from colleagues, students, and occasional surveys to gain a sense of the campus' interests and needs.