Heather Sprandel, instructor of management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, was honored by the Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center as the March 2024 Wally Cordes Chair.

Sprandel is in her 25th year at the U of A. She is a co-faculty leader for two study abroad programs in Rome, Italy. Sprandel has been honored as a recipient of the Collaborative Online International Learning Grant in 2024, recognized with the Walton College Lecturer Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022 and is presently actively engaged in serving on the Chancellor's Commission on Women.

In her Cordes Chair presentation, Sprandel spoke to faculty about how to incorporate storytelling in their teaching. She provided faculty with examples from her classes, an opportunity to create a story and suggestions for how individuals could bring more storytelling into their particular subjects.

Named for University Professor Emeritus Wally Cordes, who was known for his strong commitment to student connection, the award honors a faculty member whose career embodies a student focus. As an example of his desire to connect, he had all the students in his 500-seat classroom visit and sit in his rocking chair. His care and commitment to students is legendary. The award is selected six times a year by the TFSC co-directors. Recipients receive a certificate and the opportunity to sit in the famous rocker. They are recognized again in September at the Teaching Awards Reception.