The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the U of A recognized several faculty and staff members for their impactful teaching, research and special initiatives at an all-faculty and staff meeting on May 3. 

Mary Lacity, Distinguished Professor and the David D. Glass Chair in the Department of Information Systems, has received the Outstanding All-Around Faculty Award for 2023-24 from Walton College. Her recent research has focused on improving business services through robotic process automation, cognitive automation and blockchain technologies. Lacity is currently an editorial board member of The British Blockchain Association and senior editor of MIS Quarterly Executive.

Employee of the Year was awarded to Jamie Kern, Walton's graduate school director. Kern has been with the U of A for almost eight years. Previously, she was associate director for Walton College's undergraduate programs and, before that, its study abroad department. Kern's dedicated work is helping Walton's graduate school grow and attract more talented students.

The Walton College Awards and Elections Standing Committee selects the faculty and staff honor recipients. Each department chair appoints a faculty representative for a three-year term on the panel.

"Our faculty and staff are exceptional," Walton College Dean Brent Williams shares. "They've contributed significantly to the university's growing prestige, both nationally and globally. I'm happy to show my appreciation for their hard work and dedication." 

Walton College is pleased to announce the remaining Outstanding Faculty, Teaching and Staff Award Winners for the 2023-24 academic year:

2023-24 Walton College Awards

Faculty and Teaching Award Winners

Faculty Excellence in Research Award:                      

• Arya Gaduh (Economics) 

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award:                

• Vern Richardson (Accounting) 

Faculty Excellence in Service Award:                          

• Susan Bristow (Information Systems)

Excellence in Diversity Initiatives Award:         

• Stephanie Thomas (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) 

Rising Scholar Excellence in Research Award:    

• Daniel Villanova (Marketing) 

Teaching Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award:

• Anne Velliquette (Marketing)

Lecturer Excellence in Teaching Award:                     

• Craig Geiger (Marketing)

Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award:   

• Finn McKinley (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)

Staff Award Winners

Employee of the 3rd Quarter:

• Madison Stueve (internship coordinator)

Excellence in Service Award:   

• Alisha Waddell (assistant director of Payroll Support)

Professional Contribution Award:

• Autumn Parker (associated director for Undergraduate Recruitment)

Innovator Award:

• Madalyn Donahue (program specialist)

Collegiality & Diversity Award:

• Yulia McClelland (assistant director of Academic Services)

Rookie Award:

• Jason Niebauer (Salesforce administrator)