The Honors College recognized six university staff members who have provided outstanding support to Honors College students, faculty and staff last night at a reception in Gearhart Hall. Charlie Alison, Ramon Balderas, Sydney Conley, Guymon Hall, Keifran Melvin and Xavier Smith were named Honors College Staff of the Year and presented with a $500 award.   

The Honors College began presenting the awards and hosting the reception eight years ago to recognize staff members who go the extra mile to help their students succeed and to document the honors experience on campus and beyond.  

"Each year the Honors College celebrates the dedicated, selfless staff working in offices outside of the college," said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College. "The six winners of the 2025 Honors College Outstanding Staff Awards represent diverse units facilitating the success of our honors mission. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and their support of our students."  

Winners of the 2025 Honors College Staff of the Year Award include: 

Charlie Alison, executive editor, University Relations 

While Alison's plate is certainly always full, he doesn't hesitate to provide a last read for the Honors College's award-winning alumni magazine, A+, ensuring its polished and compelling final form that secures its prominent place among university publications. He also responds immediately when a communications staff member has a question ensuring honors communications are always thoughtful and timely.  

In 2023, he answered the call of Dean Lynda Coon when she asked him to speak with incoming Honors College Fellows about the history of the U of A as a land-grant university in the context of the Ozarks—an interdisciplinary experience that left a lasting impact on both the students and him. 

Ramon Balderas, assistant director for financial empowerment, Student Success  

Since joining the university in 2013, Balderas has worked in TRIO programs such as Upward Bound and Student Support Services, serving as an academic adviser, student development specialist and assistant director.  

In Honors, he supports Xochitl Delgado-Solarzano's work with the Path Program to increase access to college, funding and the many benefits and privileges that come with being part of the Honors College. He has interviewed prospective Path Scholars and presented workshops on topics such as college finances, imposter syndrome and college resources, ensuring students have the skills and resources needed for success on campus. 

Sydney Conley, senior assistant director of communications, Office of Admissions 

Conley's work within the Office of Admissions encompasses a variety of projects designed to support prospective students as they navigate their path to joining the Honors College. She works with many staff members in the Honors College. She coordinates and promotes virtual meetings where future Honors College students can engage in targeted conversations about their academic and career goals, supports event outreach efforts for Honors Discovery Day and Convocation and also manages the college's communication campaigns for admitted students, ensuring they receive timely updates on important deadlines and the opportunities available to them once they arrive on campus. Her efforts also help streamline enrollment in the competitive Path Program, enhancing efficiency and improving the applicant experience. 

Guymon Hall, director of technology and data support, GSIE  

Although he manages the IT office for Graduate School and International Education support, Hall has also collaborated with Louise Hancox on the Path Program and Honors College Fellowship development projects. He has played a key role in assisting Honors College staff with implementing new systems such as InfoReady, while also providing support for study abroad and other collaborative IT needs. His intentional approach to partnership between the Honors College, GSIE and the Data Support team is what keeps the Honors College processes moving smoothly.  

Keifran Melvin, manager of travel support, Business Services 

In his time at the U of A, Melvin has made a meaningful impact on honors staff, faculty and students as they navigate the complexities of international travel. Whether it's planning a trip, purchasing related services, expensing those services or handling all of the above, the process can be intricate. Reading receipts, converting currencies and recalling the finer details of trips aren't always straightforward, but through teamwork, Melvin has helped approach Workday with a calm, strategic mindset. He understands there are multiple ways to reach the same destination—both in connecting the dots of travel and in making travel details simple and clear for approvers. 

Xavier Smith, assistant director of career counseling and student success initiatives, Office of Career Connections 

Smith serves Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences by providing career content and skill-building insights, fostering student success both in and beyond the classroom. Smith founded the Career Influencers, a dynamic student group that works with him to promote career literacy through engaging media content and interactive workshops. Together, they empower students to explore career paths and develop the skills necessary for long-term success. 

A dedicated advocate for student growth, Smith has shared his expertise by speaking on numerous panels and presenting workshops across campus. His commitment to student development stems from his own experience as a former Honors College student and Path Scholar—roles that taught him the value of mentorship and support. Through his work, he aims to pay forward the guidance he once received, helping the next generation of students thrive both personally and professionally.