Eighty-seven College of Education and Health Professions faculty and staff members were "caught caring" this academic year and received WE CARE Rounds of Applause awards.

Recipients were recognized at a breakfast recently, organized by Dean Kate Mamiseishvili's office. "I love the Rounds of Applause," the dean told awardees at the event. "I love reading the nominations. You all go above and beyond for our students, colleagues or the community."

Mamiseishvili commended not only the awardees but also the nominators who dedicated their efforts to make sure their colleagues were recognized. "The process of nominating takes time," she said. "That speaks to the culture of care in our college."

The awardees' acts of care ranged from staying with a colleague in the hospital until family members arrived to offering hospitality to a guest scholar during a snowstorm and helping strengthen the college's partnerships across Arkansas.

Jackie Couture won a Round of Applause for enhancing early childhood education and expanding the Family Child Care Network's reach across Arkansas. She manages the network for the college's outreach program, Early Care and Education Projects.

"It was such a nice surprise to be recognized with a Round of Applause Award," Couture said. "This initiative is a thoughtful way to lift each other up and celebrate the work happening across our college. Being nominated by Dr. Kathy Pillow-Price made it even more meaningful. Her leadership and support have positively impacted my journey. On a personal level, it reminded me how much our everyday efforts really matter."

Bonnie King, a teaching assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, received her award for caring for the college's students and the K-12 students in partner schools. She said the celebration breakfast was a fun break at the end of a busy semester. "This fills my bucket," she said, looking around at her fellow Rounds of Applause winners. "It's an encouragement. It's nice to be recognized."

The Rounds of Applause Awards are one of the multiple action items the college activated in 2023 under its WE CARE — Wellness and Education Commitment to Arkansas Excellence — strategic plan. The plan has three main priorities, one of which is to foster a caring culture. One of the goals under that priority is to cultivate a culture of recognition, inclusion, engagement and wellbeing in the college.

The college's faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate colleagues or teams for these awards anytime throughout the year. Recipients receive a letter from the dean, the round keepsake award and a spotlight in the dean's monthly round-up email.