This year, the review committee received nominations from employees for their supervisors, from colleagues calling out the efforts of their peers and from central services leaders acknowledging the contributions of peers working within their colleges. Everyone nominated this year was worthy of praise, and the standout nominees were awarded for their commitment to promoting accessibility here at the university and the community.

These awards highlight the importance of the involvement of the entire campus community in providing accommodations and promoting accessibility. As our campus continues efforts to make this a place where accessibility is a shared commitment, the efforts of these recognized individuals exemplifies that commitment.

On Oct. 29, the Office of Accommodation and Accessible Services, in collaboration with the Center for Educational Access, recognized the efforts of campus community members at the fourth annual Disability Awareness Recognition and Awards Ceremony as part of the 2025 National Disability Awareness Months celebrations. Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration Ann Bordelon opened the ceremony with a statement celebrating the award winners and the university's commitment to provide the students, employees and visitors with access to our shared campus community.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The J'onnelle Colbert Diaz Advocate for Accessibility Award went to the following U of A employees:

• Synetra Hughes — director of Arkansas engagement in the Walton College of Business
• Michael Stoker — senior director of digital design and development in the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences
• Stacey Moore — absence partner in the Department of Human Resources

The award recognizes individuals who have promoted accessibility and/or affected positive changes regarding accessibility within the campus community to ensure that all individuals enjoy all the benefits of campus life. These advocates work behind the scenes to remove barriers.

The Inclusive Education Award went to following faculty members:

• Suzanne Kucharczyk — department head of Curriculum and Instruction, and associate professor of special education in the College of Education and Health Professions

The award recognizes a faculty member or academic leadership who has contributed to the enhancement of an inclusive educational environment or equitable opportunities for students.

The Inclusive Employment Award went to:

• Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert — director of the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center

The award recognizes managers or departments' efforts to hire and retain employees with disabilities, and to recognize best practices affecting employees with disabilities within the workplace. It also recognizes the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond what is legally required to create an inclusive welcoming environment and to encourage the "stay at work" principle.

There were no nominations for the Student Advocate Award in 2025.

The award recognizes outstanding efforts by an undergraduate or graduate student in representing people with disabilities in the community, on campus or by increasing campus access through advocacy or involvement.

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Accessibility at the University of Arkansas: It is the policy of the U of A to provide equal access and opportunity to qualified persons with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The university prohibits discrimination based on disability in all services, programs, and activities; aspects of the application process; and employment relationship. The university will make good-faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants, employees, students, visitors and participants in programs and services.

Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, program, service, resource, or environment is available to a given user. If a building on campus has a wheelchair ramp leading to its main entrance, that entrance is accessible to people who use wheelchairs for their mobility. If a lecture includes sign language interpreters, that lecture is accessible to attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing and who understand sign language.

For more information about how the University is continuing to be an accessible campus for all, please visit the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services website.