Honors College Recognizes Outstanding Staff Across Campus

Michael Zachary

Recipients of the 2022 Honors College Staff Awards are (l-r) Eric Specking, Jody Davis, Sarah Malloy, Kristen Davidson and Shane Barker.

The Honors College recognized five staff members who have provided outstanding support to honors students, faculty and staff at a Monday reception in Gearhart Hall. Shane Barker, Kristen Davidson, Jody Davis, Sarah Malloy and Eric Specking each received an Honors College Staff of the Year Award certificate and a check for $500.

The Honors College launched these awards and the staff reception five years ago in an effort to recognize staff members who go the extra mile to help students succeed and to document the honors experience on campus and beyond. 

"U of A staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to recruit and support our students and to help them explore all of the opportunities that we offer," said Honors College Dean Lynda Coon. "We couldn't do it without them, and with these awards, we celebrate their dedication to the University of Arkansas."

Winners of the 2022 Honors College Staff of the Year Award include:

Shane Barker, assistant dean for advising and student development, Fulbright College Advising Center. Barker has deep institutional knowledge and is constantly willing to work with the Honors College on modifications to systems and procedures that produce meaningful change. He is collaborative and collegial, always taking the time to answer even the smallest questions if they benefit students. "Shane is a great partner for the Honors College," said Louise Hancox, director of innovation in the Honors College Futures Hub. "He cares deeply about students' well-being and success in every area." 

Kristen Davidson, tour coordinator, Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Davidson schedules campus visits for prospective students throughout the calendar year, which includes more than 1,000 honors students each year. She also provides invaluable support to Honors College recruitment events, organizing the university's student ambassadors who provide campus tours for the participants. "Kristen is incredibly kind, professional and organized, a sentiment that is shared among the entire recruitment staff in the Honors College," said Noah Pittman, associate dean of enrollment. 

Jody Davis, director of student records, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. After 10 years as a Bumpers College employee, when the Bumpers Honors Program began in 2001, Davis stepped into a new position as an assistant to the director. Over the past two decades she has developed and implemented various record-keeping protocols to ensure that students in the college's honors program are meeting requirements and making progress toward their graduation. She serves as a point of contact for honors students as well as faculty and staff who need assistance with the honors program requirements. "In a word, Jody is invaluable," said Jennie Popp, associate dean. "She has helped countless students and faculty navigate academic requirements and solve problems. Many a crisis have been averted thanks to Jody's intervention." 

Sarah Malloy, director, Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. Malloy joined the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange in 2017 and assumed her leadership role in 2019, a few months before COVID brought the world -- and international studies -- to a standstill. Malloy led her staff in nimbly pivoting to online internships, helping students connect with research and service-learning opportunities around the world despite trying circumstances. More recently she has ably managed the return to in-person study abroad. "We are also grateful for Sarah's steadfast support in helping us organize Honors Passport study abroad experiences. In particular, in May 2018 she put in many long hours with UA lawyers to secure permission to film in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a key moment in our Buen Camino documentary," said Kendall Curlee, director of communications.  

Eric Specking, assistant dean of enrollment and retention, College of Engineering. Under Specking's leadership in recruitment, the College of Engineering continues to enroll a stellar cohort of new honors students each year. He has also played an important role in the prestigious fellowship selection process, serving as both an application reviewer and an interviewer for many years now. "We sincerely appreciate Eric for the energy and passion he brings to his job, especially when it comes to recruiting outstanding engineering honors students to the university," said Noah Pittman.