Distinguished Alumni Awards

The College of Education and Health Professions' 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winners: Matthew Holden, Kurt Andrews, Tim Lampkin, Lori Frost and Nathan Morris.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award honorees: top from left, Tim Lampkin, Nathan Morris, Lori Frost, Matthew Holden and Kurt Andrews.

The college’s Distinguished Alumni Awards honor graduates who have made significant contributions to their profession, community, and the advancement of education and health professions. The recipients for 2026 were honored at a spring banquet.

Alumni Awards Nomination Form

Nominations for the 2027 awards have opened. Deadline is midnight Central, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Nominators are asked to provide a statement about the nominee and upload any of the following supporting materials: a CV or resumé, up to two letters of recommendation, articles or stories that speak to the nominee’s accomplishments, or any other materials that could assist the committee in the selection process. Contact Managing Director of Development Tracee Norris at at traceen@uark.edu for more information.

Distinguished Career in Education Award

Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and extraordinary distinction in the area of education.

Distinguished Career in Health Award

Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and extraordinary distinction in the field of health and wellness.

Distinguished Public Service Award

Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has fostered a caring culture and improved people’s lives through civic engagement, community service, and volunteer efforts.

Emerging Leader in Education Award

Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated early career distinction and shows promise for future professional success in the area of education.

Emerging Leader in Health Award

Awarded to a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions who has demonstrated early career distinction and shows promise for future professional success in the field of health and wellness.

Award selection is made by the Alumni Awards Committee and the dean. Nominations are kept in a pool for two years. Award recipients were recognized at an event in March 2025.

Read About the Recipients

  • 2026 recipients — Kurt Andrews, Lori Frost, Matthew Holden, Tim Lampkin and Nathan Morris
  • 2025 recipients — Jeremy N. Butler, Heather Coats, Brendan I. Cook, Maureen A. Hartford and Julia D. Phelps
  • 2024 recipients — Jennifer Ash, Jordan Glenn, Curtis L. Ivery, Judd Semingson and Naccaman Williams
  • 2023 recipients — Fred A. Bonner II, John Buckwalter, Debbie Faubus-Kendrick and Yuri Hosokawa
  • 2022 recipients — Angela Chang Chiu, Sara Hensley and Lynn Meade
  • 2021 — No awards presented
  • 2020 recipients — Erica Boughfman, Jim Rollins and Andrew Young
  • 2019 recipients — G. David Gearhart, Mark O'Neal and Meredith Brunen
  • 2018 recipients — Gi-Yong (Win) Koo, Patti Freemyer Martin and Martha Sandven
  • 2017 recipients — Robin Bowen, Anna Egalite and Yvonne Johnson
  • 2016 recipients — Emily Bertrand, Warren Rosenaur and Donald Simpson
  • 2015 recipients — Marsha Jones, Charolette Tidwell and Jenna White
  • 2014 recipients — Karen Jennings Crawford, Anna Reed and Jerry Robbins
  • 2013 recipients — Gretchen Oliver, Jessica Sliger and Betty Winfield
  • 2012 recipients — Kieran Fogarty, Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe and Joshua Barnett
  • 2011 recipients — Leslie Carnine and Phillip Rumrill